people making a difference - blasting services - epc-uk · epc-uk’s onsite magazine is to present...

nsite#14nsite#14 #17

People making a difference

In this issue

People to deliver

New innovation unveiled at Hillhead

Collective Leadership

Local hero

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Exciting & Innovative Solutions!Welcome to Onsite#172016 really has been an exciting year so far for EPC-UK and the Groupe as a whole.

It was a pleasure for EPC-UK and Kemek to host the Groupe’s management convention in Dublin recently, where we shared ideas and new approaches to enhancing our service offering to industry. The experience of hosting our friends and colleagues was humbling and an honour. (page 22)

Technology to lead

Technology has played a leading role in our Esprit d’Equipe campaign, and has become embedded in our psyche, with our Safety Ambassadors excelling in 2016. This was illustrated when the team approached me to create their own smartphone app - what a great idea! With the concept of speeding up the reporting of near misses, online recording of Safety 5 risk assessments and multiple safety tools, it was clearly evident that this project was naturally the next step for this campaign.

EPC-UK’s Onsite Magazine is to present accurate and balanced stories that will both intrigue and impress readers with the stature of EPC-UK.

Through its news and stories from the most professional, dedicated and talented team members, sharing an uncompromising belief in providing our clients with the highest quality customer service, we believe our service will exceed industry standards and be the “best in class”.

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People to deliver

EPC-UK has an experienced team of people dedicated to delivering value to you the customers. In this issue of Onsite we focus on our technology and people with exciting news on services, including the launch of EPC-Metrics and welcoming Geoff Adderley to spearhead this new service. (pages 8 and 9)

This online automated service will prove invaluable to site operations and will become part of our fully integrated online offering which is being expanded as we speak!

With Expertir the paperless blasting solution is now developed and will become the fulcrum of our blasting service to mining and quarrying customers. The full integration, with our touch screen control systems on our explosive trucks, will eventually lead to the full audit trail hosted online for the customer and other stakeholders to access securely. (page 10)

Expertir is the software of choice for our blasting service. Our team of experienced Explosive Engineers were heavily involved in the development of this software. Written by explosive engineers for explosive engineers!

Innovative solutions

I am proud of the solutions and innovation that people within EPC-UK have delivered, producing real benefits to the business and our key stakeholders, as shown throughout this edition of Onsite.

Our One Company strategy has really gained traction and this was apparent at our managers’ conference with ideas being exchanged across

disciplines, producing a real feeling of team work. (pages 18 and 19)

I hope you enjoy this edition of Onsite and the examples of passion with which the team at EPC-UK is delivering solutions to you.

Ben Williams Managing Director

EPC-METRICS

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February 2015Understanding Awareness

Every single UK employee has been briefed on the different levels of awareness; from conscious to true sleep.

July 2015Contractor Briefings

Our contractors attended behavioural safety presentations at their briefings in 2015.

May 2015Master Model Launch

The Safety Master Model is clearly visible on posters displayed throughout the company.

Safety Milestones

Safety Ambassadors People to deliver Back in January 2015 a keen group of volunteers put themselves forward as Safety Ambassadors to champion a new safety culture across the business. As the face of our Esprit d’Equipe initiative, these Ambassadors have worked hard to organise training days, share their knowledge and build a culture that we can all be proud of. Onsite caught up with three of them to find out more…

Andy RogersFuel Additive TechnicianHarwich

“The second presentations are going well and I believe this is down to the commitment in making our values a priority at work and at home”

Alan FalconerDepot Supervisor Scotland

“Now we are beginning to see the positive results from all our efforts, not only from the Safety Ambassadors but from all staff members who want to accept this change in safety culture”

Ryan WardLaboratory TechnicianAlfreton

“People are really starting to buy into the movement and see how influential behaviour can be on our day to day activities”

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December 2015Impulse centres

At the date of publication, over 90 UK staff have already taken session 2 of the programme: impulse centres of the brain.

September 2015Three successful Safety Days

Led by the Ambassadors, the 3 safety days successfully showcased why safety is our first priority and introduced the initiative as a whole.

March 2016Peer Reviews

Peer reviews aim to provide an informal discussion to reflect on an incident and what we could do to positively change the outcome, if it were to occur again.

