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From Pipelines, Polymers and Consulting: Nick Freer’s Journey in Process Safety

From Pipelines, Polymers and Consulting: Nick Freer’s Journey in Process Safety

I’ve always believed that process safety is more than compliance, it’s about protecting people, communities, and the environment. Over a decade in different industries, I’ve worked across a variety of sectors, from offshore oil and gas to polymer manufacturing, and now as a consultant supporting organisations across the UK and beyond in different industries. Each step has reinforced my belief that good engineering and good safety practices go hand in hand.

Posted

13.10.2025

Written by

Nick Freer

Starting Offshore: Learning the Fundamentals at Paradigm Flow Services

My process safety journey began with Paradigm Flow Services, working offshore in the North Sea on complex pipeline and flow assurance challenges. The environments were high-risk and high-pressure, both literally and figuratively, and it was there that I learned the real-world importance of risk assessments, safe systems of work, and clear communication.

Working closely with engineers and technicians, I helped assess and manage risks related to:

  • High-pressure oil and gas systems
  • Deployment of novel pipeline remediation technologies
  • Developing risk assessments and method statements in remote settings

That early exposure gave me a strong grounding in practical safety, and taught me the value of working collaboratively with those on the front line.

Moving Onshore: Deepening My Expertise at Synthomer

After a few years in the Oil and Gas Industry, I joined Synthomer, a major chemical manufacturer operating COMAH-regulated sites. This was a very different environment, complex chemical processes, strict regulatory oversight, and a growing emphasis on process safety management systems.

At Synthomer, I was responsible for:

  • Scribing HAZOP and LOPA studies
  • Process Safety improvement projects such as single seal pump replacement strategy for flammable duty pumps
  • Developed the overall asset strategy for the site to demonstrate to the leadership team that assets were being maintained and inspected adequately.
  • Conducting equipment failure investigations and implementing corrective actions
  • Supporting DSEAR compliance and hazardous area classification works across site

I also worked closely with operations and maintenance teams to ensure that safety systems were not only compliant, but fit for purpose and sustainable in day-to-day operations. These years helped me transition from focusing on task-level risks to understanding systemic and organisational factors that contribute to process safety performance.

Now at Finch: Helping Others Strengthen Their Safety Practices

Today, I’m a Senior Process Safety Consultant at Finch Consulting, where I help clients across a wide range of industries, many of whom aren’t traditionally associated with high-hazard operations but still face serious risks.

My role includes:

  • Facilitating HAZOPs and risk assessments
  • Conducting DSEAR assessments and reviewing explosion protection measures
  • Supporting clients with process safety audits and safety culture development

What I enjoy most is helping organisations recognise hidden risks, understand what good process safety looks like, and put practical solutions in place that genuinely work for their teams, not just on paper.

Finch Approach: Practical, Collaborative, Risk-Based

I’ve worked in challenging environments, with complex equipment, under tight timeframes, and I know that real-world operations don’t always align neatly with the textbook. My goal is to bridge the gap between compliance and reality, helping clients build risk management systems that are not only technically sound, but operationally realistic.

Whether I’m working with a multinational chemical company or a regional food manufacturer, I focus on:

  • Engaging the people who run the processes
  • Simplifying the complex without losing rigour
  • Supporting long-term, sustainable safety performance

Final Thoughts

Process safety isn’t about avoiding enforcement notices or ticking boxes, it’s about making sure people go home safe at the end of the day, every day. I’m proud to be part of a team at Finch Consulting that helps businesses understand their risks, challenge assumptions, and take meaningful steps toward stronger, more resilient operations.

If you are facing process safety challenges, or want to proactively strengthen your systems, I’d be happy to have a conversation with you and the team. Our dedicated Process Safety team are here to help and be a critical partner for our clients.

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From Pipelines, Polymers and Consulting: Nick Freer’s Journey in Process Safety

Nick Freer

Senior Consultant

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