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katie1  
#1 Posted : 07 July 2014 04:24:39(UTC)
Rank: New forum user
katie1

Good Afternoon,

I would just like to gather a general consensus on others opinions regarding simultaneous construction & commissioning operations and associated typical highest risks and best practice.

Feedback from subject matter experts would be very helpful.
Jackie Robertson  
#2 Posted : 07 July 2014 11:35:36(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Jackie Robertson

It depends ...... what you are commissioning and constructing at the same time
katie1  
#3 Posted : 07 July 2014 11:47:27(UTC)
Rank: New forum user
katie1

Yes indeed.

And also surging in manpower at the same time.

I am aware of the obvious concerns; simultaneous operations whereby you have the potential for construction to be working in 'live' commissioning or even operational areas.
Poor communications not just verbal, but visual also, poor signage in working areas and notifications of high risk work.
Behavioural aspect of being ignorant to the fact that what they are doing could hurt them or someone else.

I guess I am looking for expert knowledge and advise.
Jackie Robertson  
#4 Posted : 07 July 2014 12:05:10(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Jackie Robertson

If you could give more information, it would help.

You might need to think a bit deeper than that, again depending upon what you are doing.

Are any control systems affected - partially installed/commissioned etc e.g. only some parts work corectly - yet other may think the whole system is working.

Similarly emergency systems/alarms - fire alarms being the obvious. If process related systems you are commissioning - again system alarms, process isolations, knowledge of the current system status at all times if loss of containment could happen?

SUggest you need to complete a HAZID study/risk assessment for the various stages of the work.
jay  
#5 Posted : 07 July 2014 15:38:57(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
jay

Factors to be taken into account could be:-
-- the layout of equipment/piping/machionery and seperation that can be achieved for safe working
--the control system logic and alarms/interlocks etc--both in terms of software & hardware
--the emergency response to scenarios
--raw material & in-process inventory-specifications & safety data
--the competence of operating personnel--one of the key factors
--The communication plan

the list goes on--and it has to be specific to the project.

billstrak  
#6 Posted : 08 July 2014 06:33:57(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
billstrak

Any SIMOPS carried out generally carries a higher degree of risk. Put construction workers next to any process operatons and you really need to have good robust control measures in place such as:

Process safety induction for all construction workers required to work in a pre-commissioning/commissioning areas
Access control to prevent unauthorised entry into pre-commissioning/commissioning areas
Robust PTW procedure which must be signed off by competent persons from both construction and commissioning signature authorities.
A plant/site specific SIMOPS plan which has been circulated and understood by all parties

Education and understanding is key. Construction workers do not generally understand the concept of process safety and there is always the risk of something they perceive to be very straighforward and normal such as grinding (hot works) can have such a devastating effect to a live or partially live plant.
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