Amplify Your Process Safety

In this episode, Rob welcomes Nat Weiner to the podcast. Nat, who has extensive experience both as a plant manager and in a role managing plant managers tells us what advice he would give to someone who has recently taken on the "Plant Manager" title. Tune in to this episode to learn Nat's best tips for new plant managers, including how to best leverage the information contained in the last PHA, what you should focus on once basic PSM compliance is met, and what might keep a plant manager up at night. If you're in Ops, you won't want to miss this episode. 

In this episode, Rob welcomes process safety consultant Mike Robertson to the podcast. With over 30 years of experience in the chemical industry, Mike provides a thorough overview of what a Dust Hazard Analysis (DHA) is, why and when they are required, required versus preferred documentation to gather for DHA prep, and provides listeners with both similarities and differences between a DHA and a PHA (Process Hazard Analysis). Mike wraps up the episode by covering some typical DHA recommendations he often comes across and tells listeners two things he wishes everyone knew about Dust Hazard Analyses. We apologize in advance for a couple, brief, low-quality audio spots in this episode, but want you to know that this episode is full of content you don't want to miss!

To view the Imperial Sugar incident video from the CSB that is mentioned in this episode, visit https://www.csb.gov/imperial-sugar-company-dust-explosion-and-fire/. 

Get in touch with Mike Robertson at 678-815-7678 or at [email protected].

In this episode, Rob and Molly talk piping requirements for pressure relief devices, including which Recognized and Generally Accepted Good Engineering Practices (RAGAGEP) apply. With an extensive background as a pressure relief specialist, Molly walks through the basic requirements outlined in ASME Section VIII and API 520, Part II, tips for layouts, including safe discharging locations, and addresses some frequently asked questions regarding requirements for relief device calculations. 

Want to talk pressure relief devices further? Let us know what you'd like us to address in a future episode, or reach out to Molly directly at [email protected].

In this episode, Rob welcomes Nicholas Krump, an expert in changing safety cultures. Nicholas shares the challenges he sees companies face again and again when it comes to implementing a positive safety culture, actionable tips for walking into a new safety culture, and elaborates on the value of buy-in/participation from hourly employees.  To learn more about Nicholas and to connect with him, find him on LinkedIn here.

In this episode, Rob is proud to introduce the newest member of the Amplify Team, Molly Myers. Along with a diverse background across multiple industries, Molly has sat on both sides of the table when it comes to supporting a facility's PSM compliance, sometimes with an internal role supporting process safety and other times as an outside consultant. Molly shares what drew her to process safety and why she thinks it matters, the best and hardest parts of being a process safety consultant, the challenges she sees facilities struggle with when it comes to compliance, and the changes she's witnessed in PSM practices since the early days of the regulation. 

Learn more about Molly and the rest of the team on our website at www.amplifyconsultants.com/about. 

On July 28, 2021, the CSB deployed to a fatal incident that took place at the LyondellBasell chemical plant in La Porte, TX. The release took the lives of two contractors and hospitalized thirty employees. In this episode, Rob brings you the latest information about the incident, and offers a reminder about the role process safety plays in keeping the people who work in and around facilities that handle hazardous materials safe. For additional information, check out the resources we've gathered below.

CSB News Release, 7/28/2021

News Releases:

Acetic acid explained: What it is and how it's used 

2 dead, 30 hospitalized in chemical leak at LyondellBasell chemical plant in La Porte

In this episode, Rob is joined by Human Factors Engineer, Monica Philippart. Monica and Rob explore the definition and importance of human factors, how human factors should be integrated into both process design and incident investigation, and how organizations might improve their consideration of human factors beyond just a simple checklist. 

To learn more, find Monica on LinkedIn here.  

In this episode, Rob sits down with Tim Murphy, the Process Safety Manager of Arkema Inc., responsible for providing PSM and RMP support for more than 25 facilities. With such a large number of sites to support, how does Tim ensure that each site values PSM and understands its importance? And what advice does Tim have for new engineers who might be considering a career in process safety? Tune in to this episode to find out.  

In this episode, Elena is joined by guest Trish Kerin, Director of the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE), a multi-national institution tasked with advancing chemical engineering's contribution for the benefit of society. Elena and Trish discuss the specific incidents across the globe that highlighted the need for process safety in the past, touch on the importance of considering human factors, and caution against claiming  "double jeopardy" when talking about adequate process safety safeguards. Elena and Trish then delve into the challenges of improving process safety culture, and Trish explains iChemE's role and involvement. Elena and Trish also cover the importance of good leadership, their hopes for the future of process safety and collaboration within industries, then leave those new to process safety with a few words of helpful career advice. 

Learn more about IChemE at https://www.icheme.org/ 

In this episode, Rob is joined by guest David Hatch, a professional Process Safety Engineer with over 30 years of experience in Major Accident Hazard facilities and Design, Operating & Consulting roles in highly regulated industries including Oil & Gas, Pharmaceuticals, and Energy & Chemicals. In this episode you'll learn what a Bow Tie diagram is, its relationship to PHAs, how Bow Ties are currently being used, and where David sees the future of Bow Ties headed in the next five to ten years. 

Find the CCPSC Book mentioned in the episode, Bow Ties in Risk Management: A Concept Book for Process Safety. 

Connect with David on LinkedIn or learn more about him through the Process Safety Integrity website.