That was a few months ago. Today José Manuel Fernández arrives early at the factory gate. Last night he didn’t sleep at home – sometimes that’s part of the job when you ensure companies operate safely. This morning the new sprinkler system is officially commissioned, the final piece of an intensive process where every detail counts.
“We’ll open a few valves, start up the pump motors – I love the smell of diesel in the morning – and check that everything is OK. I don’t expect any surprises; everyone has done their work well”, says José Manuel as he tests the system together with the installer. As an electromechanical engineer with ten years’ experience in the nuclear sector, he has learned that safety never compromises. He brings that mindset to every site – and it makes all the difference.
GAAS analysis identifies risks
It all started with a GAAS analysis, a methodology developed by Riskonet that systematically compares the existing situation with the ideal safety level. “It was a food factory without separation between production and storage areas, with combustible walls and roofs and very long escape routes. The protection was inadequate for the value and critical nature of the site”, explains José Manuel. Based on that analysis and Riskonet’s technical standard – aligned with international norms such as EN, NFPA and FM – the solution quickly became clear.
A sprinkler system was necessary. That meant: designing, estimating costs, selecting a reliable contractor and managing the entire process through to delivery. Thanks to Riskonet’s practical experience, the client could focus on their core business.
Fire drill after written emergency plan
After the successful delivery, he drives on to another factory of the same group. “Today I’ll have lunch late, even by Spanish standards”, laughs José Manuel. At this location a fire drill is scheduled, part of an emergency plan that Riskonet has prepared. There was great urgency to complete the emergency plan because the local authorities had established a non-conformity related to occupational safety. “The delay was not the client’s fault. The consultancy firm that was supposed to prepare the plan left them hanging, and Riskonet had to come to the client’s rescue”, explains José Manuel.
The team has not only written the emergency plan, but also improved the emergency lighting, optimized escape routes and ensured the alarm is clearly audible everywhere. Staff received training in their role during emergency situations. Today they conclude the process with a practical drill. “There is no room for improvisation when it comes to emergency plans”, he emphasizes. “A well-thought-out and practiced emergency plan can save lives tomorrow.”
Valuing the team’s work
After the drill there is finally time to relax a bit, enjoy a good meal with the client and congratulate each other on the substantial safety improvement in the factories since Riskonet was appointed as consultant. This is the moment José Manuel does it for: “The best moment of the day? When I see the satisfied customer’s face and their smile when they see that everything has gone well, valuing the team’s work despite all the difficulties and the economic effort that has been made.”
José Manuel’s background – from nuclear instrumentation via his own fire safety company to a master’s in fire protection engineering and SFPE membership – has taught him that safety requires customization. “Experience, dedication, continuous learning and passion for my work – that makes the difference”, he says. And tomorrow? Then there’s another new challenge, because there are still more factories in the group that Riskonet will help improve their safety.
