Pyramid wonder Overview of the Asset Pyramid from EPM
PPE Regulations Update on the requirements of personal protective equipment at work
EPM team update Details of two new project managers at EPM
the official newsletter of EPM solutions Ltd
assetlife SUMMER 2007
an important point HOW A POORLY MAINTAINED TRACK MAY LEAD TO MANSLAUGHTER CHARGES.
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n the immediate aftermath of the Cumbria train crash in February of this year, Network Rail admitted full responsibility for the de-railing of the Virgin Pendolino train, apologising for the failure of the state of the track where the fatal accident occurred. The Rail Accident Investigation Branch found the cause of the accident to be a faulty set of points, which caused the train to de-rail at 95mph. Charges could be brought The issue of maintenance then, or lack of it, was the sole cause of what was a fatal accident. Consequently, in July of this year a rail worker was questioned on suspicion of manslaughter and has been released on police bail until 31 October. If any lesson is to be learned from this tragic accident, it is the importance of maintenance and safety issues. Evidence showed that vital parts needed to hold the track together were missing and that a scheduled inspection of the track had not taken place. The repercussions of these seemingly minor mistakes were devastating, and as they were a result of human error,
prosecution could result. Had Network Rail conducted the compulsory checks of the track when they had been scheduled, and the correct parts been fitted then the de-railment would have been avoided. Recent findings published in the Government White Paper ‘Delivering Sustainable Railways’ state that an extra £2bn is to be allocated to the UK rail network. This extra funding comes as a result of such accidents at Grayrigg and Potters Bar and to address growing capacity problems. With improved facilities and higher capacity trains will come more pressure on the provision of passenger safety and track maintenance. Nevertheless, whenever poor maintenance compromises the safety of the public, employees or other personnel someone will remain answerable. This is why a good maintenance plan with clear audit trails and accurate records is vital in asset intensive industries where safety is an issue.
BP sells last UK oil refinery BP FOCUSES ON EUROPEAN REFINERY ASSETS
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n a move associated with their strategy to concentrate on downstream assets, oil giant BP sold one of their key British Oil Refineries to Switzerland-based Petroplus Holdings plc in June 2007.
The Coryton Refinery on the Thames Estuary in South East England was sold for just over £715 million. The sale means that BP now has no refineries in the UK, instead choosing to base them in other European countries. The site has a crude oil throughput capacity of 172,000 barrels of oil per day, employs 550 staff and about 500 contractors with 75% of output going to petrol, diesel and aircraft fuels.
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Growing the team INTRODUCING TWO NEW PROJECT MANAGERS TO THE EPM TEAM James Wall A warm welcome to James Wall who joined EPM last month as a Project Manager. James’ track record in Project Management is an impressive one - having worked for The Ministry of Defence for 17 years, he has handled projects with values up to £300 million.
Ross Gresham Also taking up the role of Project Manager this month is Ross Gresham. Ross is a qualified engineer and for the past 5 years has been working as a Senior Mechanical / Electrical Engineer. Before that, he was a Senior Electrical Engineer with 17 years service to GE Energy Services.
His background, however, lies in Engineering. James completed a Higher National Certificate in Mechanical and Production Engineering before going on to undertake a 5-year apprenticeship to qualify as an Engineering Draftsman. James will bring to EPM a high level of professional development knowledge having completed numerous courses such as Generic Project Management and working with Microsoft Project Software. He holds memberships with the UK Council of Engineering and the Association of Project Managers among others.
Ross has extensive experience in the field of design and installation of electrical equipment in hazardous areas taking into account both European (CENELEC) and American (NEMA). Ross studied electrical and electronic engineering at college and gained a Scotvec III from Reid Kerr College before going on to be awarded a Scotvec V from Stow College. Along with his obvious strengths from an engineering background, he brings to EPM the benefits of Asbestos Awareness, CDM Update and Fire Wardens Fire training courses.
EPM Solutions Ltd. Abbey Mill, 1010-1012 Mile End, Seedhill, Paisley, PA1 1TJ. T. 0141 848 6609 F. 0141 848 7749 E. info@epmsolutions.co.uk www.epmsolutions.co.uk © 2007 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 644 1777