Operating Procedures - Article - Introduction to Operational Readiness

Ensuring the safe startup of processes over the life of a facility is one of nine elements in the RBPS pillar of managing risk. This chapter describes the management practices for performing pre-startup reviews of (1) new processes, (2) processes that have been shut down for modification, and (3) processes that have been administratively shut down for other reasons. These practices verify the operational readiness (readiness) of a process and help to ensure that the process is safe to restart. Section 16.2 describes the key principles and essential features of a management system for this element. Section 16.3 lists work activities that support these essential features and presents a range of approaches that might be appropriate for each work activity, depending on perceived risk, resources, and organizational culture. Sections 16.4 through 16.6 include (1) ideas for improving the effectiveness of management systems and specific programs that support this element, (2) metrics that could be used to monitor this element, and (3) management review issues that may be appropriate for readiness.