Effective strategies for comprehensive action plans ‐ theory and practice

Abstract

For this paper we discuss strategies adopted by the Industry to implement action plans, created from the study of accidents, incidents, or deviations. A pyramid of losses was established, structured based on tools and systems already defined as effective barriers for the occurrence of process safety events, creating a strong identity with technical and manager teams. For asset management, these losses could be considered for any function performed by the related equipment, and we highlight the primary containment itself, where it clearly converges to the objectives of process safety management: Effectiveness of management processes, barriers to failure; non‐recurrence of process safety accidents. A real case is presented, focused on positive material identification for process equipment and piping. This action plan was particularly challenging, either due to the resources invested (materials, labor, time), for long‐term monitoring and diligence, or mainly due to the results achieved. Actions were divided into three groups, structured in a multiannual coverage plan: (a) Materials already installed in the field (in the process); (b) Materials under the responsibility of the warehouses; (c) Materials under responsibility of the maintenance and installation areas.