(148r) Specialized Working Procedure

Everyone knows that standard operating procedures (SOPs) are used for providing clear instructions for safely conduction "critical" or "routine" tasks. But do we forget that non-routine tasks should also have written procedures, called specialized working procedures (SWPs), which should provide clear instructions for safe operations and maintenance?

On closer look, SOP and SWP must be treated the same in terms of purposes, performance requirements and documentation. We should not forget that a majority of risk is due to human factors during non-routine activities and that the task risk assessment or job safety analysis may be insufficient to address all hazard and risk reductions. Risk assessment is used to define the hazard, risk and mitigation plan, but need to be converted to a written procedure to ensure the operator doing the task has clear instructions. By preparing an SWP, it is intended to reduce the frequency of incidents due to human error. An example of SWP is tie-in procedure for plant modification, turn-around operation procedure, non-routine maintenance, etc.

Issues to be addressed when developing an SWP, similar to an SOP; should at minimum include:

?« Overview of work description

?« Expert personnel that know well the work activity

?« Responsible person(s)

?« Tools used for doing all required tasks

?« Potential Hazard (before and when activities are executed)

?« Input on Experience Based Hazards from the field

?« Action steps / accountabilities for key points which must be address if hazards and risks are assessed outside of tolerable limits

?« Knowledge Test (optional)

This paper will describe in more detail requirements of SWPs, how to develop, what the key points are which must be addressed, what procedure steps must be considered, the MOC which must be followed-up on and how the SWP should be documented.