Following several incidents at AD plants in the last year, it is understood that the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is planning to visit 25 anaerobic digestion (AD) plants across the UK. These visits are likely to be carried out from October 2021 to March 2022. And it is expected that a plant’s Health and Safety processes and systems will be assessed, and documentation will be reviewed as part of this audit.
It may be reassuring to know, the HSE have identified a list of sites that they are going to look at and they will contact those selected in advance to request various documents, so the visits won’t be on a surprise basis.
It is understood that the overall purpose of these HSE visits is to gather information and gain insight on how the AD sector understands and controls risk. The aim is to get a clearer picture of the gaps and blind spots and it is anticipated that these findings will inform the approach the HSE will take with the AD sector going forward.
The HSE review will focus broadly on these four areas:
- DSEAR & hazardous area classification
- confined space entry
- maintenance
- control of contractors.
The DSEAR & hazardous area classification is an area that is wide ranging and technical, incorporating both process safety and electrical safety issues.
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Our team of specialists are experienced in reviewing AD plants management systems, processes and providing reassurances in areas required that these meet current best practice. If you need support in anticipation of these visits please get in touch.
Our relevant services include:
