You might have seen the Carbon Free Logo at the bottom of our emails but what does it actually mean? Well every year we calculate how much Green House Gas CRS puts into the atmosphere, and the offset that amount with an organisation that invests in projects that reduces Green House Gas emissions that would not have gone ahead without external investment. The project started with our first offset for the business year 2005 -6, since then we have offset every year and we think we the first Consultancy to go Carbon Free.
Our Offset History
2005 - 6 78 metric tonnes (MT)
2006 - 7 60.05 MTs
2007 - 8 71.76 MT
2008 – 9 86.52 MT
2009 – 10 72.37 MT
2010 – 11 71.81 MT
Offset to date 438 MT
What does the calculation cover?
Currently our Carbon Footprint Calculation includes all claimed mileage, and of course all claimed flights. It also includes a calculation for the use of electrical energy by staff for laptops, PC’S and projectors, heating and lighting of offices and training rooms, training materials and even includes a figure for the sponsorship of the Mighty Mini. All of this data is converted using the Government’s DEFRA conversion tables into our Carbon Footprint.
Once we have a figure we offset the tonnage with an organisation called Carbonfund.org, they are used by organisations such as AVIS, Dell, Hyundai, VW, Motorola and Staples and were voted best carbon offset provider 2010 and 11 by Tree Hugger. Carbon Fund are third party verified and support projects such as Renewable Energy & Methane Projects, Energy Efficiency & Carbon Credits and Reforestation & Avoided Deforestation. It is of course important that we don’t produce the problem in the first place, and we would always like to do more, so we think about energy efficiency and transport options when organising our operations, with home working projects and a system for the optimisation of travel distances.
Carbonfundorg_Certificate
Wednesday 29 February 2012
Why oil is measured in barrels
We can't really live without oil, but how much do you really know about the slick liquid that powers most of our lives? Not only does it fuel our cars it is also found in plastics and even some types of make-up. But it is important to all of us in another way since it is also one commodity the world tends to fight over.
The latest oil-related spat is between Iran, and most of the rest of the world. Europe and the US have threatened to stop buying Iranian oil until Tehran ditches its nuclear ambitions. In retaliation Iran has threatened to block the Straits of Hormuz, a major artery where oil flows from the Middle East to Europe and beyond, which the US has called an "act of war" if it were to go ahead.
So oil is not only necessary to power our lives but it also determines our geopolitical safety, isn't it time that we learnt how this market works?
Why barrels?
One of the most basic questions to ask is why oil is measured in barrels and why is it priced in US dollars? No one actually buys a barrel of oil; it's not even transported in barrels. The main reason is that the US measures it in barrels (one barrel is the equivalent of 42 gallons) and that has become the "normal" way that oil is talked about.
To understand its origins we need to look back to the 1860's early oil fields in Pennsylvania USA. The first oil that was pumped wasn't stored in barrels. In fact it was stored in any type of vessel or jar that could be found, which made it extremely difficult to judge what quantity you bought or sold it in if every jar was a different size.
As the oil industry grew during the 19th Century explorers needed to find a way to transport it around the country. Inspiration came from the whiskey industry. It transported the golden liquid in wooden barrels of a standard size, 40 gallons.
Rather than re-invent the wheel, the oil producers took the idea for themselves and so the 40 gallon barrel was created - plus the extra 2 gallons that were added to oil barrels to cover spillages on route to their destinations. This was revolutionary since it allowed the purchasers of oil to know exactly how much of the stuff they were buying at one time, which was pivotal to the development of the industry that we know today. However, these days pumping crude into 40 gallon vessels would not be efficient or economical so it's generally pumped straight into tankers or cargo ships, but the concept of the barrel has stuck.
But why is oil quoted at $xxx per bbl? Let's take the bbl bit first. It actually stands for Blue Barrel – hence the double B used in the acronym. The Blue Barrel originated with the Standard Oil Company owned by the Rockefeller family, who used blue barrels to transport their crude. However, its origins aren't clear and some believe that the BB originates from the two extra gallons included in each barrel to cover any spills or evaporation. Either way bbl has stuck.
Why dollars?
But why is oil quoted in dollars and not in the native currency of the user? Some say that it's because the dollar is the world's reserve currency and so the most traded currency in the world. Along with that it is traditionally associated with political stability and might. In other words, since oil trade is big business you need the Daddy of the FX world to pay for it.
Another reason is that oil could be pumped in Azerbaijan, get transported to Sweden and then onto France where it is sold to the end user. The complex life-cycle of a barrel of oil (or BBL of oil) means that trading it in one currency is easier for everyone involved.
Otherwise using the example above, the currency exposure of trading the oil would be: Swedish exporter changing krone to Azerbaijani manat, then transferring Azerbaijani manat to euro and back to krone again. If the whole transaction process is completed in dollars then it cuts out a lot of the risk of fluctuating exchange rates out for all involved.
There are plenty of conspiracy theories out there too. Some argue that it benefits the US. If the dollar wasn't so important to global trade flows then the US could not get away with dollar debasement, which has boosted US trade for decades. However, while the majority of oil trade is done in dollars, there is some completed in other currencies, for example, the US and Europe are making it hard for Iran to settle trade done in dollars, so Tehran has set up a deal to provide India with oil in return for rupees, thus taking out the dollar-part of the transaction altogether.
So the next time you look at the price of oil and wonder what it actually means, now you know. And you might find it comes in handy for a pub quiz some time, unless you actually want to trade the stuff yourself one day.
The latest oil-related spat is between Iran, and most of the rest of the world. Europe and the US have threatened to stop buying Iranian oil until Tehran ditches its nuclear ambitions. In retaliation Iran has threatened to block the Straits of Hormuz, a major artery where oil flows from the Middle East to Europe and beyond, which the US has called an "act of war" if it were to go ahead.
So oil is not only necessary to power our lives but it also determines our geopolitical safety, isn't it time that we learnt how this market works?
Why barrels?
One of the most basic questions to ask is why oil is measured in barrels and why is it priced in US dollars? No one actually buys a barrel of oil; it's not even transported in barrels. The main reason is that the US measures it in barrels (one barrel is the equivalent of 42 gallons) and that has become the "normal" way that oil is talked about.
To understand its origins we need to look back to the 1860's early oil fields in Pennsylvania USA. The first oil that was pumped wasn't stored in barrels. In fact it was stored in any type of vessel or jar that could be found, which made it extremely difficult to judge what quantity you bought or sold it in if every jar was a different size.
As the oil industry grew during the 19th Century explorers needed to find a way to transport it around the country. Inspiration came from the whiskey industry. It transported the golden liquid in wooden barrels of a standard size, 40 gallons.
Rather than re-invent the wheel, the oil producers took the idea for themselves and so the 40 gallon barrel was created - plus the extra 2 gallons that were added to oil barrels to cover spillages on route to their destinations. This was revolutionary since it allowed the purchasers of oil to know exactly how much of the stuff they were buying at one time, which was pivotal to the development of the industry that we know today. However, these days pumping crude into 40 gallon vessels would not be efficient or economical so it's generally pumped straight into tankers or cargo ships, but the concept of the barrel has stuck.
But why is oil quoted at $xxx per bbl? Let's take the bbl bit first. It actually stands for Blue Barrel – hence the double B used in the acronym. The Blue Barrel originated with the Standard Oil Company owned by the Rockefeller family, who used blue barrels to transport their crude. However, its origins aren't clear and some believe that the BB originates from the two extra gallons included in each barrel to cover any spills or evaporation. Either way bbl has stuck.
Why dollars?
But why is oil quoted in dollars and not in the native currency of the user? Some say that it's because the dollar is the world's reserve currency and so the most traded currency in the world. Along with that it is traditionally associated with political stability and might. In other words, since oil trade is big business you need the Daddy of the FX world to pay for it.
Another reason is that oil could be pumped in Azerbaijan, get transported to Sweden and then onto France where it is sold to the end user. The complex life-cycle of a barrel of oil (or BBL of oil) means that trading it in one currency is easier for everyone involved.
