Process Safety Metrics Program - A Successful Case Study
On the whole, the Process Safety Metrics program is an important initiative that is destined to identify, assess and prevent negative consequences in the workplace. The program is essential for enterprises which are characterized by a potentially dangerous production process (for example, biodiesel production). It is usually reflected in special internal corporate documents available for all employees as a guidance. In general, the Process Safety Metrics program is created on the basis of concrete performance indicators and qualities which are associated with a safe workplace environment. The performance indicators which are taken into consideration measure past performance in terms of safety, predict the future situation, and suggest prospective solutions able to improve future prospects and ensure safety. Hence, indicators help not only to comply with current legal requirements but also to demonstrate a solid comprehensive approach to the problem and elaborate effective solutions.
Therefore, the Process Safety Metrics program should be implemented not only for satisfaction of legal obligations. It can help to form a special progressive corporate culture based on advanced technological achievements, a special training of employees and a modern approach to production procedures. It can help to transform an enterprise into a modern structure where progressive solutions are applied on the regular basis.
The article “Biodiesel producers and process safety management compliance” by Nathan Vander Griend explores the Process Safety Metrics program in a biodiesel industry. It describes strategies developed by Eri Solutions Inc. in the sphere of process safety management and the company's advices regarding a perfect Process Safety Metrics program in the industry. Eri Solutions Inc. can be considered an expert in this sphere. The company assists 100 biofuels plants, and 40 agribusiness facilities to create successful Process Safety
Process Safety Metrics Program - A Successful Case Study
Metrics programs and ensure a safe workplace environment for employees.
On the whole, professionals of Eri Solutions Inc. recommend to subdivide the Process Safety Metrics program into fourteen element and consider each of them separately. The mentioned elements are: employee participation, process safety information, process hazards analysis, operating procedures, training, contracting (initiation of a contractor management program), pre- startup safety review, mechanical integrity, hot work, management of change, incident investigation, emergency planning and response, compliance audits, and trade secrets (Griend, 2012, p.1).
It should be noted that all the elements are important and deserve a significant attention of responsible executives. If any of the named components of the program suffers from lack of development, the whole program may completely fail to execute its primary function- detect, evaluate and prevent workplace hazards. Moreover, it may provoke legal problems and produce an overall negative impact on the company. Hence, it is essential to develop all the fragments equally and make them interconnected. The key processes associated with implementation of the Process Safety Metrics program are audit, employee training as well as creation of thematic forms, manuals and other documents. Audit helps to identify the problem and establish the most problematic …