ESTC 6 – Ammunition Inspections

ESTC 6

Today I’m talking to John Staves about the specialist surveys that Michael Aubrey Partnership carry out on Ammunition stores on behalf of The Ministry of Defence (MoD) and the Royal Engineers (RE)

John Staves

Firstly, I’m not an explosives expert, I just know a bit about buildings!

Our inspections are part of a larger process and form a key part of the licencing of these facilities.

They are under a set of procedures for storing ammunition and consequently they are subject to explosive site regulations They are required so that the MoD and RE maintain their licences to store explosives and ammunition in those areas.

ammunition store

What Type Of Inspections Do You Carry Out?

  • Technical inspections
  • Professional Appraisals

How Frequently are Appraisals of Ammunitions Stores Carried Out?

  • Technical inspections, every two years
  • Professional appraisals, every third technical inspection i.e every six years

What’s The Difference Between A Technical Inspection And A Professional Appraisal?

A technical inspection is a general survey to check the condition of the main structural elements and we cover items such as;

  • Fabric of the building
  • Plumbing
  • Heating
  • Fire
  • Specialist blast items
  • Traverses and
  • Earth mounds

A Professional Appraisal goes beyond the technical appraisal and takes into consideration utilisation factors of structural elements. eg how hard the structure is working. Detailed Structural Calculations are required

Strict Timescales

If we visit site an Ammunition store and find an issue that would compromise the health and safety of anyone in and around the building, we have an obligation to report this immediately (within 24 hours). Technical reports and Professional Appraisals are submitted within 5 days following the site inspection.

What Legislation Does This Type Of Work Fall Within?

MOD Explosives Regulations (JSP 482) defines the approach that should be taken to ensure that safe storage and processing of explosives by reducing risks to levels as low as reasonably practicable.

Explosives storage and transport committee (ESTC) Standard No. 6 sets out the requirements for the commissioning, inspection, testing and maintenance of works for explosives facilities in the Ministry of Defence.

ESTC Standard No. 6 sets out the standards required for the whole inspection process.

The scope and format of the Professional Appraisal report must be based on “The Appraisal of Existing Structures” published by the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE).

Competent Person

ESTC 6 States that Professional Appraisals (PA) are to be carried out by a competent person who is suitably qualified and experienced in assessing building structures.

For Professional Appraisals the surveyor must be a Chartered Member of the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) or equivalent body

Advantage of Using Michael Aubrey Partnership

Peace of Mind – Professional Expertise

Our team of Chartered Structural Engineers with specialist knowledge of the requirements and processes of ESTC Standard No. 6.

Fast Response – Security Clearance

Our Chartered Engineers have security clearance to attend MoD and Royal Engineer sites. Meetings are pre-booked and arranging inspections is fast and efficient with submission of  reports within 5 days.

Direct Experience

Direct experience of carrying out these inspections over many years.

Do you have Ammunition Stores that require regular inspections?

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