HSE ISSUES FURTHER SAFETY ALERT TO FUEL DEPOT OPERATORS
Posted Friday, July 21, 2006 by Ahmed Khan
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recently issued a Safety Alert to operators of COMAH fuel storage facilities and others storing hazardous substances in large tanks. Details of the Safety Alert can be found below & is also available online at: http://www.hse.gov.uk/comah/alerts/sa0106.htm
The Safety Alert comes as a result of new information received from the on-going investigation that is being overseen by the Buncefield Major Incident Investigation Board chaired by Lord Newton. Scrutiny of the workings of the high-level safety system has indicated that certain aspects of its installation and testing are critical in ensuring it operates correctly.
HSE has requested that operators of similar facilities carry out immediate checks where TAV level switches manufactured and supplied by Cynergy3 Components Limited or their predecessor companies are fitted to their storage tanks and carry out the actions detailed in the Safety Alert. HSE has also served improvement notices on the company. This requires them to alert operators using this system of the steps outlined in the Safety Alert.
Kevin Allars, head of HSE’s Chemical Industries Division, said: “The Safety Alert is primarily for the attention of those companies operating oil/fuel storage facilities. However, it may also be relevant to other sites storing hazardous substances in large tanks where gauges are used.
“The relevance of the installation and performance of these switches in respect of the Buncefield incident is only one of a number of lines of enquiry. It is therefore inappropriate to comment on its relevance in the particular circumstances of Buncefield. It is also too early to say when the Buncefield investigation will conclude, or what it might say regarding these switches. However, when the fire and explosion at Buncefield first happened HSE stated that if information that affected the safe operation of similar sites came to light from the independently-led investigation it would take immediate action to draw industry’s attention to it. That is being done today, and that is what HSE will continue to do as any further intelligence arises from that investigation.”
SAFETY ALERT
The following Safety Alert is primarily for the attention of those companies operating oil/fuel storage facilities. However, it may also be relevant to other sites storing hazardous substances in large tanks where level gauges are used.
The investigation into the fire and explosion at the Buncefield oil terminal depot on 11 December 2005 is continuing. Enquiries into the workings of the high level safety system to prevent tank overfill have indicated that certain aspects of its installation and testing are critical in ensuring that it works properly. Operators of similar establishments are therefore advised to carry out immediate checks where TAV level switches manufactured by Cynergy3 Components Limited and supplied by them, their predecessor companies , or others, are fitted to their storage tanks.
Operators should check TAV level switches fitted with change over (double throw) reed switches. These switches are normally used in 'de-energise' mode to maintain alarm/trip circuits in ‘normal’ status.
The switches are tested by using a lever or plate fitted to the head of the switch, which can be raised to simulate a high level of liquid in the tank. If the switch is working, then alarms and trips connected to the switch should operate.
However, it is critical that after carrying out this test that the lever or plate is returned to the correct position and locked into place, using a special padlock supplied by the manufacturer , and in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Failure to do this can lead to the switch being inoperative in normal operating mode even though it gives the appearance of functioning normally when tested.
There are a number of this type of switch fitted at tank installations in GB and worldwide. HSE has taken urgent action to bring these details to the attention of operators of similar sites through its regulatory contacts across Europe, the USA, and Canada.
Operators should now:
Check immediately whether they have such switches fitted, and if so:
Ensure they have all relevant manufacturer’s information concerning installation and testing and maintenance,
Ensure they have records of correct installation, testing and maintenance,
Ensure they are currently installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, with the locking device properly fitted,
Complete these checks as soon as possible. [See checklist on http://www.hse.gov.uk/comah/alerts/tavcheclist.htm]
Where operators cannot confirm that the switches are working correctly then other temporary measures may be adopted, until the defects can be remedied, to ensure safe operations. For example; close supervision and dipping.
The manufacturer/supplier will be contacting known users and installers of these switches to alert them to this issue and will be providing revised instructions on the safe use, setting, cleaning and maintenance of these switches. HSE has served Improvement Notices on Cynergy3 Components Limited requiring it to carry out this work.
MINISTER RECOGNISES LARGE ORGANISATIONS’ PUBLIC COMMITMENT TO HEALTH AND SAFETY
Posted Friday, July 21, 2006 by Ahmed Khan
Lord Hunt of Kings Heath, minister for health and safety recently today presented awards to the first 25 organisations to complete the Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) Corporate Health and Safety Performance Index (CHaSPI).
CHaSPI is a web-based tool that allows large organisations to track their health and safety performance year on year and to compare their performance against others.
Lord Hunt commented, “Growing support and use of CHaSPI will help drive health and safety improvements in large organisations.”
Speaking at the event, Health and Safety Commission Chair Bill Callaghan said, “We see good health and safety management as part of good management in general. CHaSPI can help this and it promotes the Commission’s strategy of working with and through others.”
“We see CHaSPI as a long term measure, so it is gratifying to see the steady increase in organisations whose results already appear on the website.”
CHaSPI is designed for completion by organisation with over 250 employees. Results are publicly available, thereby allowing key stakeholders, like current and potential investors, to view the results. Good health and safety management is often a sign of a well managed organisation as it shows that the organisation takes the welfare of its staff seriously.
Health and safety failings cost companies in terms of lost productivity, staff time, reputation and also the possibility of formal enforcement being taken against them.
