Follow continuous improvement system

Different metrics may be used to describe past performance, predict future performance, and encourage behavioral change. They are a means to evaluate the overall system performance and to develop a path toward superior process safety performance. This is accomplished by identifying where the current performance falls within a spectrum of excellent-to-poor performance. Such information will allow executives and site management to develop plans to address the specific improvement opportunities that could lead to measurable improvement in process safety. Good process safety metrics reinforce a process safety culture that promotes the belief that process safety incidents are preventable, that improvement is continuous, and that policies and procedures are necessary and will be followed. Continuous improvement is necessary and any improvement program will be based on measurable elements. Therefore, to continuously improve performance, organizations must develop and implement effective process safety metrics. 

The role of each of these in continuous improvement is expanded in the following sections. While these points are relatively generic to any process improvement, there are several continuous improvement opportunities which are unique to integrated PSM and ESH systems ... 

PAT Tools There are many tools available that enable process understanding. These tools, when used within a system, can provide effective and efficient means for acquiring information to facilitate process understanding, continuous improvement, and development of risk mitigation strategies. Such tools are categorized as follows ... 

The clauses of ISO 9001-2000 are included in a box within the clauses of 9004 for immediate reference for users of ISO 9004. The verb used in ISO 9001 is shall, whereas that used in 9004 is should. The clauses of ISO 9004-2000 ace based on the following eight quality management principles customer focus, leadership, involvement of people, process approach, system approach to management, continual improvement, factual approach to decision making, and mutually beneficial supplier relationships. 

As every loss event results from the interactions of elements in a system, it follows that all safety is systems safety . The safety community instinctively welcomed the systems concept when it appeared during the stagnating performance of the mid-1960s, as evidenced by the ensuing freshet of symposia and literature. For a time, it was thought that this seeutingly novel approach could reestablish the continuing improvement that the public had become accustomed to however, this anticipation has not been fulfilled. 

The Facility Supervisor and Hot Cell Operators are qualification positions requiring successful completion of a formal training program before an individual Is allowed to operate specific HCF equipment and/or controls unsupervised. Proficiency for the qualified positions is demonstrated by minimum acceptable scores on written tests and by observation of the individual s operating skill with manipulators, production process equipment, and plant safety equipment and safety systems. Qualification also requires demonstrated adherence to conduct of operations principles, ability to follow procedures, and commitment to cultivating an environment of teamwork and continuous improvement. Staff contributions to improvement of procedures and processes are actively encouraged as a way to enhance the safety and work culture. 

The enterprise shall monitor product and process quality factors and shall continuously improve products and processes throughout the system life cycle, as described in the following subclauses. 

Krause presents the following formula in Employee-Driven Systems for Safe Behavior Employee Involvement + Scientific Method = Continuous Improvement. Furthermore, he states that the proper use of methods to manage safety hinges on two factors ... 

Cooper recommends a nine-step implementation process (1998). The following is an abbreviated adaptation of the recommended steps, plus the important step of solving system problems and pursuing continuous improvement ... 

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