EAS becoming increasingly international
Benelux and the UK as the first milestones

 

Over the past 12 months, we have systematically examined the structures and business opportunities on the national markets for power station maintenance and overhauls. Among other things, our goal was to assess the situation in an objective manner and see to what extent the EAS business model proven on the German market could be transferred to other European countries where E.ON is present, starting with the Benelux countries and the UK.

Benelux is not uncharted territory as a market for EAS, all the more since we have been involved in projects and power station overhauls there for more than 10 years. We have expanded our local presence in the Benelux countries to be closer to our customers. With our new representative office in Rotterdam we can respond more flexibly and promptly to customer inquiries and market trends as well as generally enhancing our competitiveness. Project acquisition as well as the identification and evaluation of potential partners are the main tasks of our colleagues in Rotterdam. Depending on business development, EAS Benelux will continue to grow.

The starting situation was totally different for EAS in the UK. Typically, in the UK a major part of daily power station maintenance and repair is handled by external general contractors; the contracts are put out to tender regularly every three to five years. The turbine workshop of Power Engineering Services (PES) in Hams Hall near Birmingham will be the base for expanding local EAS activities. In the past, PES carried out overhauls in the UK for E.ON and several external customers. Aside from the conventional steam turbine business we will develop new areas in the UK and expand the range of services offered by PES.

 

Sharpening the focus on health and safety

 

Since 27 May 2011, E.ON Anlagenservice has been able to proudly point to a health and safety management system certified for the first time to OHSAS 18001 (BS) and recertified to SCC. Both certifications were awarded at the same time. Back in 2002, EAS was the first German company in the E.ON Group to receive the SCC (Safety Certificate Contractors). With its certification to OHSAS 18001 (Occupational Health and Safety Assessment Series/British Standard), it has now also taken on a pioneering role in the Generation Fleet.

 

Christian Pajk, Head of Occupational Health & Safety and Environmental Protection: "In preparation for our first certification to OHSAS 18001 (BS), there were several processes and company procedures that had to be adapted or redeveloped. We have introduced a series of rules and regulations in the form of documented procedures and instructions, redefined management processes and prepared forms and documentary evidence. These preparations were very time-consuming and labour-intensive for all sides involved. We are proud of having achieved our objective in such a short space of time."

 

 

2,000 days or 4.1 million hours without an accident

 

Cut-off date: 23 April 2011
The Process Equipment Division of EAS has not recorded any accident for 2,000 days, which equates to 4.1 million working hours. These numbers speak for themselves. They reflect a huge achievement as well as very high safety standards.

 

2003
For the first time, Division Manager Norbert Dahlmann's team was able to report 1,000 accident-free working days. At the time, this result was achieved with 273,646 working hours.

 

2008
The milestone on the way to today's success: 1,000 accident-free days, the equivalent of some 1.2 million working hours.

 

2011
Another 1,000 days without an accident but with an output that has more than doubled during this time.

 

Norbert Dahlmann: "Occupational safety is an absolute must for us. We are responsible for our own team and for our contractors. Continuous safety briefings, intensive efforts by our senior management and support from our safety specialists have helped to firmly plant this subject in the minds of all staff and raise their awareness about possible dangers. Accident-free work is a quality we strive for on each and every project. Our warm thanks go to every member in the Division for their circumspect behaviour in every work situation."