We introduced a new Product Safety and Assurance Policy, included in our Group Governance Manual, in March 2008. The policy ensures that our products, and those produced by our suppliers for us, are safe for use by employees, customers and others who come in contact with them. It makes sure we comply with all relevant legislation relating to the safe design, installation and maintenance of products.
Operating companies and suppliers must adhere to Vodafone’s safety standards and specifications, covering safe use, handling, transportation, maintenance and storage of products. As a minimum, we comply with local product safety legislation and regulations, as well as the guidelines on exposure to radio frequency fields set by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection.
Before purchasing products, we require risk assessments to be conducted to identify any health and safety issues. Suppliers and manufacturers must demonstrate a robust quality assurance process. Our Product Review Team works with operating companies to help them meet our requirements. If a product is found to be non-compliant, an operating company can apply to the Product Review Team for an exemption for the product in question. Exemptions are granted only in exceptional cases where local operating companies have documented the risk and set a target date for compliance from the supplier.
In the event that a product or piece of equipment is found to be unsafe, we require an immediate incident investigation and would recall the product where necessary.