Process Safety management is a proactive form of risk assessment combined with engineering. It is a comprehensive undertaking and a regulatory requirement. But it is not without its challenges. One of the most prominent ones is the time commitment required. This article explores the benefits of Process Safety Management and some of the key elements that make this approach beneficial. But before getting started, it’s important to understand what it entails. Listed below are some of the key concepts involved.
Process safety management is a proactive form of risk assessment combined with engineering
If you’re looking for a proactive form of risk assessment combined with a solid engineering foundation, you’ve probably come across Process Safety Management (PSM). As the name suggests, PSM is a form of risk management focused on improving processes and meeting protocols set by authorities. These protocols require actions to be taken in the event of failure. Consequently, implementing PSM is an essential part of any company’s engineering foundation.
This proactive approach helps foster leadership attitudes toward safety while creating teamwork and cooperation within the organization. The benefits go beyond protecting personnel. People and processes within the company are often affected by these changes. This is why it is essential to understand the impacts of these changes on the environment. As an example, highways are widening to increase traffic capacity. However, as this increases traffic, development expands as well. This process can become a never-ending cycle, with each expansion coming at a cost.
When evaluating risks, a proper system must include processes to mitigate them. Risks should be evaluated and prioritized according to their impact and likelihood. However, the process of assessing overall risks is often complicated and difficult. To overcome this, process safety management should be incorporated into a program’s engineering plan. This approach will help program managers identify the risks that affect the project. Further, a risk management plan will help them mitigate risks and minimize the resulting consequences.
Integrated with engineering, SMS is a process for determining, evaluating, and mitigating hazards. In the medical device industry, this approach is referred to as hazard and operability study. It involves analysis of risks related to military needs, follow-on increments, and deferred activities. It also includes a safety culture that fosters an environment where the process safety team is proactive.
It reduces the risk of catastrophic events
Reducing the risk of catastrophic events is vital for high-risk industries. The latest statistics suggest that oil and gas companies suffer from more than 25 percent of major events each year. Onshore, OGP reported that a Tier 1 event was responsible for 2.6 times the average PSER for onshore operations. And even with this low rate, companies are still prone to catastrophic events. To prevent such incidents, companies should implement process safety measures to minimize the likelihood of occurrence.
Public trust has been eroded over time due to the widespread impact of major PS events. The resulting air and water pollution, evacuation of communities and significant business disruptions have created a climate of mistrust. Public dissatisfaction has been further fueled by the lack of timely updates and miscommunication from industry. Recent events have only reinforced this negative public opinion and have contributed to the increased level of dissatisfaction.
Although major incidents are often the focus of attention, process safety also includes near-misses and other less severe incidents. In the 2015 West Fertilizer Company disaster, 15 people were killed and 150 buildings were destroyed. Although process safety incidents are rarer than occupational safety incidents, it does require support from upper management. Process safety is often less expensive. If the costs are lower, it may be the best option for you.
The process safety assessment is a semi-quantitative assessment performed by various departments within a company. The process is broken down into subsets, with each part analyzed for possible deviations and consequences. A team of experts then ranks each of these hazards and risks by using quantitative risk scales. This way, managers can make informed decisions about how to minimize the risk. For example, Cummins reports incidents to the COO, business unit vice presidents, and the Manufacturing Leadership Council.
It is a regulatory standard
It is not enough to have a process safety management system in place. The employer must also establish a process safety management committee consisting of management representatives and employees. This committee should oversee the implementation of a process safety management system. The members of this committee will help ensure the safety and health of employees and other people who work on the plant. They will also help to meet the regulatory standards. In short, process safety management is a vital element of any manufacturing business.
The primary goal of process safety management is to prevent unwanted releases of hazardous chemicals and other materials into the environment. This exposure can pose serious health risks to workers. To achieve this goal, the process safety management program must include systematic evaluation of the entire process. This evaluation includes process design and technology, operational procedures, nonroutine activities, emergency preparedness plans, training programs, and other components. In addition to the process safety management program, the process safety management system must also comply with other regulations.
The requirement that employers develop written operating procedures is a critical component of process safety management. Procedures must include specific instructions for each operating phase. They must also address all safety and health considerations and any safety systems. These documents must be easily accessible and regularly reviewed. The procedures must also incorporate special or unique hazards, safety systems, and functions. In addition, they must provide access to employees to process hazard analyses.
The process safety management standard for construction is similar to the regulations for general industry. The construction process safety management standard contains mandatory sections and appendices. The Appendix B contains a block-flow diagram that must be followed by employees. Appendix C and D include recommendations for employers and information sources for further study. These documents are also useful in evaluating the effectiveness of a process safety management system. For example, a plant safety audit team can review the written training program to ensure it meets all requirements.
It is a time-consuming undertaking
There are numerous factors that can affect the safety of a process. A small amount of carelessness or a rush to meet a deadline can lead to a major accident. A process safety accident not only damages the company’s reputation, but can impact the lives of employees and their families. It can even change the public perception of a profession. That’s why process safety is such an important undertaking. The following are some steps that you should take to ensure process safety in your business.
Firstly, you should set policy and expectations and provide resources and incentives for safe operations. Process safety should become an enterprise’s top priority, but the importance of safety cannot be overemphasized. Building a culture that emphasizes safety is an integral part of building the company’s corporate culture, along with an occupational safety culture. While safety is a challenging endeavor, the rewards are worth the effort. If done right, process safety will be a company’s competitive advantage.
Ultimately, process safety management must be implemented at hazardous chemical facilities to protect employees and the environment. Even though OSHA does not regulate PSM programs, they do require that the programs meet 14 requirements. Some companies still use spreadsheets and forms, and manual entry can be time-consuming and prone to human error. A PSM program should be integrated into the overall process, not just a section of it. So implementing a PSM program is a complex undertaking.
