Supply Chain - Health & Safety - Confined Spaces

To ensure compliance with tighter Environment Agency permits for phosphorus removal, the number of phosphorus reduction schemes have quadrupled since AMP5 and is seen by some as one of the biggest challenges ever to face the water industry. The Water Industry National Environment Programme (WINEP) is a programme of actions that water companies are required to undertake to improve the environment and to meet the environmental legislative requirements that apply to water companies in England. Southern Water are undertaking a five-year programme of work, with CMDP JV appointed as framework contractor in 2020 for the east region covering Kent, East and West Sussex and Surrey, along with emergent works in the West, with responsibility for delivering 37 WINEP projects during AMP7. Design In collaboration with the design team, a variety of solutions have been delivered, from a small bespoke 1m3 ferric dosing solution at Cherry Gardens WwTW, to larger scale projects such as a 40m3 caustic dosing system along with a 7-lane deep bed sand filter at Scaynes Hill Treatment Works. Process engineering specialists from CMDP JV (a joint venture between Costain and MWH Treatment) collaborated with Southern Water to review the scope of each site, identifying opportunities for no-build and low-build solutions by optimising existing assets to meet permits. This was achieved by commissioning extended load and flow surveys to pinpoint issues and identify the level of intervention required. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Excavation for sub-slab level ducting and drainage pipework to the chemical dosing kiosks - Courtesy of CMDP JV[/caption] This approach identified full no-build solutions at four sites, allowing £8m to be invested in other sites which presented greater risk. CMDP JV also invested in trials at three sites, which helped to establish that the existing tertiary treatment facilities were capable of satisfying the requirement of the new permits, thus providing millions of pounds of savings to Southern Water. At the start of AMP7, it was decided to undertake the design work in a shared integrated space with Southern Water, CMDP JV, subcontractors and supply chain working closely together to ensure a well thought out, robust design was in place before starting on site. The main objective of this approach was to ensure the on-site delivery and commissioning of the projects runs smoothly and is ‘right first time’. The team engages with Southern Water in weekly workshops to review design; challenging specifications and value engineering solutions by walking through the design virtually to gain buy-in to the solution and first-time approval at Risk and Value (R&V) meetings. The team approach ensures design consistency and use of standard solutions through a core design team of civils, mechanical, electrical and process designers. Southern Water WINEP: Supply chain - key participants Client: Southern Water Delivery partner: CMDP JV Costain MWH Treatment Civils installation: Coleman Construction & Utilities Ltd Electrical installation: Econotech Ltd Mechanical installation: Pipe Systems Ltd MEICA: Bridges Electrical Engineers Ltd MCC/switchgear: MCS Control Systems Ltd Tertiary treatment plant: Bluewater Bio Ltd Lamella plant: ATAC Solutions Ltd Phosphorus & iron monitoring/kiosks: Servitech International [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="1200"] (left) Lifting of tertiary treatment plant, control panel and pipework manifold and (right) loading of media into TTP pressure vessels - Courtesy of CMDP JV[/caption] Smart construction solutions The team has formed strategic relationships with the supply chain partners to retain learning and efficiencies across the WINEP sites. This is helping to support the client in a ‘left shift’ approach, bringing production thinking and constructability expertise into the design phase to enable safe, efficient construction. Supply chain partners attend constructability reviews with construction delivery leads and the design team to ensure right first-time installation. The use of visual tools such as BIM 360 and Synchro 4D optimise the sequence, resolve interfaces, and develop logistics plans. One example of this approach bringing programme, budget and environmental benefits, is the review of logistics and collaboration with the client ecologist at Wingham (Dambridge) WwTW. This identified opportunity to reuse spoil in redundant storm tanks to create a new habitat. This saved over 100 lorry journeys, £50,000 in cost and 3.62t CO2e. Safety focus Despite working across multiple active projects and tackling a range of challenges including deep excavations, complex deliveries and lifts plus a variety of temporary works, safety has remained the highest priority of all times. This led to the team achieving zero loss of time injuries across the programme during 2022, after 1,986 days worked across the programme. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Close-up of pre-fabricated off-site manifold block - Courtesy of CMDP JV[/caption] Ticehurst WwTW One example of where the team has successfully implemented a phosphorus reduction scheme is at Ticehurst WwTW, East Sussex, where the scope of work included: Chemical dosing Two dosing plants were incorporated into the treatment plant: ferric and alkalinity. The ferric dosing reduces phosphorus levels, while the alkalinity dosing balances the pH levels, which can be affected by the ferric dosing. As the ferric dosing acts as a coagulant, increasing the volume of sludge produced, a tertiary treatment plant was installed to filter the final effluent with increased solids, removing phosphorus from the wastewater. To ensure safety during chemical deliveries, an interceptor chamber was constructed. This will retain any chemicals spilled during the delivery process (eg. in the event of a tanker failure or hose split). Retaining the chemicals within the intercept chamber mitigates the risk of contamination to either the normal site drainage system, which feeds back to the inlet of the works, or the surrounding environment. Monitoring system To maintain compliance with regulations, a phosphorus and final effluent monitoring kiosk from Servitech International Ltd was installed. This monitoring system ensures that the effluent leaving the treatment plant meets the required standards. A pH monitor was added to verify the pH levels of the final effluent, guaranteeing its suitability for release. MCC A new MCC (motor control centre) was installed; serving as the central control hub and powering the site. Additionally, a new S2000 telemetry outstation was installed. This enables communication between new and existing plant, and Southern Water’s main control centre, enabling monitoring of any alarms on the site. Potable water supply To meet the requirements set by Southern Water, a potable water supply was essential for the treatment plant. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Directional drilling rig completing second drive - Courtesy of CMDP JV[/caption] While an existing final effluent water supply was available for plant maintenance activities, the installation of safety showers and eye-baths required access to clean, drinkable water. The nearest connection was 350m away off the site to the west. This required a pipeline to cross private fields and the neighbouring Dale Hill Golf Club. To reduce the impact on local stakeholders, a directional drilling technique was deployed.  This involved deploying a small drill head, which can drive up to 100m underground. This only required a small number of pits to be dug, rather than digging a trench across the whole length of the pipe. Site access An additional challenge arose due to the treatment plant’s sole access road, which crosses the golf course. To ensure the safety of drivers traveling along this access road for work or deliveries, close cooperation with golf course management was necessary. Timetable/progress CMDP JV commenced site mobilisation in August 2021. Civils works began in October, followed by early M&E installation works which enabled early start of ferric dosing and phosphate and ferric monitoring. The construction completion milestone was achieved in August 2022, with takeover and final completion due by the end of 2023, following a period of process optimisation. The project was completed with zero safety, health and environmental accidents or incidents. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Completed installation of tertiary treatment plant - Courtesy of CMDP JV[/caption] Looking forward CMDP JV will continue to support Southern Water’s WINEP projects, with 18 schemes planned over the next two years to complete Southern Water’s AMP 7 portfolio. This includes Lingfield WwTW in Surrey, which will include new tertiary treatment, biological trickling filter, installation of a new pumping station, two pumping station upgrades and a new caustic dosing system. At Tunbridge Wells South, work will include a new 22.5m diameter final settlement tank, new caustic dosing and refurbishment of the ferric dosing facilities. CMDP JV is playing a key role in Southern Water’s response to the challenges posed by WINEP, and will continue to implement learnings from previous works as the programme progresses.

