Benchmarking emergency preparedness and response practices in the process industry

Nir Keren; Harry H. West; M. Sam Mannan

doi:10.5055/jem.2005.0029

Authors

Nir Keren
Harry H. West
M. Sam Mannan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5055/jem.2005.0029

Keywords:

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Abstract

Process safety of a chemical plant encompasses several layers of protection. Control measures, shutdown systems, release absorption, accumulation of releases by dikes, and protection by barriers are layers of protection that are intended to prevent the development of an event. Emergency response is the next line of defense to control an event or, in case of loss of control, to minimize the consequences. However, a reliable response to an emergency event requires planning. This paper presents results of a benchmarking study of practices of emergency preparedness and response of 15 facilities in the process industry.

Author Biographies

Nir Keren

Mary Kay O’Connor Process Safety Center, Chemical Engineering Department, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas

Harry H. West

Mary Kay O’Connor Process Safety Center, Chemical Engineering Department, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas

M. Sam Mannan

Mary Kay O’Connor Process Safety Center, Chemical Engineering Department, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas.

References

Dennison MS: OSHA and EPA Process Safety Management Requirements: A Practical Guide for Compliance. New York: VNR Publications, 1994.

American Institute of Chemical Engineers, Center for Chemical Process Safety: Guidelines for Technical Planning for On-Site Emergencies. New York: American Institute of Chemical Engineers, 1995.

American Institute of Chemical Engineers, Center for Chemical Process Safety: Guidelines for Process Safety Fundamentals in General Plant Operations. New York: American Institute of Chemical Engineers, 1995.