Independent Safety Services Ltd is an independent company that provides impartial consultancy without prejudice or conflict of interests. We pride ourselves in employing highly qualified and respected professional consultants with the ability to deliver a comprehensive service to our clients.
We offer a range of tailored services to both UK and international clients in the fields of health and safety, environment, healthcare waste management, dangerous goods safety advisor services (DGSA) and transportation safety.
Safety Advice
Waste Audits
Management
Management
Consultancy
Safety
The carriage of dangerous goods is a complex and strictly regulated operation.
Carriers and Consignors (senders) of dangerous goods are required by the Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations 2009, as amended, to appoint an examination qualified Dangerous Goods Safety Advisor (DGSA).
Independent Safety Services Limited acts as DGSA for numerous organisations throughout the UK. These include NHS Trusts, universities, private sector, veterinarians, packaging manufacturers and haulage firms.
We offer a comprehensive solution to all dangerous goods transportation issues, including radioactive and infectious materials, and high consequence dangerous goods (including but not limited to UN2814, UN2900 and UN3549).
Full dangerous goods advisory services include:
- Comprehensive auditing of all dangerous goods related activities
- Completion of legally required annual reports
- Contractor auditing
- Advice on development of new products designed to carry dangerous goods
- Assistance with reportable incidents concerning dangerous goods
- Development of dangerous goods policies and procedures
- Provide organisations with updates on relevant legislation and best practice
- Provide a 24 hour helpline service, 365 days a year
- DGSA, ADR and general awareness training and implementation
For more information please complete an enquiry form, email info@issafe.co.uk or call 0114 2722113.
Independent Safety Services Limited has been conducting pre-acceptance audits on behalf of both waste producers and waste contractors for several years. The format and subsequent report that ISSL has developed for pre-acceptance waste audits has been recognised as meeting the stringent requirements the Environment Agency and HTM07-01 Safe and Sustainable Management of Healthcare Waste. Furthermore, the structure of the reports allows organisations to easily identify where actions are required and prioritise them accordingly. This has been crucial in the development of action plans in order to address areas of non compliance in a timely manner.
Why do we need to do it?
All waste producers have a statutory Duty of Care to ensure that the waste they produce, handle, treat, dispose and transport is done so safely. Under the Duty of Care, producers must provide the person who is collecting the waste with the required information to ensure they are authorised to accept and treat the waste. The Duty of care also requires waste producers to provide the waste contractor with information on the quantity of waste, the EWC codes, how it is packed and the constituents and types of waste.
The Environment Agency produced a guide for waste producers and waste contractors to enable them to discharge their legal duties. This document outlines the waste producers’ and waste contractors’ responsibility for monitoring and controlling waste. It also gives clear audit criteria and the frequency the audits are to be undertaken.
Waste pre-acceptance – what is it?
Procedures undertaken prior to the delivery of the waste to the disposal site, to determine the composition of the waste by audit of original waste producer. It provides the waste contractor with information and checks to ensure that their waste treatment facility can safely dispose of the waste and therefore, meet its pre-acceptance criteria.
How frequently do I need to audit my site?
Frequency of the audit and the information required depends on the volume of clinical waste produced annually and the type of waste producer.
For more information please complete an enquiry form, email info@issafe.co.uk or call 0114 2722113.
Waste management can be a complex issue. Our consultants can offer advice on resource efficiency and management of a wide range of wastes, from recycling to hazardous chemicals. Independent Safety Services Limited has a proven track record for supplying high quality consultancy to the healthcare sector and has been delivering waste management and dangerous goods services to healthcare providers since 2001. Clients include hospitals, primary care trusts, mental health institutions, prison services, teaching hospitals and medical research laboratories.
Providing a ‘one stop shop’ for comprehensive auditing, training and consultancy services, our team of specialist consultants have expertise in the field of healthcare waste including research and operational experience. In addition to their healthcare waste expertise, all our consultants are exam qualified Dangerous Goods Safety Advisers (DGSA) and are DBS checked.
They are aware of the legislation that affects the management and movement of waste including:
- environment and waste legislation
- health and safety legislation
- transport legislation (Road, Rail, Air & Sea)
- We have an established relationship in the United Kingdom with the National Health Service (NHS) as well as the private sector and have experience undertaking work internationally.
As a company we offer round the clock advice and support for our clients. All our advice is totally independent as we have no affiliations to any specific suppliers of services to the industry. As independent advisers we are able to advise on the most appropriate transport, packaging and waste disposal services without conflict of interest or commercial gain.
