(57cb) Developing an Effective System for Action Item Resolution

PSM action items are are regularly identified through many different means in a typical chemical processing facility. Knowing what to do with these action items and how best to proceed is no easy task. Not all action items are created equally, or even with the same goal in mind. An action item identified in a PHA may present a direct hazard to an employee, while an action item generated from a pressure relief systems study may present a documentation concern, a deviation from current practices, a direct hazard to an employee, or any combination thereof. Many facilities have a system in place for shepherding action items to completion, but these systems typically assume all action items are created equally. In this paper, we will demonstrate the importance of having a system that handles each action item in the most effective way; from evaluating the nature of the concern, considering the risks associated with the action item, developing the action plan, to completing the action plan. We will also cover whose input should be considered at each stage in the process to help ensure the best solutions possible are developed.