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Case Studies » RAF Shawbury

The challenge

A visit was made to the MOD Royal Air Force station at Shawbury, Shropshire on 20th January 2015 to consider compliance in respect of the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR).

RAF Shawbury operates as a training establishment for helicopters and air traffic control, and many of the services are delivered by / in conjunction with civilian contractors. The site footprint extends to around 300 hectares and around 250 buildings in total, although the DSEAR focus is primarily upon arrangements for aviation fuel, paint shop and other flammable substances in use on-site.

The solution provided

The site has bulk tanks and bowsers available for dispensing of fuel to aviation and transport vehicles across the entire site. Maintenance and battery charging operations are other areas that may give rise to potential fire and / or explosion hazard. The site also has numerous portable or external facilities linked to Petroleum, oil and Lubricant (POL) storage or fuel transfer systems.

DSEAR imposes a requirement to eliminate or reduce risks to safety from fire, explosion or other events arising from the hazardous properties of any dangerous substance used in connection with a work process.

In working with the site relevant advice to minimise the impact from hazardous substances was provided. Recognised standards and guidance were used in determining the appropriate status and extent of DSEAR hazardous zones for site operations.

Significant findings from the risk assessment survey were clearly laid out in a detailed report. This included identification of where the risk existed, what the level of risk was and what improvement actions should be implemented to mitigate the risks going forwards.