The Safety Ambassadors driving and empowering our Esprit d’Equipe initiative

Daniel FordBusiness System AdministratorAlfreton

We welcome our three new Safety Ambassadors

Mathew WhitmoreAssistant Freight Forwarding ManagerHarwich

Gary Collins Tanker DriverHarwich

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Technology to Lead

EPC-UK launches Esprit d’Equipe app

Safety is our number one priority and we are well aware of our responsibility in ensuring that zero harm is our ultimate target. With this in mind EPC-UK have developed an app, based around our new Esprit’ d’Equipe initiative.

Tell us what you think!

The app will be launched as a prototype at the Hillhead Exhibition. Inviting clients to the stand to test the app for usability and functionality we look to gain candid and valuable feedback in order to tailor the app offering before the official launch in July 2016.

Online collaboration

A free service facilitating collaboration online, this multifunctional app will enhance engagement across all stakeholders, providing the ability to receive safety alerts and the latest approved safety information, record and track individual CPD activity, report issues direct to EPC-UK, and with an inbuilt tools section there are some handy calculations to save valuable time when onsite. The information is easily accessible and provided in an easy to use format.

No Wi-Fi needed

The app will be available on all Android and Apple devices and once downloaded, essential information contained within the app will be available offline eliminating the need for data signal or Wi-Fi connection, and with the ability for push notifications you will always be up to date with EPC-UK industry news.

What you can expect from our Esprit d’Equipe campaign

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A Fresh OutlookEPC-UK unveil new technology at HillheadThis June 17,000 people will gather over 3 days at Hillhead, the world’s largest quarrying, construction and recycling show, to see working demonstrations of the industry’s latest innovations and equipment. Set in the stunning and unique surroundings of a disused limestone quarry, the show attracts more than 450 exhibitors and EPC-UK are regular contributors at this event.

Commercial Manager Ben Coppock explains what can be expected from EPC-UK at this year’s show

“This three day show provides a unique opportunity for EPC-UK to showcase our latest innovations. Listening to our customers and tailoring our service offerings, we believe we have some of the most advanced technology and innovation within the explosives industry.”

EPC-Metrics launch

This year’s Hillhead will see the launch of a new stand alone service offering EPC-Metrics. Also on view will be our new drone technology and an update on the paperless blast solution, Expertir. Our specialist technical team will be on hand to guide visitors from the quarrying and construction industries through product functionality, and to offer expert advice.

Preparing for showtime

EPC-UK carried out the drilling and blasting work ahead of the Hillhead Exhibition. A section of the quarry face was drilled and blasted to produce around 14,000 tonnes of quarry stone for demonstration purposes.

Experience VR technology

We filmed the blasting process using the latest technology in 360-degree video, giving a glimpse of the action from all angles and directions.

This footage will be available to view through the latest virtual reality headset on our stand, giving you the chance to experience the blasting process in one of the most realistic and immersive methods for enjoying 360 degree video content.

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This comprehensive new service will provide our customers with a raft of real-time data to remotely monitor blast vibration and air over-pressure. The service uses remote monitoring stations, installed at sensitive locations around a blasting area, to send data instantly after an event to an easy-to-access web based portal.

Technology to lead

By connecting different locations and experts with real-time monitoring technology, EPC-Metrics brings the right information to the right people, at the right time, facilitating multidisciplinary analysis to support blasting operations.

Instant data

Easy access and instant reporting gives everyone involved more visibility and control whilst customisable alert functions, including email and text message notification, ensure that everyone stays informed.

People to deliver

Backed by our team of blasting experts who can offer detailed analysis of captured data, including generation of site laws and predictive models, as well as development of innovative blast designs to minimise environmental disturbance.

EPC-METRICS

Mining IntelligenceEPC-Metrics launch at HillheadWe are excited to announce new ground in applying digital technology to blasting projects with EPC-Metrics, a brand new service which will be launched exclusively at this year’s Hillhead Show.

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Fully customisable

An array of options mean that the technology can be tailor made for each customer. Everything from the triggers at the monitoring station to the final reports can be customised.

