The Pirbright Institute has shared its expertise in process safety management at the Society of Operations Engineers' BES & IPlantE Autumn Seminar.
As a leader in the safe operation of high-containment laboratories and animal facilities, the Institute manages high-containment laboratories and animal facilities that rely on specialist engineering to keep hazardous pathogens safely contained and protect people and the environment.
Gary Oldham, Head of Pirbright’s Estates Management Services, told delegates how Pirbright applies Process Safety Management principles to support the safe operation of its engineering infrastructure.
The Pirbright Institute operates carefully controlled positive and negative pressure systems: negative pressure prevents pathogens from escaping, while positive pressure protects clean areas from contamination. Maintaining these systems safely, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, requires specialist expertise.
Gary outlined Pirbright's role as a National Capability in protecting the UK from viral diseases of livestock. He described how process safety management principles can improve organisational resilience, reduce risk, strengthen governance and support sustainable operational performance in high-hazard environments. Gary said:
“Process Safety Management provides the framework that enables us to understand our risks, ensure critical controls perform as intended and drive continual improvement. It underpins the safe and reliable operation of our facilities, giving confidence that world-leading science can be delivered. Few engineers will have the opportunity to work on facilities as unique and complex as those at Pirbright, making it an exceptional and highly rewarding place to build an engineering career.”
The Institute believes in continually building the expertise of its team of 65+ highly skilled engineers, keeping pace with developments in the field. A corporate partnership with SOE supports this through structured Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and a pathway to professional registration as an Engineering Technician (EngTech), Incorporated Engineer (IEng) or Chartered Engineer (CEng).
Gary and Emma, centre, with delegates at the Society of Operations Engineers
Chenduran Aravinthan, Process Safety Engineer at The Pirbright Institute, who leads the CPD programme, said:
“Professional registration gives our team formal recognition for skills that are often unique to Pirbright, and a clear route to grow. Our engineers do highly specialised work every day, and registration ensures that expertise is recognised across the wider engineering profession.”
Welcoming Pirbright's contribution to the seminar, Emma Thompson, Chief Executive of the Society of Operations Engineers, said: “One of the most rewarding aspects of working within the engineering profession is seeing the commitment individuals make to their own development and growth. Continuing Professional Development is far more than a requirement; it is an investment in knowledge, competence, and professional excellence.
“It was a pleasure to participate in the event and see firsthand the enthusiasm for learning and professional development across the sector. The Society of Operations Engineers is proud to support engineers throughout their careers, helping them achieve professional recognition and maintain the high standards that our industries rely upon. We value our partnership with Pirbright and the shared commitment to developing capable, confident professionals. Together, we can continue to champion lifelong learning and support the next generation of engineering talent.”
Pirbright's commitment to developing engineering talent extends across all career stages. Its Senior Leadership Development Programme provides clear career progression, while its apprenticeship scheme, delivered with a local technical college, recruits new apprentices each year to train in mechanical, electrical and controls engineering.
Pirbright is also sharing its expertise more widely through its new course, Understanding the Role of Engineering in Biological Containment, with the first cohort taking place from 9 to 12 November 2026.