Tokmanni trusts in Sweco’s chemical and product safety expertise

More than 15 years of collaboration between Tokmanni and Sweco have lead to an effortless partnership. Together, we manage the shops’ obligations regarding chemical safety, ensure smooth cooperation with the authorities and monitor changes in the legislation.

Tokmanni’s collaboration with Sweco’s experts began in 2007, even before Sweco’s acquisition of the chemical and environmental safety consultancy Linnunmaa Ltd, and the service agreement has existed for almost as long as that. Help from experts has been necessary with the handling of hazardous substances and obligations related to chemical safety, in particular.

‘As Tokmanni began to grow rapidly, the product volumes of various chemicals and flammable liquids also increased and we needed expert help,’ Tokmanni’s highly experienced safety and property operation manager, Seppo Tokola, describes the early days of the cooperation.

Collaboration began with REACH training

Reacting to the REACH regulation (in Finnish) was the first thing the two did partners together. Tokmanni’s purchase team was provided with a two-day training programme on the topic. ‘We were quickly provided with the learning materials and correct approaches to move forward,’ Tokola says.

At the same time, legislation concerning other commerce became stricter when a fire broke out in a Hong Kong department store in Uusimaa, bringing the fire risks of large commercial properties to the authorities’ attention. Tokola says that several new notification obligations were introduced simultaneously on the storage of chemical products and flammable liquids. ‘The workload became too big for us, even though I personally have a background in the rescue and firefighting sector and our staff includes chemical engineers.’

Everything handled through one familiar contact person

Sweco’s senior chemical safety specialists and team leader Auli Kostamo has been Tokmanni’s contact person from the start. Over the years, her work has involved e.g. risk assessments, safety data sheets and ATEX explosion protection documents.

‘Other important things include SCIP notifications on items that contain substances of particular concern and PCN notifications on product safety, made to the Poison Information Centre,’ Kostamo says.

Currently, Kostamo is working on the permits for Tokmanni’s new Moreeni warehouse, and the permits for Mäntsälä’s older logistics centre were also handled the same way. ‘It still feels like coming home when I visit the logistics centre!’ Kostamo says, laughing.

Tokola feels that Kostamo has been the driving force behind the well-functioning collaboration and a reliable contact person, always facilitating quick, easy and clear communication. ‘She is worth her weight in gold to us, and she handles all of our affairs with style and professional integrity.’

Extensive chemical safety consultation

Over the decades, the partnership has expanded to cover the chemical safety of the consumer goods in Tokmanni’s entire branch network. The operating methods and branches have become so familiar that submitting a new chemical notification only takes a phone call. ‘Auli does not have to visit our shops in person, because she knows what chemicals each of them has,’ Tokola explains.

Sweco’s experts also handle Tokmanni’s communications with the authorities, and cooperation with the Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency and the rescue services, for example. According to Tokola, another important aspect is the active and continuous monitoring of legislation. Sweco keeps us informed about any amendments, so that we are able to prepare in time, and work responsibly within the law and all the regulations.’

Tokola believes that the collaboration will continue to grow in the future as the new Waste Act and Environmental Protection Act will make official regulations stricter when it comes to the collection of WEEE and new types of lithium batteries, for example. ‘New fire safety risks will bring challenges to retail and storage, and we are bound to require help from Sweco’s specialists.’

Tokola plans to retire in summer 2023, but this does not mean that the safety-related knowledge will disappear from Sweco. ‘Our own safety organisation experts, Auli and other people at Sweco still have plenty of it, which is a highly valuable thing for developing our operations further.’

Picture: Tokmanni