Data analysis

Using captured events, our leading blast consultants can help customers to analyse their data including:

• Prediction and control blast vibration and air over-pressure

• Design of blasts to minimise environmental disturbance

Geoff Adderley, Commercial Manager - EPC-Metrics

Geoff Adderley, a Chartered Mining Engineer (CEng) with a background in blast design, monitoring and control, is EPC-Metrics’ new Commercial Manager. With a PhD in blast vibration analysis Geoff has worked in consultancy and operational positions in both the UK and Australia, covering projects in the mining sector as well as for civil construction.

“Over the next 12 months EPC-Metrics will become the new hub for our blast environmental monitoring services from seismograph sales and hire to our new fully automated remote monitoring service.

We will continue to add to the functions of the data management platform, increasing the range of instruments that can be used with the service to cover other environmental metrics. I am very much looking forward to working with EPC-UK and its customers to deliver a first class monitoring service.”

How it works

Email and text message alerts are sent instantly

Consultants and customers can monitor blast vibration

and air over-pressure & download essential reports

Monitoring stations are installed at sensitive locations

around a blasting area

Interactive online maps display events

data in real-time

The stations send data instantly to our cloud-

based service

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Blast Design Software Expertir - the paperless solutionExpertir is the latest in paperless blast innovation and has been developed to meet the challenges of blast optimisation in quarries and open-pit mines.

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More productivity, less environmental impact

This new software will provide more accurate blast designs in our Rock On Ground services (RoG). By taking into account energy control and distribution, the software provides more visibility of information and accurate assessment of the fragmentation. This information will allow EPC-UK to match the results required by our customers in order to enhance quarry productivity and reduce the impact to the environment. Expertir rolls out across the globe

The Expertir project is a continuous development programme, as we permanently drive to make the work easier and more efficient.

The EPC Groupe technical department in France are currently integrating drone and photogrammetry technology as a standard tool in Expertir. Thus, enabling the measurement of geometries before and after the blast. The next evolution of the software will focus on blast results.

Improved safety

Recent field trials within the EPC Groupe have already improved the fragmentation quality. This methodology will not only improve safety and environmental parameters, but will also provide key performance indicators in terms of loading and hauling efficiency and crusher throughput.

In the UK, Mark Roberts, Special Projects Manager for EPC-UK has been overseeing the integration of Expertir and working on a training programme for all of our blasting teams.

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Leading the Way Best Practice Seminars 2017Plans are already underway for our next series of Institute of Quarrying endorsed, Best Practice Seminars. Providing a unique learning opportunity to discuss emerging trends and legislative issues important to the extractives industry, as well as excellent opportunities for professional networking, these sessions have proved to be very successful throughout the years and we are now on our sixth series.

Who should attend?

Whether you are a Quarry Manager, Shotfirer, Blast Designer, or just starting on your training journey in the extractives industry, attending one of these seminars provides an invaluable opportunity to discover resources, enhance your subject knowledge and share approaches to best practice.

Previous seminars have covered:

• Measuring and Optimising Blast Performance

• ITOER/Track & Trace Regulations• Security Updates• Fly Rock Avoidance

Upcoming seminars for 2017 include:

• Explosives Regulations Updates• Dealing with Misfires • Guest speakers from

NaCTSO and HSE

The seminars will be held nationwide:

• Cumbernauld, Scotland • Ambleside, Lake District • Nottinghamshire• Newport, Wales• Cornwall (new location for 2017)

If you would like more information on these events or you would like to book your place please contact [email protected]

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Regulations Update Explosive rules changeExplosives Regulations 2014 (Amendment) Regulations 2016 (ERAR2016) came into force in Great Britain (GB) on 20th April 2016 and will come into force in Northern Ireland in due course. They are amended to implement the recast of the civil use explosives directive and it’s vital to understand how they will affect current practice.

What’s new?

The amended regulations, which must be used with and read alongside ER2014, update the requirements for making civil use explosives available on the EU Market.

The main changes are:● Clearly defined legal duties

for all economic operators, manufacturers, their authorised representatives, importers and distributors involved in the supply chain

● All products must be CE marked● Should any products be found

not to conform, there is a legal duty to bring the product back into conformity, recall it or withdraw it. The manufacturer/importer must also notify the market surveillance authorities (MSA) e.g. HSE

What new information must be provided?

