assetlifet h e o f f i c i a l n e w s l e t t e r o f E P M s o l u t i o n s L t d

S P R I N G 2 0 0 6

MAINTEC momentsWe recall some of the most memorable moments from

the show

Whatʼs the mission?We have put pen to

paper and documented a mission with a difference

Staff developmentChristine and Allen can

pat themselves on the back

2 3 4

Buncefi eld - the aftermathF O L L O W I N G B U N C E F I E L D C O M A H S I T E S C O M E U N D E R C L O S E S C R U T I N Y

The Buncefi eld incident on 11th December 2005 has demonstrated the capability of a very large hydrocarbon leak to create a massive explosion with a destructive power

beyond the typical ‘worst case’ normally used for on- and off-site emergency planning purposes, and as the basis for advice to planning authorities on off-site development options. The incident is a reminder of the need for operators to maintain the highest levels of plant integrity and operational capability. There are nearly 100 sites around Great Britain with consent to store quantities of oil or other fuels that make them subject to the Control of Major Accident Hazards (COMAH) Regulations 1999.

Whilst the precise causes of the incident at Buncefi eld have not yet been fully identifi ed, HSE advises that operators of similar installations:

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In order to ensure that this happens HSE has formed an inspection team charged with developing a staged programme. Visits to all oil/fuel storage sites that fall under the COMAH Regulations will be undertaken without delay, and, if practicable, before the operators complete their further assessment. When HSE Inspectors visit the sites, or speak to the operators, they will expect the operators to have made progress with reviewing their arrangements, and will discuss any reasonably practicable improvements that should be made at that time. If necessary, HSE will use its enforcement powers to ensure that timely site-based improvements are made. When more precise information on the cause of the incident is determined, further advice will be issued to the industry, together with a plan for HSE and, if appropriate, the relevant environment agency staff (either EA or SEPA).

review the safety of their operations and plant to ensure that major accident hazards are being well managed,ensure that staff are adequately trained and competent to manage these hazardous operations,ensure that management systems are robust, and subject to effective review,ensure that relevant good practice precautions are in place and fully operational, andensure that there are appropriate measures in place for responding to, and dealing with, emergencies involving loss of containment.

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MAINTEC momentsW E R E C A L L O U R FAV O U R I T E M O M E N T S F R O M T H E S H O W

MAINTEC may seem like a distant memory now, but the follow up for EPM still continues. At the show the key objective for

EPM was to speak to software companies about the prospect of strategic alliances as well as getting in front of as many direct customer prospects as possible. Shire Systems had a busy stand and EPM were pleased to offer strategic advice to many of their customers who made their way from the Shire stand to EPM. The natural synergy between software sales and EPM’s asset management and implementation service was clearly evident as MAINTEC visitors sought out a complete end-to-end solution.

As always with these type of events there are quieter moments, so it was important to maximise the busy times by talking to people and getting them on the stand. One tactic EPM found useful was watching passers by who looked undecided as to where they were going. Scott Burleigh of EPM commented, “we would simply approach people and ask them if they were looking for anything in particular. As soon as the ice was broken, and

the conversation started to fl ow we could naturally start talking to them about their objectives at the show. In most cases we were able to help.” It’s not all about what happens at the show either as Gary Kerr proved when he sat next to a one day visitor whilst travelling on the bus from the hotel to the NEC. What started as small talk turned out to be a valuable lead that has resulted in a number of subsequent meetings following the show. It just goes to prove that you should always keep your eyes and ears open.

So, the big question is ‘what did everyone think of the covering your ass theme that EPM have adopted in their marketing communications?’ Particularly, what did the ladies make of the bikini clad female on the walls of the stand? Were they offended? “Defi nitely not,” says Gary Kerr, who admits to being a little nervous before the show started. “The ladies loved it, particularly the younger ones. It got us noticed and we received many complements for taking a bold although unconventional approach.” Roll on next year!

new website launchedT H E N E W E P M W E B S I T E I S N O W C O M P L E T E

asset management | engineering | project management

In line with EPM’s recent re-branding it was clear that the website also need to be updated. We have taken this opportunity to not only update the look and feel of the site, but also to refresh all

of the content.

