ABSTRACT
Having worked in the chemical and PSM industries since 1976, on this, the 40th anniversary, I'd like to share with you some of the worst PSM practices observed over that working history.
These worst practices are sourced from a wide variety of industries including chemical manufacturing, refining, pipeline, and pharmaceutical. The practices range across different aspects of manufacturing including:
maintenance
operations authority
operator knowledge
emergency response
fatigue
quality control
disabling safeguards
facility siting
pre-startup-safety-reviews
process hazard analysis
incident recognition and reporting
personnel access to restricted areas
fire prevention
The examples, presented in narrative format, include discussion of why the specific practice has serious PSM hazard potential. In some of the examples, actual fires, explosions, or releases occurred due to the bad practice. In those cases, the magnitude of the actual consequence will be presented.
The presentation will allow for audience input at the end of the session. The audience is expected to contribute valuable examples from their personal experience that will reinforce and expand the material that has been presented.
Attend this session to identify worst practices in your organization that, although part of the corporate culture, can lead to disasters. You're virtually certain to find at least one helpful idea and are more than likely going to find several "worst practices" lurking in your own company. So attend this session, identify your own worst practices, and leave knowing why you DON'T DO THIS!