Ensuring that our products are safe to use is a key responsibility. We also need to make weapon systems as accurate as possible, and minimise the potential impact of our products on the environment.
Our managing directors are responsible for implementing our product safety policy in their Business Units, by setting up product safety management systems. Product safety is a key responsibility of the Engineering Council led by our Chief Operating Officer, Mark Ronald. A Product Safety & Environmental Focus Group has been set up with representatives from each major business.
The group provides specialist advice on product safety management, raises awareness of product safety issues and regulation, and promotes the spread of good practice across the company. This includes providing training material on product safety for the Engineering Developing You framework and organising regular Product Safety Forums for employees.
We aim to design products that are safe to handle and transport. For example, RO Defence, a BAE Systems company, has developed a range of insensitive munitions, using new explosives that are significantly less likely to explode in an accident. Lead used in ammunition can harm the environment and pose a risk to people.
Our RO Defence site at Radway Green is developing lead-free ammunition which will be available in 2005. There have been concerns that the use of depleted uranium in weapons may cause harm. In 2003, we stopped using depleted uranium in our products. Our depleted uranium manufacturing facility at Featherstone is being decommissioned in compliance with UK standards.
