Acceptable Risk
An updated version of this article is available https://psmreport.substack.com/p/acceptable-riskhttps://psmreport.substack.com/p/acceptable-risk.
Pig Launching and Retrieving
This article provides guidance to do with the launching and retrieving of pipeline pigs (also known as scrapers or tools).
Pig Launching
Below is a schematic of a launcher.
Equipment Isolation Methods
Isolation Methods
Positive isolation methods are those which remain effective even if there is equipment failure or operator error. These techniques apply not only to vessels, piping and tanks but also to pneumatic and hydraulic equipment.
The sketch shows some of the various isolation techniques that can be used to protect workers in the process industries. The process containing toxic or flammable chemicals under pressure is on the left; the open system, where the workers are present, is on the right. The order is from the least to the most secure.
Principles of Process Safety Management
The material in this Article has been moved to The Principles of Process Safety Management.
Technical Information
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Overview
All operational integrity and process safety programs are built on a foundation of complete, accurate, and timely technical information.
The Risk Management Professional
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The picture is of Admiral Rickover (1900-1986) — “father of the nuclear navy” — who established many of the priniples of risk management in a high risk environment.
Contractors
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Overview
Companies in the process industries use contractor workers and companies at all levels. They range from large companies that manage megaprojects all the way down to the single worker carrying out a simple task lasting just a few minutes. Frequently, contract workers carry out much of the work at a process facility, and they are often responsible for carrying out some of the most hazardous activities.
Project Management
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Overview
Many of the activities that have been discussed in this series of ebooks are carried out as part of a project. Therefore, it is useful to review some of the basics of project management in the process industries - particularly the Phase/Gate system, and to show how process safety programs are integrated into projects.
The sketch shows the Phase/Gate method of managing a project.
Risk Management
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Overview
The process industries handle large quantities of hazardous, flammable and explosive materials and the processes used to handle these materials are often complex and highly specialized. Hence the consequences of an incident can be very serious indeed. In order to prevent such an incident from occurring companies implement risk management/process safety management programs.
Compliance and Standards
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Overview
Process safety compliance is an important part of any Process Safety Management (PSM) program. These programs are mostly performance-based and non-prescriptive. They aim to help managers achieve high levels of safety, environmental performance and profitability. However, there are also many PSM regulations. This chapter describes some of these regulations and discusses how compliance can be achieved.