The problem with alarms Alarm management was a key topic in my previous role inspecting high-hazard facilities, and the UK HSE team provided input into a detailed publication by EEMUA (Engineering Equipment & Materials Users Association), published in 1999. This document, known as EEMUA Publication 191, became the authoritative reference, and I used this document in my inspections of alarm systems. HSE provided a summary information sheet in 2000 (“Better Alarm Handling”, CHIS6). When interfaces are designed, there may be an assumption that control room operators will always detect an alarm, know what action to take, and respond in a timely manner. However, we know from several incidents around the world that this is not always the case. For those industries that have a safety case or a safety report, it’s important not to make significant claims for operator response to alarms, unless you can demonstrate a high level of human reliability. Despite the fact that clear, detailed guidance has been available for over 25 years, this still remains a key factor in major events. I’ve just been reviewing the latest CSB investigation report into the naphtha release and fire at the Husky Toledo refinery in Ohio. On 20 September 2022, flammable liquid naphtha was released from a pressure vessel, and the vapour cloud ignited causing a flash fire. This incident fatally injured two employees, who were brothers. The incident also caused $597 million in property damage. One of the key findings of the CSB report relates to the management of alarms. It is commonly accepted that more than 10 alarms in 10 minutes is considered an “alarm flood”, when more alarms are presented than can be addressed by a single person. This target was documented in the company’s own guidance on alarms. The impact of an alarm flood is that operators are more likely to miss critical alarms or misdiagnose the situation. At the Husky Toledo incident, control room operators were almost certainly overwhelmed by alarms. On the day of the incident, between 0650am and 1849pm, a total of 3,712 alarms were recorded. In other words, the operators experienced alarm flood for a continuous 12 hours. At a critical time during the event, the six most frequent alarms accounted for nearly half of the alarm annunciations. “The high extent and duration of alarm flood contributed to the incident by overloading the board operators, contributing to miscommunication, errors, and missed alarms, ultimately leading to the fatal incident” (CSB, June 2024, p.102). If you have an alarm system, the EEMUA and HSE guidance provide an approach to help understand if you have a problem - and how to address it. Martin Anderson is a Principal Consultant, working at the intersection of human factors and process safety. #humanfactors #safety #safetyleadership #processsafety https://lnkd.in/gCDnHHmq
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LNG Station Safety guidelines Safety at LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) stations is of paramount importance due to the nature of the product being handled. Here are some key safety aspects associated with LNG stations: Design and Engineering: LNG stations must be designed and engineered with safety as a primary consideration. This includes adherence to industry standards and regulations, such as those set forth by organizations like the International Code Council (ICC) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Proper engineering ensures that facilities are equipped to handle LNG safely, including storage tanks, vaporizers, and dispensing equipment. Fire and Explosion Hazards: LNG is highly flammable when vaporized, and it can pose significant fire and explosion hazards if not handled properly. Safety measures to mitigate these risks include proper ventilation systems, fire detection and suppression systems, and adherence to safe operating procedures. Cryogenic Hazards: LNG is stored and transported at extremely low temperatures (-162°C or -260°F), presenting cryogenic hazards. Personnel must be trained to handle LNG safely, including proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as insulated gloves and face shields. Spill Prevention and Response: Spills of LNG can result in rapid vaporization and the formation of a flammable gas cloud. Effective spill prevention measures include secondary containment systems, leak detection systems, and emergency shutdown procedures. Additionally, response plans must be in place to address spills quickly and minimize their impact. Dispensing Safety: LNG dispensing equipment must be designed and operated with safety in mind. This includes proper grounding and bonding to prevent static electricity buildup, emergency shutdown controls, and training for personnel responsible for dispensing LNG to vehicles. Security: LNG stations may be subject to security threats due to the potential consequences of a deliberate release or sabotage. Security measures, such as access controls, surveillance systems, and perimeter fencing, help prevent unauthorized access and protect against potential threats. Emergency Preparedness and Response: Comprehensive emergency response plans are essential for LNG stations. This includes training personnel on emergency procedures, conducting regular drills, and coordinating with local emergency responders. Effective response plans help mitigate the consequences of accidents or incidents involving LNG. Regulatory Compliance: LNG stations must comply with applicable regulations and standards governing the safe handling and storage of LNG. This includes obtaining permits, conducting inspections, and staying informed of updates to safety requirements.