Reliable Emergency Response Regular maintenance ensures that the safety shower is in proper working condition and ready to be used when needed. By conducting routine inspections and maintenance activities such as testing water flow, checking water temperature, and inspecting valves, any potential issues can be identified and addressed promptly, ensuring that the safety shower will function reliably during an emergency. Regular inspection and testing also ensures the area around the safety shower is always checked and clear from obstructions. Employee Safety The primary purpose of a safety shower is to provide immediate decontamination in case of exposure to hazardous substances. Regular maintenance helps ensure that the safety shower is fully operational and ready should it be needed. Compliance with Regulations Safety showers are often subject to regulatory requirements and standards that specify their maintenance and inspection. By adhering to these regulations, companies demonstrate their commitment to compliance and workplace safety. Regular maintenance helps ensure that the safety shower meets the required standards and ensures the company is meeting its legal requirement. Extended Lifespan A safety shower should have a lifespan of approximately 15-20 years.  Proper maintenance and care can significantly extend the lifespan of a safety shower. By promptly addressing any issues, replacing worn-out components, and conducting regular cleaning, you can prevent major breakdowns and costly repairs. Regular maintenance helps keep the safety shower in optimal condition, reducing the need for premature replacements. Conclusion Maintaining a safety shower is essential for its reliable performance, employee safety, regulatory compliance, and overall operational readiness. Regular maintenance and inspections help identify and address any issues promptly, ensuring that the safety shower is always ready for use during emergencies.     For more information: +44(0)1942 318096 | www.aqua-safety.com  

Based in the Northwest of England, they have strived to build up a brand well known in the marketplace. Janet Waine, Managing Director of Aqua Safety showers explains how important a safety shower is and what is required to meet legal requirements. The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 states all employees have a safe place to work. In industries and workplaces where employees handle hazardous materials, the importance of having an emergency safety shower cannot be overstated. Accidents can happen, and exposure to chemicals or other dangerous substances can occur unexpectedly, putting workers' health and well-being at risk. By installing a safety shower unit, you are meeting your duty of care to your employees as well as promoting a culture of safety within your workplace. The latest specifications for safety showers state that the shower should deliver tepid water to avoid thermal shock and further injury. The unit should be easily accessible and visible. The best option to achieve this is to install a TS1500L self- contained safety shower. This unit holds 1500L of water which is warmed to 18-20°C and will deliver the required 15 minutes of tepid water both from the shower and eyewash (if fitted). This unit is manufactured from stainless steel and GRP which are all corrosive resistant materials and comes with photo luminous signage as standard. Many optional extras are available to suit site requirements and specifications. A washdown hose reel is a piece of equipment that should be installed at the side of the safety shower so the area can be hosed down after any spillage. Aqua safety showers offer a range of retractable wash down hosereels which are built into a heavy-duty GRP heated cabinet. The cabinet is mounted on a stainless-steel pedestal. [caption id="attachment_9955" align="alignnone" width="1200"] A washdown hose reel[/caption] A safety shower is an asset and should last for approximately 20 years. To ensure this long service life of this piece of equipment the unit should be tested weekly to ensure correct operation and serviced ideally every 3-6 months. At Aqua, we understand the importance of keeping your safety shower in optimal condition to ensure the well-being of your workforce. By ensuring a service contract is in place you are investing in the longevity and reliability of your asset. Aqua Safety showers offer a complete maintenance package for any model of safety showers and offers site surveys should this be required. Conclusion Having an emergency safety shower in the workplace is not just a legal requirement; it is a vital investment in employee safety. By providing immediate access to decontamination, safety showers play a crucial role in preventing and reducing injuries resulting from exposure to hazardous materials. Moreover, they ensure compliance with regulations, enhance emergency preparedness, reduce costs, and promote a culture of safety within the organization. Employers should prioritize the installation, maintenance, and regular training on the usage of safety showers to create a safer and more secure work environment for their employees.     For more information: +44(0)1942 318096 | www.aqua-safety.com