Otherwise using the example above, the currency exposure of trading the oil would be: Swedish exporter changing krone to Azerbaijani manat, then transferring Azerbaijani manat to euro and back to krone again. If the whole transaction process is completed in dollars then it cuts out a lot of the risk of fluctuating exchange rates out for all involved.
There are plenty of conspiracy theories out there too. Some argue that it benefits the US. If the dollar wasn't so important to global trade flows then the US could not get away with dollar debasement, which has boosted US trade for decades. However, while the majority of oil trade is done in dollars, there is some completed in other currencies, for example, the US and Europe are making it hard for Iran to settle trade done in dollars, so Tehran has set up a deal to provide India with oil in return for rupees, thus taking out the dollar-part of the transaction altogether.
So the next time you look at the price of oil and wonder what it actually means, now you know. And you might find it comes in handy for a pub quiz some time, unless you actually want to trade the stuff yourself one day.
Monday 27 February 2012
Record £2.8m fine for breaching environmental reporting requirements
Record £2.8m fine for failing to report CO2
The fine, which was imposed in 2010, has been revealed by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and relates to an incident in 2008 when ExxonMobil failed to account for 33,000 tonnes of CO2 from its ethylene plant in Mosmorran. Under environmental regulations imposed by the EU's Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), companies which fail to report their greenhouse gas emissions can be fined Euro100 per tonne of unreported emissions. As a result, it thought to be the largest fine for any environmental offence in British history.
An ExxonMobil spokesperson said that its Fife Ethylene Plant had "identified and reported an inaccuracy" in the reporting of emissions to the regulators in 2008, adding it has now "fully reviewed and improved our verification procedures to address the issues we identified". However, they added that the inaccuracy accounted for just 4.7% of the site's total and that the root cause was the "incorrect mapping of routing with facilities". SEPA operations director Calum MacDonald, said: "We have a good level of compliance with operators across Scotland, and I believe that, in most cases, working with operators to raise their awareness of environmental requirements will achieve the desired outcomes and protect the environment. "However, as these figures show, SEPA will not shy away from using our formal enforcement tools where necessary."
As a result, WWF Scotland are hoping it will "act as a warning" to other companies that they must comply with green regulation. WWF Scotland director Richard Dixon, said: "It is very embarrassing for a company as well resourced as ExxonMobil to have to admit that they can't fill in forms properly, let alone to get fined nearly £3m for their mistake. "This is the biggest but there have been other examples of companies under-reporting their contribution to climate change. The whole point of the European trading scheme is to limit the total climate pollution coming from industry, so it is quite right that fines should be high for those who fail to comply.”
Corporate Risk System’s Head of Environment, Richard Ball commented “ At CRS we have been CarbonFree since 2005, as a voluntary measure, this record fine shows that organisation have to take environmental regulations seriously, or the financial, legal and reputational impacts can be significant”
Corporate Risk Systems can offer a range of consultancy and audit packages on environmental issues, from GHG calculations to ISO14001 implementation. For more information on our environmental training and consultancy support contact Corporate Risk Systems at advice@crsrsisk.com
Source: EDIE
The fine, which was imposed in 2010, has been revealed by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and relates to an incident in 2008 when ExxonMobil failed to account for 33,000 tonnes of CO2 from its ethylene plant in Mosmorran. Under environmental regulations imposed by the EU's Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), companies which fail to report their greenhouse gas emissions can be fined Euro100 per tonne of unreported emissions. As a result, it thought to be the largest fine for any environmental offence in British history.
An ExxonMobil spokesperson said that its Fife Ethylene Plant had "identified and reported an inaccuracy" in the reporting of emissions to the regulators in 2008, adding it has now "fully reviewed and improved our verification procedures to address the issues we identified". However, they added that the inaccuracy accounted for just 4.7% of the site's total and that the root cause was the "incorrect mapping of routing with facilities". SEPA operations director Calum MacDonald, said: "We have a good level of compliance with operators across Scotland, and I believe that, in most cases, working with operators to raise their awareness of environmental requirements will achieve the desired outcomes and protect the environment. "However, as these figures show, SEPA will not shy away from using our formal enforcement tools where necessary."
As a result, WWF Scotland are hoping it will "act as a warning" to other companies that they must comply with green regulation. WWF Scotland director Richard Dixon, said: "It is very embarrassing for a company as well resourced as ExxonMobil to have to admit that they can't fill in forms properly, let alone to get fined nearly £3m for their mistake. "This is the biggest but there have been other examples of companies under-reporting their contribution to climate change. The whole point of the European trading scheme is to limit the total climate pollution coming from industry, so it is quite right that fines should be high for those who fail to comply.”
Corporate Risk System’s Head of Environment, Richard Ball commented “ At CRS we have been CarbonFree since 2005, as a voluntary measure, this record fine shows that organisation have to take environmental regulations seriously, or the financial, legal and reputational impacts can be significant”
Corporate Risk Systems can offer a range of consultancy and audit packages on environmental issues, from GHG calculations to ISO14001 implementation. For more information on our environmental training and consultancy support contact Corporate Risk Systems at advice@crsrsisk.com
Source: EDIE
Sunday 26 February 2012
Antarctic generator fire, and barge sinking revealed by newspaper
The Brazilian navy has said that fire broke out on Saturday morning 25 February in the machine room that houses the energy generators of the Comandante Ferraz station in Almirantazgo Bay, in the South Shetland Islands of Antarctica.
One man suffered non-life threatening injuries, and at least two people were reported missing.
A barge shuttling diesel to a Brazilian base in Antarctica sank during a storm in December, the Estado de Sao Paulo newspaper reported on Saturday, an incident it says the government has tried to conceal while attempting to recover the vessel. The paper said the barge sank to a depth of 40 meters (131 feet) after capsizing while being towed to shore with its cargo of 10,000 litres (2,600 gallons) of diesel, equivalent to 63 barrels. No one was aboard the barge when it sank and so far none of the fuel has leaked, the paper said. It did not reveal how it obtained the information. The paper said the incident was deliberately being kept confidential by the four ministries belonging to its Antarctica mission known as Proantar. A Navy press officer was unable to immediately confirm or deny the report but said it would make a statement later on Saturday. The barge is about 900 meters (984 yards) from the shore where Brazil's Commandante Ferraz Antarctica Station is located.
A Brazilian naval rescue ship designed to recover submarines and a separate ship chartered by Brazilian state-controlled oil company Petrobras will reach the site next week to attempt to haul the barge to the surface, the paper said. It said the fuel was a special non-coagulating diesel produced by Petrobras for freezing Antarctic conditions.
The paper said images from a robotic submarine camera showed no signs of leakage from the double skinned barge. Separately, the Navy said in a statement on Saturday that two of its members stationed at the Antarctica base were missing after a fire in the early hours of Saturday, while another
was injured in the blaze that had still not been extinguished.
The newspaper, quoting scientists stationed at the base, instead said two sergeants had been killed in the fire.
One man suffered non-life threatening injuries, and at least two people were reported missing.
A barge shuttling diesel to a Brazilian base in Antarctica sank during a storm in December, the Estado de Sao Paulo newspaper reported on Saturday, an incident it says the government has tried to conceal while attempting to recover the vessel. The paper said the barge sank to a depth of 40 meters (131 feet) after capsizing while being towed to shore with its cargo of 10,000 litres (2,600 gallons) of diesel, equivalent to 63 barrels. No one was aboard the barge when it sank and so far none of the fuel has leaked, the paper said. It did not reveal how it obtained the information. The paper said the incident was deliberately being kept confidential by the four ministries belonging to its Antarctica mission known as Proantar. A Navy press officer was unable to immediately confirm or deny the report but said it would make a statement later on Saturday. The barge is about 900 meters (984 yards) from the shore where Brazil's Commandante Ferraz Antarctica Station is located.
A Brazilian naval rescue ship designed to recover submarines and a separate ship chartered by Brazilian state-controlled oil company Petrobras will reach the site next week to attempt to haul the barge to the surface, the paper said. It said the fuel was a special non-coagulating diesel produced by Petrobras for freezing Antarctic conditions.
