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MAINTEC moments We recall some of the most memorable moments from the show
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Whatʼs the mission? We have put pen to paper and documented a mission with a difference
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Staff development Christine and Allen can pat themselves on the back
the official newsletter of EPM solutions Ltd
assetlife SPRING 2006
Buncefield - the aftermath FOLLOWING BUNCEFIELD COMAH SITES COME UNDER CLOSE SCRUTINY Whilst the precise causes of the incident at Buncefield have not yet been fully identified, HSE advises that operators of similar installations: • review the safety of their operations and plant to ensure that major accident hazards are being well managed, • ensure that staff are adequately trained and competent to manage these hazardous operations, • ensure that management systems are robust, and subject to effective review, • ensure that relevant good practice precautions are in place and fully operational, and • ensure that there are appropriate measures in place for responding to, and dealing with, emergencies involving loss of containment.
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he Buncefield incident on 11th December 2005 has demonstrated the capability of a very large hydrocarbon leak to create a massive explosion with a destructive power beyond the typical ‘worst case’ normally used for on- and off-site emergency planning purposes, and as the basis for advice to planning authorities on off-site development options. The incident is a reminder of the need for operators to maintain the highest levels of plant integrity and operational capability. There are nearly 100 sites around Great Britain with consent to store quantities of oil or other fuels that make them subject to the Control of Major Accident Hazards (COMAH) Regulations 1999.
In order to ensure that this happens HSE has formed an inspection team charged with developing a staged programme. Visits to all oil/fuel storage sites that fall under the COMAH Regulations will be undertaken without delay, and, if practicable, before the operators complete their further assessment. When HSE Inspectors visit the sites, or speak to the operators, they will expect the operators to have made progress with reviewing their arrangements, and will discuss any reasonably practicable improvements that should be made at that time. If necessary, HSE will use its enforcement powers to ensure that timely sitebased improvements are made. When more precise information on the cause of the incident is determined, further advice will be issued to the industry, together with a plan for HSE and, if appropriate, the relevant environment agency staff (either EA or SEPA).
MAINTEC moments W E R E C A L L O U R F AV O U R I T E M O M E N T S F R O M T H E S H O W
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AINTEC may seem like a distant memory now, but the follow up for EPM still continues. At the show the key objective for EPM was to speak to software companies about the prospect of strategic alliances as well as getting in front of as many direct customer prospects as possible. Shire Systems had a busy stand and EPM were pleased to offer strategic advice to many of their customers who made their way from the Shire stand to EPM. The natural synergy between software sales and EPM’s asset management and implementation service was clearly evident as MAINTEC visitors sought out a complete end-to-end solution. As always with these type of events there are quieter moments, so it was important to maximise the busy times by talking to people and getting them on the stand. One tactic EPM found useful was watching passers by who looked undecided as to where they were going. Scott Burleigh of EPM commented, “we would simply approach people and ask them if they were looking for anything in particular. As soon as the ice was broken, and
the conversation started to flow we could naturally start talking to them about their objectives at the show. In most cases we were able to help.” It’s not all about what happens at the show either as Gary Kerr proved when he sat next to a one day visitor whilst travelling on the bus from the hotel to the NEC. What started as small talk turned out to be a valuable lead that has resulted in a number of subsequent meetings following the show. It just goes to prove that you should always keep your eyes and ears open. So, the big question is ‘what did everyone think of the covering your ass theme that EPM have adopted in their marketing communications?’ Particularly, what did the ladies make of the bikini clad female on the walls of the stand? Were they offended? “Definitely not,” says Gary Kerr, who admits to being a little nervous before the show started. “The ladies loved it, particularly the younger ones. It got us noticed and we received many complements for taking a bold although unconventional approach.” Roll on next year!
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new website launched THE NEW EPM WEBSITE IS NOW COMPLETE
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n line with EPM’s recent re-branding it was clear that the website also need to be updated. We have taken this opportunity to not only update the look and feel of the site, but also to refresh all of the content. Two key changes include more clearly defined services that are easier to navigate, and an extended download section. The download area now contains the new corporate brochures, case studies, and maintenance documents as well as the usual factsheets and newsletters. Other additions to the site include a mission statement, company values, quality objectives and details of the EPM service promise. To read our new mission statement and values see across or visit www.epmsolutions.co.uk to take in the full details of the site changes,
asset management | engineering | project management
YOUR ASSET QUESTIONS ANSWERED
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have been given the responsibility for the management of the assets at a number of food processing sites across the UK. One of the first things we need to do is get the right software in place to help us do this. Do you have any recommendations as to how I should go about this task?
