Preventing Industrial Failures: HSE Review Lessons

Preventing Industrial Failures: HSE Review Lessons

Tuesday 19 May

Operational safety and asset integrity are critical to industrial longevity, especially in a company dealing with chemicals and highly hazardous environments, as emphasised in the HSE Annual Science Review 2026. The report outlined two huge acid leaks (hydrochloric and sulphuric) that happened in the same year, at the same site in 2020 that resulted in the closure of local businesses and schools, the evacuation of nearby residents and a £2.5 million fine in 2025.

The review outlines that the underlying issue was a breakdown in asset integrity and maintenance protocols, and the importance of being on top of such factors.

This is a clear reason why sites highly benefit from working with fully experienced Hazardous Area specialists to ensure safety and accident prevention, ensuring:

1. Hazardous Area Compliance (DSEAR/ATEX)

Although in this instance, the chemicals were not directly flammable, contact with certain metals can cause a chemical reaction and produce a chemical that is extremely flammable and explosive.  SR specialises in Hazardous Area Electrical Services, carrying out DSEAR/ATEX checks to ensure that all electrical equipment in such high-risk zones is correctly installed and maintained to prevent ignition sources during a containment failure.

2. Planned Preventive Maintenance (PPM)

One of the causes the HSE specifically cited was “inadequate maintenance,” by carrying out regular inspections and testing to identify and rectify equipment degradation (which is exactly what SRs PPM programs are designed to do), so such “preventable” failures may be avoided.

3. Tank Gauging & Remote Monitoring 

Alerts of potential leaks could have helped prevent the leak from escalating, with the one leak lasting two days, allowing the leak to grow bigger than it could have been contained. SR provides real-time monitoring and data that allows automated alerts and faster response times with their Tank Gauging and FuelGuard systems.

4. Technical Expertise in Corrosive Environments

The HSE’s use of microscopy to analyse how acid destroyed industrial pipework proves that in harsh environments, what you can’t see can hurt you. Understanding how corrosive conditions degrade infrastructure is vital when selecting specialised electrical installations that must withstand long-term exposure.

With 23 years of operational experience, SR Electrical possesses the deep technical expertise required to design and maintain robust structures in these high-risk settings. We don't just install equipment; we engineer resilience, providing you with the peace of mind that comes from a demonstrably safer site.

Does your site require an expert safety audit, or are you looking for the peace of mind that comes from proactive disaster prevention? Don't wait for a "forensic investigation" to find your weak points. Reach out to the SR Electrical team today to discover how our decades of experience can support your compliance and protect your business.