The paper said images from a robotic submarine camera showed no signs of leakage from the double skinned barge. Separately, the Navy said in a statement on Saturday that two of its members stationed at the Antarctica base were missing after a fire in the early hours of Saturday, while another
was injured in the blaze that had still not been extinguished.
The newspaper, quoting scientists stationed at the base, instead said two sergeants had been killed in the fire.
Selection of Respiratory Protection Equipment (RPE) for Hazardous Substances
A hazardous substance is defined in the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations, commonly known as COSHH. These include chemicals (e.g. mercury, ammonia gas, caustic soda), products (e.g. paints, oils, fertilisers) and the byproducts of work (e.g. welding fume, wood dust). The suppliers of a hazardous substance must provide a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) to help you to decide who to make use safe. Hazardous substances can be present in the workplace in different physical states, including:
Respirators and breathing apparatus (RPE) is used in workplaces to protect workers when working with hazardous substances. RPE comes with various forms of face-piece, such as helmets, visors, hoods or masks. It should only be used as the last option after you have taken all other reasonable steps to control the exposure, and improve air quality and ventilation in your work area. Your justification for using RPE should be clear in your risk assessment, which needs to be written if you have five or more employees.
If you use RPE, or are responsible for the selection and use of RPE in your company, the link from this page will provide you with information and guidance on how, when and why to select the correct equipment. You can use the RPE Selector Tool to determine what kind of equipment your workers will need for a hazardous substance, task and work area involved.
http://www.healthyworkinglives.com/advice/minimising-workplace-risks/personal-protective-equipment/rpe.aspx
- Gases such as chlorine and ammonia
- Liquids such as solvents, petrols and paints
- Solids and dusts such as slate, powdered chemicals, flour, cement dust, silica and wood dust
- Solids that produce dangerous gases with moisture (e.g. cyanide, phosphide) or that give off vapours (e.g. phenol, metaldehyde, naphthalene, iodine)
- Fumes arising from welding, soldering and burning metals
- Fibres such as asbestos, glass wool, Rockwool and refractory ceramic fibres
- Mists and sprays such as battery acid mist from re-charging or from tasks such as paint spraying
- Vapours generated by petrol, solvents, thinners or products like paints and varnishes.
Respirators and breathing apparatus (RPE) is used in workplaces to protect workers when working with hazardous substances. RPE comes with various forms of face-piece, such as helmets, visors, hoods or masks. It should only be used as the last option after you have taken all other reasonable steps to control the exposure, and improve air quality and ventilation in your work area. Your justification for using RPE should be clear in your risk assessment, which needs to be written if you have five or more employees.
If you use RPE, or are responsible for the selection and use of RPE in your company, the link from this page will provide you with information and guidance on how, when and why to select the correct equipment. You can use the RPE Selector Tool to determine what kind of equipment your workers will need for a hazardous substance, task and work area involved.
http://www.healthyworkinglives.com/advice/minimising-workplace-risks/personal-protective-equipment/rpe.aspx
BP starts biggest fight in 104-year history - Gulf of Mexico disaster
The group will be alongside contractors Halliburton and Transocean as a single judge decides who was to blame for what happened when the Deepwater Horizon rig exploded, claiming the lives of 11 men and triggering the biggest oil spill in US history.
The British company will face US Federal Government, several states, various local government authorities and hundreds of independent plaintiffs before Federal Judge Carl Barbier at a court in New Orleans, Louisiana, on Monday.
On top of millions of pounds of legal fees, BP and the contractors could face a penalty of up to $17.6bn (£11.1bn) for water pollution alone if the court finds gross negligence was at play.
The court case starts amid increased speculation that BP is close to securing an out-of-court settlement - reflected in a recent lift to its share price.
Chief executive Bob Dudley recently hinted that the company was open to talking to plaintiffs. Announcing the company's annual results, the American boss said: "As I have said before, we are prepared to settle if we can do so on fair and reasonable terms, but equally, if this is not possible, we are preparing vigorously for trial."
There are reportedly 535 individual lawsuits to be heard, covering 120,000 plaintiffs and 72 million documents. Independent plaintiffs are represented by the plaintiffs' steering committee.
The explosion on April 20 2010 saw between four and five million barrels of crude oil leak into the Gulf.
BP has set aside $40bn (£25bn) to cover the cost of the disaster, however, within this, the only provision for penalties is $3.5bn for water pollution damages.
The US government is entitled to demand compensation amounting to $1,100 for each barrel spilled, and if gross negligence is shown in court, BP and associated companies could be liable for up to $4,300 a barrel.
The company has since paid $7.5bn (£4.7bn) in clean-up costs and compensation, with more than 200,000 individuals and businesses claiming compensation from the $20bn (£12.6bn) fund set aside for victims.
The company has already reached settlements with a number of partners in the well, in which BP owned a 65% stake, including Anadarko, which had a 25% stake, and Moex, which had a 10% share.
And US-based Moex last week settled with federal and state governments, paying $90m (£56.9bn), fuelling speculation that BP could do the same
The British company will face US Federal Government, several states, various local government authorities and hundreds of independent plaintiffs before Federal Judge Carl Barbier at a court in New Orleans, Louisiana, on Monday.
On top of millions of pounds of legal fees, BP and the contractors could face a penalty of up to $17.6bn (£11.1bn) for water pollution alone if the court finds gross negligence was at play.
The court case starts amid increased speculation that BP is close to securing an out-of-court settlement - reflected in a recent lift to its share price.
Chief executive Bob Dudley recently hinted that the company was open to talking to plaintiffs. Announcing the company's annual results, the American boss said: "As I have said before, we are prepared to settle if we can do so on fair and reasonable terms, but equally, if this is not possible, we are preparing vigorously for trial."
There are reportedly 535 individual lawsuits to be heard, covering 120,000 plaintiffs and 72 million documents. Independent plaintiffs are represented by the plaintiffs' steering committee.
The explosion on April 20 2010 saw between four and five million barrels of crude oil leak into the Gulf.
BP has set aside $40bn (£25bn) to cover the cost of the disaster, however, within this, the only provision for penalties is $3.5bn for water pollution damages.
The US government is entitled to demand compensation amounting to $1,100 for each barrel spilled, and if gross negligence is shown in court, BP and associated companies could be liable for up to $4,300 a barrel.
The company has since paid $7.5bn (£4.7bn) in clean-up costs and compensation, with more than 200,000 individuals and businesses claiming compensation from the $20bn (£12.6bn) fund set aside for victims.
The company has already reached settlements with a number of partners in the well, in which BP owned a 65% stake, including Anadarko, which had a 25% stake, and Moex, which had a 10% share.
And US-based Moex last week settled with federal and state governments, paying $90m (£56.9bn), fuelling speculation that BP could do the same
Five injured in Galvaston crude oil fire
USA - Galveston - Fire-fighters dealt with flare-ups at the site of a crude oil fire on Friday morning, but the fire has been put out. Strong winds caused serious problems for crews trying to get control of the raging crude oil fire. Explosions rocked the area and flames could be seen for miles when the blaze ignited at Texas International Terminals on Port Industrial Boulevard around 7 p.m.
"Heard a boom, but it wasn't like there was a thunderstorm or anything," witness Daniel Brown said. "Then I looked this way and I saw the flames, the colour of the flames."
Officials said they don't know what caused the 12,000 barrel tank to catch fire, but suspect there may have been some type of equipment failure. "Right now, we're looking at the vapour recovery system of the plant," said Jeff Smith with the Galveston Fire Department. "They've had some work done on it. We'll find out more as the investigators pull apart and start salvaging some of the equipment." Emergency crews drained some of the crude oil to help slow the raging fire. Around 5 a.m. Friday, strong winds blew flame retardant foam off of the tank, and that caused the flare-up. "We had a hard time containing the fire," Smith said. "The fire did have a significant flare up in the middle of the night." Part of the tank has collapsed, officials said.
One fire-fighter and four company employees have been injured. All of them suffered heat-related injuries and smoke inhalation. Port Industrial Boulevard is closed because of the on-going investigation. Environmental experts are making sure that nothing hazardous leaked into the ground or waterways.
