Page 213 - Serious Incident Prevention How to Achieve and Sustain Accident-Free Operations in Your Plant or Company

CH15pp159-189 4/10/02 12:51 PM Page 179

Applying the Process Model—A Case Study 179

The team’s critical work (Table 15-5) includes effective preventative ac-
tions extending well beyond regulatory requirements. Performance in exe-
cuting critical work is reviewed on a monthly basis. A reinforcement plan is
administered to provide appropriate recognition. The team’s commitment to
safe operations is reflected by its improving performance (Figure 15-14).
The team proactively reviews planned changes to ensure that they
achieve their purpose without detrimental consequences. Small releases of
material and other precursors to serious incidents are investigated promptly.
Minor incidents are viewed as a learning opportunity, and effective actions
are implemented to prevent recurrence. The team stays informed of regula-
tory changes and maintains operations in compliance. Annual reviews are
conducted to identify improvement opportunities and help ensure the inci-
dent-prevention process remains updated.

Chemical Handling Department:
Warehouse Operations Team

The warehouse operations team is comprised of the first-level supervi-
sor together with all other warehouse operating personnel. The team oper-
ates and maintains facilities for the storage of certain raw materials,
manufacturing supplies, and finished products. Significant quantities of
flammable and combustible materials are stored and handled. The team’s in-
cident-prevention process focuses on ensuring actions needed to prevent
and minimize the consequences of warehouse fires are identified and dili-
gently executed.
The team’s evaluation of risks specific to warehouse operations has in-
cluded a review of guidelines such as NFPA’s Pre-Incident Planning for
3
Warehouse Occupancies. Based upon its evaluation of risks, the team has
identified the critical work necessary to sustain incident-free operations
(Table 15-6). The team’s performance measurement (Figure 15-15) moni-
tors execution of the work. Results are reviewed in team meetings, and re-
inforcement or corrective action initiated contingent upon performance.
Team members are sensitive to the impact of changes, such as new materi-
als, increases in inventory, and modifications to the fire protection system.
Management-of-change systems are in place, and priority is maintained on
keeping the incident prevention process up to date and continually im-
proved.