h o w to c o ve r yo u r
ASS e ts
Shop around or seek independent advice - there are many software solutions on the market and there will be one that suits your business. The functionality, support and cost of software varies greatly so be careful. Also be mindful that your IT guys will be interested in what you are doing so it would be better to involve them as part of the team early on. Often software is looked upon as the solution - be sure that your team knows that the software is only a tool that will help deliver your policy - it will not do it on its own. Once installed all levels of maintenance personnel should have an awareness of what the CMMS is and what it does. There will be varying responsibilities for each person, so make sure that the training is tailored to those needs. You should also remember that the implementation of an asset maintenance and management policy is not just about software. Think about who will be responsible for each stage of the projects delivery - from asset surveys to data entry and task generation, there will be a resource requirement to deliver your policy properly.
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What’s the mission
A S W E L L A S O N T H E W E B S I T E O U R M I S S I O N A N D VA L U E S A R E N O W I N P R I N T Mission EPM Solutions is a young and dynamic company that fills a distinct gap in the UK market place for engineering focused asset management and project management services. Going forward our plan is to continue expanding the business in 5 key industry sectors: Oil & gas, Drinks, Foods, Aerospace & defence, Chemicals & pharmaceuticals. Within the next 3 years EPM will become a leading provider of asset management services to these sectors on a global basis. In addition, the company intends to develop strong strategic alliances with forward thinking software providers who operate in the field of asset maintenance. Values EPM was founded by Gary Kerr in Paisley, Scotland where the head office is still based. EPM’s culture is very much in harmony with these roots and will remain so: Hard working, open & honest, value driven, friendly and accommodating, straight talking. We value all of our customers, suppliers and partners treating each one with equal respect and importance. We recognise that without them EPM would not be able to deliver the service that it does. We believe that our success can only be maintained as long as we deliver good value and service. Above all we enjoy what we do, and take nothing for granted!
www.epmsolutions.co.uk
EPM staff development CHRISTINE & ALLEN MAKE THE GRADE
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llen De Worinin recently passed the City & Guilds 2391 exam, which qualifies him to carry out inspection and testing of electrical installations. Allen, who attended a six week evening course at Reid Kerr College says, “I have been keen to do this course for a while as I already have the City & Guilds 2381 wiring regulations certificate. The inspection, testing and certification of electrical installations qualification seems like a natural follow on for me.” Allen’s knowledge will now be put to good use across the EPM customer base in further developing the services we offer in this important area. Christine Miller has successfully completed the First Aid at Work (statutory) four day course in compliance with the current Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981. As a successful student Christine now possesses a certificate to show that she is qualified to be a First Aider in the EPM workplace for the next three years. Christine says, “the course was really useful not just for knowledge inside the workplace, but in my personal life too”. As a qualified First Aider Christine is now familiar with the recovery position, Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and the treatment of shock following an accident.
A L L E N PA S S E S T E S T
CHRISTINE QUALIFIES
.............................................................................................. GARY KERR
Staff Spotlight As the founder of EPM Solutions Gary Kerr is the Managing Director, so there is no doubt as to where the buck stops. Place of birth Johnstone Position held at work Managing Director Interests Football, music, family Favourite food Beef Olives! Favourite music and artist Varied musical taste - often told I am stuck in the 80’s. Midge Ure, Frank Sinatra and The Alarm, almost anything really but not RAP. Currently listening a lot to David Gray Favourite TV programme Most sport, and at the moment The Apprentice Favourite movie Spiderman or The Incredibles Favourite place visited Edinburgh Favourite actor Mel Gibson
If you were not at EPM , what would you like to be doing? Owner of a pub/ café in Corfu If you could trade places with anyone for a day, who would it be and why? No real desire to change my life, but would love to have been around when Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack were strutting there stuff - to have done that would have been something else - Performing the standards in front of a big band and a Las Vegas crowd would be a dream. One thing that nobody knows about you I once had hair - yellow!!! What would you do if you won the lottery Panic!!! Then make sure all my family were OK, then with the interest make a bid for our local football club. If you could change one thing in the world what would it be? No more traffic cameras or an end to needless suffering and conflicts. What do you enjoy most about working at EPM I do enjoy my job and the most satisfying part is that each day is different and there is always something new to do.
EPM Solutions Ltd. 51 Back Sneddon Street, Paisley, PA3 2DD T. 0141 848 6609 F. 0141 848 7749 E. info@epmsolutions.co.uk www.epmsolutions.co.uk © 2006 EPM Solutions Ltd. EPM Solutions endeavours to ensure that the information in assetlife is up to date and accurate. However, where concerned you are advised to consult with the appropriate bodies for further details. Designed & published by the marketing cafe T. 0141 582 1278