Rank: Forum user 
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Hi
Just looking for a little advice, that I can try to use to enforce my recommendation.
We need to install some duct work to remove a gas produced by a process (ozone). The only way we can do this is to run solid ducting from the source Via an extraction fan, to the outside of the building and up and above the roof, to ensure the gas is not pulled back in via varies intakes.
Today I have received a quote from a company who can undertake the work. I am aware that the duct work can be bought for around £200.00 but the equipment needed, time required etc bump up the price, to just over £2000.00
Ok, so we have an engineer who says that he and his mate (ex engineering) will do the job for just the cost of the ducting. I have said that this is not acceptable as he not qualified to under take such work. He argues that he served his time as an engineer working on all kinds of pipe works. This guy has the ear of the director and I feel he may be easily convinced to go down this route.
So where do I stand, do I have a reasonable point which is backed up by regs? If I advise against it and he is allowed to do go ahead where do I stand as the Health and Safety manager?
thank you
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Rank: Super forum user 
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The system is required for coshh compliance yes?
If so then if must comply with all of the coshh system requirements, it will need a log book, design specs, tests etc.
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Thinking as I am typing here.
RAMS, Insurance, Competency, Training, does this all exist? If so why can he not do the job?
On the other hand if not.......
Once it is installed then you will need to get it tested - can the guy design the system to ensure it is working/going to work efficiently? Is he just 'copying' the spec' of the quote? Has he factored in hire of access equipment etc?
You need to make sure all the hidden costs in the internal quote are catered for.
Where do you stand?
Well I would document my concerns, and then if the MD insists on using the internal guy make sure he is as safe as he possibly can be and that he is managed etc. all the usual stuff for working at height etc etc.
I try to find ways to do things rather than ways/reasons not to - it seems good business sense if you can do the job (with all the usual caveats) and save yourselves some money?
Sorry if that not what you want to hear.
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Rank: Forum user
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Think stuie as it covered but I would have a look at hsg159 (hse guidance on managing contractors) and after having read that decide if he is competent or not
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Rank: Forum user
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thank you for your imputs, on reflection having slept on the idea, i think it may be wiser to allow him to undertake such works, not sure if its just a bit bravado though.
Thank you
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Rank: Super forum user
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Additionally venting to atmosphere [especially ozone] requires careful consideration as the environmental laws, building control etc. apply in addition to HSWA, COSHH etc. to which an controler has very little if any defense at all noting environmental law philosophy should things be wrong unlike H&S law
I would provide a set of questions to the bosses mate for him to complete in an on-the-spot [not to take away] situation and then present the answers to the boss giving him your argument for things to be done properly and then let him decide
The above said I am not saying that the bosses mate cannot do things, he may be able to do so, but he needs to prove that he can do things properly otherwise the boss is at personal risk
U will not be at risk if you do not 'blind-eye' and provide correct info so if they go ahead your paper trail will protect U
best of luck
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Ballycover
You have reverted to Plan A which is sensible.
BUT you still need to satisfy yourself that the contractor has the necessary design competence.
Its not a simple subject
I've seen a half million pound fume cupboard project rejected at commissioning stage because an outlet was poorly positioned.
By the way this "engineer" is nothing of the sort is he?
Fitter or technician maybe, but not a Professional Engineer.
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Rank: Super forum user
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The E.A. might take a view of releasing ozone to atmosphere. Permitting required ??????
Their bite is more savage than that of the HSE.
Jon
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