ISA for Abrasive Cutting Equipment
This ongoing contract involves the supply of Independent Safety Assessment and Audit (ISA) services in connection with the provision of explosive ordnance disposal equipment to the MoD. The equipment utilises high-pressure abrasive water jetting technology to cut through the metal casing of explosive devices, enabling them to be rendered safe.
Serco was awarded the ISA contract at the point in the project where two prospective suppliers had been identified and invited to demonstrate their equipment in field trials. Prior to these trials, we conducted preliminary Safety Audits at both manufacturers' premises, in order to provide some confidence, in the absence of appropriate formal project documentation,that basic safety management arrangements were in place.
Serco staff then attended the field trials of both prototypes, and provided the IPT with safety related comments based on their observations during the trials.
The intermittent and irregular use of the ACE presented problems to the IPT when setting appropriate safety targets. We were able to resolve this difficulty by analysing the usage predictions and generating a suitable risk classification matrix as required by DEF-STAN 00-56.
As this project proceeds, we will continue to be involved in conducting Independent Safety Audit and Assessment of the safety management arrangements and documentation produced by the selected equipment manufacturer and the IPT, to ensure compliance with the relevant Standards. This work will involve use by Technical and Assurance Services of the MoD-preferred through-life hazard management software 'Cassandra'.