Safety

Our continuing and consequent safety work has contributed to a positive trend in accident ratios. In 2006 we introduced measures like

• Further intensification of accident investigations and the strict application of out TOP system of accident analysis,
• Centralized follow-up of action plans resulting from accident investigations,
• Intensification of our QHSE information program stressing workers’ own responsibili-ties (publications in English and in German),
• The “Everything OK?“ safety cards were published again, in German, English, French and in Dutch providing workers with an important safety tool. Before commencing an operation, workers can use these eight-point cards to check that they have carried out every thing necessary to ensure that the operation at hand is carried out safely, for the worker himself and for his surroundings.

Accident Frequency Rates (leading to at least one lost working day) / Accident Frequency according to SCC

The accident frequency rate at Buchen (≥ one lost working day) per 1 million working hours declined from 9.5 in 2005 to 9.1 in 2006. This represents another record low for our company.

The increase in the absolute number of accidents within the Group companies does however show that full implementation of safety measures in all our newly acquired subsidiaries is still being put into place.

The following diagram shows the trend at Buchen Group consisting of Buchen UmweltSer-vice GmbH (made up of its several regional offices) and the German and international Group companies.

The absolute accident numbers and the corresponding accident frequencies for the individual operational units can be taken from the following detailed diagrams.

TRIF and OSHA Accident Frequencies

The standard frequency rates which measure accidents resulting in = one lost working day in accordance with TRIF (Total Reportable Incident Frequency) and according to OSHA (Occu-pational Safety and Health Administration) also include workplace accidents which resulted in no lost working days, i.e. those when workers were only medically treated or could subse-quently perform other kinds of work. Buchen is able to report another decline in these acci-dent rates which give a very detailed and comprehensive picture of the accident situation.

Buchen in comparison with other Workplace Safety Associations

The following table shows the trend at Buchen Group (a Member of the Mechanical Engi-neering Professional Association) from 2001 to 2006 compared to trends as reported by some other Workplace Safety Associations (BGs).

Training / Briefings

The preliminary and additional training courses and briefings required by law and in accordance with accident prevention regulations were carried out and accordingly documented – as were the monthly safety briefings and site visits in accordance with SCC**.

Both new operative managerial staff and operators and workers passed the required safety training courses and examinations.

669 employees throughout Germany took part in 65 training courses, conducted internally, on high pressure technology.

• Understanding the cleaning mechanism
• Technology used in high-pressure cleaning
• Handling high-pressure equipment
• Vehicle construction and functions
• Technical aspects of pressure / energy / losses
• Technical innovations

In 15 training courses held last year, 134 appointees and other responsible persons were trained in hazardous substances law. The contents of the training course were supplemented with oral success checks, using a number of example cases. The participants responded especially positively to this training element.

Driver Safety Training

In November 2006 the third truck driver safety training course was held at the ADAC in Merseburg. Using empty and half full vacuum trucks, driving safety instruction was given on safe driving and correct reaction in wet and dry conditions, in bends and when braking. By simulating marginal situations overall truck driver safety, including reactions and driver abili-ties, could be improved.

SeSaM Qualification for BKS

Buchen KraftwerkService was awarded the SeSaM (Security Safety Manage¬ment) Qualification on 14 March 2006. This is a qualification is for independent service providers in the power industry and is awarded by VGB PowerTech e.V. Essen under the auspices of the Association’s Specialist Committee for Workplace Safety and Health Protection. Registration is listed centrally in the VGB headquarters.

Safety engineers of several power generators like RWE and mark-e have introduced this management system as a pre-requisite. Using a checklist containing questions about work-place safety, healthcare and environmental protection independent service providers are required to show that they conform to the power generators’ very high standards before any contracts can be given to them.

Successful QHSE Management at Turnarounds

In 2006 Buchen was once again involved in several large projects and major turnarounds, both in Germany and also abroad. In these projects Buchen was able to display its special ability in successfully calling on and integrating individual units in the Buchen Group network, which often proved to be one of our strengths in comparison with other competitors in the market.

One of the major projects was the turnaround of Basell’s OM-6 in September 2006 in Wes-seling. The different sub-projects were carried out on site by up to 120 specialists chosen and deployed especially for their personal qualifications. Precise coordination and workplace safety were essential elements in this contract. Because of the high priority for safety, our safety specialists accompanied the work around the clock during the main operational phase of the turnaround.

Coordination of the tasks involved required detailed planning and deadlines, worked out in advance with the customer. Computer aided project planning helped to visualize and coordi-nate safety aspects and to coordinate work flows, which could be used to coordinate with the customer and to communicate clearly and precisely with the workers on site. We were there-fore able to achieve our “zero accidents” target.

Two other examples of our turnaround expertise were at BP refinery in Lingen with some 1,250 individual units and at BP Gelsenkirchen with some 770 individual units. As a result of our excellent planning and coordination, we were able to complete these contracts to the complete satisfaction of our customer. Overall, some 50,000 accident-free man working hours were completed.

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