Inspections proactive monitoring

Ideally, an analysis of all injury, damage and near-miss accidents should be undertaken, so that underlying trends may be highlighted and effective control action - both organisational and physical in nature - taken. It should be borne in mind that the use of accident statistics is classed as reactive monitoring, whereas the use of audits and inspections is classed as active (or proactive) monitoring. 

When compiling the performance statistics an organisation will need to take into account the mechanisms by which it will gather the information. These should be reflected in the safety policy particularly in relation to reporting and investigation of safety events, incidents, accidents, etc. and its proactive monitoring, inspections, tours and audits. 

The frequency of formai proactive monitoring wiii depend upon a number of factors, inciuding iegisiative and British/European Standards and the ievei of risk. They may aiso take into account previous trends and events and refiect the findings of previous monitoring, e.g. if a workpiace inspection identifies that fire extinguishers are being moved away from their aiiocated position then more frequent inspections may be required. 

A system for inspecting workplace precautions is essential in any proactive monitoring programme. On many occasions it can form part of an organisation s arrangements for the planned preventive maintenance of plant (e.g. electrical maintenance and testing) and equipment (e.g. flashback arresters for oxy/fuel systems) which are also covered by legal requirements. 

The periodic inspections of fire safety systems are likely to be recorded within the fire log book and will be considered as part of the proactive monitoring programme, particularly as the items form a critical component of the workplace precautions or control measures that reduce the overall risk in relation to fire. 

Furthermore, the CMS can be mounted in remote areas to monitor the material as it corrodes, thereby eliminating the need for periodic inspection. Life cycle costs for aircraft, ships, submarines, and electronics systems can be reduced if a proactive maintenance requirement is implemented. This is possible through utilization of real time corrosion condition data generated from such in situ corrosion sensors. A proactive maintenance inspection will permit the tailoring of maintenance scheduling as a Unction of specific operational environment and damage, in contrast to the rigidly scheduled maintenance inspections that currently drive systems maintenance. 

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