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Experienced HSE Expert | Master’s Graduate Driving Safety Excellence Through Innovative Solutions and Compliance
Flammable gas detectors Flammable gas detectors are essential devices that play a crucial role in maintaining safety in various environments where flammable gases are present. These detectors are designed to detect the presence of flammable gases in the air and alert individuals to the potential danger of a gas leak or build-up. By quickly detecting the presence of flammable gases, these detectors help prevent accidents, injuries, and even fatalities that can result from gas leaks or explosions. One of the key benefits of flammable gas detectors is their ability to provide early warning of a potential gas leak. By continuously monitoring the air for the presence of flammable gases, these detectors can detect even small concentrations of gas before they reach dangerous levels. This early warning allows individuals to take prompt action to address the issue, such as shutting off the gas supply, ventilating the area, or evacuating the premises. Without these detectors, individuals may not be aware of a gas leak until it is too late, leading to a higher risk of accidents and injuries. Flammable gas detectors are also beneficial in environments where the presence of flammable gases is common, such as industrial facilities, laboratories, and manufacturing plants. In these settings, the risk of a gas leak or build-up is higher, making it essential to have reliable gas detection systems in place. Flammable gas detectors provide a continuous monitoring solution that helps ensure the safety of workers and the integrity of the facility. By alerting individuals to the presence of flammable gases, these detectors help prevent accidents, fires, and explosions that can result from a gas leak. Additionally, flammable gas detectors are designed to be highly sensitive and responsive to a wide range of flammable gases, including methane, propane, butane, and natural gas. This versatility allows these detectors to provide comprehensive coverage in various environments where different types of flammable gases may be present. Some detectors also come equipped with features such as adjustable sensitivity levels, alarm systems, and data logging capabilities, providing users with added flexibility and functionality in their gas detection efforts. In conclusion, flammable gas detectors are crucial devices that help maintain safety in environments where flammable gases are present. By providing early warning of potential gas leaks and build-ups, these detectors help prevent accidents, injuries, and fatalities that can result from a gas-related incident. Their sensitivity, versatility, and advanced features make them a valuable tool for ensuring the safety of individuals and facilities in a wide range of settings. Investing in flammable gas detectors is a proactive and responsible measure that can help save lives and protect property from the dangers of flammable gases. #flammable #gas #detectors #safety #alert #sensitivity #versatility #fatalities #danger
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Integrating explosion-proof cameras with horn speakers in the oil and gas industry can offer several benefits: 1) Explosion-proof cameras are designed to operate in hazardous environments, such as those with flammable substances or high-risk areas in oil and gas facilities. By integrating these cameras with horn speakers, it becomes possible to monitor critical areas in real-time and also communicate urgent messages or warnings to personnel. This can significantly enhance safety by enabling early detection of potential hazards and allowing early response and evacuation if necessary. 2) Cameras integrated with horn speakers provide a comprehensive surveillance solution. They can be strategically placed in key locations, such as process areas, storage tanks, pipelines, or offshore platforms, to monitor activities, and identify potential security threats. The combination of visual monitoring and audio alerts through horn speakers enables operators to have a better understanding of the situation, facilitating effective decision-making and timely intervention. 3) In the event of an emergency, such as a fire, explosion, or toxic gas release, the integration of cameras and horn speakers allows for rapid response and communication. 4) Operators can remotely assess the situation using the camera feeds and provide clear instructions or warnings to personnel through the horn speakers. This helps to minimize response time, ensure the safety of workers, and coordinate emergency procedures more effectively. 5) Integration of cameras with horn speakers enables remote monitoring and control of oil and gas facilities. Operators can access live camera feeds from a centralized control room, allowing them to remotely inspect equipment, verify compliance with safety protocols, and detect any abnormal conditions or potential risks. The horn speakers can also be used to remotely communicate instructions or announcements to workers located in different areas of the facility.
