Offshore Group Webinar Notes

Introduction

• Speaker: Simon Hatz, Chair of the Offshore Group.
• Acknowledgment of members attending the third webinar of the Offshore Group.
• This is the first joint event with the Hazardous Industry Group.
• Emphasis on providing feedback after the event to guide future webinars.

Event Overview

• Encouragement to ask questions during the presentation.
• Importance of addressing attendees' inquiries to enhance learning.

Presentation by Shalesh

• Title: Awareness in Process Safety - A Beginner's Guide.
• Focus on various standards related to process safety.

Objectives of the Session

1. Define process safety.
2. Differentiate between occupational safety and process safety.
3. Describe the 10 Pillars of Compliance approach:
   • Utilize UK Regulators' approach for clarity.
4. Outline consequences of process safety failures with examples.
5. Highlight the role of human factors in process safety.

What is Process Safety?

• Prevents unintentional releases of hazardous materials during chemical processes.
• Focus areas include:
  • Leaks, spills, equipment malfunction.
  • Effective alarms and control procedures.

Differences Between Occupational Safety and Process Safety

• Occupational Safety: Focuses on preventing harm to individuals (e.g., injuries, health hazards).
• Process Safety: Focuses on preventing environmental damage and loss of containment (e.g., fires, explosions).

10 Pillars of Compliance

1. Safety Management System: Core processes including risk assessment and change management.
2. Aging Plant: Maintenance and monitoring of equipment conditions.
3. Competence of People: Training and capability assessments of staff.
4. Safety Instrumented Systems: Ensuring reliable systems to prevent incidents.
5. Prevention of Overfill: Managing tank levels to avoid spills.
6. Secondary and Tertiary Containment: Structures to contain spills or leaks.
7. Internal Emergency Plans: Preparedness for incidents within the plant.
8. External Emergency Plans: Collaboration with local authorities for public safety.
9. Process Safety Performance Indicators: Metrics to evaluate safety performance.
10. Safety Leadership: Commitment from senior management to maintain safety standards.

Consequences of Process Safety Failures

• Discussed several historical incidents as case studies.
• Emphasis on management of change and its impact on safety.

Key Takeaways

• Importance of integrating occupational and process safety for overall safety in the workplace.
• Need for proactive management and performance monitoring.
• Encouragement for organizations to adopt a risk-based approach to maintenance and safety practices.

Feedback and Future Events

• Attendees encouraged to provide feedback for future webinars.
• Future topics may include detailed examinations of each pillar of compliance.

Closing Remarks

• Next Events:
  • Presentation available by the end of the week.
  • Upcoming events include a seminar on "The Life of a Safety Rep" in Aberdeen.
  • Annual Offshore Group Conference on October 19th at the Discovery Museum in Dundee.

Questions & Answers

• Discussion on widely used PSM standards in the UK.
• Guidance on change management principles.
• Importance of identifying critical equipment and utilizing effective performance indicators.