Statutory Responsibility Placed on Acme Hydrocarbons Ltd and the Contractor Flow Systems Ltd - Case Study Example

FV2102 ASSIGNMENT Name Institution Instructor Date Statutory responsibility The statutory responsibility placed on Acme Hydrocarbons Ltd and the Contractor Flow Systems Ltd with regard to the ‘Item 1’ featured in the HSE letter is important considerations. Acme Hydrocarbons Ltd and the Contractor Flow Systems Ltd have a duty to operate under the guidance of health and safety regulations. The statutory responsibility placed on Acme Hydrocarbons Ltd and the Contractor Flow Systems Ltd with regard to the ‘Item 1’ featured in the HSE letter Addressed the issues associated with the suitability and sufficiency of the risk assessment process on the cooling system of the plant citing their inadequacy in relation to health and safety regulations. The statutory responsibility placement on Acme Hydrocarbons Ltd and the Contractor Flow Systems Ltd also focuses on the discrepancies identified in records concerning the water treatment and the control of hazardous substances. Statutory responsibility requires the carrying out of appropriate research studies and implementation of the rules and regulations involving health and safety issues (Cannon and Ellis 2014, 118). It is imperative for the plant to observe the Acme Hydrocarbons Ltd and its plant systems to ensure a strict observation of the OSHA regulations and requirements. This is because it is through observation of these regulations that the systems in the plant are able to conform to the required ergonomic standards. In this case, the statutory responsibilities that are expected to be undertaken by Acme Hydrocarbons Ltd include but are not limited to the communication of hazardous information regarding various chemicals being used, the establishment of standards with regard to permissible limits of exposure to various substances among others (Ratnayaka et al 2009, 105). The plant and all the operations taking place through its system require statutory responsibility on the part of the company for the purpose of developing and enforcing health and safety regulations. It is estimated that close to 4.5 per cent of the experienced employees in the United States (Day and Rowland 2003, 175). The federal agency that is charged with the responsibility of determining and setting the standards of safety in the work place also deals with the conduction of inspections at various workplaces. This is often accompanied by imposing of fines and enforcement of other legal measures against the plants that fail to comply with the standardized requirements with regard to statutory responsibility. It is the statutory duty of the Acme Hydrocarbons Ltd to ensurre the performance of appropriate risk assessment excersice. The outcome of this assessment woukd be useful in the provision of appropriate protective equipment to allow for the performance of intermediary operations in colling tower system. Part of this duty and responsibility also involves trainig in procedures for use in safe work such as regular maintenance of equipment involved in carrying out water cooling operations within the cooling tower system (Singh 2006, 238). In this case there would be treatment of water whih would involve the peticipation of the personnel working within the plant. Critical data analysis A critical examination of the chemical dosing recommended for the treatment of this particular water treatment plant, indicates appropriate efforts towards achieving effectiveness. This involves the amount of parts of water softener used per week and the amount of biocide parts applied in every fortnight. The data obtained from this process explains the use of chemicals for water treatment in the zones of turbulence in the water system cooling tower. The chemical dosing with regard to the data indicated is an implication that the cooling water system is in a position to achieve proper distribution and rapid mixing of the chemicals used such as the water softener and biocide. The use of dosing point at separate levels ensures an appropriate dilution of those chemical that are potentially reactive (Huuse et al 2012, 156). The concentration of dosage in the use of chemicals as indicated in the data provided which include biocides involved calculation based on the rate of circulation, make up quality of water and the total quantity of water. Water treatment in this particular program maintains a concentration that is constant with regard to the water in circulation. In relation to information and data available concerning the plant operation, the operating parameters, reservoir capacity as well as the dose for water treatment process are appropriate and are capable of meeting the desire standards. The amount of water softener added into the system in relation to the corresponding rate of water circulation is of necessity considering the increase in levels of fresh water coming from the mains (Mccoy, 2005, 95). The softener also plays a significant role in the pH of the water circulating through the cooling tower. The amount of biocide added into the system according to the data indicates its increase from the time the process is halfway done. This is important since it serves to ensure the presence of a constant residual level in the system. The adjustment for substance applied in the system is done due to the testing exercise, which is performed