Hazard analysis information resources

You often identify critical, difficult, or hazardous tasks as part of a Process Hazards Analysis (PHA). PHA information is another resource used to indicate which procedures need to be written. The PHA also directs you to tasks that may require much more detailed procedures or training because of criticahty or safety issues. 

Additional sources of information on hazard analysis and exposure assessment are listed in Appendix C, Program Resources. 

As the focal point for safety-related information, the safety professional is the organization s memory regarding the documentation of hazards, associated risk, safety system performance, regulatory compliance, job hazard analysis (JHA), etc. This means that the one in charge of the organizations resources, you need to ensure that they are accurate with timely safety-related information. In addition, you must be able to track and locate information as quickly as possible to get it into the hands of the appropriate decision makers for further action. 

Realistically, the information available to perform risk studies varies over the lifetime of a process. During the early stages of process development, analysis teams may only have access to basic chemical reactivity hazard data, such as may be obtained from suppliers and literature resources. By the time a facility reaches the detailed design phase, most of the basic design and operating information should be available and used in any study of the facility hazards and risks. 

The PSI element of both the OSHA PSM Standard and the EPA RMP regulation can be improved by requiring the inclusion of all existing information on chemical reactivity. Examples of such information are chemical reactivity test data, such as DSC, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), or accelerating rate calorimetry and relevant incident reports from the plant, the corporation, industry, and government. OSHA and EPA should require the facility to consult such resources as Bretherick s Handbook of Reactive Chemical Hazards,Sax s Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials, and computerized tools (e g., CHETAH, The Chemical Reactivity Work Sheet). 

One of the functions of Global Core Technologies R D is the analytical discipline Reactive Chemicals/ Thermal Analysis/Physical Properties (RC/TA/PP). Some of the capabilities of this discipline are testing and data interpretation for reactive chemicals hazard assessment. It is the responsibility of the owner of any chemical process to use this Dow resource to obtain the information which is necessary to design a safe and efficient operation. Information about the analytical RC Testing discipline including contact names can be obtained on the INTRAnet at Reactive Chemicals/Thermal Analysis/Physical Properties web site. 

This chapter presents methods for meeting the requirements of the federal regulations concerning public and employee safety. Additional information is provided for some aspects of process safety that are not included in this legislation but can affect the safety of operations in facihties handling hazardous materials. There are other resources for analysis and control of general industrial hazards [3, 4]. 

Trend Analysis The process must include analysis of information such as injury/illness history, hazards identified during inspections, employee reports of hazards, and accident and near-miss investigations for the purpose of detecting trends. The results of trend analysis must be shared with employees and management and utilized to direct resources prioritize hazard controls and determine or modify goals, objectives, and training to address the trends. 

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