Assurance and Verification of Safety Critical Elements in Asset Management

Abstract

\n Safety Critical Elements (SCEs) are the equipment and systems that provide the foundation of risk management associated with Major Accident Hazards (MAHs). A SCE is classified as an equipment, structure or system whose failure could cause or contribute to a major accident, or the purpose of which is to prevent or limit the effect of a major accident.\n Once the SCE has been ascertained, it is essential to describe its critical function in terms of a Performance Standard. Based on the Performance Standard, assurance tasks can be stated in the maintenance system to ensure that the required performance is confirmed. By analyzing the data in the maintenance system, confidence can be gained that all the SCEs required to manage Major Accidents and Environmental Hazards are functioning correctly. Alternatively, corrective actions can be taken to reinstate the integrity of the systems if shortcomings are identified.\n This paper shall detail out how the MAH and SCE Management process is initiated to follow the best industry practices in the identification and integrity management of major accident hazards as well as safety critical equipment. The tutorial shall describe in detail the following important stages:Identification of Major Accident HazardsIdentification of Safety Critical Equipment, involved in managing Major Accident HazardsDefine Performance Standards for these Safety Critical EquipmentExecution of the Assurance processes that maintain or ensure the continued suitability of the SCE Equipment, and that these are meeting the Performance StandardsVerification that all stages have been undertaken, any deviations being managed and thus that Major Accident Hazards are being controlled.Analyze and Improve\n Through the diligent application of these stages, it is possible to meet the requirements for MAH and SCE Management process giving a better understanding and control of risks in the industry.