"Heard a boom, but it wasn't like there was a thunderstorm or anything," witness Daniel Brown said. "Then I looked this way and I saw the flames, the colour of the flames."
Officials said they don't know what caused the 12,000 barrel tank to catch fire, but suspect there may have been some type of equipment failure. "Right now, we're looking at the vapour recovery system of the plant," said Jeff Smith with the Galveston Fire Department. "They've had some work done on it. We'll find out more as the investigators pull apart and start salvaging some of the equipment." Emergency crews drained some of the crude oil to help slow the raging fire. Around 5 a.m. Friday, strong winds blew flame retardant foam off of the tank, and that caused the flare-up. "We had a hard time containing the fire," Smith said. "The fire did have a significant flare up in the middle of the night." Part of the tank has collapsed, officials said.
One fire-fighter and four company employees have been injured. All of them suffered heat-related injuries and smoke inhalation. Port Industrial Boulevard is closed because of the on-going investigation. Environmental experts are making sure that nothing hazardous leaked into the ground or waterways.
Friday 24 February 2012
Employees would like more training
Solihull based organisation the Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals (CIPP) has found, following a recent survey that 85 per cent of professionals would like to have more training at work to enhance their job role. When looking into reasons why professionals choose to not study a qualification, 18 per cent say it’s down to the lack of support from their employer. Rose Howley associate director of training at the CIPP says “training and development is essential within today’s working environment to ensure work-related skills, techniques and knowledge is up to date.” The survey which looked into attitudes towards training and development among professionals in 2012 asked respondents what the main obstacles are for not engaging in training and over half (58 per cent) said it came down to funding. Rose Howley adds “if you invest in your employees and develop/educate them internally or externally at the right time this will increase productivity, improve service and increase their knowledge which will contribute to your organisation and guarantee an immediate return on your investment.”
Fire at Chevron gas well may burn for months
A gas-fuelled fire, with flames as high as 5m, may burn for months in waters off the Niger Delta in south-east Nigeria, Chevron says. Two workers died after January's explosion at the KS Endeavour exploration rig, owned by the US firm. Friends of the Earth says this is the world's worst such accident in recent years. Chevron spokesman Lloyd Avram says, despite the fire, the situation is now under control and no oil is leaking. Nigeria is the largest oil producer in Africa.
A fire is burning in a 40m-wide area on the surface of the Atlantic Ocean, 10km off the Nigerian coast. The company is trying to put out the fire by piercing a hole in the original gas well - through which cement will be poured. There'll be 10,000ft of drilling and interestingly we need to hit an area that is approximately 12sq inches," Mr Avram said. "It is going to take some time, but I cannot predict how long that is going to be - conceivably months," he said.
Scientists are conducting tests to find out if local food and water has been contaminated by the gas in the ocean – after local people raised concerns. Almost 100 people have left towns close to the fire and local chiefs are asking Chevron to relocate more. A major build-up of gas pressure from drilling caused the explosion that set the rig on fire in the middle of January, according to Nigeria's state run oil company.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-17126335
A fire is burning in a 40m-wide area on the surface of the Atlantic Ocean, 10km off the Nigerian coast. The company is trying to put out the fire by piercing a hole in the original gas well - through which cement will be poured. There'll be 10,000ft of drilling and interestingly we need to hit an area that is approximately 12sq inches," Mr Avram said. "It is going to take some time, but I cannot predict how long that is going to be - conceivably months," he said.
Scientists are conducting tests to find out if local food and water has been contaminated by the gas in the ocean – after local people raised concerns. Almost 100 people have left towns close to the fire and local chiefs are asking Chevron to relocate more. A major build-up of gas pressure from drilling caused the explosion that set the rig on fire in the middle of January, according to Nigeria's state run oil company.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-17126335
Monday 20 February 2012
Major fire at Scottish Recycling Plant
A crowd of people had to run to safety after a gas canister exploded during a major blaze at a Perth recycling plant. Staff at Wyllie Recycling and neighbouring units were evacuated as a result of the fire, which could be seen for miles around. The exploding canister sent shrapnel flying more than 40ft, with one piece of debris landing in a field where people had been watching the fire.
Fire fighters were called to the Inveralmond industrial estate at 07:40. Tayside Fire Service said about 100 tonnes of waste materials had caught fire, causing a mile-high plume of black smoke to drift across the A9 dual carriageway and for about five miles across the centre of Perth. The fire is also understood to have spread to other buildings on the site and is close to a kerosene tank which is causing concern to fire fighters. The fire caused extensive damage to the unit as paper, cardboard and general waste caught alight.
Witness Gerry Scott, 27, said he had been driving to work in Perth when he saw the smoke rising from the recycling plant in Ruthvenfield Way and pulled over to watch with workers from the estate and other motorists. He said: "You could feel the heat from it a long way back. Then there was a loud crack, like a car backfiring or fireworks going off, and that must have been some sort of gas canister. You could clearly see bits of it flying through the air and the largest piece tore right through the roof of the factory and something like 60 feet into the sky. As soon as we heard the bang we all legged it. People were running for their lives and it's just as well they did because bits were landing near where they had been standing." Motorists reported being able to see the smoke from the blaze up to 20 miles away.
Tayside Fire and Rescue sent 10 fire engines from across Perthshire to fight the blaze, as well as an aerial ladder platform and a command support unit.
An investigation into the source of the blaze has been launched, but it is not believed to be suspicious. A Tayside Police spokesman said: "We attended a recycling centre in Ruthvenfield Way, Perth, shortly before 8am. We were alerted by Tayside Fire and Rescue to a fire which had taken hold in the yard. The smoke is not causing difficulty to road users as it is moving up and over the A9. It is not affecting traffic at this time. Waste paper and cardboard is on fire and the blaze is now under control. All members of staff at the recycling centre have been accounted for and neighbouring businesses have been made aware of what has happened."
Scottish Water said people living near the scene of the fire may have their water cut off or experienced low pressure as the fire service tap into the mains supply for water to fight the blaze. A spokesman for the company added: "When supplies are fully restored customers may also experience some discolouration to their supply, this discolouration is harmless and will gradually disappear as the system returns to normal. We apologise for the inconvenience caused and thank you for your patience and cooperation."
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-tayside-central-17073341
Fire fighters were called to the Inveralmond industrial estate at 07:40. Tayside Fire Service said about 100 tonnes of waste materials had caught fire, causing a mile-high plume of black smoke to drift across the A9 dual carriageway and for about five miles across the centre of Perth. The fire is also understood to have spread to other buildings on the site and is close to a kerosene tank which is causing concern to fire fighters. The fire caused extensive damage to the unit as paper, cardboard and general waste caught alight.
Witness Gerry Scott, 27, said he had been driving to work in Perth when he saw the smoke rising from the recycling plant in Ruthvenfield Way and pulled over to watch with workers from the estate and other motorists. He said: "You could feel the heat from it a long way back. Then there was a loud crack, like a car backfiring or fireworks going off, and that must have been some sort of gas canister. You could clearly see bits of it flying through the air and the largest piece tore right through the roof of the factory and something like 60 feet into the sky. As soon as we heard the bang we all legged it. People were running for their lives and it's just as well they did because bits were landing near where they had been standing." Motorists reported being able to see the smoke from the blaze up to 20 miles away.
Tayside Fire and Rescue sent 10 fire engines from across Perthshire to fight the blaze, as well as an aerial ladder platform and a command support unit.
An investigation into the source of the blaze has been launched, but it is not believed to be suspicious. A Tayside Police spokesman said: "We attended a recycling centre in Ruthvenfield Way, Perth, shortly before 8am. We were alerted by Tayside Fire and Rescue to a fire which had taken hold in the yard. The smoke is not causing difficulty to road users as it is moving up and over the A9. It is not affecting traffic at this time. Waste paper and cardboard is on fire and the blaze is now under control. All members of staff at the recycling centre have been accounted for and neighbouring businesses have been made aware of what has happened."
