In English
Swedish Rock Blasting Contractors Association
The Swedish Rock Blasting Contractors Association, in Swedish, Bergsprängnings Entreprenörernas Förening (BEF), was established in 2001. We currently have approximately 100 member companies spread throughout the country. Our member companies accounting for 85% of surface blasting in Sweden. The association also includes a section for active supportive partners such as suppliers of significance to the rock blasting industry. Currently we have 25 active supportive partners, for example Atlas Copco, Sandvik, Orica, EPC and Maxam.
Through industry collaboration BEF is working actively to improve the conditions for our member companies. The aim of the association is to support the financial interests of our members by working to achieve a more stable position in the industry and society. We influence through dialogue, authorities, clients and other industry stakeholders for the successful development of our industry.
Our association is a referral body to the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency, the Swedish Work Environment Authority and the Police Authority as well as a member of the Council for Blasting Practice Training ( Rådet för Sprängteknisk Utbildning), EFEE – European Federation of Explosives Engineers, the Swedish Construction Federation, Swedish Rock Construction Committee and the network BERGSAM.
A priority issue is to convey existing provisions to member companies as well as taking an active role in influencing new provisions. We are here to support our member companies in both day to day issues as long-term development projects. Once every fourth months, we publish a newspaper that is highly regarded by the industry. It provides information about the latest in rock blasting and articles of interesting projects.
We are currently working on a major project whose concept we hope will change the rock blasting industry. BEF implemented an authorization of their member companies, which means that many of Sweden's rock blasting contractors will be an Authorized Rock Blasting Company. There are major benefits with an accreditation. The customer should feel comfortable with the job done safely and professionally. Authorization is a mark of quality that the company and its staff have the necessary skills and follow the Swedish laws properly. Continuous support and training takes place in these issues.