Ensure consistency and best practice in running your asset
As part of our services, we map out and create procedural documents - instructions that outline the systematic approach to performing tasks and processes across an asset. Having procedures agreed before operations start mean that:
- Operations are carried out in a consistent and standardized way. Executing operations in a reliable way delivers the operator’s desired outcomes. Reductions in errors, downtime and waste leads to higher efficiency and better profitability.
- Assets operate safely, lowering the risk of accidents, injuries and environmental damage, for example due to the spillage of hazardous chemicals. Clear procedures also give employees the guidance they need to react properly in the case of emergencies.
But how do you know if you have good operating procedures? At Kizer Energy, all of our procedures are drafted and then peer-reviewed to ensure they:
- Are written in a clear and straightforward manner, using language that is easy to understand. We want to avoid technical jargon and complex language as much as possible. Who are the procedures aimed at? Who is the audience we’re trying to reach and what will matter to them?
- Share the purpose of the procedure, what is it intended to achieve? How does it align with or support the wider goals of the department or organization?
- Have detailed steps. Processes should be broken down into a series of smaller steps. We check that these steps are presented in a logical sequence that’s easy to follow. Using numbering or labeling also help to make processes clearer.
- Include safety precautions, warnings, and guidelines such as personal protective equipment (PPE), safe working practices, and emergency response instructions.
- Include a section on troubleshooting to help the operating team quickly resolve process issues
- Share equipment specifications. Cover information on equipment, tools, and materials required to complete each task. Our procedures include details such as tag numbers, relevant technical information, as well as any special requirements for operating or maintaining the equipment.
- Quality control measures will help ensure that the final product or output meets the required specifications. Measures such as testing procedures, sampling methods, and quality assurance checks where relevant.
- Revision control: Clear revision history, indicating when the procedure was last updated and who approved the changes, helps us make sure all employees are working with the most up-to-date information.
- Training and certification requirements: what skills and knowledge do employees need to perform tasks safely and effectively?
We believe O&M procedures are an essential part of the safe, reliable, and efficient day-to-day running of any asset. We also firmly believe that the best O&M procedures are those that are written by people who have extensive knowledge and experience in operating a plant. If you’d like us to help you build robust procedures into your project, comment on this post and we’ll get straight back to you.
LinkedIn Link: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/ensure-consistency-best-practice-running-your-asset/