Challenge
To improve risk assessment, maintenance, communication and record keeping through training.
Solution
The delivery of a series of BOM, iBOAS and Risk Assessment Training Courses to boilerhouse operatives, maintenance
staff and management.
Results
Better safety, reliability, efficiency and longevity of Hong Kong hospital's boilerhouse plant through improved
knowledge of its operating and maintenance staff and their line managers.
Third Party Issues
The boiler involved was over 20 years old and, despite being operated by the hospital itself, the Hong Kong
Government's Electrical & Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) were responsible for managing the hospital
maintenance. The EMSD had engaged the services of a third party subcontractor to look after the boiler plant.
Cochran were bought in following the blast, in addition to being asked to supply the replacement boiler, EMSD
also engaged Cochran as recognised 'expert witnesses' into the causes of the explosion. During aCochran's
investigation it was apparent that there were a number of management issues at the site that had contributed to
the events leading up to the explosion. These included lack of effective risk assessment; issues within the
processes for selection and management of contractors; standards of maintenance, communication and record
keeping; and finally the inadequate provision of training for management, operation and maintenance staff.
As a consequence of the investigation an action plan was put in place. In addition to Cochran undertaking an
immediate survey of all Hong Kong's hospital boilerhouses to ensure that similar incidents couldn't occur, a
dedicated training programme was then developed and implemented. Working alongside the Combustion Engineering
Association (CEA) Cochran put in place a training programme covering Technical Boilerhouse Risk Assessment for
the EMSD engineers and iBOAS for operation and maintenance technicians.