This is FEEM

THE FEDERATION OF EUROPEAN EXPLOSIVES MANUFACTURERS

The Federation of European Explosives Manufacturers (FEEM) is a non-governmental organisation created in 1976 by European industrial explosives manufacturers.

FEEM is a non-profit international association grouping on voluntary basis most of the European explosives manufacturing companies.

The Head Office of the association is situated in Brussels, Belgium

OBJECTIVES 

The global objective of the Federation is the advancement of the commercial explosives industry in the widest sense with particular regard to safety, quality, security, environment and legal concerns.

The main objectives are embodied in the Articles of the Constitution.

“The Objective of the Federation shall be the advancement of the commercial explosives industry in the widest sense and with particular regard to safety, quality, security and legal matters.

The Federation shall provide a forum for debating questions, problems, facts and topics arising prior to and during manufacture, storage, transport, use and disposal of Explosives as well as any other subject relative to its interests.

The Federation shall take any action necessary for the attainment of its principal objectives and in particular to acquire the facilities necessary to carry on its activity.

The Federation shall be voluntary and is not organized for pecuniary profit for distribution to its members in any way.”

MISSION

The prime function of the Federation is to ensure proper and adequate representation of the European explosives industry with both International and National regulating bodies and at conferences where matters concerning the regulation of this trade are discussed.  The purpose of this representation is to ensure that these bodies are fully and properly advised on the expert opinion within the industry, and that due consideration is given to the effect that any proposed recommendation or regulation may have on the conduct of the trade.

MODUS OPERANDI

FEEM recognises that “self-regulation” is the most effective method of ensuring proper order within the industry.

The proper provision of such internal discipline is effective not only in reducing the practical hazards involved but also in displaying to any legislative authorities the model on which legislation should be based.

To this end the Federation has formed a series of Working Groups in specialist areas of the explosives industry and these Working groups produce Guidance notes and Technical Bulletins to which all members of FEEM aspire.

3 groups are working on a continuous basis :

The Blasting Practice Working Group

The Health, Safety and Environment Working Group

The Security, Transport and Storage Working Group

For particular topics, ad hoc working groups can be set up for a limited time.  In the last years, 3 ad hoc groups have been active.

Security Working Group

Track & Trace IT Experts Working Group

Lead Azide Working Group / REACH

At the time of writing, some 40 Codes of Good Practice, Technical Guidance Notes and other Technical Recommendations have been issued and these Documents are accepted by industry and by National Authorities alike as authoritative expert opinion.

MEMBERSHIP

There are two types of full membership:

1. Individual Company members or Associated Companies of Multinational Groups where the main shareholder holds 50% or less of the shares are considered as Category A members
2. Group members such as Multinational Holding Companies, acting on behalf of any subsidiaries in which they hold a shareholding in excess of 50% are considered as Category B members.

ORGANISATION

The affairs of the Federation are conducted by an Executive Committee consisting of a minimum of 7 members elected to that position by the Annual General Meeting. The Executive Committee meets three times a year.

The Executive Committee consists of:

A President

A Vice president

At least 5 Executive Members

In addition, they are served by a Secretary General (At present Maurice Delaloye)

Basically, the Executive Committee decide policy and this is executed by the Secretary General.

WORKING GROUPS

It was previously indicated that the core work of FEEM is to produce Guidances notes.  This work is undertaken by the Working Groups who draw on the expertise of each of the member companies in the specialist areas of Blasting Practice, Security, Safety, Transport, Storage, Health and Environment. The working groups meet twice a year.