Paperless ATEX Inspections for Loch Lomond Distillery

Sector

Specialism

Client

Project Overview

Loch Lomond Distillery was commissioned by the Littlemill Distilling Company in 1964 with first distillation in 1966.

In 1984, the distillery closed - or fell silent, to use the traditional term.

Fortunately, Alexander Bulloch and the Glen Catrine company acquired the business and resumed malt production in 1987.

Grain whisky production began in 1993 and two new malt stills were added in 1999.

Challenge

Loch Lomond distillery faces unique challenges because of the extensive nature of their site. Like all distilleries they must also meet the very high standards demanded of the Scotch whisky industry.

The team at Loch Lomond Distillery wanted to ensure that they not only met the requirements for IEC60079, but set an example of best practice by going beyond the legislative requirements, or “beyond compliance”.

To do this, DPS Group worked with the distillery to introduce a fully compliant paperless ATEX Inspection system, which would be accessible by all relevant staff. The previous approach was cumbersome and potentially unreliable.

Managing 1000’s of ATEX rated devices and the ability to easily distinguish between intrinsically safe and other protection concepts was particularly important to the management team.

Importantly, downtime was to be minimised. Ultimately the Loch Lomond Distillery management team were looking at a long-term solution which would minimise ongoing costs at a time when demands on compliance are continuing to rise.

Solution

DPS Group introduced a paperless inspections system supported by a completed new circuit identification standard to Loch Lomond distillery.

Our system provides live, real-time reporting and asset management, ensuring that staff are always ahead of the curve by implementing an inspection schedule that can be managed based on risk.

In Detail

DPS Group is trusted by many of Scotland’s distilleries to produce electrical, control, and instrumentation solutions.

The paperless ATEX system we used for Loch Lomond Distillery allows clients to streamline administration. We believe clients who work with DPS Group have the potential to save up to 40%.

As part of the set-up, our team conducted a comprehensive site survey building up a highly accurate asset register giving a clear picture of the equipment across the entire site.

A tailored inspection package was devised for management approval, after which our team then began inspections based on a clear understanding of the areas of high risk and priority.

Whilst this was being carried out each asset underwent an independent risk assessment resulting in a reinspection schedule based on condition, location and risk.

It is this bespoke schedule which allows cost reduction in future years without comprising safety.

Using a completely digital asset register means that information is always up to date, and always available because it is updated in real-time. This is useful for identifying problems earlier, and better planning schedules for remedial works.

Our system supports root cause analysis to determine common faults. We can then help clients plan in when issues could arise. Such an approach has an immediate benefit in terms of increased productivity.

Gallery

Highlights

A brand-new digital ATEX management solution
Real-time reporting to enable a risk-based approach to testing regimes
Saving outgoing costs and internal administrative time
Minimised downtime
Piece of mind that the distillery is fully compliant – and will remain so