Having recently expanded its service offering for the oil and gas sector with a new subdivision, multi-disciplined UK engineering firm adi Group continues to make their mark by offering first-class services delivered by experts that effectively target clients’ needs.
With a strong set of in-house skills, adi Group has the knowledge required to comply with a variety of regulations and requirements for operating in hazardous areas, prioritising health and safety every step of the way, an intrinsic part of working in the field.
Mo Ahmed, newly appointed business development manager of adi Projects’ subdivision Oil and Gas, discusses the most important aspects of working in hazardous areas, and the expertise required to ensure the safe and successful completion of projects.
“When it comes to working in hazardous areas, compliance is the most important part of delivering a project,” he says.
“It all starts with having the right staff for the job, and providing access to training opportunities where required. A workforce of highly skilled and passionate individuals who keep safety at the forefront is at the core of every successful operation.”
Working with dangerous substances substantially increases the risk of major industrial accidents, which can cause serious injury to individuals, equipment and facilities, as well as damage the environment.
The Control of Major Accident Hazards (COMAH) Regulations ensure that businesses working in the field take the right measures to avoid or mitigate accidents involving dangerous substances such as flammable gases, mists, vapours or combustible dusts.
COMAH sites either use or store dangerous chemicals and explosives, meaning there's a considerable risk of accidents occurring while work is being carried out.
Hazardous area electrical inspections also require compliance with the workplace directives ATEX 137 and DSEAR (The Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulation), which address safety where there is a danger from potentially explosive materials.
To minimise risks when working on these sites, there needs to be procedures in place that consider the flammable materials that may be present and their characteristics, potential ignition sources, whether ventilation is available and the environment’s temperature, amongst other things.
“Compliance requires a comprehensive approach, and an in-depth understanding of how to operate depending on the scale of risk, particularly when these risks can’t be fully eliminated,” says Mo.
“DSEAR regulations go beyond hazardous area classification and zoning maps. Organisations should demonstrate the ability to manage risks by having the appropriate processes in place, and not just from a technical point of view.”
“We understand that many companies do not have the necessary understanding or in-house expertise to complete certain projects themselves, and this is where we come in.
“Our well-trained and experienced CompEx certified engineers, technicians and electricians possess specialist expertise to carry out a number of services, including electrical installations, inspection and testing, and maintenance of installations.”
adi acts as a client’s single point of responsibility, taking care of projects in line with each client’s requirements. adi Group can efficiently assist clients in need of hazardous area services, ensuring they are delivered in a cost-effective and timely manner by highly trained experts who fully understand the appropriate control measures required.
With today's 365-days-a-year operation business, finding the time to carry out conventional electrical inspections and tests can also prove challenging.
Without a preventive maintenance programme, electrical components' failure is three times higher. adi Group can supply a real-time view of electrical systems with minimal interruption to site operations, including energised testing capabilities.
To learn more, get in touch with adi Group today.
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