COMPLIANCE FUNCTION CAPABILITY

At Hydrex "Compliance" has never been an optional extra. Developing a culture where Health and Safety is of paramount importance and professionalism is standard has always been a core business objective.

Customers and employees alike can work with Hydrex Safe in the knowledge that “Safety Comes First” and that providing a quality service is our principle goal.

Introduction
As Compliance Director Andy Crago's responsibilities are to ensure the Hydrex Group of companies comply with all applicable legislation and contractual obligations. To help me meet this responsibility I have five compliance departments.

• Engineering
• Safety, Health and Environmental.
• Competence
• Systems – 9001, 14001, 18001
• Training

These departments cover the full range of activities of all the companies within the group. The compliance function has 50 employees which demonstrates the management commitment to delivering a safe and reliable service. The health, safety and welfare of our employees and customers are paramount and at the heart of all our activities.

We keep our employees up-to–date with changes in legislation, standards and new technology. All directors and managers undergo safety training using the IOSH executive and safety managing courses. This is part of a strategy for a top-down approach to demonstrate management commitment and to ensure that managers can discharge their safety responsibilities.

Hydrex provides effective communication of safety and compliance issues to all parts of its business and to its customers. Its aim is to promote a positive health and safety culture.

COMPLIANCE: ENGINEERING

With a fleet of some 1,300 machines operating throughout the UK, Hydrex relies on the Compliance discipline to implement, monitor - and review its engineering management systems. These are designed to ensure the safe, compliant and economical operation of its plant and equipment.Hydrex ensures high standards of maintenance by investing in training and competence certification for its plant engineers. This is achieved through continuous ongoing skills assessment using Railway Group Standards competencies, NVQs, and training from major industry suppliers such as Caterpillar, Komatsu, Bell and Fuchs.

The engineering compliance regime encompasses safe methods of working which conform to LOLER & PUWER regulations. These are continually updated to incorporate new and changing legislation. Where the design or operation of machinery requires modification for site or contract suitability, the engineering function of the compliance department will oversee and guide the depots carrying out the changes, and liaise with the regulatory bodies as necessary. This ensures that safe and compliant standards are achieved.

COMPLIANCE: SAFETY, HEALTH & ENVIRONMENT

Hydrex is committed to developing a strong Safety, Health and Environmental culture throughout the organisation. The SHE team ensures that each employee is given sufficient information, instruction and training to facilitate the safe performance of work activities based on risk assessments.

All processes, activities and systems of work conducted by Hydrex are designed to take account of Safety, Health and Environmental aspects and are assessed, implemented and supervised at all times.

One of Hydrex's main goals is to minimise accidents, incidents, dangerous occurrences and near misses to its employees or anyone else as a result of operational activities. However, on the rare occasions when they do happen the Hydrex SHE team immediately carries out an investigation and analysis to prevent a future reoccurrence and to improve the Safety, Health and Environmental performance.

In today's ever changing market Hydrex is looking to lead the way in the provision of plant that has minimum impact on the environment. Hydrex ensures that its operators are continuously trained to comply with the latest industry standards in this area. Hydrex's systems are designed to meet ISO 14001 Environmental systems, 18001 Safety Management systems and Occupational Health and Safety Assessment Series for all services offered. Hydrex meets all applicable Safety, Health and Environmental legislation, industry guidance, and best practice.

COMPLIANCE: COMPETENCE

Hydrex has implemented a robust Competence Management System to cover its machine operators who now number nearly 600 individuals. It is the function of the Competence Team to implement and update the system and to monitor and review its effectiveness ensuring it covers all operations.

Hydrex appraises the competence of all operators by means of a continual assessment process and identification of training needs. Hydrex implements training programs and, where relevant, works with machine manufacturers for product training.

The Competence Team operates the NVQ centre and maintains accreditation to develop all operators to achieve an NVQ level 2 qualification.

A recent development has been the introduction of migrant workers and the Competence Team has therefore assisted in the overseas recruitment of experienced workers with the relevant skills and certification.

COMPLIANCE: QUALITY SYSTEMS

The Hydrex Systems team ensures company wide adherence to all systems and procedures in respect of Safety, Health and Environmental, Quality and Engineering aspects. This is achieved through a team of Internal Auditors monitoring the performance of all Hydrex depots, sites and training centres throughout the UK. All audits are undertaken against industry standards plus statutory and company policies and procedures. The Systems Manager reviews each audit and develops Quality Improvement Action Plans which are reviewed regularly to ensure ongoing compliance. The development by the Systems Manager of an Integrated Management System into the Hydrex group of companies is carried out in accordance with BS EN ISO 9001:2000, ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001. This ensures efficiency and excellent communication throughout the business. Ongoing certification to ISO9001:2000 applies throughout the Hydrex Group covering the scope of 'Supply of Plant and Equipment With or Without Operators' and 'Design and Delivery of Training Services'.

COMPLIANCE: TRAINING

In 2004 Hydrex acquired MTR Training Limited. The business offers one of the most comprehensive ranges of training courses for plant in the UK. MTR is committed to providing industry recognised training and is accredited by the following bodies; CITB/CPCS, LANTRA, the Rail Plant Association, City and Guilds, OCR and Achilles on behalf of Network Rail. MTR is a professional training and development provider that applies best practice and has achieved a number of awards including ISO 9001:2000 for its Quality Management System, Investors in People and Link-up approval. MTR has developed a broad range of training and development solutions for Hydrex staff as well as supplying these services to a wider market. The training offered includes Construction & Rail Plant, Health & Safety, Track Safety, Signalling and Telecoms, Traction and Rolling Stock, and Professional Development. The nationwide network of Hydrex Depots has enabled MTR to develop its own network of Training Centres that includes Bo' ness, Cannock, Cwmbran, Derby, Liskeard, Portishead, Sittingbourne, West Drayton and Winchester. In addition to its own facilities MTR also delivers training at a variety of conference centres throughout the UK or at customer locations where requested.