12th Process Plant Safety Symposium
Part of the 6th Global Congress on Process Safety
March 21-24, 2010 San Antonio, TX
Call for Papers Now Closed
Registration will open December 2009
PPSS Chair: Colin S. Howat, ppsschair@aiche.org, 785-218-3718
PPSS Vice-Chair: Steven D. Emerson, steven.emerson@emersonanalysis.com, 361-563-8145
Session Topics and Session Chair Contacts:
Risk Assessment - Expanding Horizons for the PSM Environment
Hazard identification and risk assessment continue to be a critical part of the process safety efforts in process plants. Quantitative risk analysis plays an important role which carries with it a need for better reliability data. Papers highlighting methods, tools and examples of lessons learned from the successful application (or from the misapplication) of the wide range of techniques used for qualitative, semi-quantitative, quantitative, and financial analysis of risks in a plant environment are desired. Examples of efforts to provide better reliability or failure rate data for processes, systems, equipment, and components are also encouraged. This may include the data sources (internal or external), quality of the data and verification, and implementation.
Chair: Phillip Myers, pmyers@arisksolution.com, 740-965-6304
Co-Chair: F. Russ Davis, frdavi@solutia.com, 314-674-1146
Layer of Protection Analysis (LOPA) - Case Studies and Experiences
Today, LOPA is commonly used to evaluate process risk, and continues to gain popularity both within and outside of the petrochemical industry. Basic LOPA remains an attractive risk assessment technique, with its conservative assumptions, ease of use and semi-quantitative results. Further, improvements and refinements to the original approach have occurred in recent years, permitting the technique to be applied on a broader scale with greater resolution. Despite these benefits, challenges remain with integration of LOPA into PHA work, Revalidation cycles and Corporate Risk Programs. This session welcomes papers involving case studies in risk assessment, SIL determination, and application of LOPA in traditional and non-traditional industries. Particular emphasis on advancing LOPA into the future will be given priority.
Chair: John Champion, jchampion@rohmhaas.com, 281-228-8265
Co-Chair: Robert Wasileski, wasiler@novachem.com, 412-490-4086
Management of Change - The Most Difficult PSM Challenge
In the press of operations, MOC is frequently seen as a deterrent to solving quickly operation and installation challenges. The evaluation of proposed changes is not done in advance of the change. Consequently, unknown avenues for the release of hazards may be inadvertently built into the operation and installation. This session is dedicated to exploring effective methods for implementing and enforcing MOC activities. Particular consideration will be given to case studies of successes and failures resulting from MOC implementation.
Chair: Doug Ferguson, dougf@primatech.com, 713-252-2994
Co-Chair: Katie Kollhoff, Katie.Kollhoff@howatrisk.com, 785-979-3246
Preventing Loss of Containment Incidents - Beyond Mechanical Integrity
Loss of containment of hazardous materials is frequently the most common cause of process incidents. Prevention of these incidents requires good mechanical integrity programs, but not all incidents are caused by mechanical integrity failures. Other causes may include poor process design, incomplete process technology documentation, inadequate hazard analysis, lack of management of change, unexpected or uncontrolled reactions, human error, etc. This session welcomes papers related to managing these problems to help prevent or mitigate loss of containment, with emphasis on non-mechanical integrity topics.
Chairs: James A. Klein, James.A.Klein@usa.dupont.com, 763-416-0400
Co-Chair: Bruce K. Vaughen, Bruce_Vaughen@cabot-corp.com, 217-253-5775
National Emphasis Programs - Preparation, Reviews, Outcomes & Challenges
OSHA began a small-scale “dust” NEP in March, 2007. OSHA will soon issue a directive and begin a pilot Chemicals National Emphasis Program (NEP) in some regions. These NEP’s will result in either inspections or increased Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) emphases for all chemical manufacturing and other facilities in the United States over the next several years. This session is dedicated to preparing facilities for these new NEP’s. This session welcomes papers on topics including: the OSHA Dust/Chemicals NEP’s and directives, learning’s from the Refinery NEP, results of Dust NEP inspections, learning’s from VPP PSM supplements and audits, OSHA adopted key recognized and generally accepted good engineering practices (RAGAGEP), preparation for Dust/Chemicals NEP inspections, and similar topics.
Chair: Jim Thompson, jthompson@absconsulting.com, 281-673-2853
The ‘Soft Side’ of Process Safety - Culture, Competency, Improvement
As various petrochemical incidents and near-misses have repeatedly shown, implementing the 14 elements of process safety management (PSM) alone does not guarantee a successful PSM program. There are various "softer" aspects of process safety to which companies and sites must pay attention, such as: process safety culture, compliance with standards, process safety competency, stakeholder outreach, conduct of operations, measurement and metrics, and management review and continuous improvement. In addition, one of the principal training challenges facing PSM implementation is developing the skills to look beyond intended performance. While HAZOP and other PHA methods are designed to explore deviations from intended operations, they require that all participants be open-minded to possible deviations from intended performance - whether when sitting in a PHA or operating/maintaining a plant. This session welcomes papers addressing the development and improvement of any of these aspects of the ‘soft side’ of process safety.
Chair: Jack Chosnek, jc@knowledge1.net, 281-538-0220
Co-Chair: Sam Mannan, mannan@tamu.edu, 979-862-3985
Mechanical Integrity – Critical Line of Defense
Process plants, young & old, from the simple to complex contain silent hazards which pose risks to personnel and environment. Although budget pressures affect us all, the level of safety provided by Mechanical Integrity programs is non-negotiable. MI programs are expected to provide full safety protection value, be cost effective and offer long term savings for the company via increased equipment reliability. We are looking for a wide variety of papers discussing successful leveraging of technology to improve inspection and testing effectiveness and eliminate downtime through rethinking the standard approaches. In addition, lessons learned such as surprise MI findings, near misses, or where an MI inspection and test plan “missed the mark” are welcome as these are often the most enduring learning tools. The Mechanical Integrity Session welcomes a variety of disciplines, including pressure vessels, piping, relief devices, instrumented safety systems, fire protection and detection, etc…
Chair: James H. Willis, willisjh@airproducts.com, 713-920-7386
Co-Chair: Andrew J. Morey, AMorey@rohmhaas.com, 215-785-7294
Case Histories and Lessons Learned (joint session)
Reviews of process safety incidents and near misses provide valuable learning opportunities. Papers dealing with incidents, near misses, and the lessons learned are requested.
Chair: Steve Meszaros, meszars@wyeth.com, 484-865-9982
Co-Chair: Jaffee Suardin, J.Suardin@shell.com, 281-460-4504, and John F. Murphy, hamjfm@embarqmail.com, 941-624-0171