Inspections of hazardous area equipment by the HSE could fall under the remit of a new head soon, with the impending departure of Peter Baker, the current head of the Chemicals, Explosives and Microbiological Hazards Division.
From April 1st 2015, he moves to the position of chief inspector of construction, replacing Philip White who remains as head of the Operational Strategy Division.
Mr Baker said: “I believe that industry leaders have a critical role to play, and have seen in the major hazard sectors how vital clear and positive leadership is to achieving the effective management and control of risks.”
In his current role as head of HSE’s Chemicals, Explosives and Microbiological Hazards Division, Mr Baker is in charge of the team that regulates onshore major hazard industries in the UK.
Premises whose hazardous area equipment has been inspected by the HSE are likely to fall within this remit, particularly if they directly handle dangerous chemicals or materials at a high risk of exploding.
As yet, the HSE has not confirmed what will happen to Mr Baker’s existing role – but it seems likely that from April, somebody else will become responsible for overseeing the division’s activities.
