Availon introduces integrated management system

Rheine, 25.08.2011. Availon GmbH has obtained certification to ISO 9001 and OHSAS 18001 from Germanischer Lloyd (GL), making it one of the first multibrand service providers for Wind Turbine Generator Systems (WTG) to introduce an integrated Quality Management system for ISO 9001 and OHSAS 18001.

OHSAS 18001 (Occupational Health and Safety Assessment Series) is the standard for Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems (OHS) most commonly used worldwide. The standard is to a considerable extent based on quality standards ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 (international Environmental Management Standard).

“OHSAS 18001 has by now asserted itself as the standard for occupational health and safety most commonly used in the Wind Energy sector. This certification once again demonstrates our aim of preventing accidents and work-related illnesses, which ultimately also produces a higher level of satisfaction amongst our employees and customers. Statutory regulations are subject to constant changes. As an organization, we are only able to keep up with these changes by updating and constantly refining our management system. Naturally, this also means incorporating the wishes of our various customers“, emphasized Andreas Meyer, Manager EHS / QM at Availon.

The certificates for the successful certification according to OHSAS 18001 and ISO 9001 were handed over to Availon executives Ulrich Schomakers (CEO) and Markus Spitzer (CFO) on 19 August 2011 by Dr. Ulrich Ellinghaus, Head of Certification Hub Germany at Germanischer Lloyd. “Amongst independent WTG service providers, Availon has already in the past repeatedly taken on a pioneering role in the field of Quality Management. The results of this audit also demonstrate that recommendations and suggestions of the certifying company are quickly and consistently implemented by Availon and that the company is well organized and is able to demonstrate extremely good and structured processes. ther positive points are the comprehensive training content for the respective systems and excellent technical safety induction provided for employees and auditors. It therefore gives me great pleasure to be able to award Availon these certificates today“, commented Dr. Ulrich Ellinghaus.

This additional certification by GL represents an important milestone for Ulrich Schomakers and his team: “We are all highly delighted to have successfully completed certification to ISO 9001 and OHSAS 18001. Operators of WTGs and wind farms do, after all, have a considerable interest in working together with a reliable and responsible partner. By merging ISO 9001 and OHSAS 18001, we are now implementing an integrated management system for the areas of quality and occupational health and safety management, which includes all methods and instruments. This enables us to meet the stringent requirements of various areas within a uniform structure. For next year we have also planned gaining certification to Environmental Standard ISO 14001.“

About Availon GmbH:
Since its formation in 2007, the current Availon GmbH has established itself as the leading multibrand provider of WTG maintenance services. Apart from focusing on the German core market the company is consistently extending its global strategic position.

Currently the full-service company operates with over 170 employees in Germany, Spain, Italy, and the USA.

At present, Availon GmbH maintains more than 1,000 MW worldwide.

The company’s proactive, complete service for WTGs includes the entire operational value-added chain, from remote monitoring and maintenance, the provision of spare parts and troubleshooting up to the optimization of wind turbines.

Availon GmbH is the first independent WTG service provider to be fully certified by Germanischer Lloyd in all processes required for the servicing operation.