Case Study

Hunter Appointed as Principal Contractor for Wash Tank Refurbishments

Hunter Safety Group was appointed by Diageo as Principal Contractor to deliver a series of refurbishment works across multiple facilities in Scotland. This particular project focused on the repair and reinstatement of a spent wash balance tank within a live distillery and bioenergy plant environment.

The scope of works included the repair of internal tank walls, refurbishment of internal concrete flooring, and restoration of the external concrete plinth. Activities involved shot blasting, deep cleaning, relining, and targeted patch repairs to existing metalwork to ensure structural integrity and longevity.

All works within the tank were classified as confined space operations, requiring stringent safety controls, specialist access arrangements, and continuous atmospheric monitoring. The project was further complicated by its location within an operational facility, necessitating careful coordination to minimise disruption and maintain safe interfaces with ongoing production processes.

Additionally, the site is designated as a Lower Tier COMAH (Control of Major Accident Hazards) facility, requiring strict adherence to regulatory standards, risk management protocols, and permit-to-work systems throughout the project lifecycle.

Role

Hunter Safety Group was responsible for the planning, implementation, and ongoing management of all health and safety activities throughout the project lifecycle. Operating within a live Lower Tier COMAH distillery and bioenergy facility, a robust and proactive approach to safety management was essential. A comprehensive Health and Safety Management System was developed and implemented, incorporating a strict Permit to Work system to control all high-risk activities, including confined space operations. A site-specific induction was created and delivered to all personnel entering the CDM area, ensuring clear understanding of site risks, controls, and emergency procedures.

Daily coordination of works was undertaken in collaboration with the wider project team, managing the safe interface of up to 40 contractors on site at any one time. All contractor Risk Assessments and Method Statements (RAMS) were thoroughly reviewed and approved prior to work commencing, ensuring alignment with project-specific hazards and regulatory requirements.

Hunter Safety Group led all incident investigations, ensuring detailed root cause analysis was completed and appropriate corrective and preventive actions were implemented, in collaboration with the HSS GRQA Team. Ongoing monitoring, inspection, and auditing of site activities were carried out to maintain high safety standards, with regular reporting provided to track health and safety performance against agreed project metrics.

Active participation in project meetings ensured that health and safety remained a key focus, with regular updates provided to stakeholders. Daily briefings and weekly coordination meetings were chaired to identify potential clashes, manage risks, and plan upcoming activities effectively.

The team provided continuous guidance to the project team and contractors on compliance with relevant health and safety legislation, including CDM Regulations, fostering a strong safety culture across the site. This was supported by ongoing engagement, supervision, and education of the workforce. 

In addition, Hunter Safety Group ensured the effective management of temporary works through the maintenance of a Temporary Works Register and verification that all inspections were conducted by competent personnel. Adequate first aid provision was maintained at all times in line with workforce levels and project risk profile. Support was also provided in facilitating site logistics, including the coordination of necessary consumables and materials to ensure work could be delivered safely and efficiently.

Summary

Hunter Safety Group delivered a comprehensive, proactive health and safety management service, ensuring all works were carried out safely, compliantly, and efficiently within a high-risk, live COMAH-regulated environment.