Welcome to the SRG events and activities pages. In 2009 we ran four successful seminars throughout the UK, as well as our annual summer lecture, the lessons learnt from the GE19 bridge collapse which occurred in May 2008. We are planning a similar number in 2010 and in addition several in co-operation with other IMechE Divisions and Groups including a major event in Scotland which will examine issues of safety, reliability and through life dependability for marine energy projects – there is no “free lunch”. We are playing a major role in stimulating and developing more effective co-ordination between safety related institutions and bodies in the UK, not just in engineering.
SRG events target the critical considerations of safety, reliability and human factors, helping to develop a clearer understanding of how to approach and apply these principles. The Institution places great emphasis on making things work safely and accomplishes this by applying structured reasoned analysis in order to deliver confidence in hardware, software and the human/machine interface. This neither just “happens” nor is addressed by stuffing the “right” data into the “right” model for the “right” answer. A policy we avoid is the temptingly simple “sort it out once in service”, which is proven to result in poor performance, foreshortened useful life and breached financial containment. Starting with a clear whole lifecycle strategy, with quantitative criteria and clear definitions of “success” and “failure”, provides realism and an element of measured risk, especially when embracing new technology. We know that specialist advice and modelling will assist in verifying confidence and that regular, formal review will build and manage evidence gathered by means of development, tests, manufacture and operations, which will lead to the easing of the contractual process.
Most reliability and safety problems stem from failing either to set objective and realistic requirements, identify and analyse relevant evidence thoroughly, plan and consider an appropriate response to identified risks, establish effective communication between purchasers and suppliers, or worst of all, by dismissing the need for considering it at all.
Our seminars provide positive guidance and the opportunity for debate with leading industry figures and peers. All events are organised with the aim that delegates will learn something new, and do not become daunted by the subject matter, which is achieved by focusing on the application of practical strategies and techniques.
We appreciate all feedback from our delegates as this allows us to improve our services to you. We welcome any comments you may have about past experiences or any ideas you may have for future events or activities.
Feedback can also be provided on the new SRG discussion forum, which gives you the chance to communicate with SRG Board members and other safety and reliability engineers. You can also contact me directly through the Event Executive Assistant, Jacqui Parker, at Institution HQ at srg@imeche.org should you wish to contribute or discuss any safety and reliability issues.
Richard Vote
Chairman, SRG Board