James Klein

A Revised Program for Operational Discipline

The purpose of this paper is to review the development and implementation of a next generation approach to improving operational discipline (OD) programs at DuPont, in order to help sustain high levels of process safety management performance. DuPont defines OD as a deeply rooted dedication and commitment by each member of the organization to carry out each task, the right way, each time. Eleven organizational characteristics have been used to help evaluate and drive continuous improvement of OD, which have now been simplified to four primary characteristics. Ultimately, though, it is individuals who do the day‐to‐day work required by PSM systems, and it is these actions that help determine if the organization is able to operate with high levels of OD. With this in mind, DuPonts program has been revised to include a new emphasis on individual characteristics of OD, based on knowledge, commitment, and awareness. Discussion will include why OD is important, how OD can be characterized for both organizations and individuals, and how the revised program has been implemented.

Operational discipline in the workplace

The purpose of this paper is to review the development, application, and continuous improvement of operational discipline programs at DuPont. DuPont defines operational discipline as a deeply rooted dedication and commitment by each member of the organization to carry out each task the right way, each time. Operational discipline reflects the strength of an organizations safety culture in making environmental health and safety (EHS) systems effective and in providing tangible results for preventing injuries and incidents. In addition, a high level of operational discipline typically contributes to improved business performance through higher productivity, higher quality, reduced waste, and lower costs. Eleven characteristics are used to help evaluate and drive continuous improvement of operational discipline by self‐assessments, audits, and incident investigations.

Characterization and safe handling of reactive initiator solutions

The thermal stability of initiators used in free radical polymerizations has been well documented. Initiators are often used in solutions, with relatively long feed periods to help control the heat of polymerization. In some cases, the stability of the initiator solutions is limited, especially at higher concentrations, and runaway reactions can potentially be severe. This article reviews the chemical reactivity of concentrated initiator solutions and considers PHA studies and feed tank design to help ensure safe handling and manufacture.

How to be effective in a process safety role

Many factors contribute to being capable and effective in process safety roles. Certainly, understanding of engineering and process safety is desirable to establish basic technical competence. Ultimately, true capability and career success also requires the ability to work within an organization to help achieve superior and effective performance. This article discusses how to be effective in a process safety role by developing a strong foundation of technical knowledge and capability, by learning to influence the organization, and by thinking and communicating independently. The result should be career success as well as improved process safety performance, helping to prevent serious injuries and incidents.