Scottish Water said people living near the scene of the fire may have their water cut off or experienced low pressure as the fire service tap into the mains supply for water to fight the blaze. A spokesman for the company added: "When supplies are fully restored customers may also experience some discolouration to their supply, this discolouration is harmless and will gradually disappear as the system returns to normal. We apologise for the inconvenience caused and thank you for your patience and cooperation."
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-tayside-central-17073341
News on the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Survey
We’re pleased to update CRS customers on IOSH’s efforts (together with the Center for Safety and Health Sustainability) to improve occupational health and safety (OSH) metrics in the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) sustainability reporting guidelines (G4) which have progressed well.
Following indications from GRI of insufficient interest from stakeholders in OSH to warrant a revision; CSHS sought support from around 85 OSH groups across the world for five new metrics. IOSH also filed comments with GRI both online (survey) and off, participated in GRI’s first public workshop on G4, and met the GRI senior leadership team several times.
GRI has now issued a report on the consultation results “G4 Development-First Public Comment Period, 26 August-24 November 2011 – Full Survey Report 10 February 2012”.
It is pleasing to note, that overall, OSH was the 4th most cited material topic for ‘reporters’, and topped the ‘Labor’ category, with 25% of all reporters. 93% of respondents wishing to see a standard-set for all organisations chose OSH as one of their topics (p.27) and of the 78 who offered ideas for indicators, a large majority cited the same five OSH indicators (p.31).
Here at CRS, we believe these results were largely due to the strong support from the global safety community for the efforts of the CSHS to improve OSH metrics.
Without the efforts of IOSH (and CSHS), it seems unlikely there would have been more than a passing reference to OSH, and not the level of coverage achieved. There is still much to be done to ensure improved OSH metrics are included in G4, but this is great step forward.
Following indications from GRI of insufficient interest from stakeholders in OSH to warrant a revision; CSHS sought support from around 85 OSH groups across the world for five new metrics. IOSH also filed comments with GRI both online (survey) and off, participated in GRI’s first public workshop on G4, and met the GRI senior leadership team several times.
GRI has now issued a report on the consultation results “G4 Development-First Public Comment Period, 26 August-24 November 2011 – Full Survey Report 10 February 2012”.
It is pleasing to note, that overall, OSH was the 4th most cited material topic for ‘reporters’, and topped the ‘Labor’ category, with 25% of all reporters. 93% of respondents wishing to see a standard-set for all organisations chose OSH as one of their topics (p.27) and of the 78 who offered ideas for indicators, a large majority cited the same five OSH indicators (p.31).
Here at CRS, we believe these results were largely due to the strong support from the global safety community for the efforts of the CSHS to improve OSH metrics.
Without the efforts of IOSH (and CSHS), it seems unlikely there would have been more than a passing reference to OSH, and not the level of coverage achieved. There is still much to be done to ensure improved OSH metrics are included in G4, but this is great step forward.
Horse shoes spark fatal blast
An explosion that killed a 28-year-old woman operating a hyperbaric chamber at a Florida equine therapy center was sparked by a horse kicking the side of the chamber with its metal shoes, authorities ruled.
Erica Marshall, an employee at Kesmarc Equine Rehabilitation facility in Marion County, died when the chamber she was running exploded on Feb. 10. Sorcha Moneley, 33, a visiting observer from Ireland, was wounded in the blast. The sheriff's report said the horse, which also died, was wearing steel horseshoes inside the oxygen-rich chamber. Moneley told fire rescuers the horse kicked the inside walls, removing an inside protective layer and causing sparks before the explosion. According to the sheriff's report, witnesses were at odds as to whether the horse had been sedated before entering the chamber, a precaution to lessen the chances of the animal kicking and causing damage.
Authorities at the scene said the end of the barn where the chamber had been housed was completely destroyed in the blast. Marshall's body was found buried in the rubble of the control room.
Facility manager Leonora Byrne told investigators that horses are sent to the hyperbaric chamber for post-surgery rehabilitation, treatment for soft tissue damage or rest and relaxation. Byrne also said Marshall had been trained to run the chamber and had been controlling it for about two years. The horse that was in the chamber at the time of the explosion had been in it about four times before, Byrne told officials. She said some horses are given a mild sedative before being put in the chamber, but this particular horse had not been medicated.
However, Moneley told an investigator the horse had been given a sedative before being led into the chamber. She explained the horse's feet were fitted with steel shoes that had not been taped or covered before he was brought for treatment, but said that was unnecessary since the inside of the chamber was lined with a protective coating. Moneley said the horse had been in the chamber for about 20 minutes and had become unsettled.
When it started kicking, a lid at the back of the chamber was dislodged and fell, revealing raw metal. The horse continued kicking, causing sparks.
Moneley said she and Marshall noticed bigger sparks, then flames inside the chamber. She said she left the area to call the fire department as Marshall prepared to bring the chamber to normal pressure, and that Marshall was "staring at the monitor and crying," according to the report.
Moneley then said she heard an initial blast and a second, larger explosion, which knocked her down and felt as though "hot gas had surrounded her," according to the report.
A sheriff's office spokesperson said Moneley was tossed a considerable distance by the explosion. She suffered a head injury and was taken to a hospital in Gainesville.
Erica Marshall, an employee at Kesmarc Equine Rehabilitation facility in Marion County, died when the chamber she was running exploded on Feb. 10. Sorcha Moneley, 33, a visiting observer from Ireland, was wounded in the blast. The sheriff's report said the horse, which also died, was wearing steel horseshoes inside the oxygen-rich chamber. Moneley told fire rescuers the horse kicked the inside walls, removing an inside protective layer and causing sparks before the explosion. According to the sheriff's report, witnesses were at odds as to whether the horse had been sedated before entering the chamber, a precaution to lessen the chances of the animal kicking and causing damage.
Authorities at the scene said the end of the barn where the chamber had been housed was completely destroyed in the blast. Marshall's body was found buried in the rubble of the control room.
Facility manager Leonora Byrne told investigators that horses are sent to the hyperbaric chamber for post-surgery rehabilitation, treatment for soft tissue damage or rest and relaxation. Byrne also said Marshall had been trained to run the chamber and had been controlling it for about two years. The horse that was in the chamber at the time of the explosion had been in it about four times before, Byrne told officials. She said some horses are given a mild sedative before being put in the chamber, but this particular horse had not been medicated.
However, Moneley told an investigator the horse had been given a sedative before being led into the chamber. She explained the horse's feet were fitted with steel shoes that had not been taped or covered before he was brought for treatment, but said that was unnecessary since the inside of the chamber was lined with a protective coating. Moneley said the horse had been in the chamber for about 20 minutes and had become unsettled.
When it started kicking, a lid at the back of the chamber was dislodged and fell, revealing raw metal. The horse continued kicking, causing sparks.
Moneley said she and Marshall noticed bigger sparks, then flames inside the chamber. She said she left the area to call the fire department as Marshall prepared to bring the chamber to normal pressure, and that Marshall was "staring at the monitor and crying," according to the report.
Moneley then said she heard an initial blast and a second, larger explosion, which knocked her down and felt as though "hot gas had surrounded her," according to the report.
A sheriff's office spokesperson said Moneley was tossed a considerable distance by the explosion. She suffered a head injury and was taken to a hospital in Gainesville.
Sunday 19 February 2012
Police evacuate as cyanide is brought to station
Police fled their station after a woman walked in with a jar of cyanide.
The woman found the poison while clearing out her parents' home and took it to Blairgowrie police station in Perthshire because she wasn't sure what it was.
The police realised it was cyanide – used by Nazi madmen Hitler, Himmler and Goering to commit suicide – and evacuated the building. Firefighters in protective suits raced to the scene after the alert. They sealed off part of the building but the jar, believed to date back to the 1920s or 30s, was not leaking and posed no risk.
Just a fifth of a gram of cyanide can kill.
Hitler and mistress Eva Braun took the poison as the Russians closed in on their Berlin bunker. SS Himmler poisoned himself after British troops captured him, and Goering took cyanide to cheat the hangman after the Nuremberg trials.
http://www.dailyrec ord.co.uk/newsscottish-news/2012/02/18/woman-walks-into-scots-police-station-with-jar-of-cyanide-86908-23755090/
The woman found the poison while clearing out her parents' home and took it to Blairgowrie police station in Perthshire because she wasn't sure what it was.
