Safe operation of chemical plants methodology and practice of risk prevention

Abstract

Safe operation of chemical plants is not only a question of operation procedures. Safe operation possibility starts very early during the design phase of a chemical plant where all the risk factors can be evaluated, and adequate techniques against those risks can be found out.

Principally, there are only a few typical risk factors like fire, explosion, chemical reactions and toxic risks for environment or personnel. Those risk factors can be looked for by systematic methods and - if necessary by some repeating steps - effective measures against those risks can be evaluated.

It needs a very consequent planning which is strongly correlated to the steps of risk analysis and even a strong quality assurance in course of the phase of erection of the chemical plant.

Nevertheless, a strict management during the phases of operation and, especially, the phases of maintenance, repair or changes in design is necessary.

An overview of the instruments of safety analysis is given, and the way by which risks are eliminated, is shown by an example.