Two key changes include more clearly defi ned services that are easier to navigate, and an extended download section. The download area now contains the new corporate brochures, case studies, and maintenance documents as well as the usual factsheets and newsletters. Other additions to the site include a mission statement, company values, quality objectives and details of the EPM service promise. To read our new mission statement and values see across or visit www.epmsolutions.co.uk to take in the full details of the site changes,

how to cover

your ASSe ts

Y O U R A S S E T Q U E S T I O N S A N S W E R E D

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What’s the missionA S W E L L A S O N T H E W E B S I T E O U R M I S S I O N A N D VA L U E S A R E N O W I N P R I N T

www.epmsolutions.co.uk

MissionEPM Solutions is a young and dynamic company that fi lls a distinct gap in the UK market place for engineering focused asset management and project management services. Going forward our plan is to continue expanding the business in 5 key industry sectors: Oil & gas, Drinks, Foods, Aerospace & defence, Chemicals & pharmaceuticals. Within the next 3 years EPM will become a leading provider of asset management services to these sectors on a global basis. In addition, the company intends to develop strong strategic alliances with forward thinking software providers who operate in the fi eld of asset maintenance.

ValuesEPM was founded by Gary Kerr in Paisley, Scotland where the head offi ce is still based. EPM’s culture is very much in harmony with these roots and will remain so: Hard working, open & honest, value driven, friendly and accommodating, straight talking. We value all of our customers, suppliers and partners treating each one with equal respect and importance. We recognise that without them EPM would not be able to deliver the service that it does. We believe that our success can only be maintained as long as we deliver good value and service. Above all we enjoy what we do, and take nothing for granted!

I have been given the responsibility for the management of the assets at a number of food processing sites across the UK. One of the fi rst things we need to do is get the right software

in place to help us do this. Do you have any recommendations as to how I should go about this task?

Shop around or seek independent advice - there are many software solutions on the market and there will be one that suits your business. The functionality, support and cost of software varies greatly so be careful. Also be mindful that your IT guys will be interested in what you are doing so it would be better to involve them as part of the team early on. Often software is looked upon as the solution - be sure that your team knows that the software is only a tool that will help deliver your policy - it will not do it on its own. Once installed all levels of maintenance personnel should have an awareness of what the CMMS is and what it does. There will be varying responsibilities for each person, so make sure that the training is tailored to those needs. You should also remember that the implementation of an asset maintenance and management policy is not just about software. Think about who will be responsible for each stage of the projects delivery - from asset surveys to data entry and task generation, there will be a resource requirement to deliver your policy properly.

© 2006 EPM Solutions Ltd. EPM Solutions endeavours to ensure that the information in assetlife is up to date and accurate. However, where concerned you are advised to consult with the appropriate bodies for further details. Designed & published by the marketing cafe T. 0141 582 1278

EPM Solutions Ltd. 51 Back Sneddon Street, Paisley, PA3 2DDT. 0141 848 6609 F. 0141 848 7749 E. info@epmsolutions.co.uk www.epmsolutions.co.uk

Staff SpotlightG A R Y K E R R

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Place of birth

Johnstone

Position held at work

Managing Director

Interests

Football, music, family

Favourite food

Beef Olives!

Favourite music and artist

Varied musical taste - often told I am stuck

in the 80’s. Midge Ure, Frank Sinatra and

The Alarm, almost anything really but not

RAP. Currently listening a lot to David Gray

Favourite TV programme

Most sport, and at the moment The

Apprentice

Favourite movie

Spiderman or The Incredibles

Favourite place visited

Edinburgh

Favourite actor

Mel Gibson

As the founder of EPM Solutions Gary Kerr is the Managing Director, so there is no doubt as to where the buck stops.

If you were not at EPM , what would you like to be doing?Owner of a pub/ café in CorfuIf you could trade places withanyone for a day, who would it be and why?No real desire to change my life, but would love to have been around when Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack were strutting there stuff - to have done that would have been something else - Performing the standards in front of a big band and a Las Vegas crowd would be a dream. One thing that nobody knows about youI once had hair - yellow!!!What would you do if you won the lotteryPanic!!! Then make sure all my family were OK, then with the interest make a bid for our local football club.If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?No more traffi c cameras or an end to needless suffering and confl icts.What do you enjoy most about working at EPMI do enjoy my job and the most satisfying part is that each day is different and there is always something new to do.

EPM staff development

Allen De Worinin recently passed the City & Guilds 2391 exam, which qualifi es him to carry out inspection and testing of electrical installations. Allen, who attended a six week evening course at Reid Kerr College says, “I have been

keen to do this course for a while as I already have the City & Guilds 2381 wiring regulations certifi cate. The inspection, testing and certifi cation of electrical installations qualifi cation seems like a natural follow on for me.” Allen’s knowledge will now be put to good use across the EPM customer base in further developing the services we offer in this important area.

Christine Miller has successfully completed the First Aid at Work (statutory) four day course in compliance with the current Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981. As a successful student Christine now possesses a certifi cate to show that she is qualifi ed to be a First Aider in the EPM workplace for the next three years. Christine says, “the course was really useful not just for knowledge inside the workplace, but in my personal life too”. As a qualifi ed First Aider Christine is now familiar with the recovery position, Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and the treatment of shock following an accident.

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