The police realised it was cyanide – used by Nazi madmen Hitler, Himmler and Goering to commit suicide – and evacuated the building. Firefighters in protective suits raced to the scene after the alert. They sealed off part of the building but the jar, believed to date back to the 1920s or 30s, was not leaking and posed no risk.
Just a fifth of a gram of cyanide can kill.
Hitler and mistress Eva Braun took the poison as the Russians closed in on their Berlin bunker. SS Himmler poisoned himself after British troops captured him, and Goering took cyanide to cheat the hangman after the Nuremberg trials.
http://www.dailyrec ord.co.uk/newsscottish-news/2012/02/18/woman-walks-into-scots-police-station-with-jar-of-cyanide-86908-23755090/
Thursday 16 February 2012
Cigarette explodes in man's mouth
A faulty battery caused an electronic cigarette to explode in a man's mouth in the US, taking out some of his front teeth, a chunk of his tongue and severely burning his face, fire officials said today.
Tom Holloway, 57, was trying to quit smoking so he was puffing on the device when it blew up, fire officials said. Officials have not officially identified the victim, but a Facebook page under his name was filled with well-wishers commenting on the injury and database searches matched his address with his name.
"The best analogy is like it was trying to hold a bottle rocket in your mouth when it went off," said Joseph Parker, division chief for the North Bay Fire Department. "The battery flew out of the tube and set the closet on fire."
Mr Parker said fire investigators do not know the brand of cigarette, type of battery or age of the device. It appears the battery was rechargeable lithium because a recharging station and other batteries were in the room, he said. Mr Parker said he has forwarded information about the blaze to the Fire Marshall's Office to include in any databases on the devices. But Mr Parker said he has yet to hear of any similar instances.
Fire Chief Joseph Miller said the victim contacted the department on Wednesday to thank firefighters and told them he was recovering at a hospital in Mobile, Alabama.
Thomas Kiklas, co-founder of the Tobacco Vapour Electronic Cigarette Association, said the industry knows of no problems with the cigarettes or batteries exploding. Mr Kicklas said the cigarettes include a small battery and cartridge. The battery is designed to generate an electric charge when the device is inhaled. The charge sets off the vapour in the cigarette tube. Mr Kiklas cited a federal report that found 2.5 million Americans used electronic cigarettes last year. "There have been billions and billions of puffs on the cigarettes and we have not heard of this happening before," he
said.
Tom Holloway, 57, was trying to quit smoking so he was puffing on the device when it blew up, fire officials said. Officials have not officially identified the victim, but a Facebook page under his name was filled with well-wishers commenting on the injury and database searches matched his address with his name.
"The best analogy is like it was trying to hold a bottle rocket in your mouth when it went off," said Joseph Parker, division chief for the North Bay Fire Department. "The battery flew out of the tube and set the closet on fire."
Mr Parker said fire investigators do not know the brand of cigarette, type of battery or age of the device. It appears the battery was rechargeable lithium because a recharging station and other batteries were in the room, he said. Mr Parker said he has forwarded information about the blaze to the Fire Marshall's Office to include in any databases on the devices. But Mr Parker said he has yet to hear of any similar instances.
Fire Chief Joseph Miller said the victim contacted the department on Wednesday to thank firefighters and told them he was recovering at a hospital in Mobile, Alabama.
Thomas Kiklas, co-founder of the Tobacco Vapour Electronic Cigarette Association, said the industry knows of no problems with the cigarettes or batteries exploding. Mr Kicklas said the cigarettes include a small battery and cartridge. The battery is designed to generate an electric charge when the device is inhaled. The charge sets off the vapour in the cigarette tube. Mr Kiklas cited a federal report that found 2.5 million Americans used electronic cigarettes last year. "There have been billions and billions of puffs on the cigarettes and we have not heard of this happening before," he
said.
Prison fire kills more than 350
A massive fire swept through an overcrowded prison in Honduras and killed more than 350 inmates, including many trapped screaming inside their cells, officials said on Wednesday.
A senior official at the attorney general's office, Danelia Ferrera, said 357 people died in the blaze that began late on Tuesday night at the prison in Comayagua, about 75 kilometres (45 miles) north of the capital Tegucigalpa.
It was one of the worst prison fires ever in Latin America, and local radio reports said many of the inmates were burned to death inside their cells.
"We heard screaming from the people who caught on fire," one prisoner told reporters, showing the fingers he fractured in his escape from the fire. "We had to push up the roof panels to get out."
Worried and angry relatives surrounded the prison on Wednesday morning with some throwing rocks at police and trying to force their way into the prison. Police responded by firing shots into the air and tear gas at the protesters, who were mostly women.
There was confusion over the death toll, with some reports that the 357 figure included more than 100 inmates who escaped during the fire and others that the dead and missing totalled 402 people - almost half the prison's inmates.
Lucy Marder, head of forensic services in Comayagua, said police reported that one of the dead was a woman who stayed overnight and the rest were prisoners, but she said some of the presumed dead could have escaped.
Local media reported that the chief of the Comayagua fire department also died in the blaze.
Honduras has the highest murder rate in the world, according to the United Nations, and there are frequent riots and clashes between members of rival street gangs in its overcrowded prisons. But it was not yet clear if the fire was started during a riot or if it was accident. The gangs, known as 'maras', started in the United States and then spread down into Central America, with members covered in distinctive tattoos and involved in drug trafficking, armed robbery and protection rackets.
The Comayagua prison housed more than 850 inmates; well above its capacity. Local police chief Hector Mejia read out the names of 457 survivors outside the prison, but relatives were not appeased.
"This is desperate, they won't tell us anything and I think my husband is dead," a crying Gregoria Zelaya told Canal 5 TV as she stood by a chain link fence.
Local firemen said they were prevented from entering the prison due to gunshots. But Daniel Orellana, head of the prison system, said there was no riot. "We have two hypotheses, one is that a prisoner set fire to a mattress and the other one is that there was a short circuit in the electrical system," he said.
Across Honduras, prisons are filled to double their capacity with about 12,500 prisoners in jails meant to hold 6,000. More than 100 prisoners were killed in a fire in the textile manufacturing town of San Pedro Sula several years ago, and survivors said later that guards fired on prisoners trying to escape the blaze.
Honduras clocked more than 80 homicides per 100,000 people in 2009, a rate 16 times that of the United States, according to a United Nations report last year.
The country is a major drug trafficking transit point for South American cocaine moving north to consumers in the United States, and authorities say there is increasing presence of violent Mexican drug cartels in the country. A political crisis ripped through Honduras in mid-2009 when a widely-condemned coup toppled the democratically elected president but the country has been trying to heal divisions since the election of President Porfirio Lobo later that year.
A senior official at the attorney general's office, Danelia Ferrera, said 357 people died in the blaze that began late on Tuesday night at the prison in Comayagua, about 75 kilometres (45 miles) north of the capital Tegucigalpa.
It was one of the worst prison fires ever in Latin America, and local radio reports said many of the inmates were burned to death inside their cells.
"We heard screaming from the people who caught on fire," one prisoner told reporters, showing the fingers he fractured in his escape from the fire. "We had to push up the roof panels to get out."
Worried and angry relatives surrounded the prison on Wednesday morning with some throwing rocks at police and trying to force their way into the prison. Police responded by firing shots into the air and tear gas at the protesters, who were mostly women.
There was confusion over the death toll, with some reports that the 357 figure included more than 100 inmates who escaped during the fire and others that the dead and missing totalled 402 people - almost half the prison's inmates.
Lucy Marder, head of forensic services in Comayagua, said police reported that one of the dead was a woman who stayed overnight and the rest were prisoners, but she said some of the presumed dead could have escaped.
Local media reported that the chief of the Comayagua fire department also died in the blaze.
