COP Benchmarking Shows Wide Variance In Operator Training

Jan. 22, 2019
The Center for Operator Performance completes benchmarking on current operator training practices to better understand opportunities for improvement.

The Center for Operator Performance (COP) completes benchmarking on current operator training practices to better understand opportunities for improvement. Representatives from eight companies over multiple sites shared details on initial operator training, unit qualification training, advanced unit training and training system structure. While almost everyone was generally satisfied with the product of their training programs (i.e., trained operators), wide variance reportedly exists in how it is achieved.

The next step will be to define opportunities to train the next generation of operators, according to COP. Ensuring that operators have the basic skill and knowledge for job performance is a fundamental aspect of safe plant operation. The pool of potential operators is significantly different than 25 years ago. Today’s applicants are digital natives and less mechanically inclined as a result of fewer opportunities to learn these skills while growing up, says COP. Additionally, the requirements for safe and successful process operation have increased over the past few decades. Addressing these challenges may benefit from new and different approaches to training.

The Center for Operator Performance is a collaboration of operating companies and distributed control system (DCS) suppliers that conduct research focused on ways to improve operator performance. Operating companies include: BP Exploration Operating Company Limited, Chevron (ChevronPhillips), Koch Industries (Flint Hills Resources, INVISTA Chemical, Georgia Pacific), HollyFrontier, CITGO, and NOVA Chemicals (Borealis). The DCS suppliers are Emerson and Yokogawa (KBC). Beville Engineering is the founding member company.

For more information, visit www.operatorperformance.org

Sponsored Recommendations

Keys to Improving Safety in Chemical Processes (PDF)

Many facilities handle dangerous processes and products on a daily basis. Keeping everything under control demands well-trained people working with the best equipment.

Get Hands-On Training in Emerson's Interactive Plant Environment

Enhance the training experience and increase retention by training hands-on in Emerson's Interactive Plant Environment. Build skills here so you have them where and when it matters...

Rosemount™ 625IR Fixed Gas Detector (Video)

See how Rosemount™ 625IR Fixed Gas Detector helps keep workers safe with ultra-fast response times to detect hydrocarbon gases before they can create dangerous situations.

Micro Motion 4700 Coriolis Configurable Inputs and Outputs Transmitter

The Micro Motion 4700 Coriolis Transmitter offers a compact C1D1 (Zone 1) housing. Bluetooth and Smart Meter Verification are available.