Independent assessment
Independent assessment involves making a judgement against a set of
requirements about the safety adequacy of a product, system or
process in a particular context and environment. It may require
demonstration of compliance to recognised standards but for
specific situations full compliance may not be necessary.
How we can help
Depending on the outcome of our work, our assessors may identify
areas that can be enhanced and can help you fully understand
regulatory or standards requirements. Whilst we cannot give
specific recommendations on any changes you may need to make (as
this would affect the independent nature of our role), we can give
general guidance on established and accepted industry good practice
for your consideration. Our assessors themselves also work on
engineering projects so are familiar with the challenges of
delivering transport products and systems.
Independent assessment is specified by many safety standards and
in the UK in the Rail Engineering Safety Management System "Yellow
Book". It may be structured as a series of safety audits and safety
assessments. Audits provide evidence that you are following your
plans for safety. Assessments provide evidence that you are meeting
your safety requirements. How often and how extensively each type
of review is carried out will depend on the associated risk,
novelty and complexity of the items being assessed.
We regularly audit organisations against various standards and
guidelines including ISO 9001, BSI - PAS 55 and ISO 14001. We hold
accreditation as an assessment body for IRIS and the Railway
Industry Supplier Accreditation Scheme (RISAS).
What are the benefits?
Our approach is pragmatic and informed but above all collaborative.
We don't try to catch you out or forever demand more and more
documents or analysis. By collaborating together experience shows
it is possible for us to produce a better outcome, save money and
reduce project risk by identifying and dealing with issues early on
in the project lifecycle. A real "win-win" outcome.
Recent projects
- Lloyd's Register acted as Independent Safety Assessor and
Independent Technical Assessor for the Dorset Coast (UK)
re-signalling project. The signalling equipment, consisting of axle
counters, interlocking and control system, had been proven in
service in Germany and was adapted for application in the UK. Our
assessment took account of the operating experience in Germany by
reviewing and, where appropriate accepting, existing approvals.
This limited the scope of new assessments - and therefore the cost
to our client - to elements where UK and German practice differed
significantly.
- Independent Safety Assessment (ISA) of Tung Chun Cable Car,
Hong Kong, to assess the adequacy of the safety management
incorporated in the design, manufacturing and installation,
testing, commissioning and trial operation processes adopted by the
main contractors and the operator.
What next?
If you would like to progress your enquiry further please choose
one of the following: