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Designing a Process Hazards Analysis Programme in the Microelectronics Industry
Author(s) -
Mckay Gordon
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
developments in chemical engineering and mineral processing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1932-2143
pISSN - 0969-1855
DOI - 10.1002/apj.5500080104
Subject(s) - hazard and operability study , process (computing) , process safety management , rework , process safety , engineering , engineering management , process management , business , risk analysis (engineering) , operations management , work in process , computer science , reliability engineering , operability , waste management , hazardous waste , embedded system , operating system
A Process Hazard Analysis (PHA) component has been developed and implemented as part of a Process Safety Management Programme (PSMP) for a microelectronics company producing wafers in a plant employing over 2,500 people and having a capital investment of US$16.5 billion. Initially a review of the existing PSMP system was carried out, and key sectors of concern were identified. The main area identified for detailed study was the area of Process Hazards Analysis (PHA) to cover a number of interacting departments responsible for designing and implementing new projects and process changes. To create awareness and develop PHA expertise in the company, a training programme was designed and presented to each of the Process, Safety and Environmental, Projects Maintenance and Operations Departments. Basically these five departments were involved in handling well over 100 new projects per year ranging in value from US$50,000 to US$1,000,000 each. The company has implemented a detailed PHA procedure to ensure full and appropriate safety measures are assessed in an economic manner prior to project implementation, as an integral part of the company PSMP. The essential element of the programme is that a HAZOP Study is required for all projects involving chemicals. For small projects, a specialist “Small Project HAZOP Group” was established and specialist training provided.