Normec Certification sat down with Richard Vlasman, founder, and Gabriëlla van Muiden, KAM coordinator of Vlasman b.v. Vlasman Betonbewerkings- en Slooptechnieken b.v. of Alphen aan den Rijn is a total demolition company in the true sense of the word: demolition work, headhunting, asbestos remediation, drilling and sawing and soil remediation. The company's extensive knowledge of standards yields interesting conversations during audits.

Wanting the same

Richard: "We have been around for a long time and have had to deal with quite a few certification bodies. About 25 years ago, we were one of the first ISO and VCA certified demolition companies in the Netherlands. That was really distinctive back then. KAM coordinator Gabriëlla van Muiden has been arranging the audits for 25 years. I don't really get involved, although I do occasionally end up in a discussion with an auditor. Look, ultimately we want the same thing: a safe, transparent world. Opinions on how to get there sometimes differ. I don't think there is anything wrong with that. Never mind that the relationship with Normec Certification is simply good.'

Mutual respect

Gabriëlla: 'The contact with Normec Certification has been excellent since the beginning, after their takeover of Eerland. There is a clear agreement structure, the lines are short. Because Vlasman has been certified since 1997 and the number of certificates has grown over the years, we have a lot of knowledge of the various standards. This is why differences of opinion with the audiotors sometimes occur, which can lead to positive discussions. This shows that we take each other seriously and there is mutual respect. The entire auditing process of Normec Certification is characterized as no nonsense, critical and always respectful.'

'We take each other seriously mutually.

Gabriella van Muiden, KAM coordinator Vlasman b.v.