Posted By Nigel We are a multi-site business and probably not big enough to have internal experts in all fields that we operate in (definately not at every site) - in common I assume with other companies. Instead of looking to qualify internally current staff I have been asked, based on our risk profile and our internal competence to advise on how many external experts we need. As I do not want to reinvent the wheel I wonder if anyone has any comments or recommendations they would wish to share. The sites are not close so one expert for all sites may not be cost efficient. We have already decided to utilse external expertise for electrics , DSEAR and for writing compressed air schemes. The question is where do we stop - I would like to think we would employ engineering managers with specific skills - non are chartered engineers and so seem to think they have no expertise - but this does not seem the case hence the proposal to outsource. many thanks in advance

Posted By Merv Newman Not really enough info in your posting to give a definitive reply. Depends on size and spacing of your sites, your industry and the risk levels. However, many multi site companies that I know have designated at least one person per site as "responsible" for specific areas. That person may not have much knowledge or expertise in whatever the field is BUT KNOWS WHERE AND WHEN TO GET IT. The source of such K&E may be at head office or may be obtainable from a pre-approved list of experts on a company contract or retainer. Some companies maintain a data-base on their intranet of "approved suppliers" and this can cover the range from widget manufacturers to plumbers, transporters and H&S consultants in various fields Merv

Posted By George Wedgwood Nigel, I have worked in a similar environment and we knew the limits of our internal H&S advisers - they were all different but having a few regular meetings and 'Action Teams' for specific issues of risk, we soon determined which skills were needed to be contracted in. elieve me, we did not do so lightly as it can be expensive, as you know. The Action Team then specified exactly what was required and then one volunteer (not necessarily a 'safety' person) went out to explore what was available at what price. Basicially, I was able to advise of the key areas where expertise was necessary - radiation safety, pressure systems examination, electrical testing, DSEAR assessment pilot study (you can train and do others on the basis of one good one!), LOLER examinations and inspections, etc. as you have already discovered. Occasional forays into consultancy are also good for exploring a new risk, substance, method, major installation, CE Marking etc. so make sure you have a small budget to accomodate that. But generally if you have reasonable skill level, you can work out a compromise position yourself, for your employer. You will soon discover the extent of your assessment and whether it needs augmented from an 'expert' source. Always start from internal resources - often you will be surprised at what engineers know, even though they don't think of it as 'health and safety'! Regards, George