Roles of contractors in process safety

Abstract

Process safety starts at the conceptual phase and continues throughout the entire life cycle of an asset. From process selection to de-commissioning, various process safety elements govern the safety and reliability of the total system. Contractors play a crucial role in project execution including detailed design, technology selection, plant layout, commissioning, start-up, and further expansion, modification and maintenance activities. The interface/interaction of the contractor with the operator/owner often defines the importance of process safety throughout this life cycle. Undoubtedly, these are the most critical phases of a plant life cycle which could trigger an unexpected or uncontrolled situation leading to a catastrophic incident. This paper discusses the impact of the contractors' role during major process safety events including the Phillips explosion in Pasadena (1989), Sonat vessel failure (1998), Texas City Refinery explosion (2005), T2 Laboratories explosion (2007) and a few others. Lessons from past incidents are highlighted and an in-depth analysis is conducted to identify essential process safety components for different groups of contractors and for the different phases of projects. Different aspects of process safety functional elements are presented and discussed for both greenfield and brownfield projects. A Comprehensive understanding of process safety and risk management is required by all levels of contractors to ensure risk-based decision making and hazard mitigation. Besides the process safety expertise needed by the contractors, the necessity of having a consistent and harmonized interaction between the operators/owners and the contractors is also emphasized.

An Investigation of the Diversification Roles of Contractor

“…Contractors are qualified to manage and coordinate an efficient 'health and safety' program for all staff onsite since they possessed data of the work activities, hazards, and also the means to regulate these hazards (Prime, 2008). In order to accomplish a harmonious approach for best practices and safety standards, the contractors and owners ought to work along to form a standard of safety process during the design stage (Tamim et al, 2017). However, owners, subcontractors, and even main contractors misapprehend this necessary role (Prime, 2008).…”

“…However, owners, subcontractors, and even main contractors misapprehend this necessary role (Prime, 2008). Before the construction starts, the contractors should be responsible and ought to be blamed for the choices they make during designing a process and the owners must ensure all the safety expectations are accomplished (Tamim et al, 2017). There are five steps to oversee and coordinate an effective health program at the site by the contractors as suggested by Prime (2008) which is to identify them and correct the hazards, communicate with subcontractors, assign a certified coordinator, establish an emergency response plan and finally maintain a final record.…”