Safety Relevant to Process Design, Essay Example

The production of Maleic Anhydride has its particular dangers because of the safety issues that may arise according to it. This is why particular safety measures are needed to be considered in order to support the overall project. Among the considerations noted include particular points such as that of the fact that hazard is going to be a primary concern for the workers or the members of the group who would work on the project. In this case, it is important to take note of the need to involve human factor as one of the primary controlling element in this case; this means that the intervention of humans actually make  definite form of assurance on how hazardous situations could be avoided thus protecting themselves from the dangers that these possible occurrences bring[1].  The inability of individuals to carefully handle the responsibilities expected of them is often overlooked as a cause of hazard. Being a human-incited danger, some may think that this would be easier to handle than machine-based problems; however, studies have shown that when it comes to the issue of safety, it does not matter where the danger comes from; what matters is that any type of hazard ought to be considered extensive that can cause serious damages to the system that the overall operation of a plant or a project is supposed to be based upon.

Taking a predictive action is necessary if hazards are to be dealt with by the organization. Among the predictive action includes preempting what will happen next when particular situations occur; these assumptions are to be used as guided protocols when specific cases happen that could actually put the whole human resource body under a more protective system of working procedures. Through the help of the PHA [process hazard analysis] principles, outlining the cause and effect points of particular situations basically create a more distinct assumption on how chemicals and the utilization of these elements could actually take more definite distinction of protective operation.  Through this outline, a list of common mistakes ought to be given attention to ; hence getting the attention of the authorities of the group at a ready when particular operations are being completed [keeping the alert at a high rate, hence keeping everyone safe in the process].

Another condition to take note of is the occurrence of equipment failure. Equipments need constant attention and regular scheduled maintenance. Relatively, it could be realized that when it comes to creating a more responsible form of operation, it would be more effective to involve specific individuals into the process as the providers of guidelines with the full assumption of safety of everyone else noted as part of the working team[2]. In this case, avoiding malfunctions is necessary. Doing so will not only protect the individuals involved in the project; but would also save time of the whole team especially in reaching the goals that were primary set to be achieved.

Other points to give attention to include dealing with heat when particular procedures are being taken into account; the constancy of these particular procedures in the field of chemistry operations makes the whole process of protecting the workers from danger a necessary step to take into full account. Occurrences of flammability, explosion and other occurrences of chemical corrosions should be added into a list of dangers that basically create a more definite form of hazard for the members of the team[3]. The places where the chemicals are placed ought to be clearly defined in an informative listing thus giving the ample guidance that the team members need. Materials needed to handle these hazardous elements should be labeled accordingly and ought to be kept in the safest areas where they could be easily found and be protected well while they are in storage.

When there are projects that ought to stay for a longer time; perhaps expected to remain usable in the next 15 years or so, the need to provide regular maintenance and scheduled checking is a necessary step to take. Individuals to whom the project would be assigned for safe keeping and maintenance should be asked to review relative information regularly[4]. Along with this, it would also be necessary for incoming safe-keepers also be given a specific form of orientation that would actually allow them to become more effective in completing the duty placed upon their shoulders. Inspection and testing in regular set schedule would be a necessary consideration to take seriously. When particular anomalies are identified, it would be necessary to take note of these changes and addressing the issues should be given attention immediately.

Among the hazards to be noted include:

• Heat and fire
• Toxicity of elements
• Explosion of chemical setups
• Determination of uncontrolled energy that comes from an uncontrolled chemical setup

Issues on fire, heat and explosion, it is important to take note of the 9200C, the possibility of boiling at a much higher possibility would be dangerous for the whole setup to take a more constructive form of protection for the team working on the setup.

Pressurized elements must be kept safe and individuals working on the setup ought to stick away from the setup accordingly. BLEVE principles could be applied for this particular concern [which means boiling liquid expanding vapor explosions] thus increasing a sense of alertness for everyone working on the project.

The possible risks need to be expected and responded to accordingly. For the plant design considered herein, it is important to take note of the reactor plant and how it could affect the surrounding resources such as the ocean. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) provides a more definite list of Chemical Reactivity Worksheet that could be used by the staff members who are to work in the plant and are to operate the whole system[5].

Overall, all possible risks should be explored and prepared for. Accordingly, alternative provisions of particular management applications should be considered especially in relation to the daily operation of the staff members as the project is being completed[6]. Constantly briefing members to handle specific assignments should be done with consistency to avoid any possible reasons for forgetting the basics of the process hence causing specific problems in the future. Taking care of the people and allowing them the chance and information necessary for them to take care of themselves shall be the base foundation of this project’s success and practicality.

Works Cited

 Willey, J.R.; Accident Investigations and Case Histories. SACHE Process Safety Lessons Taught From Experience, 2011.

Safety Info.  http://safetyinfo.com, (accessed 14 November 2014), Process   Safety Management

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. http://noaa.gov/reactivityworksheet, (accessed 30 March 2014).

David MacCollum. Construction Safety Engineering Principles: Designing and Managing Safer Job Sites. 2006. McGraw-Hill Professional.

[1] Willey, J.R.; Accident Investigations and Case Histories. SACHE Process Safety  Lessons Taught From Experience, 2011.

[2] Safety  Info. http://safetyinfo.com, (accessed 14 November   2014), Process Safety Management

[3] David MacCollum. Construction Safety Engineering Principles: Designing and Managing Safer Job Sites. 2006. McGraw-Hill Professional.

[4] David MacCollum. Construction Safety Engineering Principles: Designing and Managing Safer Job Sites. 2006. McGraw-Hill Professional.

[5] National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. http://noaa.gov/reactivityworksheet, (accessed 30 March 2014).

[6] Safety Info. http://safetyinfo.com, (accessed 14 November   2014), Process  Safety Management