Solution: Finch Gas Safety Audit Form and Report
To address the challenge, Finch used a proprietary Gas Safety audit form to act as the basis for a gap analysis against GS(IU)R and UKLPG COPs, as well as PUWER, PSSR and DSEAR. Following the audit, a list of recommended changes was discussed with the responsible persons and the senior management team to take action so they remained compliant.
Steps Taken:
- Initial Consultation
- Gather relevant information and procedures from the client about their LPG and gas safety and processes, which were on site with the relevant personnel.
- Conduct a gap analysis/audit
- Carry out a gap analysis/audit on the existing procedures and policies to see what key actions were required for LPG and gas safety.
- Formulated the legal compliance and best practice score for each section of the regulations
- Calculated the legal compliance and best practice scores and summarised the key actions and recommendations to be undertaken.
- Conduct Site Visit for audit purposes
- Explore each of the sites, looking at the physical assets as well as how procedures are followed for LPG Storage and LPG Cylinder handling. This included emergency drills, maintenance and inspection regimes.
Outcome:
The project identified improvements to policies, procedures and physical assets. The audit process was crucial in:
- Ensuring the client is being legally compliant:
- Correct procedures and processes were in place for LPG storage and LPG cylinders handling, and all other gas systems procedures and policies were up-to-date, and the client was compliant.
- The risks are as low as reasonably practicable (ALARP):
- Carry out all the essential actions/recommendations to ensure all the risks are as low as reasonably practicable (ALARP).
Conclusion:
By employing the gap analysis audit assessment for Gas Safety, Finch Consulting enabled the clients’ facilities to gain a thorough understanding of their risks and establish a strong basis of safety for gas/LPG safety. This facilitated safer operations but also ensured they remained legally compliant under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations (GS(IU)R) and Liquid Gas UK Code of Practices (COPs).