Policy, Regulation, Governance, Systems
Cambrensis Associates have been involved in advising governments on science policy. This has included Regulation of Risks and Environmental impact.
Examples include the initial thinking and implementation of the European Chemicals Directives, the implementation of Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (for the EC) , Carbon Trading (UNO) and developing regulatory response evaluation tools for IMPEL (the European network of regulators). Work for specific Governments include Nirex (Nuclear waste disposal), and the Better Regulation Task Force for the UK. Occupational Risk for the Occupational Safety and Health Ministry – SZW, Netherlands, and the Welsh Government’ s Science and Environmental advice and policy): as well as the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency’s policy on tackling Waste crime using remote sensing.
Cambrensis has also provided HSE Advice, Management and Risk Assessments to industry. Examples include a member at Board level (e.g. for BHP Billiton HSE Board subcommittee) and acting HSE Director for the Tidal Lagoon Swansea Bay project.
Application of Policy,
In addition to HSE policy, Cambrensis Associates have been involved in its actual implementation. From 1990 to 1998, an associate was the chief environmental protection officer for the UK. Other instances include the facilitation and supervision of risk assessments and HAZOP studies. Specific examples include the Gas Turbine Research Centre at Cardiff University and the joint (Oxford / Cardiff Universities) experimental Solar Ammonia energy storage facility at Harwell.
Accident / Incident Reporting, investigation,
The experience in the team on incident investigation and reporting goes back some 50 years to leading the investigation for the Public Inquiry into the Flixborough Disaster, a turning point in the development of HSE policy and approaches. Subsequent first-hand involvement in the Seveso clean up, for the Italian Government, led to investigating the Bhopal Disaster for the Netherlands Government. Since then, we have been involved in a number of high-profile cases, such as Exxon Valdez. Longford, Piper Alpha, Texas City, and Uberlingen. Following these investigations, we were involved in advising and assessing the implications for future policy and operations. An example would be the risk assessment of extending Schiphol operations in the Netherlands.
Expert Witness
This experience has led to a number of expert witness assignments, starting with Flixborough and including asbestos and planning inquiries such as Canvey Island, as well as inquiries into explosions and fires.
Caveat
Where there are no confidentiality issues the team would be happy to share the experience gained first hand on both policies and practicalities.
