How can you manage process safety risks with critical tanks?

1 Identify and assess hazards

The first step in managing process safety risks with critical tanks is to identify and assess the potential hazards that they may present. This involves conducting a hazard identification (HAZID) study, which is a systematic and structured analysis of the process, equipment, and operating conditions. A HAZID study can help you identify the sources, causes, and consequences of hazards, such as fire, explosion, toxic release, corrosion, or mechanical failure. You can also use tools such as hazard and operability (HAZOP) study, failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA), or fault tree analysis (FTA) to further evaluate the likelihood and severity of hazards.

3 Apply administrative controls

The third step in managing process safety risks with critical tanks is to apply administrative controls that can enhance the performance and reliability of the engineering controls. These controls, such as operating procedures, manuals, or checklists, can be used to guide operators on how to start, run, stop, or maintain the tanks. Additionally, training programs, drills, or simulations can be used to educate and test operators on the process safety knowledge and skills related to the tanks. Furthermore, inspection programs, audits, or tests can be used to verify and validate the condition and functionality of the tanks and their engineering controls. Moreover, maintenance programs, schedules, or records should be implemented to ensure timely and proper repair or replacement of the tanks and their engineering controls. Lastly, emergency response plans, teams, or equipment should be in place in order to prepare and respond to any incident involving the tanks.

4 Monitor and review risks

The fourth step in managing process safety risks with critical tanks is to monitor and review the risks on a regular basis. This involves collecting and analyzing data, information, or feedback on the process, equipment, and performance indicators related to the tanks. You can use tools such as key performance indicators (KPIs), incident reports, near-miss reports, or root cause analysis (RCA) to measure and evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of the risk management strategies. You can also use tools such as hazard review, risk assessment, or management of change (MOC) to identify and address any new or changed risks that may arise due to the process or equipment modifications, operational deviations, or external factors.

5 Communicate and consult stakeholders

The fifth step in managing process safety risks with critical tanks is to communicate and consult the relevant stakeholders who are involved or affected by the process or equipment. Stakeholders are individuals or groups who have an interest, responsibility, or authority in the process safety of the tanks. They may include operators, engineers, managers, regulators, contractors, suppliers, customers, or community members. You can use methods such as meetings, briefings, newsletters, posters, or surveys to inform and engage the stakeholders on the process safety goals, objectives, issues, or actions related to the tanks. You can also use methods such as workshops, forums, interviews, or feedback forms to solicit and incorporate the stakeholder input, opinions, or suggestions on the process safety improvement or innovation related to the tanks.

6 Foster a safety culture

The sixth and final step in managing process safety risks with critical tanks is to foster a safety culture that can support and sustain the risk management efforts. Safety culture is the shared values, beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors that influence how the stakeholders perceive and act on the process safety of the tanks. To create a positive safety culture, leaders must demonstrate commitment to process safety by setting expectations, providing resources, and rewarding good performance. Regular training, education, and communication should be provided to promote learning and awareness of process safety. Participation and collaboration should be encouraged by involving stakeholders in decision making, problem solving, and improvement. Additionally, accountability and responsibility for process safety must be reinforced by defining roles, duties, and standards, as well as enforcing consequences for non-compliance. Finally, trust and respect for process safety should be developed by acknowledging achievements, recognizing contributions, and addressing concerns.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?