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Can you guess the 5 questions I asked Chat GBT? Conclusion Using nozzles that are guaranteed to block is not acceptable for any safety-critical system, especially in high-risk environments like oil and gas platforms. Ensuring that all components of the deluge system, including nozzles, are reliable and free from blockages is essential for protecting personnel, equipment, and the environment. The selection and maintenance of nozzles should prioritize safety, compliance with regulations, and operational reliability. Conclusion A risk assessment is a valuable tool for understanding and managing the risks associated with deluge nozzle blockages, but it does not eliminate the need for protective measures. Instead, it informs and enhances the implementation of these measures, ensuring that the deluge system remains effective and reliable in safety-critical situations. Therefore, protecting deluge nozzles from blocking remains a fundamental requirement in maintaining the integrity and safety of fire suppression systems. Conclusion Operating with deluge nozzles that are guaranteed to block poses a significant safety risk that cannot be ignored. Oil and gas operators should prioritize shutting down production until effective measures are in place to protect these nozzles from blockages. This approach ensures the safety of personnel, compliance with regulatory standards, protection of the environment, and the long-term integrity of the facility. Conclusion Blockage testing of deluge nozzles is a critical step in ensuring the reliability and effectiveness of fire suppression systems in environments where there is a risk of blockage. Implementing thorough and regular blockage testing procedures helps protect personnel, equipment, and infrastructure while ensuring compliance with safety standards and regulations. This proactive approach significantly enhances the safety and operational integrity of the fire suppression system. Conclusion RigDeluge filters are a good choice for deluge fire suppression systems on oil and gas platforms due to their effectiveness in preventing nozzle blockages, compliance with industry standards, and durability in harsh environments. They offer significant benefits in terms of system reliability and safety, which are critical in high-risk industrial settings. While the initial investment and maintenance requirements are considerations, the overall advantages make them a worthwhile component of a robust fire suppression strategy. #Firesafety #safety #environmentalprotection #technology #innovation #compliance #integrity #ethics #morals #falsecompliance #assetintegrity #assetmanagment #processsafety #commonsense #logic #risk #patent #engineering #engineer #safetyfirst #nfpa #healthandsafetyexecutive #oeuk #freeflow #freeflowsolutions #freeflowproducts #rigdeluge #change #techsafety #processsafety #oilandgas #petroleum #petroleumengineer #AI #humanbehaviuor #compliant #compliance #awardwinning #accountability
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QUALITY AS A MEASURE OF PERFORMANCE IN THE CONCEPT AND ENGINEERING PHASE OF A FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT The effective management of Life and Fire Safety Risk is one of the first priorities in any project especially in the high risk project development. In the manufacturing and oil and gas sectors, production facilities are usually quite complex, and located in unique environments that can be hostile, with plenty of potential for safety breaches, negative environmental impact or loss-making downtime. The the IoT world, grave consequences from downtime have been witnesses due to downtime. The ability to predict and prevent and manage undesirable events is the single-most important factor for the protection of life, environment and business continuity in all projects staged from concept through operations to de-commissioning. Risk from fire is identified as one of the top concerns to all stakeholders including financiers, insurance underwriters, regulators, owners and https://is.gd/10hG4A
QUALITY AS A MEASURE OF PERFORMANCE IN THE CONCEPT AND ENGINEERING PHASE OF A FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT
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Executive Operations NPCL(A JV power distribution company between RP Sanjeev Goenka Group and Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority),Ex-Adani Energy Solutions Limited,Ex-Doosan Power Systems India Limited
#Navigating Common Mistakes in Substations for Enhanced Safety and Efficiency: Substations play a critical role in ensuring the smooth functioning of power distribution networks. Recognizing and addressing some mistakes is essential for safeguarding personnel, equipment, and the reliability of the power grid. 1. Misinterpretation of the Single-Line Diagram (SLD): A crucial component of understanding the electrical layout of a substation is the Single-Line Diagram (SLD). Misinterpretation of the SLD can lead to confusion, incorrect operation of equipment, and safety hazards. It is essential for personnel to be well-versed in reading and understanding SLDs to ensure accurate decision-making and effective operation. 2. Operating Sequence and Interlocking of Switchgear: Proper operating sequences and interlocking of switchgear are vital for safe and efficient substation operation. Deviating from prescribed sequences can result in equipment damage, electrical faults, and even endanger personnel. Regular training, clear procedures, and strict adherence to interlocking mechanisms are critical in preventing mishaps. 3. Operating the Control Panel When the Circuit is Live: One of the most common yet dangerous mistakes is operating the control panel or equipment when the circuit is live. This can expose personnel to electric shock, arc flash incidents, and severe injuries. Strict lock-out/tag-out procedures, proper insulation, and adherence to safety protocols are important. 4. Undermining Safety Protocols While Dealing with Live Parts: Neglecting safety protocols when working with live parts poses a significant risk in substations. Failure to follow safety procedures, such as wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), maintaining safe distances, and employing proper tools, can result in life-threatening incidents. Emphasizing a safety-first culture and regular safety audits are crucial. 5. Neglecting Potential Differences: Neglecting potential differences in electrical systems can lead to ground faults, equipment damage, and power outages. Understanding and addressing potential differences through proper grounding techniques, insulation monitoring, and voltage regulation are essential. 6. Use of Old, Uncalibrated, or Unreliable Tools: The use of old, uncalibrated, or unreliable tools in substations can compromise accuracy, safety, and overall performance. Regular inspection, maintenance, and calibration of tools and equipment are necessary. 7. Post-Hazard Response Factor: Having a robust post-hazard response plan is crucial in mitigating the impact of incidents in substations. Promptly addressing emergencies, conducting thorough investigations, implementing corrective actions, and providing adequate training for personnel are important. Awareness of common mistakes in substations and proactive measures to address them are essential for maintaining a safe, reliable, and efficient electrical infrastructure...