Manufacturers, importers and agents must ensure that: ● All explosives placed on the market

carry a clear means of identification, which is either on the product or in the paperwork, such as: type, batch or serial number

● The product name, registered trade name or registered trade mark and the postal address where they can be contacted are provided on the product or in an accompanying document

● Copies of EU declaration of conformity (CE Mark) and technical documentation are kept for 10 years after the product has been placed on the market

How does it affect manufacturing for own use?

We are waiting for clarification by the EU on how the amended regulations will affect quarries mixing Anfo/ANBI for own use on its own site.

When it comes to the mix composition for the explosives, the CE mark can be for a family consisting of a range of mix values as long as the full range is declared for assessment.

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Going Strong Advances in Civil Engineering

Careful planning

EPC-UK aim to bring something different to the client. The key is careful planning, and a clear understanding of the client’s requirements.

Wind energy

One of our most recently completed Civil Engineering projects was Pen Y Cymoedd onshore wind farm in South Wales, with an installed capacity of 228MW, it is one of the biggest onshore wind farms in England and Wales.

Drilling and blasting

EPC-UK carried out the drilling and blasting work for the project. This involved the designing of blasts to open borrow pits to produce

fragmented rock suitable for the crushing plant, followed by further drilling and blasting carried out for sinking shots, to enable the construction of access routes to the wind turbines.

Civil success

The project was completed successfully using the latest drilling machinery, operated by competent personnel with extensive knowledge and experience within this field. “We strive to look for new ways of executing projects with innovative methods of work and in-house design. We pride ourselves on offering as much support as we can. From planning to execution the project is carried out in

line with our core values, with safety our number one priority and at the forefront of everything we do.”

Mark Jones Civils Manager

Civil Engineering is responsible for virtually every great structure in the world around us - designing, building and maintaining our living and working environment.

These projects often have a very specific design and execution process. Each one is different and brings its own challenges, with design and process methods which can often be extremely intricate.

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Logistics Multimodal Live tweets from #Multimodal16

Are you following us on Twitter yet? Find us @EPC_UKplc

Back in May, EPC-Logistics packed themselves off to the NEC in Birmingham for the annual Multimodal show; the UK and Ireland’s premier freight transport, logistics and supply chain management event.

Let’s take a look at the team’s live tweeting of the event as it happened.

We will be @multimodal next week! Come on over to stand 720 and meet our team of global #logistics specialists

Well done @multimodal another great show! Thank you to all our stand visitors...we will be in touch #multimodal16

Making friends @multimodal #multimodal16

EPC-Logistics entertaining purple squirrels #multimodal16

The halls are getting busy here @multimodal visit us on stand 720 #multimodal16

EPC-logistics hard at it... #multimodal16

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What is your industry background?

Working in the accounting department of a Pittsburgh based freight forwarder and customs broker in 2001, I discovered the accounting aspect of operations. In 2011, I decided it was time for a change and was looking for an opportunity to manage logistics rather than sell logistics. I began working for a new company based in Pittsburgh, and obtained all permits to handle in-house customs clearances as part of this new role. It was during my time here that I became a licensed US customs broker.

Tell us more about EPC-Logistics?

EPC-Logistics is a full service logistics operation. A licensed freight forwarder, non-vessel operating common carrier (NVOCC) and customs broker. Identifying new logistics accounts EPC-Logistics are able to offer an array of services to include shipping of all kinds, focusing on clients who require the shipment

of hazardous goods. We work closely with EPC Groupe to coordinate all shipments to and from USA, representing EPC Groupe in the USA as their forwarding office.

What benefits does this service offer to the customer?

The customer benefits from a streamlined logistics solution for the handling of sensitive cargo. Utilizing the relationships of the EPC Groupe means that we can provide competitive rates as well as reliable and secure door to door services.

Have there been any standout moments for you whilst working for EPC-Logistics?

One of our greatest accomplishments is knowing that we are able to support the EPC Groupe. Solidifying our relationship with our team and working together to build business leads to success.

Where do you see EPC-Logistics in 5 year’s time?

