Nuclear expert warns over quality and health and safety06 January 2015

Small and medium sized manufacturers must focus more emphasis on quality and health and safety if they are going to make the most of the £60bn+ nuclear new build and decommissioning opportunity.

The rallying call was made by Fit For Nuclear (F4N) Assessor John Ransford, who is helping a number of companies from across England stake their claim for work ranging from fabrication and maintenance, to precision components and technical design.

The sector expert believes a completely different mindset is required by management teams looking to enter the industry for the first time, with speed and cost playing 'second fiddle' to exacting standards and a world class H&S record.

"For a long time manufacturers have had it drummed into them that they need to deliver quicker and take cost out of the equation, especially those supplying into automotive, food and, on some occasions, aerospace," said Ransford.

"Nuclear is very different. Of course they are looking for you to meet delivery dates and don't expect to be overpriced, but there is more of a partnership approach to working with suppliers so they get the critical parts and services they require."

He added: "The minimum quality requirement is ISO 9000, but companies will also need to prove they are working towards securing ISO14001 (environmental) and ISO 18001 (health and safety).

"In addition, firms will have to demonstrate the right culture and behavior, that they invest in training and importantly can achieve zero accidents in the production of their parts or the delivery of their services."

The Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) has joined forces with the Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre to roll-out F4N, which lets companies measure their capabilities against industry standards and helps them bridge gaps to meet requirements.

Backed by top tier partners including Areva and EDF Energy, the initiative offers "a business improvement journey that will identify strategy, implement new processes, secure necessary accreditations and provide supplier matching opportunities".

It offers participating SMEs the chance to apply for match funding for business improvement or R&D projects.

Ian Vallely

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