Process Safety Beacon: Are You Prepared ??

We have seen movies of 1500’s era warriors preparing for battle. They sharpen swords, test their shields and don their armor and helmets. Leaders explain the plans for the ensuing conflict, and they all go to their stations to await the start of the battle. Some movies also show the soldiers thinking about possible injuries, or worse, that could happen. They are prepared for the challenges of the day.

Are you prepared for the start of your day? At the beginning of a shift, workers don their PPE safety glasses, fire resistant clothing, boots, and helmets. It may be necessary to calibrate a meter or personal gas monitor. The production schedule and inspection tasks have been outlined by the unit leaders and are communicated to the workers during the shift handover and start-of-shift meetings.

The hazards of the process and equipment are the enemy and the battle is to keep them contained. Every day when making rounds, inspections, repairing faulty or failing equipment and devices. Do we take our jobs as seriously as those warriors of old? While you put on your PPE are you also thinking about the hazards you will face today?

Did you know?

• Planning is an important part of every safe and successful workday. 
• Effective shift turnover should be a face-to-face discussion between the personnel ending their shift with those beginning the shift.
• Good shift turnover meetings include:
  – Status of each process
  – Any upsets or production problems that occurred
  – Equipment that is off-line for maintenance
  – Any equipment or controls that are bypassed or off-line
  – Any contractor work underway
  – Permitted work that will continue on the next shift
  – Visitors or workers in the unit from another plant area.
  – Review of the unit logbook
• It may be necessary to visit the field to see the exact situation that is being discussed.
• Some companies use a checklist or form to list all the topics to be covered during turnover.

What can I do?

• Arrive at the control room or shift turnover area in time to allow all information to be discussed.
• Read the logbook carefully. Do not just look for issues in your area, understand the situation in the entire area or unit.
• Follow the shift turnover forms and procedures to cover all the problems and concerns.
• Ask questions to ensure the present status of the process is well understood.
• Actively participate in the shift turnover meetings. Listen as if your life depends on it – it may!
• If permits need to be rewritten for the next shift, take the time to inspect the area before writing or approving the permit. Conditions may have changed. 

Start your day prepared for the challenges ahead!

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Source: Process Safety Beacon