I see EPC-Logistics having made a mark in the logistics community and being recognized as a reliable and economical solution for shipping of explosives to and from the USA. I expect our office to have operations handling all facets of logistics including import, export, domestic, and customs. Five years from now I envision a fully operational and successful business!

Meet Danelle

Based at the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania office in the USA, Danelle has over 15 years’ experience in the freight-forwarding industry and has been working for EPC-Logistics since August 2015.

Danelle talks to Onsite about the advantages of the EPC-Logistics hub in Pittsburgh and describes the future of meeting complex shipping needs.

Danelle Tanner, Director of Operations for EPC-Logistics

EPC-LOGISTICS

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EPC-UK’s EDSL at the Security & Counter Terror ExpoEDSL exhibited at this year’s Security & Counter Terror Expo at Olympia, alongside 300 leading suppliers. The event served to highlight how business is reacting to the evolving terrorist threat and provided insight as to how the skills and expertise of EDSL can deliver innovative products and services in response.

“There were over 9000 attendees at the exhibition from across the globe, with the emerging technologies on display attracting the most attention. 300 visitors attended the stand over the two days and kept us all pretty busy. The hard work now commences back at the office as we follow up on the leads generated to turn the excellent exposure into tangible opportunities.” Joe DohertyCommercial Manager, EDSL

Less lethal technologies

Many of the exhibitors were showcasing some of the most technologically advanced solutions in terrorism prevention; EDSL’s stand focused on less lethal technologies. As the sole UK Agent for Combined Systems Inc. we were able to display a range of tactical munitions, pyrotechnics and crowd control devices.

37mm Multi-Launcher

This product is a patented pump-action multi-shot grenade launcher that holds six rounds of low-to-medium velocity ammunition. It is cycled by hand after firing to bring the next round into the firing position and would be a significant operational enhancement to the UK Police.

Introducing The Vapor® Grenade

Developed for the US Special Forces The Vapor® Grenade disperses an invisible incapacitating formulation without generating heat. The gas creates a psychological effect on target because it can’t be seen. This combines with a much higher payload and lighter molecular weight to ensure that the dispersed formulation hangs around for longer.

New to market: Alternative Ballistic

This year, EDSL, alongside TGA Solutions, brought ALTERNATIVE BALLISTIC™ to the market. This simple device converts the weapon of an armed response officer into a less-lethal system. Designed to incapacitate individuals using blunt force trauma, it is carried on the belt or tactical vest and is immediately available for deployment should an appropriate situation present itself. ALTERNATIVE BALLISTIC™ generated significant interest in this specialist community and we look forward to taking this forward.

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Out with Oleum......in with H2SO4

EPC-UK has recently reduced the use of Oleum 20: traditionally used as a catalyst in the manufacture of 2-ethyl hexyl nitrate, which is sold as a cetane improver for diesel fuel. The reason for this is because Oleum contains toxic free sulphur trioxide, a high hazard substance.

Our search for a less hazardous additive has resulted in EPC-UK switching to 96% sulphuric acid, a better option all round as it’s a much lower risk and more widely available.

From diesel to fertiliser

Unfortunately this new additive does generate more effluent. However, recent advances in our separation plant have allowed this to be recovered for re-use in the production of ammonium sulphate fertiliser.

To enable us to increase scale, a newly expanded, automated unit has been designed. This is currently going through HAZOP and will enable the recovery of 20,000t of 77% sulphuric acid.

Adding efficiency to the mix

Due to compatibility issues, tankers always went back empty after delivering Oleum 20, but that’s all changed with the new additive. When delivering 96% sulphuric acid they can now be back-loaded with 77%. One of the key benefits of this is the significant reduction to the environmental impact of this logistics operation.

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Managers’ Conference Developing ideas, people to deliver

Safety first

The first session was delivered by Safety Ambassadors Daniel Ford, Ryan Ward and Janice Smalley, who presented an overview on the Esprit d’Equipe initiative. They spoke about their successes so far and reported that the initiative is now gaining real traction in promoting a cultural change in safe behaviour.

Threat level awareness

This session was followed by an update from Ashley Haslett, Head of Safety, Health, Environment and Quality. Ashley discussed the current threat levels and outlined areas we should be aware of within our field of work.