Honduras has the highest murder rate in the world, according to the United Nations, and there are frequent riots and clashes between members of rival street gangs in its overcrowded prisons. But it was not yet clear if the fire was started during a riot or if it was accident. The gangs, known as 'maras', started in the United States and then spread down into Central America, with members covered in distinctive tattoos and involved in drug trafficking, armed robbery and protection rackets.
The Comayagua prison housed more than 850 inmates; well above its capacity. Local police chief Hector Mejia read out the names of 457 survivors outside the prison, but relatives were not appeased.
"This is desperate, they won't tell us anything and I think my husband is dead," a crying Gregoria Zelaya told Canal 5 TV as she stood by a chain link fence.
Local firemen said they were prevented from entering the prison due to gunshots. But Daniel Orellana, head of the prison system, said there was no riot. "We have two hypotheses, one is that a prisoner set fire to a mattress and the other one is that there was a short circuit in the electrical system," he said.
Across Honduras, prisons are filled to double their capacity with about 12,500 prisoners in jails meant to hold 6,000. More than 100 prisoners were killed in a fire in the textile manufacturing town of San Pedro Sula several years ago, and survivors said later that guards fired on prisoners trying to escape the blaze.
Honduras clocked more than 80 homicides per 100,000 people in 2009, a rate 16 times that of the United States, according to a United Nations report last year.
The country is a major drug trafficking transit point for South American cocaine moving north to consumers in the United States, and authorities say there is increasing presence of violent Mexican drug cartels in the country. A political crisis ripped through Honduras in mid-2009 when a widely-condemned coup toppled the democratically elected president but the country has been trying to heal divisions since the election of President Porfirio Lobo later that year.
Wednesday 15 February 2012
Where do H&S advisers work?
H&S advisers are based in a huge range of organisations – from small consultancies to multinationals – and work in partnership with a host of different people, from employees and employers, to trades unions and directors. They are responsible for ensuring that all current H&S legislation is adhered to, and policies and practices adopted. They help to plan, implement, monitor and review the preventative and protective measures that companies are required or choose to follow, and they work to minimise accidents and injuries, occupational health problems and operational losses.
Employers must now appoint ‘competent’ people with responsibility for H&S, irrespective of the size or undertaking of their organisation. A ‘competent’ person is somebody with sufficient experience, training, knowledge and/or other qualities to undertake the role, particularly risk assessment. Because there is a requirement in law to employ such a person, training and experience are legal necessities for the management of H&S. A breach of H&S law is a criminal offence that can result in fines, imprisonment, or both.
Employers must now appoint ‘competent’ people with responsibility for H&S, irrespective of the size or undertaking of their organisation. A ‘competent’ person is somebody with sufficient experience, training, knowledge and/or other qualities to undertake the role, particularly risk assessment. Because there is a requirement in law to employ such a person, training and experience are legal necessities for the management of H&S. A breach of H&S law is a criminal offence that can result in fines, imprisonment, or both.
Tuesday 14 February 2012
Illicit fuel plant dismantled in Peterhead, Scotland
Two "illicit bio-diesel production plants" have been dismantled in Peterhead, HM Revenue and Customs has said.
Grampian Police and HMRC raided the sites, close to the town centre, earlier this week. Officers seized nearly 4,000 litres of illicit fuel, 750 litres of methanol, 200 litres of kerosene, pumps, equipment and business records.
Two men were questioned by HMRC and investigations are continuing. Graeme Anderson, assistant director of HMRC specialist investigations, said: "Illegal bio-diesel sites and those involved are creating a cheap and unregulated supply that honest producers cannot compete with."
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-north-east-orkney-shetland-17010792
Grampian Police and HMRC raided the sites, close to the town centre, earlier this week. Officers seized nearly 4,000 litres of illicit fuel, 750 litres of methanol, 200 litres of kerosene, pumps, equipment and business records.
Two men were questioned by HMRC and investigations are continuing. Graeme Anderson, assistant director of HMRC specialist investigations, said: "Illegal bio-diesel sites and those involved are creating a cheap and unregulated supply that honest producers cannot compete with."
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-north-east-orkney-shetland-17010792
Friday 10 February 2012
CRS Head of Environment at IOSH 2012
Corporate Risk Systems' Head of Environment will be appearing again at the annual IOSH conference. Following the success of Richard and Stephen's book launch at the previous IOSH event in Liverpool, this year Richard will be co-delivering a CoreSkills+ session with EDF Energy London Eye's Head of Technical Development, Kevin Dyer.
The session entitled Waste Management Leisure Attraction Best Practice, will look at the lasted changes in waste regulations which effect all businesses, with a practical overview of Merlin Entertainment's approach ,the operators of London Eye, Madame Tussauds, SEALiFE and the London Dungeon. Richard Ball highlighted ' IOSH 2012 will be a great event, Health
and Safety is going through the biggest period of reflection and discussion for a generation, ... Corporate Risk Systems has been working for Merlin Entertainments London Division for over 5 years and this is a opportunity to share some of the experience we have gained together.' IOSH 2012 takes place on the 6th and 7th March in Manchester.
The session entitled Waste Management Leisure Attraction Best Practice, will look at the lasted changes in waste regulations which effect all businesses, with a practical overview of Merlin Entertainment's approach ,the operators of London Eye, Madame Tussauds, SEALiFE and the London Dungeon. Richard Ball highlighted ' IOSH 2012 will be a great event, Health
and Safety is going through the biggest period of reflection and discussion for a generation, ... Corporate Risk Systems has been working for Merlin Entertainments London Division for over 5 years and this is a opportunity to share some of the experience we have gained together.' IOSH 2012 takes place on the 6th and 7th March in Manchester.
Thursday 9 February 2012
Energy power industry expected to offer biggest opportunities
KPMG’s sixth annual global construction survey finds that 41 per cent of the top global engineering and construction leaders expect the energy/power industry to offer the biggest opportunities for revenue growth in the next 12 months and as a result, this could change the direction and even the landscape of the construction industry. Mike Froom, head of property and construction said: “This year could see the construction industry in the UK and around the globe start to change direction significantly as the energy sector grows as a source of income for the industry. As a result, the demand for firms and individuals with energy sector-specific engineering and construction skills will rise as power projects proliferate. This provides local businesses with a real opportunity – whether consultants, contractors or the associated supply chains – but they must ensure they have the necessary skills to be able to respond to the potential emerging in this sector of the market.” The survey shows that economic uncertainty is still seen as the greatest systemic threat to the construction industry but optimism remains widespread amongst the global engineering and construction leaders as almost half (49 per cent) expect to increase their backlog orders in the next 12 months.
CRS offer various Training Courses for the Construction Industry visit our website now www.crsrisk.com get trained and be ready….
CRS offer various Training Courses for the Construction Industry visit our website now www.crsrisk.com get trained and be ready….
Chevron Pembroke Deaths Update - Man Questioned over potential Manslaughter offences
A man has been questioned over potential manslaughter offences after a fatal explosion at a Pembrokeshire refinery on 2 June 2011 [see our original story and updates at http://www.crsrisk.com/blog/index.php/2011/06/four-killed-at-chevron-refinery-pembroke-dock/ and http://www.crsrisk.com/blog/index.php/2011/06/chevron-pembroke-dock-blast-2-june-2011-update/], Dyfed-Powys Police say.
Four people were killed at the Pembroke site, which at the time was owned by oil company Chevron. Julie Schmitz, 54, a fire guard from Pembroke, died alongside Dennis Riley, 52, Robert Broome, 48, and Andrew Jenkins, 33, all from Milford Haven. Police say questioning is part of the on-going investigation into the blast.
"Dyfed-Powys Police can confirm that they interviewed a male employee of Valero Energy Limited under caution at Haverfordwest Police Station in connection with the explosion at the refinery in Pembroke," said a spokesperson. "This man was interviewed in relation to potential offences of manslaughter by gross negligence."
The deaths happened when a 730 cubic metre storage tank exploded, damaging a vessel next to it. A fifth person was also seriously injured in the blast.
Since the incident, the refinery has been sold to Valero Energy.
