Our People & Commitments
Thames Water SME Excellence Award
GEL Engineering was contracted for the principal design and build of Oxford Thermal Hydrolysis plant's new steam boiler house. The project entailed the installation of two 7.5-tonne Byworth steam boilers and associated equipment within a constrained space. GEL's team demonstrated a collaborative approach, working closely with stakeholders to develop a layout that optimized both construction efficiency and operational effectiveness.
GEL Engineering successfully managed multiple subcontractors, ensuring high-quality work, adherence to stringent health and safety standards, and effective communication throughout the project. The result is a state-of-the-art boiler house that not only meets the client's requirements but also generates excitement among the staff who will operate within this cutting-edge facility.
Safety Morning at Rye Meads STW with GEL and LOS Team
Key Points:
Encouragement of open dialogue, diversity in thinking, and cross-team collaboration.
Start of GEL the day – Introductions and Agenda Setting
The day began with a brief introduction to the goals of the Safety Morning, emphasising the importance of collaboration, innovation, and proactive thinking. The Gel Engineering team was reminded of the purpose: to engage in meaningful discussions around health, safety, and environmental observations, as well as to develop a safety-first mindset through interactive activities.
1st Activity: Site Walkaround: Health, Safety, and Environmental Observations
The team conducted a walk-around of the Rye Meads site, with everyone tasked to make observations relating to health, safety, and environmental concerns.
Highlights:
Collaboration: Members from different teams engaged in discussions, sharing diverse viewpoints on risks and potential hazards.
Observations: Identified potential hazards, such as uneven walkways, exposed pipes, and areas that may require additional safety signage.
Innovation: Suggested solutions included using color-coded safety markings and enhanced environmental monitoring systems to improve operational safety.
2nd Activity: Safety Quiz
A fun, team-building quiz focused on categories such as site safety, hazard identification, and acronyms and emergency procedures.
Quiz Structure:
Categories included Health & Safety Law, Environmental Impact, and Equipment Safety.
Teams debated and collaborated on answers, fostering a competitive yet educational environment.
3rd Activity: Point of Work Risk Assessments (POWRA)
The importance of POWRAs was explained and discussed with the Rye Meads Gel Engineering team, with a focus on promoting site safety.
Key Reasons for Conducting POWRAs:
Keep the Gel Engineering team safe.
Compliance with UK Regulations – Ensures alignment with Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and other regulations.
Real-Time Hazard Identification – Identifies unique, task-specific hazards in dynamic work environments.
Worker Engagement – Promotes ownership and active involvement in risk assessment by workers.
Continuous Improvement – Regularly updated assessments help identify recurring risks and enhance safety process.
Improving Communication – Fosters better coordination between teams, ensuring that everyone is aware of potential hazards.
Key Learning: POWRAs is vital in ensuring that changing worksite conditions and environments are consistently monitored and managed, thereby reducing accidents and improving site safety.
4th Activity: "Tower Build"
The Gel Engineering Teams were challenged to build the tallest free-standing structure using only spaghetti, marshmallows, tape, and string, designed to withstand the placement of a small weight for 30 seconds.
Objective: To reinforce the importance of teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving in a fun, engaging way.
Activity Breakdown:
Design Phase: Teams brainstormed structural designs that would maximize height while maintaining stability.
Build Phase: Each team constructed their tower within a set time limit.
Evaluation: Towers were measured and tested for stability. Key evaluation points included height, load-bearing capability, and creative design.
Debrief: Teams shared their techniques of their build, structural integrity.
Innovation and working under time constraints, mirroring the real-site challenges faced during project work.
Winner: The winning team built a tower that was both the tallest and the most stable, demonstrating an excellent innovation using the material given, and teamwork.
