Major Hazard Facility

A major hazard facility is a site with more than a particular quantity of a hazardous substance, as defined by regulatory requirements. SSL provides services that support many clients comply with MHF or Oil and Gas specific regulations. We can help with the safety assessment, safety management system and safety case. We also provide training for many of the competencies required in this work.

Safety Assessment

Hazard identification is a systematic method used to find the hazards and potential major incident hazard (MIH) scenarios. HAZOP and PHR are commonly used for process plants, but the selection of method will depend on the type of facility. SSL facilitates these workshops, and provides training for participants and facilitators. Risk analysis examines the identified incident scenarios to determine the level of risk. SSL has wide experience using LOPA and qualitative methods for this work. We are also experienced with specialist analysis techniques such as consequence modelling and fault tree analysis. Safety critical elements (SCE) and other control measures are identified during the safety assessment. These protect against major incidents, so it is important that systems are in place to assure their effectiveness. SSL can assist with development of systems for SCE management and verification.

Safety Management System

The Safety Management System (SMS) is a comprehensive system used to manage risk and ensure safe operation of the facility. It includes policies, procedures, organisation, responsibilities, objectives, indicators and other measures. The SMS must be documented and readily accessible to everyone who uses it. SSL assists clients with audits to identify any gaps between regulatory requirements and their current systems. We also assist with developing SMS elements and supporting systems, such as safety assessment, emergency response, management of change, incident investigation, permit to work, alarm management. Our experience also includes SMS performance standards, performance monitoring, KPIs and audits.

Safety Case

The safety case is a documented demonstration that safety at the facility is appropriately managed. It shows that risks have been identified, adequate control measures implemented and effective systems are in place to eliminate or minimise risks to safety as far as is reasonably practicable. SSL is experienced with assisting clients to develop the safety case, and with subsequent safety case audits and reviews.

Verification of Safety Critical Elements

Operators must arrange for an independent and competent person to verify that the SCEs are suitable and in good repair and condition throughout the life of the facility. What is required for this verification will vary depending on the nature of the SCE, but it is more than just checking that it is still working. SSL can assist with development of a verification plan and with verifying the SCEs.