Quality and HSE are core values of the Topaz corporate culture. The international ISO 9000 accreditation system, independently audited by Det Norske Veritas, is used as the cornerstone of the quality system. The company wide ISO 9000 system will be upgraded to meet the requirements of the latest revision of the Standard by mid-2003.

Environmental management analysis commenced in 2002 and it is planned that the entire organization will be certificated to the internationally recognized ISO 14001 Environmental Management System Requirements by the end of 2003.

During the past year, a rigorous Safety Training Programme has resulted in substantial reductions in the number of LTI’s and “near misses”.

Whilst the improvements in Quality and Safety performance are encouraging, continuous improvements are a way of life in Topaz and therefore, extensive training programs are planned throughout 2003.