(57ay) Operator Interface Standards for Optimized Process Safety Implementation

The oil and gas industry does not currently have a comprehensive set of standards for operator/maintainer interfaces with facilities, pipelines and equipment. Ease of maintenance, work place safety and plant service life are three important ways in which the workers’ ability safely and easily to perform their tasks can offer dramatic increases in productivity. Experience shows that early adoption of basic guidelines for operator interfaces—including reach, visibility, fall prevention and access—can be a cost effective way to reduce changes and deliver a longer lasting product.

Bechtel has developed the first company-wide set of operator interface guidelines for use as a baseline (minimum) standard on all projects. This paper will discuss some aspects of this standard and how they are raising the bar on quality and safety.