SATRA China seminars return for 2014

The programme for SATRA’s popular seminar series in China has been announced.

SATRA has released details of the 2014 China seminar week to be held in Dongguan on 10th-13th June. China Office General Manager Liam Donnelly will be speaking at the event, along with Steve Rose and Mike George from SATRA’s UK head office.

The programme

Fitness for purpose solings testing
Tuesday 10th June 2014: morning session
For SATRA members only
Fitness for purpose testing is used to ascertain that the material is durable, will behave in a predicted manner under all the conditions of expected use (even if severe) and protect the user from adverse external conditions. This seminar will consider how soling materials are commonly subjected to abrasion, flexing, compression, temperature variations, water and sharp objects, and how they must be tested against all these challenges as an assessment of their ability to perform at the required level.

Safety footwear solings
Tuesday 10th June 2014: afternoon session
For SATRA members only
Delegates to this session will consider the different soling materials commonly used in safety footwear and the shoe constructions for which they are suitable. They will also examine the advantages that different materials have to offer, and how material selection and design of the sole are important in producing safety footwear that is fit for purpose.

European REACH and restricted substances update
Wednesday 11th June 2014: morning session
Open to SATRA members and non-members
The European REACH legislation on chemicals affects all companies throughout the footwear supply chain. This seminar will provide an overview and an update of the legislation that companies must meet when supplying materials or products to the European market. The topics which to be covered will include:

• the background to REACH
• Annex XIV Substances in Articles and Annex XVII mandatory chemicals
• other chemicals of concern
• Restricted Substances Lists and brand policies
• testing for restricted substances
• international regulations.

Production efficiency systems
Wednesday 11th June 2014: afternoon session
Open to SATRA members and non-members
With labour costs rising in all developing countries – and particularly in Asia – it makes good business sense to increasing the efficiency of footwear production. The SATRASumm, SATRA TimeLine and SATRA VisionStitch systems explained in this session can all make significant reductions in throughput times, and also improve the quality of the final product. Not only will they shorten production times, but better control of the operations will also result. Other benefits include savings in energy and reduction of waste, which are excellent marketing claims in a supply chain that is becoming increasingly conscious of environmental credentials.

Sole bonding – a critical operation
Thursday 12th June 2014: morning session
For SATRA members only
Failure of the sole bond in footwear remains a common cause of customer returns. This is not just a quality problem, as safety aspects often arise when soles become loose and trips and falls occur. Such circumstances could result in an expensive compensation claim, in addition to the expense of replacing faulty product. Getting sole adhesion right every time is, therefore, essential to protect the brand not only from financial loss but also damage to reputation. This seminar explains in detail how bonds can be correctly formed, how product consistency can be ensured, and how a manufacturer can avoid compromising workers’ health and safety.

In-factory health and safety
Thursday 12th June 2014: afternoon session
For SATRA members only
The in-factory health and safety session provides an introduction to the management of health and safety issues within the workplace, including ways to monitor for specific hazards such as noise, dust, solvents and isocyanates. Delegates will also learn how effective control over workplace risks can help to demonstrate their company’s commitment towards social accountability criteria.

Safety footwear for the EU, US and Canadian markets
Friday 13th June 2014: morning session
Open for SATRA members and non-members
This seminar will explain the mandatory testing of safety footwear for the European, US and Canadian markets, and will include laboratory demonstrations of critical tests. Delegates are invited to bring samples of their footwear to discuss testing and any technical problems. During the afternoon, they can discuss their specific testing requirements with SATRA experts and seek technical advice for their products.

Publishing Data

This article was originally published on page 8 of the April 2014 issue of SATRA Bulletin.

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