on a regular basis. The testing in this case is significant because it offers an appropriate alternative for the automatic control of the level of biocide and thus eliminates corrosion, which would have an adverse effect on the performance of the water treatment process. The levels of biocide substance added into the water cooling system are maintained at appropriate levels as indicated in the data to avoid causing corrosion, which is often caused, by uncontrolled levels of biocide (Vymazal 2008, 287). Conclusions to the current risk of exposure to legionella bacteria The carrying out of appropriate and sufficient risk assessment also involves the consideration of risks associate with the exposure of legionella bacteria. The intermediaries of the cooling system in this particular water treatment plant are expected to be subjected to proper risk assessment to control health hazards with regard associated with exposure to biological agents. Legionella bacteria and other organisms are often found in the cooling tower of a water treatment system and they are determined as having found their way through airborne particulates and make up water added to the system (Hull and Bowman 2014, 324). Duties and responsibilities under regulation of the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health, the risks associated with legionella bacteria may also come about due to performance of work related operations. The management of regulations in relation to the current exposure of the water treatment plant and the water cooling system to legionella bacteria is important since it offers a framework that allows for the control safety and health at work. Other than the requirements associated with exposure to legionella bacteria, the process of risk assessment management also requires the personnel working within the plant to be provided with accessibility to potential assistance regarding the application of health and safety laws and regulations. One of the most efficient ways in minimising the introduction and growth of legionella bacteria as well as the generation and widespread of aerosols is lowering contaminated through water systems (Ferrey 2010, 212). This involves a general minimization of the deposition of scale and solids and formation of biofilms by effective treatment of the intermediaries of water cooling systems, including using appropriate biocide programs and procedures appropriate for disinfection. The introduction of biofilms and the effectiveness in disinfection programs are influenced by the deposits of scale and solids and corrosion. Degraded plumbing, like the sealing washers and decomposition of gaskets as well as corroded pipes offer sites for the development of biofilms. Some materials used in plumbing are known to have nutrients that contribute to the growth of biofilms. It is thus important that components and fittings of the water cooling system are constructed with approved materials and are corrosion resistant (Mansfield 2006, 76). Reply letter to the HSE Inspectors Dear HSE Inspectors Re Response to issues raised in relation to the necessity of further enforcement I am writing this letter addressed to the HSE inspectors in response to their earlier communication made to us. This reply refers to the item in the letters that suggested the need that the Intermediates of the water cooling system had not been subjected to appropriate and sufficient risk assessment. Firstly, I would like to appreciate your concerns towards the safety of the plant and particularly that of the cooling system in relation to the exposure to biological agents. Secondly, I would like to inform you concerning the necessary steps and actions that we have taken as well as those that we are planning to implement with reference to your concerns. We are considering re contracting the services requiring operation and maintenance of the cooling system whose terms and conditions will allow our supervisory involvement. This will go a long way in enhancing the appropriateness and sufficiency of the operation and services offered. We intend to incorporate a risk assessment exercise in our programs that will target the control of exposure to legionnaire’s disease and other organisms. The above outlined and explained plan of actions is a clear indication that the company is committed to the concerns raised and removes the necessity of further enforcement. I hope that you will consider this response as a positive initiative and respond accordingly. I look forward to hearing from you. References Braithwaite, C. J. R., Rizzi, G., & Darke, G. (2004). The geometry and petrogenesis of dolomite hydrocarbon reservoirs. London, Geological Society. Cannon, S. J. C., & Ellis, D. (2014). Hydrocarbon exploration to exploitation west of Shetlands. Day, R., & Rowland, E. (2003). Health, safety and environment legislation: a pocket guide. Cambridge, Royal Society of Chemistry. Ferrey, S. (2010). Environmental law: examples & explanations. New York, NY, Aspen Publishers. Hull, M., & Bowman, D. (2014). Nanotechnology Environmental Health and Safety Risks, Regulation, and Management. Burlington, Elsevier Science. Huuse, M., Redfern, J., Le heron, D. P., Dixon, R. J., Moscariello, A., & Craig, J. (2012). Glaciogenic reservoirs and hydrocarbon systems. Mansfield, K. (2006). Dodging bullets: advice for employers on tricky legal situations. 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