Effectively Manage Changes Using Process Safety Enterprise®

Process Safety Enterprise® (PSE), a cloud-based platform, contains Management of Change (MOC), ensuring compliance with OSHA's PSM standard. This white paper details the key features of PSE, including:

• Document Control System: Easily stores and retrieves documents
• Intelligent Form Builder: Creates customizable forms
• Action Tracking System: Manages all tasks related to MOC
• Reporting and Dashboard/KPI: Provides real-time insights into activities
• MOC Workflow: Guides users through evaluating and managing the hazards of the change, securing the required approvals, conducting a Pre-Startup Safety Review, and training impacted personnel before the change is implemented.

A case study highlights how PSE and the MOC workflow could have helped to prevent this disaster by managing MOC more effectively.

Introduction

Management of Change (MOC) is crucial to the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) Process Safety Management (PSM) 29 CFR 1910.119 standard. This element manages change and the associated hazards in the covered process.

Businesses often encounter challenges in managing change as it encompasses a broad scope, including changes made to raw materials, process technologies, equipment, procedures, or changes impacting the overall organization. Managing these changes demands considerable time and resources. Overlooking the various changes and the potential hazards can introduce risks to the safety of employees, plant assets, the community, and the environment. Moreover, an accident could lead to production interruptions.

An effective MOC process should include the technical basis for the change, the safety and health impacts of the change, a description of the change, and the identification of temporary changes. Additional requirements include identifying changes to Process Safety Information and Operating Procedures and ensuring training has been provided before the change is implemented.