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Development of a process safety culture of chemical engineers
Author(s) -
Mckay Maxime,
Lacoursière J.P.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
process safety progress
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.378
H-Index - 40
eISSN - 1547-5913
pISSN - 1066-8527
DOI - 10.1002/prs.10253
Subject(s) - process safety , safety culture , process (computing) , vulnerability (computing) , process safety management , engineering , hazard , risk analysis (engineering) , key (lock) , work in process , engineering management , operations management , business , computer security , computer science , management , hazardous waste , waste management , chemistry , organic chemistry , economics , operating system
Chemical engineers are frequently responsible for designing and operating process facilities. These facilities could cause major accidents with consequences on site and off site. Equilibrium has to be maintained between production pressure and safety requirements. This equilibrium can only be achieved if the people involved with the process plant develop and maintain a strong process safety culture. Lessons from the Challenger, Columbia, BP Texas City accidents, etc. indicate that there are five important key organization culture themes that need to be taken into account: 1 Maintain sense of vulnerability 2 Establish an imperative for safety 3 Perform valid/timely hazard/risk assessments 4 Ensure open and frank communications 5 Learn and advance the cultureThis paper will describe how a chemical engineer can integrate these as a safety roadmap. © 2008 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog, 2008