12 October 2011, Harper Adams University College, Shropshire

With a rapidly expanding base of Anaerobic Digestion plants across the country, the health and safety of the growing work force is an issue which project developers, local authorities, the waste industry, farmers and the renewable energy industry need to take very seriously.

The waste industry does not have a good health and safety record, and as relatively new technologies move rapidly mainstream, the dangers of lack of experience, lack of training and lack of management systems are likely to make this poor record even worse.

In recent figures published by the HSE, the waste industry was shown to have an injury rate of four times the national average.

It is the responsibility of all management associated with AD plants to ensure that their work force returns home safely at the end of each working day.

This timely conference is designed to enable AD project managers to develop robust systems and skills to keep their workforce safe – and which will in turn improve operating systems and strengthen the fledgling industry in the eyes of investors. 

Key areas that the programme will cover:

• Showing the business case for improved health and safety
• Understanding legal requirements for project managers, plant operators
• Designing health and safety into the plant structure and build from initial stages onwards
• Optimum operating systems – putting in place the risk assessments, management structures and working systems that can ensure greater safety
• Staff training – what needs to be done and how this can help health and safety
• Key dangers and risks – gas and emissions monitoring, avoiding poisons and explosions, slips, trips and hazards.                 

The chairman for the day is Les Gornall, a renowned industry expert in AD and specifically in the safety issues around plants.  Speakers include Stephen Wise, Technical Director of Shanks and Howard Leberman of the Environment Agency.

Early Bird bookings are now being taken – click here to see the booking form; or call 01722 717031 for further details.