We Empower Manufacturers To Compete Effectively In The International Market

SAMA, established in 1969, has been playing a pivotal role in shaping the safety appliances industry in India. The Association is known for its active participation in the formulation of the National Standard Law, thereby advocating for higher safety standards across the industry. Its efforts have led to the successful completion of several key standards, including those for respiratory protection, fall protection, and gloves protection. Currently, it is in the process of developing standards for body protection, ensuring comprehensive coverage for various safety needs. Mahesh Kudav, President of SAMA takes off time to speak to Industrial Safety Review to enlighten us on the activities, glittering milestones, future thrusts and the vision of the Association which has been rendering a yeoman service to the safety industry at large. Excerpts from an interview:

Mahesh Kudav
President, SAMA

Q. SAMA has been instrumental in shaping the safety appliances industry since 1969. Could you share some key milestones in SAMA’s journey and the impact these have had on the safety industry in India?

Since its inception in 1969, Safety Appliance Manufacturers Association (SAMA) has played a pivotal role in shaping the safety appliances industry in India. One of our first significant milestones was establishing SAMA as the first association dedicated to safety appliance manufacturers. This initiative laid the foundation for collaboration and dialogue among industry stakeholders. Under the leadership of  Dan, SAMA took active participation in the formulation of the National Standard Law, thereby advocating for higher safety standards across the industry.
A notable period was during Hemant Sapra’s leadership, where we not only expanded our membership base but also welcomed new chapters into SAMA, significantly enhancing our representation across different sectors. This era marked the achievement of surpassing 500 members, showcasing the growing recognition and importance of safety appliances. Additionally, we initiated partnerships with major exhibition organizers, allowing us to secure essential funding and promote our members’ products effectively. These efforts culminated in increased visibility and awareness of safety standards, ultimately benefiting the entire industry. Presently, SAMA continues to expand its membership including representation from diverse sectors such as road safety, medical safety, and institutional safety, thus reinforcing our commitment to elevating safety standards across various industries in India.

Q. What are the biggest challenges being faced by safety appliance manufacturers today, and how is SAMA working to address these challenges?

The safety appliance manufacturing sector faces several challenges, the most pressing being the need for global competitiveness. As industries expand and evolve, manufacturers must adapt to international standards and expectations. SAMA is proactively addressing this challenge by facilitating networking opportunities for trade partners, encouraging collaboration, & sharing best practices among members.
Moreover, we are focused on integrating the younger generation into the safety profession. This initiative is crucial, as it brings fresh perspectives and innovative ideas into the industry, ensuring sustainability and growth. We believe that fostering interest and involvement among young professionals will help create a more robust and resilient safety appliance sector.

Q. SAMA has been closely working with BIS & the central government to establish safety standards. Could you elaborate on the progress made in setting up new standards and how they benefit both manufacturers and workers?

SAMA has been at the forefront of establishing safety standards in collaboration with BIS and the central government. Our efforts have led to the successful completion of several key standards, including those for respiratory protection, fall protection, and gloves protection. Currently, we are in the process of developing standards for body protection, ensuring comprehensive coverage for various safety needs.
Our continuous commitment to exploring new areas for standard development means that we are dedicated to ensuring consumers receive high-quality safety products. By aligning our standards with the latest global ISO standards, we empower manufacturers to compete effectively in the international market. The implementation of these standards not only benefits manufacturers by enhancing their marketability but also ensures that end users are protected by high-quality, reliable safety equipment.

Q. In your message, you emphasize collaboration between manufacturers, customers, and the government. Could you provide some examples of successful collaborations that have improved workplace safety in India?

At SAMA, we strongly believe in the power of collaboration among manufacturers, customers, and government entities. A prime example of this collaborative spirit can be seen in our initiatives in Maharashtra, where we have partnered with local industrial associations to enhance workplace safety.
In locations such as Pune, Ambernath, and Kalyan, we have successfully conducted awareness campaigns aimed at end users. These campaigns have brought together manufacturers and local stakeholders, facilitating the exhibition of high-quality safety products available in India. Through these efforts, we have educated end users about the importance of using protective equipment that is not only affordable but also meets rigorous safety standards.

Q. With the rising demand for safety equipment due to industrial expansion, how does SAMA plan to ensure that Indian manufacturers stay competitive in the global market?

With the increasing demand for safety equipment driven by industrial expansion, SAMA is dedicated to ensuring that Indian manufacturers remain competitive both domestically and internationally. We are actively advocating for the government to implement the Quality Control Order (QCO) and HSN standards, which are essential for maintaining product quality and safety.
Additionally, SAMA focuses on enhancing the knowledge and skills of our members, enabling them to recommend the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety products effectively. This initiative is crucial for ensuring customer satisfaction and building trust in the products being supplied by our members.

Q. Looking ahead, what are the key initiatives SAMA is planning to further elevate the safety standards across various industries in India?

Looking ahead, SAMA is committed to collaborating with standardization bodies to not only establish the latest product standards but also develop guidance standards for the selection, use, care, and storage of safety equipment. These guidance standards will serve as valuable resources for manufacturers and end users alike.
Furthermore, we are working diligently to clarify testing methods to eliminate ambiguity among various agencies responsible for granting test certificates. By ensuring that test results are globally accepted, and enhancing the credibility of Indian manufacturers in the international market.
Many of our members are conducting road shows and awareness campaigns using mobile vans to reach end users directly at customer sites. These initiatives aim to educate and inform the public about the importance of safety, ultimately contributing to a safer working environment across industries.
Additionally, SAMA is working closely with the Government to establish India as a global hub for safety products. We aim to enhance our global competitiveness and expand our reach by aligning with international standards and promoting our members’ products on a global platform. This initiative reflects our commitment to not only meeting the needs of the Indian market but also positioning our members to succeed in the global arena.