Gas emergency and pipeline service, Wales & West Utilities, has been awarded the International Certificate of Asset Management System (ISO 55001) – an accreditation for its pursuit of high-quality standards in the asset management field.
The accreditation comes after the company was audited over a three-day period. Focussing on the scrutinising the company’s asset management system, its operational processes and stakeholder engagement, the audit demonstrated that the company has developed a proactive approach to lifecycle asset management to support the optimisation of assets, reduction of ownership costs and compliance to health and safety requirements.
Wales & West Utilities, Director of Asset Management, Andrew Hopkins, said:
“While most of the gas network is underground and out of sight, it plays a central role in the daily lives of people across Wales and south west England. Whether it’s heating homes, making the family dinner or having a hot bath, we understand how important it is for gas supplies to be safe, reliable and there when our customers need it.
“We work with colleagues, our contract partners and stakeholders across the region to inform the work we do. The audit was complimentary about how we communicate with such groups and continue to develop and improve our asset management performance.”
“So, we are delighted to receive this accreditation: we’re investing in best practice in asset management to make sure that our gas network is safe and reliable, delivering what communities across Wales and south west England want in an affordable way.
ISO 55001 is a framework for an asset management system that enables the business to proactively manage the life cycle of its assets, from acquisition to decommissioning. The system provides for the management of risks and costs associated with the operation and maintenance of assets in a structured and efficient manner that supports continual improvement and maximises the value of asset management.
Wales & West Utilities, the gas emergency and pipeline service, brings energy to 7.5m people across the south west of England and Wales. If anyone smells gas, thinks they have a gas leak, or suspects carbon monoxide poisoning, they should call us on 0800 111 999 and our engineers will be there to help, day or night.
The company also has a multi-million pound, 30-year gas pipe investment programme which began in 2002. Old metal pipes within 30 metres of buildings are being upgraded with new long-lasting plastic pipes with a lifespan of more than 80 years, to make sure homes and businesses continue to receive a safe and reliable gas supply now and in the future.