This year’s Managers’ Conference provided the opportunity for EPC-UK Business Managers from across the United Kingdom to participate in an engaging day of discussion, action planning and team building exercises.

Chaired by Managing Director, Ben Williams, the UK Managers’ Conference now in its fifth year, continues to go from strength to strength. This year’s event focussed on our identity as an organisation, including our culture, reputation, legitimacy and character.

“Engaging – A good opportunity to work together and promote EPC-UK’s good work.”

“Gave me a better appreciation of other business sectors within EPC-UK.”

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New benefits scheme

The conference concluded with a presentation from Julie Wootton, Head of HR and IT, who covered all aspects of our newly launched EPC-UK’s lifestyle employee benefits scheme. She explained that this allows all employees access to discounted travel, cinema tickets, child care, and much more.

Digging digitally for treasure

After the conference, delegates were surprised with a fun, interactive digital treasure hunt giving everyone the chance to team together with colleagues that they would not normally have the opportunity to work with.

The evening finished off with a slideshow of photographs taken during the treasure hunt, which made for an enjoyable - and often highly amusing - end to the day.

“It is our responsibility as a company to develop our managers so they in turn can develop their people, in order to realise our business goals and deliverables. These events are a great opportunity to enhance our cross functional relationships and provide a relaxed open environment.”

Ben WilliamsManaging Director

The winning treasure hunt team Peter Buckley, Lyle Musson, Stuart Franklin, Ian Davies, Andrew Carmichael

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For the third consecutive year EPC-UK are returning to the Macdonald Portal Hotel and Spa near Tarporley in Cheshire to enjoy a day of fun and fundraising. Last year’s charity golf day was a great success and we were able to raise a fantastic sum, over £4,000, for our chosen charity, Hand on Heart. With a refreshed competition for this year, as well as some old team rivalries, we’re set to generate even more in 2016.

Charity Golf Day 2016 promises to be better than ever

What does the day involve?

The date for this year’s event is Thursday 8th September. We’ll start the day with delicious bacon rolls and coffee, before heading out to an 18-hole Texas Scramble competition. This part of the event will be played in teams of four, and prizes will be awarded for both team and individual performances, with even the seasoned players among us sure to be stretched by this challenging course. There will also be “nearest the pin” and “longest drive” competitions, providing even more opportunity for a prize.

Presentation evening

Finally, the day will be rounded off with a three-course dinner and presentation evening - a perfect chance to unwind and reflect on the successes or frustrations of the day!

Who takes part?

EPC-UK’s Managing Director Ben Williams is looking forward to welcoming back the sixty competitors who made the day such a success last year, as well as inviting new players from among our staff, clients, colleagues and partners to get involved.

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What is Hand on Heart?

Hand on Heart has been running campaigns since March 2010, becoming a fully registered charity in January 2012. It provides defibrillators and training for teachers and pupils in UK Schools in order to prevent deaths from sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) among young people.

Raising awareness

At present, between 12 and 16 young people die every week as a result of SCA. 80% of them will have shown no prior symptoms. So far Hand on Heart has placed over 800 defibrillators, and trained in excess of 5000 school staff to use them. They have also taught over 18,000 pupils themselves, how to perform basic life support. In addition to this, the charity campaigns to raise awareness of SCA in young people.

Saving young lives

The funds raised at our charity golf day will enable Hand on Heart to continue their vital work of making schools ‘Heart Safe’ and saving young lives, by enabling them to provide defibrillators and training to more staff and students.

As our managing director Ben Williams says, “It is our goal here at EPC-UK to make all schools Heart Safe, and by competing in our annual golf day, friends and associates are benefiting this vital cause, whilst enjoying spirited, sporting camaraderie.”

How can I get involved?

Is your local school Heart Safe? To nominate your local school to receive a defibrillator and training please email [email protected]

Have you entered yet? If you’re interested in taking part in this enjoyable event for a great cause, please email [email protected]

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One team strategy

EPC-UK took our “One Team” ethos to the convention, enabling delegates to develop and maximise their combined leadership expertise. Utilising this “One Team” vision we were able to gain insight into how we can continue to shape the industry, together.

