Page 12 - Key Principles for Operating Procedures

Key Principles for Operating Procedures

Consider the impact upon interlinked units in the operating procedures. For instance, what do other
operating units need to know when start-up or shutdown of the subject unit is in progress? Also
consider related operations such as utility or support systems or other processes which feed to or use
from the affected process.
The operating procedures should address the response to abnormal plant conditions. Some of these
conditions will be addressed in the warnings and precautions, but some will require operator actions
to return the unit/equipment to its normal operating condition and limits, short of emergency
shutdown.
If there is a need to keep the process operating at some capacity during an emergency, the operating
procedures should clearly outline the necessary steps to be executed and the required precautions to
be taken to ensure the safety of the operators and the integrity of the process.
The purpose of an emergency shutdown procedure is to bring a process quickly and safely to a stable
state in the event of an emergency.

Emergency shutdown procedures should clearly outline the conditions that require an emergency
shutdown, such as deviations in critical process parameters or the detection of a Loss of Primary
Containment (LOPC).
Clearly define in emergency shutdown procedures the steps required to bring a process quickly and
safely to a stable state. These instructions should be concise, easily understood, and distinct actions.
Explanatory language and background information should be avoided in the steps of an emergency
shutdown procedure. If deemed necessary, this information could be in a supporting supplemental
section.
Emergency shutdown steps should be clearly assigned to specific qualified operators to avoid
confusion as to which operator(s) are responsible for which step(s) during the shutdown process.
Ensure temporary operating procedures have predetermined expiration dates or process conditions
that will cause them to expire. If it is necessary to extend the use of temporary operating procedures,
the extension should be described in the operating procedures or approved in accordance with the
work process for managing changes to operating procedures.
Temporary operations can include:
Special conditions that may affect equipment lineups, or bypassed, removed, or impaired
safeguards. If safeguards are bypassed, the facility’s safety device bypass procedure or
management of change procedure should be followed. This includes the process equipment
safeguards and safety features, but also critical utility or support systems, such as fire protection. A
return to service process must exist to ensure that bypassed or disabled safety systems are restored
as soon as feasible. This should be an item that is reviewed and discussed frequently by
management with operations, maintenance, or other personnel as needed. Bypassed, removed, or
impaired safety equipment should not be allowed to linger in this condition any longer than is
necessary. See KP #7 for additional information.
Operating at increased or reduced capacities, or at modified operating limits.
Testing or commissioning of new or modified equipment or processes.
Handling unusual or one-time situations, such as unexpected process upsets or emergency repairs.
Performing maintenance or repairs that require the equipment or process to be operated in a
manner different than usual.
Operating under temporary or modified permits or regulatory conditions.

Updated October 2024 Page 9 of 25