For more information please complete an enquiry form, email info@issafe.co.uk or call 0114 2722113.
These services are offered by Independent Safety Services Limited and our sister company Peak HSE.
Our team are fully qualified, professional and experienced consultants with extensive practical experience in a range of business sectors and organisations.
The effective management of environmental aspects and issues is a key strategic & operational goal for many organisations. This is often governed by the requirements of ISO14001:2015. Whilst the Standard is not a legal requirement the implementation and maintenance of a working environmental management system (EMS) is often required under permits or licences to operate. Being able to demonstrate competence, compliance, and control is the root of environmental responsibility and a management system provides the proof you will require.
Whether the main aim of an organisation is legal compliance, best practice or simply cost saving we can offer expert support and guidance. We are committed to developing systems and giving advice that are both practical and proportionate to the organisation’s risk and goals. Developing robust management systems with specialist support as required will help protect the environment and your organisation.
Areas in which we can offer support and guidance are as follows:
Environmental Management Systems
- ISO 14001:2015 gap analysis auditing based on the BSI language of conformance and corrective action
- Management systems development and maintenance
- Legal Registers and compliance evaluation
- Aspects and Impacts Registers and environmental risk (life-cycle analysis)
- Permit awareness – air, water and waste
- Discharge contents
Waste Management
- Compliance audits
- Segregation advice
- Duty of Care audits
- Training
- Permit awareness – your obligations and those of your suppliers
Auditing
- ISO 14001:2015 lead auditors available to audit your operation
- Support from experienced auditors post external audits to address corrective actions or major/minor non-conformances
Permit Applications and Variations
- Technical support for your applications for an array of permitted activities from MCPs to full bespoke operations
- Waste exemptions
Environmental Incidents
- Managing an environmental incident: first responses, their powers and your rights
- Investigation: gathering information, legal privilege, the criminal process
- Liaison with the Regulator: responsible operators
- Mitigation and corrective action plans
For more information please complete an enquiry form, email info@issafe.co.uk or call 0114 2722113.
The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations place a specific duty on employers to provide and maintain health and safety advisory support within their business to ensure best practice and safe working environments.
Independent Safety Services Limited provides a bespoke consultancy service to businesses that do not have their own internal safety professional or for larger companies which have their own safety support but need additional assistance.
The standard retained service agreement includes an initial Health and Safety audit on management systems, process controls and site performance. The retained service specification will detail the services available.
For more information please complete an enquiry form, email info@issafe.co.uk or call 0114 2722113.
Our range of transportation safety services has been developed to support a wide range of businesses.
Driver Safety Training
Over 95% of traffic accidents are caused by driver error, with statistics showing that drivers of company vehicles are 49% more likely to be involved in accidents than other drivers.
Health and Safety legislation applies to all ‘on-the-road’ work activities and so employers are required to effectively manage these activities and risks within their health and safety system, with the Department for Transport advising that employers should provide a Driver Assessment and Training programme to ensure compliance.
With over 20 years experience in Driver Safety Consultancy and Training, Independent Safety Services Limited has a proven track record in reducing both the frequency and cost of claims. Our national network of experienced Driver Safety Consultants delivers a range of training, guidance, support and auditing services, tailoring programmes to meet each individual company’s needs. Our services include:
- Defensive Driving Courses
- Driver Assessments (overt/covert)
- Driver Safety Training (all types of vehicle)
- Driving Assessor and Instructor courses
- Personal Safety Courses (for vulnerable drivers)
- Fleet Risk Management (Safety Management System)
- Driver CPC Training (Bus & Truck)
- On-line Driver Safety / Risk Assesment packages
These services are delivered by our team of Advanced Driving Instructors, whose qualifications include:
- ROSPA Diploma in Advanced Driving Instruction
- Ex UK Police Driving School Instructor
- Driving Standards Agency registered Large Goods Vehicle Driving Instructor
- Driving Standards Agency Approved Driving Instructor
- Ex UK Police Advanced Motorcycle Instructor
Our team leader has also been a finalist on three occasions in the UK ‘Bus Driver of The Year’ competition.
Tour Operator Services
Under UK legislation, Tour Operators have a ‘due diligence’ responsibility for the safety of their customers whilst on holiday.