Record number of attendees

Keynote sessions focused on safety, demolition, marketing, innovation, Zone updates and a new visual identity and more, with many reflecting current industry news. We are pleased to report that a record number of 100 attendees experienced these sessions.

Shaping the industry

The convention not only delivered reach and impact within the industry, but also gave testament to the work we as a company are achieving together. Over the course of 2 days, the gathering provided multiple opportunities for attendees, including seasoned leaders and new managers, to learn from each other in both formal and informal networking sessions. We look forward to the positive impact this will have on our company moving forward.

“It was a pleasure to host the EPC Convention alongside my colleagues in the Atlantic Zone. The 2016 convention exceeded our expectations and received excellent feedback.

We would like to thank all attendees for their continued support, innovation, spirit and drive as we continue to shape the future of our industry, together.”

Ben WilliamsManaging Director

EPC-UK and Kemek, as part of the Atlantic Zone, were delighted to host the recent EPC Groupe annual convention in Ireland on the 26-27th May 2016. The conference, planned around the theme, “Thinking outside of the box”: offered insights on adapting to new challenges facing EPC Groupe leaders and explored methods of innovation for shaping the industry.

Collective Leadership Thinking outside of the box

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Magdalena Staniucha of Bramble Island went back to school to introduce local pupils to the everyday magic of chemistry.

Always keen to support the local community we where delighted when asked to prepare and give a short scientific presentation for the children of Great Oakley’s All Saints Church of England Primary School.

Magdalena willingly volunteered and went along to give a short presentation, describing the impact of chemistry in everyday life using examples of common household chemicals like water, bleach and salt and how they can be changed through processes like boiling, freezing and dissolving.

It is rocket science…

To end the presentation, Magdalena demonstrated a couple of simple, practical chemical reactions for the young pupils.

“First I created an acid/alkali titration reaction using a colour change indicator and then I showed them how to launch a small rocket using carbon dioxide, created simply from mixing baking soda and vinegar.”

Sparking imaginative learning

All of the 90 children enjoyed and responded enthusiastically to the presentation. Magdelana states “I enjoyed the experience too and it was great for my own personal confidence, this being the first time I have ever given a presentation to an audience of this size”

It was definitely a positive experience for all involved.

Science Made Simple Chemistry magic

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Our local hero comes to the rescue of missing pensioner

Local Hero

An heroic EPC-UK employee, Bramble Island apprentice Will Doherty, has been celebrated for helping a stranded elderly motorist, whom he later found out had been reported missing.

Will was on his way home from a kick boxing lesson around 11pm one Monday evening, when he noticed a car stopped off a roundabout on the A120 near Harwich.

He stopped to check on the elderly female passenger and found her to be confused and alone. She wasn’t sure where she was, she had run out of petrol and had neither money nor a mobile phone.

Rescue operation

Will and his passenger drove to the nearest garage and bought two jerrycans of fuel for her. However, when they found themselves unable to refuel the car, they telephoned the Police for assistance.

Home safe

With the arrival of the Police, Will and his friend were informed that the pensioner had been missing from her home in Felixstowe since that morning. Thanks to our hero, she was returned home safe and well. We are all very proud of Will, and as Darrell Howard (Director) said, when he presented him with a box of Cadbury’s Heroes:

“These actions encompass the spirit of the company.”

Darrell Howard presents Will Doherty with a box of Cadbury Heroes for his rescue of the missing pensioner

Safety Passion Integrity Respect Innovation Team Work

Our core values as a group are summed up in the word, SPIRIT.

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Strengthening our Team Maintaining our outstanding service

Gary HynesSales Hub Administrator

Joshua TorrIT Service Desk Apprentice

Ian BowenShot firer South Wales

Peter WatkinsTrainee Driller South West

Lindsey StandingFarm Labourer

Laurie-May WarwickSales Hub Administrator

Lee WorsdaleEngineer

Simon ReeseMultiblend Operator

Geoff Adderley Commercial Manager – EPC-Metrics

We are pleased to welcome new personnel to help support our expanding business

Sasha TruswellSales Co-ordinator

Sasha will be responsible for responding to all in-coming enquiries to EDSL’s Commercial Department. Her role will involve the preparatory work for quotations, sourcing products and managing customer relationships.

