Case Studies » Her Majesty’s Naval Base Devonport
The Challenge
Her Majesty’s Naval Base Devonport is the largest dockyard in Europe, and is the UK centre of excellence for deep maintenance of Royal Navy complex platforms.
A request was made to review maintenance operations compliance in respect of the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR). The areas under discussion were regarding maintenance processes utilising potentially dangerous substances, and ensuring a safe working environment for both direct and sub-contract personnel.
The Solution Provided
Areas where persons are required to work for significant periods provide a challenge because the surrounding environment may be a potentially explosive atmosphere for short periods in normal and foreseeable abnormal operation.
A review and gap analysis of existing controls was carried out around: Separation, storage and use of substances; adequacy of ventilation, and avoidance of ignition sources for the areas; mitigation, and emergency response measures.
The findings and recommendations were clearly laid out, helping the customer to manage risks and demonstrate compliance with DSEAR such that current and future activities may be safely carried out.