Coach Operators engaged to transfer customers between airport and resort and provide transportation for day trips and excursions, need to demonstrate adequate safety standards. These standards will be based on safety legislation and best practice in the UK and will usually be embedded in a code of safety practice issued by the Tour Operator to the transport providers.
It will often be necessary to audit the Coach Operators to establish that safety standards are acceptable, using the code of safety practice as the benchmark.
Acting on behalf of many of the major UK Tour Operators, ISSL Consultants have travelled the world extensively, conducting transportation safety audits and developing safe practice codes, which will incorporate:
- Licensing requirements
- Management competency
- Vehicle roadworthiness
- Driving standards
- Monitoring drivers hours
- Provision and use of seat belts
- Emergency/breakdown procedures
Our services also include training for resort staff and emergency response for vehicle accident investigations.
Vehicle Safety Inspections
Vehicle Safety Inspections are an essential element in establishing suitability of your transport providers, in the UK or overseas.
Our engineers can carry out vehicle inspections either on site, by prior arrangement with the vehicle operator, or on vehicles in service, at appropriate and convenient locations, again with the operator’s prior consent. The scope and standard of these inspections is similar to that required by statutory annual vehicle tests for passenger and goods vehicles in the United Kingdom, subject only to the facilities available on site. In–service safety inspections also include a check of all vehicle and passenger safety equipment required in the country of operation. For a representative assessment of the fleet safety standard we recommend that a 20% random sample of the vehicles operated be subjected to an initial inspection.
During a normal working day, a vehicle engineer can usually inspect:
| Vehicle Type | Number |
| Cars/Small Passenger/Goods Vehicles (up to 3.5t GVW) | 10 vehicles |
| Or – Large Passenger/Large Goods Vehicles (2 axles) | 8 vehicles |
| Or – Large Passenger/ Large Goods Vehicles (3 axles) | 6 vehicles |
| Or – Large Passenger/ Large Goods Vehicles (4 axles) | 5 vehicles |
| Or – combinations of PSV/LGV with or without trailers or semi-trailers. Assessed on the basis of the total number of axles not exceeding: | 24 axles |
All of our vehicle inspectors are fully qualified and experienced road transport engineers and are members of relevant professional bodies such as the Institute of Road Transport Engineers. Our Team Leader is an Incorporated Engineer who also conducts accident and equipment failure investigations and is registered with the Law Society as an Expert Witness.
A comprehensive and structured report on the safety standard achieved is prepared on each vehicle checked, this being normally completed as part of the inspection procedure. A summary of the engineer’s findings is issued, highlighting any significant failure of safety standards, recurring faults or deficiencies observed and suggested items for action.
Accident Investigation
Independent Safety Services Ltd operates a network of highly trained investigators including senior Vehicle Engineers/Examiners and former Police Accident Investigators, based in various locations throughout the United Kingdom.
We are able to attend the scene of an accident anywhere in the world at short notice to begin investigations, prepare technical reports and provide expert witness services at any subsequent court hearings.
Over many years, we have been assisting the legal profession, insurers and tour operators, offering a wide range of safety auditing, ‘roadside’ vehicle examination and accident investigation services. Our Investigators’ extensive qualifications and experience include the following:
- Registered Forensic Practitioner (CRFP, London)
- Fellow of the Institute of the Motor Industry
- Honorary Fellow of the Institute of Road Transport Engineers
- Member of the Institute of Car Fleet Management
- Traffic Accident Investigation, Technical Vehicle Examination & Vehicle Crush Damage Analysis
- Vehicle Criminology (Examination and Identification of Stolen Vehicles and Plant)
- Total Station Accident Scene Surveying & Computer Aided Draughting
- Holder of Certificates of Professional Competence (LGV & PCV)
- Membership of the Institute of Traffic Accident Investigators
- Advanced Police Traffic Patrol Car / Motorcycle Driving
- LGV Class 1 (C+E) Driving & PCV Class 1 (D+E) Driving
- Hand Held Radar / Laser Speed Detection Equipment Operation
- Vascar, Police Pilot & Speed Marshall Operation
- Fully Trained Former Traffic Patrol Officers
- Lion Roadside Alcometer & Police Station Intoximeter/Intoxilyzer Operation
- Tachograph Analysis, Calibration & Law
- Police Patrol Car Video Recording Equipment Operation
- Single Joint Expert Trained – The Law Society
- Licentiateship of the City & Guilds Institute
- Accident Investigations
For more information please complete an enquiry form, email info@issafe.co.uk or call 0114 2722113.