The task of performing the Daily Rounds is a critical method of ensuring that the system is being operated in a safe manner. However, sometimes the completion of the Daily Rounds is being performed by an employee with the least experience and qualification. Worse yet, it is sometimes being completed on a later shift by a production employee or even a security guard.
Regardless of who it is, the person completing the daily rounds should not be recording data blindly. They need to thoroughly understand the information they are recording and know the safe operating parameters that have been established for each data entry point, so they can identify deviations from normal operating conditions. To do this, they need extensive training.
Being a process covered facility, they must be consulted on the conduct and development of process hazard analyses and on the development of the other elements of process safety management in accordance with the Employee Participation element.
They need to understand the Safe Upper and Lower Limits for such items as temperatures, pressures and flows, since this is the information that they are recording. They also need to understand the consequences of deviations, including those affecting the safety and health of employees, as written in Process Safety Information element.
Due to working in the process, actions of the PHA need to be communicated to “other employees” whose work assignments are in the process and who may be affected by the recommendations or actions, as described within the Process Hazard Analysis element.
As they will be working in the machinery room, they should undergo initial training and be trained in an overview of the process and operating procedures. With an emphasis on the specific safety and health hazards, emergency operations including shutdown, and safe work practices as described in the Training element.
They need to complete all the training requirements that the facility has established to become an “Authorized Employee” to be allowed within the Machinery Room. This often includes training on the location of and use of Emergency Eyewash and Shower Stations.
The employee should know where the Emergency Contact List is and the procedures for proper notifications.
Further training could include Hazard Communication with an emphasis on anhydrous ammonia, Emergency Action Plan procedures, and more.
All training must be properly documented, and the means used to verify that the employee understood the training must be included within the documentation.
As stated in the opening paragraph, the task of performing the Daily Rounds is a critical method of ensuring that the system is being operated in a safe manner. The person performing this task should be well trained and qualified to do so.
Stay tuned to the MySafety blogs. Reach out to us if you have additional questions or concerns. Our team will be pleased to assist you.
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