A rising tide raises all boats: Regional promotion of process safety through joint government/industry management. (November 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ni, Yewei; Sattari, Fereshteh; Lefsrud, Lianne; Tufail, Modusser
• Is Part Of: Journal of loss prevention in the process industries. Volume 68(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-11
• Subjects: Process safety management -- Chemical and manufacturing industry -- Process accidents -- PSM regulations -- Leading and lagging indicators; Chemical industries -- Safety measures -- Periodicals; 660.2804
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jlp.2020.104331
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0950-4230

Abstract

Abstract: With the development of increasingly complex processes and technologies in chemical and manufacturing industries, Process Safety Management (PSM) has been globally recognized as the primary tool for operating companies to reduce process accidents on their industrial sites and the risks posed to their employees and surrounding communities. Yet, industrial facilities are often interdependent and collocated with others. Recognizing this, regional authorities are also applying PSM principles to reduce the cumulative incidents associated with high density industrial areas and the multiplicative risks posed to broader communities. This paper compares Strathcona County Emergency Service (SCES) in Alberta, Contra Costa County Health Service Hazard Material Programs (CCCHSHMP) in California, and Technical Standards & Safety Authority (TSSA) in Ontario and their PSM systems to provide practical recommendations to improve SCES's system. Four aspects of PSM are considered: regulation and guidance, auditing and inspection, annual performance indicators, and public participation. Based on the results of this comparison, we recommend that SCES develop comprehensive PSM regulations based on CSA Z767-17 PSM including clear instructions for assessing technologies and methodologies for consequence analysis. Both worst-case scenarios and alternative scenarios need to be considered as well as the domino effect of primary accidents. Furthermore, regular audits and inspections will ensure compliance with PSM regulations while helping the design of planning, performing, and following-up strategies to ensure effectiveness. In addition, we suggest the use of lagging and leading performance indicators to evaluate the performance of the PSM program. Finally, we recommend using advisory councils or commissions to increase public participation and ensure the representation of stakeholders' perspectives with the PSM system. Highlights: Companies use Process Safety Management (PSM) to reduce process accidents on their sites and risks to employees and surrounding communities. Yet, industrial facilities are often interdependent and collocated with others. Recognizing this, regional authorities also use PSM principles to reduce cumulative incidents associated with high density industrial areas. This paper compares Strathcona County Emergency Services (SCES) in Alberta with other jurisdictions' PSM systems to recommend improvements.