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with the #satam #Equalis system no loading authorization can be initiated without the truck being clamped with a grounding device. Also if during a loading operation the earthing clamp to the truck falls off, the equalis System will stop the loading process before any major incidence can occur just like is shown in the video below
Ensuring Safety and Reliability in the Oil and Gas Industry: The Critical Role of Grounding Systems. Understanding Grounding Systems: Grounding involves connecting electrical equipment to the Earth to provide a safe pathway for electrical currents. In the oil and gas industry, where a multitude of electrical devices and systems are in use, an effective grounding system is essential for minimizing the risk of electrical incidents, fires, and equipment damage. Importance of Grounding Systems in the Oil and Gas Industry: Personnel Safety: A robust grounding system ensures the safety of personnel working in the field by preventing electrical shocks and creating a safe path for fault currents to dissipate harmlessly into the ground. For any reason during the truck loading exercise there is a disconnection of the earthing clamp from the truck, the loading process will be interrupted. This system helps to prevent any fire accident which may arise as a result of static current. Asset Protection:Proper grounding protects this valuable infrastructure by mitigating the impact of electrical faults, reducing the risk of damage, and extending the lifespan of equipment. During loading of trucks, the requirements are for all loading trucks to be earthed. To comply with this, the Satam Equalis-S system is programmed to ensure that no truck loading authorization can be initiated if the truck is not grounded. Operational Continuity: Unplanned downtime can have severe financial implications in the oil and gas industry. Grounding systems help maintain operational continuity by preventing disruptions caused by electrical incidents and lightning strikes. Compliance and Regulations: Adhering to industry standards and regulations is not just a legal requirement but a commitment to ethical and responsible operations. Grounding systems are often a key component of compliance in the oil and gas sector. Our Commitment to Safety: Control Systems recognizes the critical importance of grounding systems in the oil and gas industry. We specialize in providing comprehensive grounding services and installations tailored to the unique needs of our clients. Our team of experts is dedicated to ensuring that your operations remain safe, reliable, and compliant. Services Offered: Grounding System Design: Customized solutions that address the specific electrical requirements of your facility. Installation and Maintenance: Professional installation services and ongoing maintenance to keep your grounding system in optimal condition. Compliance Assessment: Thorough evaluations to ensure your grounding system meets industry standards and regulations. At Control Systems, we stand ready to partner with you in creating a safer and more reliable future for your operations. Contact us today to discuss how our expertise in grounding systems can benefit your organization. #oilandgasservices #SafetyFirst #GroundingSystems #IndustrySafety #Satam #SatamEqualis
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Ensuring Safety and Reliability in the Oil and Gas Industry: The Critical Role of Grounding Systems. Understanding Grounding Systems: Grounding involves connecting electrical equipment to the Earth to provide a safe pathway for electrical currents. In the oil and gas industry, where a multitude of electrical devices and systems are in use, an effective grounding system is essential for minimizing the risk of electrical incidents, fires, and equipment damage. Importance of Grounding Systems in the Oil and Gas Industry: Personnel Safety: A robust grounding system ensures the safety of personnel working in the field by preventing electrical shocks and creating a safe path for fault currents to dissipate harmlessly into the ground. For any reason during the truck loading exercise there is a disconnection of the earthing clamp from the truck, the loading process will be interrupted. This system helps to prevent any fire accident which may arise as a result of static current. Asset Protection:Proper grounding protects this valuable infrastructure by mitigating the impact of electrical faults, reducing the risk of damage, and extending the lifespan of equipment. During loading of trucks, the requirements are for all loading trucks to be earthed. To comply with this, the Satam Equalis-S system is programmed to ensure that no truck loading authorization can be initiated if the truck is not grounded. Operational Continuity: Unplanned downtime can have severe financial implications in the oil and gas industry. Grounding systems help maintain operational continuity by preventing disruptions caused by electrical incidents and lightning strikes. Compliance and Regulations: Adhering to industry standards