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Case Studies » Noble Foods

The challenge

A visit was made to Noble Foods Limited Cotswold Farm premises at Witney on 13th May 2015 to consider compliance in respect of the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR).

This was requested by the site H&S team as a previous health & safety audit had identified the need to ensure compliance with DSEAR particularly in respect to storage and handling of LPG.

In the transport yard there are two sets of LPG tanks and also a diesel tank.

Because of the nature of the products handled the filling processes carried out will involve the generation of flammable vapours albeit purpose-designed transfer systems are in place. There is also the potential for an unplanned emergency to occur and procedures and system will be needed to account for such events to prevent a much more hazardous situation being created.

The solution provided

An assessment of the site was carried out in compliance with the DSEAR regulations 2002 and overall risk deemed as LOW. However the site survey indicated a number of relevant actions were needed in order to ensure DSEAR compliance was achieved. A number of points od particular significance were noted and reported back to site management.

Hazardous zoning requirements were clearly outlined and potential sources of ignition were explored. It was stressed that highly flammable gas properties require strict procedures and maintenance of key equipment to minimise life safety risk is of vital importance.

All activities involved with LPG and Diesel storage were assessed and a series of improvement actions were clearly presented.