The organisations represented were:
Amec NNC
Anglian Water Services Ltd
Arvin Meritor HVBS
The Corps of Commissionaires
Geologistics Management Ltd
Health and Safety Executive
Historic Scotland
Hortech Ltd
London Borough of Havering
McCarthy and Stone plc
North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHS Trust
Oxoid Ltd
RWE npower
SDC Builders Ltd
SMG plc
Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council
HSE PUBLISHES EXPERT REPORT FOR ENERGY REVIEW
Posted Friday, July 21, 2006 by Ahmed Khan
A new report by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) concludes that Britain’s existing health and safety system is flexible enough to deal with any hazards and risks from energy developments, and to achieve sensible risk management.
HSE's report is in response to a request from Energy Minister Malcolm Wicks for an expert report to the Government’s energy review on health and safety issues associated with a range of energy developments, and on the potential role of pre-licensing assessments of nuclear reactor designs should the Government decide to look further into new nuclear electricity generation.
Announcing the report, HSE Chief Executive Geoffrey Podger said: “The analysis of the risks and hazards associated with the energy developments reviewed in our report suggests that the existing framework of controls is adequate. We have identified a number of areas where a more specific review of current arrangements is required. The urgency and priority that attaches to these areas, and the resourcing consequences for HSE, will depend on the decisions the Government takes at the conclusion of its review.”
The report covers gas storage; carbon capture and storage (CCS); some renewable sources (wind, wave, tidal and biomass); distributed generation, including hydrogen; nuclear power; and clean coal technology. Its key findings are:
Hazards and risks of gas storage are significant but generally well understood and can be managed through existing arrangements and standards. Some review of the current legal framework is needed to ensure adequacy of major hazard controls in this area;
CCS is a large scale, potentially challenging new technology but enough is known to conclude that the risks of its deployment are tolerable. Maintaining safety standards will depend on filling gaps in the knowledge base, developing new standards and reviewing the regulatory framework;
Current law is generally adequate to cover risks associated with wind energy. The main need is for more attention to safe design and integrity and (onshore) closer scrutiny at the land use planning stage. Wave and tidal energy are much less developed, but the risks are expected to be comparable to offshore wind;
Biomass processes are not particularly novel and any expanded use is not likely to require change to current arrangements. The main need is for training and familiarisation of those operating the processes;
Distributed generation involves a wide range of applications and associated risks. The risks are no different from those commonly encountered elsewhere, so can be adequately controlled through current arrangements. There is a greater need in future to isolate parts of the network to ensure safe working.
Nuclear risks are well known and understood. HSE’s expectation is that “third generation” reactor systems will demonstrate appropriate levels of safety with risk no greater than those of existing reactors.
On nuclear prelicensing, the report proposes a two-phase approach; a reactor design authorisation process based on a generic site concept and a site- and operator-specific assessment on which to base the granting of a nuclear site licence. This process is intended to provide a more transparent, rigorous and robust regulatory approach to the safety of any new nuclear reactors.
Cleaner coal technologies are developed from well-understood techniques and present acceptable risks, which can be controlled under current arrangements. There is a need for more information and close monitoring of critical areas, especially underground gasification.
Copies of the report, The health and safety risks and regulatory strategy related to energy developments: An expert report by the Health and Safety Executive contributing to the Government’s Energy Review, 2006, can be accessed on HSE’s web site at:
http://www.hse.gov.uk/consult/condocs/energyreview.htm
Printed copies are also available free from HSE Books, PO Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, tel: 01787-881165 or fax: 01787-313995.
WORKPLACE TRANSPORT – A MATTER OF LIFE OR DEATH? HSE CONSULTS ON NEW SAFETY ROUTE MAP
Posted Friday, July 21, 2006 by Ahmed Khan
Workplace transport claims 66 lives a year with over 6300 people suffering injury. In the reporting year 2004/05, these incidents cost the British taxpayer over £200 million with the cost to industry considerably more.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) held a series of events to debate the content of a proposed new route map. The map, an on-line tool, is aimed at helping employers and workers manage workplace transport risk by providing a framework of current law with links to existing guidance, whilst filling any gaps with new guidance.
Several sets of regulations govern workplace transport and there are many guidance documents, some generic, others for specific industry sectors. The route map will aim to provide a clear path for all employers to follow best practice and meet their legal responsibilities, including setting out alternative ways to comply where these exist. It will focus specifically on site layout and design, vehicle selection and maintenance, personnel matters and management responsibilities.
The events were held in Cardiff, Birmingham and Edinburgh & provided an opportunity to comment on the proposals and help shape the development of the route map. A public consultation exercise on the proposals also runs until 22 September and is available to view and comment on, on-line at
www.hse.gov.uk/consult/condocs/routemap.htm
DON'T FORGET THE KIDS!
Posted Friday, July 21, 2006 by Ahmed Khan
Long summer evenings are a time for fun and adventure, unfortunately, all too often it can also be a time of tragedy. Understandably some children are drawn to construction sites as exciting places to play, but they are not playgrounds and playing on them can have fatal consequences. Industry and parents need to work together to ensure children’s safety.
Between 2001/02 and 2004/05, 3 children died and 235 were injured during construction works, in most cases simple precautions would have prevented the incidents ever happening.
A child swinging on a rope, hanging from a tree, on a construction site fell from the rope and landed on a metal bar sticking up from concrete. Workers on the site had noticed the rope; realised local children had used it as a swing for much of the summer, but had done nothing about it.
The following practical advice for parents and workers will help keep children safe this summer: warn children against playing in dangerous areas, including building sites; make sure you know where your children are going, and when they will be back; encourage them to play only in safe areas such as playgrounds; workers should watch out for children playing around sites, if you see children, stop work and make sure they are off site before you begin again; lay heavy objects on the ground or fix them firmly upright so they cannot fall onto children and injure them; secure sites adequately when finishing work for the day & never allow children to ride in construction plant machinery.