HC Deb 24 June 2002 vol 387 c659W
Tom Brake

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what(a) contracts and (b) technical support contracts were (i) awarded and (ii) used by the Health and Safety Executive as part of their investigation into the derailment at Potters Bar in May; and if he will make a statement. [58651]

Mr. Jamieson

I have been asked to reply.

In addition to all the work undertaken by the Health and Safety Executive's (HSE) internal laboratory, HSE engaged the following contractors to support their investigations of the Potters Bar rail crash: Contractor AEA Technology Rail—assistance with investigations (contractual arrangements will be via the central HSE call-off contract).

Contractor Research
Grant Fire Consultants Review of existing fire standards and a review of the literature in respect of the behaviour of fires on

porous ground

Intertek Testing Testing of gas/oil samples
Forensic Science Services Paint analysis
Astra Zeneca Auto ignition temperature test of samples of gas/oil
University of Sheffield ICP analysis
Garvic Development Design advice related to fuel tank impact test
IC Consultants Technical support in respect of the failure of fuel tanks and of the collision dynamics

However, it should be noted that providing an exhaustive list of contractors would entail disproportionate cost.

Tom Brake

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what(a) contracts and (b) technical support contracts were (i) awarded and (ii) used by the Health and Safety Executive as part of their investigation into the derailmentat

Contractor Research
Trimac Ltd Specialist photographic support
AEA Technology Rail Assistance with investigation including on-site derailment investigation, track profile measurements

and examination of vehicles

AEA Consultancy Advice on non-destructive testing
Serco Rail-test Practical non-destructive testing of rails
Sheffield Testing Labs. Chemical analysis of steel samples, and machine and tensile test of rails

However, it should be noted that providing an exhaustive list of contractors would entail disproportionate cost.

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