We are currently looking for an Inspector with expertise in Electrical Controls. This role is to help to secure safety across a range of industries including, energy production (oil, gas and emerging technologies), chemical/pharmaceutical production and storage, microbiological agents, explosives and pipelines – throughout the UK
This is a permanent staff role – requiring frequent UK site travel – but that can be based out of (and have an area bias towards) an office in any of the following locations: Aberdeen, Ashford (Kent), Basingstoke, Birmingham, Bootle, Bristol, Buxton, Cardiff, Carlisle, Carmarthen, Chelmsford, Crewe, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Leeds, Milton Keynes, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Norwich, Nottingham, Oxted, Plymouth, Sheffield, Wrexham, York.
Whilst desirable, previous experience in an exact role is rare to find and our client is ready and expecting to provide training within cyber security and on the inspection / enforcement skills. The role is most likely to suit Electrical Controls Engineers or related occupation, with knowledge and experience gained in hazardous environments, whilst possessing degree level education (or equivalent) who possess or are on their way to chartered status.
An annual salary in the region of 73K per annum is available plus benefits package including significant employers’ pension contributions. Candidates will require a valid driver’s licence and eligibility to obtain security clearance (requiring 3 years previous continuous residency in the UK).
A full description is given below. For more information and to apply please contact me with an updated copy of your CV, stating your current home location and availability to start a new role.
The office is responsible for the GB-wide regulation of onshore high hazard premises and installations as well as the chemicals manufacturing sector as a whole. This involves delivering regulatory interventions in workplaces, engaging with key industry stakeholders and providing assurance that major accident risks are being properly managed.
Your main responsibility is to address major accident hazards in relation to Electrical, Control and Cyber Security at onshore major hazard installations, which includes oil refineries, oil and gas storage, chemicals production, and some nuclear sites.
You will:
• Inspect a variety of major hazard installations, either on your own or as part of an expert team, to make sure risks associated with industrial control systems are suitably managed and that operators comply with the law.
• Carry out technical assessment of Safety Reports provided by major hazard sites (both new and existing).
• Investigate safety related accidents and incidents involving industrial control systems in the major hazards industries.
Key Responsibilities:
• The production of technical inspection reports that identify risk gaps and failure(s) to comply with the law.
• Taking suitable enforcement action to address significant risk gaps on operator’s sites e.g., prohibiting processes or activities.
• Forensic analysis of the electrical or control systems elements of accidents in major hazards industries in order to identify root causes and where necessary, leading the technical aspects of the investigation, calling in other expert support and supporting legal enforcement action to prevent a recurrence.
• Provide expert opinion on the management of industrial control systems and, when required, work as a specialist investigator or expert witness at tribunals, inquests and legal proceedings.
• Assessment of Safety Reports submitted by organisations to ensure effective management of risk and identify priority areas for inspection.
• Advise colleagues on technical matters out with their area of expertise e.g., standards for electrical equipment in explosive atmospheres, and how the conditions compare with minimum legal requirements and relevant good practice.
• Liaise with other Government departments, the public, industry, professional bodies and trade associations in order to secure intelligence, share information and contribute towards policy, research and guidance on functional safety, electrical equipment in explosive atmospheres and cyber security for Industrial Automation and Control Systems (IACS).
• Using your expertise and experience to drive improvements in technical and operational standards nationally and to promote better health and safety at UK forums, and at relevant conferences.
Given that this role regulates sites across the whole of the United Kingdom you will be expected to spend short periods working away from home which will include overnight stays. Inspectors are required to work as part of a national team, with travel around UK to land-based high hazard sites, typically spending a day or two at duty holder sites both in an office environment and also out on the process plant. This is typically followed by a period analysing the inspection findings and producing a technical report.
Person specification
The role of a Specialist Inspector is challenging yet rewarding and offers a breadth of work that is unique across a huge variety of industrial sites and processes. Inspectors can be involved in detailed technical analysis of safety reports on one day, inspecting complex control systems and talking with engineering staff on site the next or perhaps involved in the aftermath of a major accident, working to find out the root causes and prevent a re-occurrence.
It’s also an engineering role where you may be appearing in Court as an expert witness or perhaps working with committees on new Standards to drive improvements in industry.
You’ll often have to make difficult decisions and use your enforcement powers to ensure compliance with the law, but you’ll receive world class training to give you the skills to do this.
Essential Skills and Criteria:
• Previous experience in a Technical Engineering role.
• Experience in communication and influence across different levels, including senior management within an organization, effectively translating technical details for the intended audience.
• Experience of producing detailed and clear technical reports, and present complex technical information, including those for a non-technical audience.
• Ability to think strategically, identify underlying issues, and persuade and influence individuals at all levels.
• Have a breadth and depth of experience of working in Major Hazards / High Consequence / COMAH environment.
• Full UK driving licence
Qualifications
A relevant degree in Electrical, Electronic or Control Engineering.
Memberships
Chartered by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) or hold the necessary qualifications, skills and experience to become chartered by the IET (or chartered Professional Body).
Technical skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
• A proven track record in the selection, design, commissioning, operation and maintenance of process control and safety instrumented systems (SIS) in a relevant industry e.g., petrochemical (or similar onshore major hazard installation).
• Practical experience of the selection, design, installation, commissioning, inspection and maintenance of electrical equipment in explosive atmospheres (Ex).
• An in-depth knowledge and application of Relevant Good Practice (RGP) in the process industry sector or equivalent e.g., BS EN 61511, BS EN 60079 etc