Dyfed-Powys Police said the interview took place on 24 January. "This development is very much part of the continuing joint police and Health & Safety Executive investigation which is of an extremely complex nature, and no conclusions should be drawn from it at this stage," added the police spokesperson.
An inquest into the four deaths was opened and adjourned over the summer, while the full inquiry into the explosion continues.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-south-west-wales-16949100
Four people were killed at the Pembroke site, which at the time was owned by oil company Chevron. Julie Schmitz, 54, a fire guard from Pembroke, died alongside Dennis Riley, 52, Robert Broome, 48, and Andrew Jenkins, 33, all from Milford Haven. Police say questioning is part of the on-going investigation into the blast.
"Dyfed-Powys Police can confirm that they interviewed a male employee of Valero Energy Limited under caution at Haverfordwest Police Station in connection with the explosion at the refinery in Pembroke," said a spokesperson. "This man was interviewed in relation to potential offences of manslaughter by gross negligence."
The deaths happened when a 730 cubic metre storage tank exploded, damaging a vessel next to it. A fifth person was also seriously injured in the blast.
Since the incident, the refinery has been sold to Valero Energy.
Dyfed-Powys Police said the interview took place on 24 January. "This development is very much part of the continuing joint police and Health & Safety Executive investigation which is of an extremely complex nature, and no conclusions should be drawn from it at this stage," added the police spokesperson.
An inquest into the four deaths was opened and adjourned over the summer, while the full inquiry into the explosion continues.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-south-west-wales-16949100
Tuesday 7 February 2012
Clearing snow and ice yourself - the 'snow code'
There's no law stopping you from clearing snow and ice on the pavement outside your home or from public spaces. It's unlikely you'll be sued or held legally responsible for any injuries on the path if you have cleared it carefully. Remember, people walking on snow and ice have a responsibility to be careful themselves.
Follow the link for advice on clearing paths and public spaces safely and effectively.
Clearing snow and ice from pavements yourself
Follow the link for advice on clearing paths and public spaces safely and effectively.
Clearing snow and ice from pavements yourself
Sunday 5 February 2012
Cheshire arsonist sets himself on fire
An arsonist who tried to torch a pub set himself on fire, CCTV footage released by Cheshire Fire Service has revealed.
Michael Morgan, 33, of West Road, Congleton, was sentenced to 30 months imprisonment for reckless arson on 16 December 2011 at Chester Crown Court.
Morgan admitted an arson attack on The Club in Congleton on 1 August. The attack video was issued by the fire service as part of its arson reduction campaign.
Colin Heyes, Cheshire Fire Service's arson reduction manager, said the CCTV "clearly shows how dangerous this sort of reckless behaviour can be".
"It was fortunate that there was nobody in the property at the time of the fire," he said.
Mr Heyes added: "The person in the footage ended up going to prison for this crime. Arson costs the taxpayers millions and more importantly it costs people their lives. I would urge anyone who sees someone involved in this sort of crime to report it."
Michael Morgan, 33, of West Road, Congleton, was sentenced to 30 months imprisonment for reckless arson on 16 December 2011 at Chester Crown Court.
Morgan admitted an arson attack on The Club in Congleton on 1 August. The attack video was issued by the fire service as part of its arson reduction campaign.
Colin Heyes, Cheshire Fire Service's arson reduction manager, said the CCTV "clearly shows how dangerous this sort of reckless behaviour can be".
"It was fortunate that there was nobody in the property at the time of the fire," he said.
Mr Heyes added: "The person in the footage ended up going to prison for this crime. Arson costs the taxpayers millions and more importantly it costs people their lives. I would urge anyone who sees someone involved in this sort of crime to report it."
Friday 3 February 2012
Workplace relations tested to the limit
As the Chartered Institute for Personnel and Development (CIPD) predicts a further 120,000 jobs will be lost in 2012, workplace relations look set to be tested to the limit says the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS). The organisation which aims to improve organisations and working life through better employment relations says that being able to manage redundancies and restructuring in a constructive and positive manner puts organisations in a strong position for recovery. ACAS says when managing redundancies, it's essential for employers to ensure that they comply with the law to avoid tribunal claims later for unfair dismissal. When an employer proposes to make 20 or more employees redundant over a period of 90 days or less, they are obliged by law to consult both unions and individual employees and draw up a formal redundancy procedure. Employers also need to check whether any staff are legally entitled to redundancy payments. For more information click here.
Chemistry Fire at York University
Firefighters are tackling what they describe as a large blaze at the University of York.
North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue were called to the building on Alcuin Way, Heslington shortly before 13:00 GMT on Thursday.
Officers said the fire was thought to have started in a chemical fumes cabinet.
A university spokesperson said the building, part of the chemistry department, had been safely evacuated.
A spokesman for North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue said six engines and support appliances were fighting the fire which was in the roof of the two-storey building. Firefighters are also on the first floor tackling the fire which is in the fume cupboard ducting.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england- york-north-yorkshire-16857952
North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue were called to the building on Alcuin Way, Heslington shortly before 13:00 GMT on Thursday.
Officers said the fire was thought to have started in a chemical fumes cabinet.
A university spokesperson said the building, part of the chemistry department, had been safely evacuated.
A spokesman for North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue said six engines and support appliances were fighting the fire which was in the roof of the two-storey building. Firefighters are also on the first floor tackling the fire which is in the fume cupboard ducting.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england- york-north-yorkshire-16857952
Wednesday 1 February 2012
Major fire at London Unigate Dairy attended by 15 fire engines
Around 75 firefighters and 15 fire engines are tackling a blaze at a site that is believed to be a dairy.
London Fire Brigade warned that any gas cylinders inside the property could explode and erected a safety cordon in Wood Lane, Shepherd's Bush, West London.
Fire crews from across London were attempting to put out the flames after being called out at 9.35am Tuesday. The Metropolitan Police said it had closed the A40 in both directions in the area "so that the fire brigade can work safely".
More than 100 people have been evacuated from the Unigate factory complex, according to a local petrol station worker.
Rashid Ansari, 23, a sales assistant at Esso in Wood Lane, said: "The fire brigade evacuated more than 100 people. The fire took place around the back of the Unigate factory. It is a multiple factory so a lot of people work there. It is a welding factory. They have closed the road and not a single person is allowed down here. There is lots of thick, dark smoke. The fire brigade have controlled the fire right now."
The cause of the blaze is not yet known.
A spokeswoman for Dairycrest said the company sold the building in 2002, but she did not know who bought it.
London Fire Brigade station manager Rod Horton, who is at the scene, said: "The fire is affecting a range of industrial buildings on the dairy site. It's a challenging and developing incident at the moment and we're likely to be at the scene for some time."
An ambulance and a hazardous area response team are in attendance but a London Ambulance Service spokeswoman said no one has been reported hurt.
London Fire Brigade warned that any gas cylinders inside the property could explode and erected a safety cordon in Wood Lane, Shepherd's Bush, West London.
Fire crews from across London were attempting to put out the flames after being called out at 9.35am Tuesday. The Metropolitan Police said it had closed the A40 in both directions in the area "so that the fire brigade can work safely".
More than 100 people have been evacuated from the Unigate factory complex, according to a local petrol station worker.
Rashid Ansari, 23, a sales assistant at Esso in Wood Lane, said: "The fire brigade evacuated more than 100 people. The fire took place around the back of the Unigate factory. It is a multiple factory so a lot of people work there. It is a welding factory. They have closed the road and not a single person is allowed down here. There is lots of thick, dark smoke. The fire brigade have controlled the fire right now."
The cause of the blaze is not yet known.
A spokeswoman for Dairycrest said the company sold the building in 2002, but she did not know who bought it.
London Fire Brigade station manager Rod Horton, who is at the scene, said: "The fire is affecting a range of industrial buildings on the dairy site. It's a challenging and developing incident at the moment and we're likely to be at the scene for some time."
An ambulance and a hazardous area response team are in attendance but a London Ambulance Service spokeswoman said no one has been reported hurt.
Firm fined after lack of hygiene facilities for workers
A Bristol building firm has been fined after a court heard it failed to provide basic washing and welfare facilities for workers despite enforcement action at another of its sites.
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