(52ak) A Structured Gap Assessment, Intervention & Handholding Approach for Effective PSM Implementation

In India there is an increasing focus on Process Safety Management. This is mainly due to higher aspiration for growth leading to handling of highly hazardous chemicals and complex processes, aggressive operations, need to minimise supply chain dependency on other countries, and various other challenges in adoption of inherently safer approach Process safety incidents continue to occur in spite of the desire to operate safely.

Converting this desire to reality is where Process Safety Management comes in with a structured approach to risk minimisation and safe operations.

Though the leaders of an organisation have commitment to focus, provide resources and implement a PSM program, the implementation appears to be a tough journey.

The key challenges in PSM implementation are integration of the PSM system into the existing safety systems, maturity level of the culture of an organisation, and process competency of the operating personnel.

These highlighted challenges bring multiple variables that combine differently in each organization. At Chola MSRS, we realise that every organisation has unique strengths and its own areas that need to be improved. Hence, we firmly believe that the approach and solution for each organization has to be tailored specifically. The One Size Fits All approach does not bring desired results in PSM implementation.

Our implementation strategy is focussed on understanding the organisation’s strength and opportunities for improvement. We study through a methodical survey approach that observes technical as well as cultural aspects. The findings of these surveys are utilised for designing the tailor-made approach for the Implementation journey by cocreating the PSM vision and Core values for the orgnisation which enables the alignment across all layers from leadership to the frontline

An important aspect of implementation journey is to create an integrated orgnisation structure involving all the key stakeholders. We provide key strategic inputs for each element of Process Safety, developing and utilising the competencies of the various element champions who spearhead the implementation process. This enables the journey to be self sustainable.

During the implementation journey the key personnel in the PSM organisation structure such as Element Champions and Task Force Teams often face challenges and meet with stumbling blocks which could hamper the whole journey. If this is not addressed at right time and in right method, it can derail the implementation process. Some of the major challenges are faced in key elements such as Process Safety Information, Management of Change, Asset integrity and Contractor Safety Management. Such field level challenges are addressed by handholding concept

This paper outlines implementation approach in detail and highlights challenges faced during implementation of critical PSM elements and how those challenges are converted into opportunities for the organisation through specific approaches facilitated by Process Safety Specialists trained to handhold an organization embarking on the PSM Journey