ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT

The nature of the Reunert businesses are such that they are unlikely to pose any significant environmental risk.

Nevertheless, most Reunert companies have systems and policies in place, governing activities, products and services that they control and infl uence that could have an impact on the environment.

CBI-electric: african cables complies with the ISO 14001 Environment Management System. As part of an annual environmental assessment, objectives and targets are set and monitored regularly. The company has a system in place to reduce, recover and recycle waste material. This year, a full report on environmental risks and physical stresses was commissioned at the company’s Vereeniging factory. The potential risk areas which were accessed, included exposure to lead, the presence of hazardous chemical substances, gas and vapours, possible physical stress caused by illumination, noise and heat and the presence of dust and stack emissions. The report showed that the exposure to these potential hazards was generally within acceptable levels. Steps have been taken to eliminate all potential hazards in areas or activities that did not comply with acceptable standards.

In 2008 CBI-electric: african cables engaged consultants to do an ergonomics assessment and a survey evaluation of equipment design and the layout of the workplace to maximise productivity, reducing potential injury, and eliminating potential operator fatigue and discomfort. The assessment included the evaluation of spaces which may be confined, conditions that may be too hot or humid, the handling of heavy materials, and spinal stress which could be caused by lack of back support or vibrations in the workplace. A number of interventions, which are all aimed at improving working conditions, are in the process of being implemented.

CBI-electric: low voltage has a comprehensive environmental policy in place to regulate the receiving, storage and use of hazardous material, the use of personal protective equipment, and the disposal and control of hazardous material. In addition, a full-time occupational health sister is on site, working in conjunction with appointed first-aiders. Emergency showers and material safety data sheets are available in the clinic and in all departments handling hazardous material. Biological monitoringofemployeeswhocomeintocontactwithhazardous material is conducted on a regular basis. An industrial effluent analysis report is conducted by the Ekurhuleni municipality on a monthly basis, and any deficiencies which may be reported by the municipality are corrected immediately.

Telecom Cables has an integrated risk system that encompasses quality, environment, health and safety and all other risk factors. The company is ISO 9000: 2000 listed and has embarked on a process to list as an ISO 14001 company. All environmental factors are reviewed by the company on a regular basis.

The company conducts a comprehensive safety, health and environmental review every second year. In 2007 the survey extended to potential noise pollution, illumination, ventilation and heat stress, dust and volatile organic compounds. In addition, surveys were conducted on the potential presence of copper dust and thinners in certain areas. The result of the 2007 survey showed that the exposure to hazardous material was within the relevant occupational limits and, where minor problems were identified, these have been attended to.

The Nashua Electronics factory in Cape Town is the only television manufacturer in South Africa that uses a lead-free soldering process. Lead-free soldering is also used on circuit boards manufactured for CBI-electric: low voltage.

Reutech Solutions (RDL) is ISO 9001 accredited and has adopted the SANS 14001:2005 environmental management system. This system is maintained and regularly improved to optimise the effectiveness of RDL’s environmental management strategy. The company has introduced non-lead core solder wire in the manufacturing of circuit boards; all solvents used are CFC-free to reduce potential damage to the ozone layer.

RRS has adopted and implemented a radio-frequency radiation-free safety policy to protect employees and the public against the possible hazardous effect of non-ionising radiation emitted by its products. Since South African standards are not yet available, the company is complying with Australian standards for general public exposure to radio-frequency electro magnetic fields.

Nashua Mobile launched a programme in 2007 to donate R10 to the environmental organisation Foods and Trees for Africa, with every subscriber requesting electronic billing rather than receiving paper-based monthly statements. Trees will be planted in the communities where Nashua Mobile conducts business, especially in disadvantaged areas. More than 41 000 trees in 195 communities were planted during 2007. Nashua employees were given the opportunity to support a carbon footprint project when each employee was given a tree to plant in their own gardens.

In plants where water is used, recycling facilities are in place to minimise wastage, and to ensure that minimal pollution occurs.

All group companies comply with relevant legal requirements in respect of health and safety matters.