PD Ports

Case Studies

PD Ports

As one of the UK’s major port groups, PD Ports operate at 12 locations across the country, connecting clients and their cargo with key global markets.

Employing circa 1,500 people nationwide, PD Ports own and operate well-connected ports along the East coast of the UK; unlocking key markets in the North, South, Midlands and Scotland and providing access to the hub ports of Europe and further afield. PD Ports trusted international partners stretch their reach far beyond the UK, allowing services to be delivered throughout Europe and the rest of the world.

With headquarters in Middlesbrough, they are also the Statutory Harbour Authority for the Port of Teesport and Hartlepool, ensuring safe navigation of vessels, river management and maintaining channel depth and operating a designated Harbour Police.

Requirements

ESUK had an electrical safety management enquiry from PD Ports, Teeside. Paul Hopton, ESUK Principal Electrical Engineer travelled up to Teeside to meet Martin Walker the Group Engineering Manager (Electrical) and other key stakeholders. This initial consultation was free of charge and Paul took the meeting through how Electrical Safety UK (ESUK) could help them to improve their Electrical Safety Management System (ESMS). Paul also explained how ESUK could support the implementation of the new ESMS with training and development, arc flash studies, authorising engineers and technical authority support.

A scope of work was developed and a fixed-price proposal was provided by ESUK. The project was launched in July 2021 and the project plan and milestones were agreed with PD Ports.

Solution

Electrical Safety UK produced a suite of Electrical Safety Management Documents as follows:

  • Electrical Safety Policy
  • Electrical Safety Rules
  • Earthing systems design and maintenance
  • Electrical Competency Management System
  • Authorisation of electrical personnel
  • Protection against lightning
  • Hazards due to static electricity
  • Explosive Atmospheres (ATEX), Electrical Equipment Classification
  • Electrical Maintenance High Voltage & Low Voltage
  • Isolation and Immobilisation risk management
  • Instructions for the management of risk from unused/obsolete cables
  • Instructions for the management of risk from equipment of unknown type and condition
  • Management of risk during fault finding
  • Control of excavations and associated risks
  • Safety Instrumented Systems
  • Management of Portable Electrical Apparatus
  • Management of ageing and obsolesence of electrical equipment
  • Fire systems
  • Electrical Safety Accident/Incident Investigation and Root Cause Analysis
  • Design of HV Electrical installations
  • Design of LV Electrical installations
  • Design of Electrical power system earthing
  • Electronic device parameter records and offsite backup (Relays; PLCs, etc.)
  • Short circuit, load flows and protection co-ordination studies
  • Electrical Tools & Test Equipment Procedure – Low Voltage
  • Control of change – Electrical Systems
  • Technical Audit Instruction for third party suppliers
  • Emergency lighting systems
  • Machinery Safety & Risk Assessment

Approach

ESUK drafted each document and sent them to PD Ports as they were produced, so that they could be shared with the key stakeholders. The document production was phased so that key stakeholders had time to review the documents.

Once all the draft documents had been produced each document was reviewed in detail by video conference with the key stakeholders. We tend to find that roles, responsibilities, organisation and Company specific processes and requirements are the main areas where amendments are required to the first drafts.

The draft documents were amended as necessary and issued as final versions.

PD ports wanted to manage the implementation of the new documents internally, however ESUK can support you during the implementation phase by creating training packages which can be delivered via computer-based training, face-to face training or online training as appropriate to meet your individual needs.