Jeffrey Po Business Analyst

Supporting the commercial function, Jeffrey will conduct market research and analysis, identify commodity and savings opportunities, and provide benchmarking opportunities from gathered market information.

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New Range of CoursesLaunch of Employment Law Courses

July 2016 will see EPC-UK launch a new range of Employment Law courses. The courses have been developed in conjunction with Industry Specialists and will be delivered by Employment Law specialists. All the courses are accredited by the National Skills Academy – Proskills.

Since its launch EPC-UK’s Learning and Development facility has gone from strength to strength. We are continually adding to our suite of professional and bespoke courses.

Employment law specialists

Our new range of Employment Law courses, has been developed and delivered in association with Employment Law Specialists – Castle Associates. The new suite of courses includes: Investigation, Discipline, Grievance and are suitable for those involved with managing staff, with

a need to understand best practice principles.

Experience the benefits

Each course will provide delegates with an understanding of how to conduct an investigation, evaluate evidence and gain an appreciation of employment tribunals. Candidates will experience the benefits of best practice and how the ACAS Code of Practice and Employment Law underpin the process.

Experience is everything

Courses will be delivered in the classroom, and will incorporate practical role play exercises to enhance the learning experience.

All courses are delivered by experienced, qualified professional Employment Law specialists in our Learning and Development Centre located in Alfreton, Derbyshire

Life long learning

The introduction of the Employment Law courses is a natural progression for the Company, following on from the success of the many other courses currently on offer.

These courses form a great basis for anyone looking to further develop their knowledge and understanding of Human Resource Management.

For more information on the above courses or to discuss bespoke requirements please contact our Learning & Development department on: Telephone: 01773 837646 Email: [email protected]

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Expired Pyrotechnics Competent, complete & secure stewardshipIn December 2013, EPC-UK’s EDSL commenced delivery of the UK Maritime Coastguard Agency’s (MCA) contract to store, transport and dispose of time expired pyrotechnics (TEPs). This 3 year complete commercial solution for the disposal of TEPs operates from EPC-UK’s 1200-acre Bramble Island site, utilising its extensive explosives storage facilities and licensed destruction grounds.

Turn-key solution

Pyrotechnics are classed as hazardous items. Problems develop when water ingress occurs or following a misfire, subsequently making the pyrotechnic potentially unstable and dangerous. These items should be disposed of safely by expert organisations in legally compliant burning operations. EDSL provide MCA with a compliant, turn-key solution that addresses their requirement to protect the general public.

Automatic notification

Members of the public are able to hand in TEPs at 18 core MCA sites around the UK. Assessed and stored in licenced storage containers

the TEP’s await collection by our 24 hour call out MCA Operations Team, responding within specific time-periods to any of the MCA’s 18 sites. EDSL designed and delivered the online manifest system that is used by MCA to record the TEPs. This manifest system is key to ensuring that MCA do not breach their individual site licences as it automatically notifies the Operations Team when a collection is required.

Miles ahead

To date, the EDSL (MCA) Operations Team has travelled over 61,000 miles to locations stretching as far north as the Shetland Islands and Stornoway and as far south as Poole and Falmouth. The TEP’s are transported under Approval for Vehicles Carrying

Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR) and destroyed at the Bramble Island HSE-licensed destruction grounds. Fundamental to the relationship with MCA, is EDSL’s design and delivery of training to MCA staff, Coastguard Rescue Officers and RNLI Volunteers.

Key strengths

This comprehensive solution for the disposal of TEPs on behalf of the UK’s MCA combines EDSL’s core capabilities with subject matter, expertise and innovative problem-solving and is a great example of the key strengths of EDSL.


www.epc-groupe.co.uk

Welcome to the latest edition of Onsite. I would like to express my considerable appreciation to all authors of the articles in this issue, it is their generous contributions of time and effort that made this issue possible.

As the editor, my responsibilities will continue to be the advancement of the success of this magazine, establishing editorial policies that highlight the role of Onsite as an integral part of the business.

Julia NixonMarketing Co-ordinator

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