and regulations is not just a legal requirement but a commitment to ethical and responsible operations. Grounding systems are often a key component of compliance in the oil and gas sector. Our Commitment to Safety: Control Systems recognizes the critical importance of grounding systems in the oil and gas industry. We specialize in providing comprehensive grounding services and installations tailored to the unique needs of our clients. Our team of experts is dedicated to ensuring that your operations remain safe, reliable, and compliant. Services Offered: Grounding System Design: Customized solutions that address the specific electrical requirements of your facility. Installation and Maintenance: Professional installation services and ongoing maintenance to keep your grounding system in optimal condition. Compliance Assessment: Thorough evaluations to ensure your grounding system meets industry standards and regulations. At Control Systems, we stand ready to partner with you in creating a safer and more reliable future for your operations. Contact us today to discuss how our expertise in grounding systems can benefit your organization. #oilandgasservices #SafetyFirst #GroundingSystems #IndustrySafety #Satam #SatamEqualis
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Explore the pivotal role of consequence modelling in fire and explosion risk assessments within the oil and gas sector, ensuring proactive mitigation and advancing industrial safety protocols. Read More Here: https://lnkd.in/gRHmJWQU #SynergenOG #Blog #ConsequenceModelling #IndustrialSafety #RiskAssessment #FirePrevention #ExplosionRisk #OilGasSafety #QRA #HazardIdentification #EventTreeAnalysis #SafetyEngineering #RiskManagement #FireProtection #EmergencyResponse #AssetProtection #SafetyFirst #OccupationalHealth #FERA #CFDModelling #SafetyCompliance
Fire and Explosion Risks: Incorporating Consequence Modelling
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Techno-Economic Consultant [O&G,Pharma.Chem,Power]/HAZOP-leader; GrpOwner-"EPC Consultants Professionals"(+222K members)
All workplaces must plan for what to do in the event of an emergency, and that includes manufacturing businesses. Emergencies might include fire, flooding, electrocution or other injury. let me try to explains what emergency shutdown ESD means and does. ESD systems are design feature that is used in process industry to reduce risk. In Oil & Gas industry, ESD is a safety system that is designed to minimise consequences of an incident. e.g. for LNG https://lnkd.in/gZJdsvW8 In short ESD is an automatic protection system which will act to shut down the plant if it enters a potentially dangerous state. It also does… Shut down of the system or equipment during a critical situation. Isolate electrical equipment. Proper control of ventilation during an emergency. Stop or isolate hydrocarbon sources from potential hazard situations. Blowdown and depressurization. Prevent dangerous event escalation like prevention of ignition and explosion. To protect personnel, asset, and the environment. https://lnkd.in/gSZq6hkd An ESD system by its nature should be fail-safe. That is, in case of failure in any of its operations, in order to safeguard human life, property and the environment, it should shut down the plant that it controls. However, a complete shutdown, for example, of a petrochemical or nuclear plant is extremely costly. Therefore, as an alternative, the design of highly reliable emergency shutdown systems should be investigated by sectionalising. For a manufacturing plant, an emergency shutdown (ESD) plan hierarchy might be as follows: Level 0 (most severe) – abandon plant. Level 1 – shutdown overall plant. Level 2 – shutdown section of plant. https://lnkd.in/dMHzGDwX Major difference between a shutdown system and other control systems is the degree of tolerable operational integrity. A malfunction in latter is immediately visible and system can be replaced by a fully operational one. A shutdown system on other hand is usually, sometimes for years and hopefully forever `dormant'. When, however, a true emergency situation arises and real demand is placed on it, it must be fully functional. Reliability is of paramount importance. It is defined by IEC 50 (191) as ability of an entity to perform a required function under given conditions for a given time interval’and it is usually expressed in failure rate, MTTF (Mean Time To Failure), SIL (Safety Integrated Level) https://lnkd.in/d2RXPGmj Applying structured design techniques and improved testability other design methods needs to be incorporated in the final system in order to increase its reliability. https://lnkd.in/g4_uyYRM Apart from ESD systems a Special Emergency Procedures should be prepared and to be in place for ise in the event to avoid injury to workers and public also property damage. So if there is possiblties of an explosion or chemical spill hazards at any plant, team should have emergency shutdown system and procedures in place to deal with these types of events.
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