Keep operations safe
A four-phase risk reduction strategy can play a crucial role
Check
By what method? Only the method counts4. The Check phase applies metrics to assess performance against requirements. Sustainable operation is achieved by focusing on metrics providing real-time indication. Table 1 provides example metrics for the ISS. CCPS has suggested additional metrics9.
Lifecycle step |
Example Metric |
Hazard analysis |
Total number of hazard and risk analysis scheduled during defined interval
|
Design basis |
Total number of safety equipment
|
Mechanical integrity |
Total number of inspections scheduled during defined interval
Total number of equipment tests scheduled during defined interval
For completed tests:
Total number of safety equipment
|
Degraded operation |
Total number of safety equipment that are out of service (bypassed, disabled, overridden or under test/repair) during process operation for defined interval
|
Process performance |
Percentage of start-ups involving abnormal or emergency operation Total number of process shutdowns during defined interval
Total number of safety alarms during defined interval
|
Selecting appropriate metrics to track can seem like an overwhelming task. Sometimes technical personnel want to measure everything just because they can. It’s important to carefully choose metrics so that just the right amount of meaningful data is collected. All systems involving humans and machines suffer some degree of variation in output quality. Good metrics drive personnel to do the right thing by identifying and correcting variation outside what’s considered acceptable. Measuring the wrong things can undermine process safety. It’s unfortunate but true that personnel will behave contrary to reason and the best interest of the company if necessary to “make their numbers.”
