Talk:Process safety

Process Safety in Chemical Engineering

Hello editors. I am a retired API ChemEng and wanted to know if I should add a section here about Process Safety in Chemical Engineering or would it need its own page? I have heard differing opinions on this regarding if a sub-topic is significant enough to "branch off" but I am relatively new here so don't know where it would fit best. This page seems to touch on elements of it, but "Process Engineering" as a whole is quite exhaustive. Any advice will help thanks -Allen OldPetrol (talk) 04:28, 8 August 2024 (UTC)

Hi, I am a process safety eng. and I have edited this article before. My view is that process safety is essentially a branch of chemical engineering / process engineering. Perhaps the article as it stands does not stress this clearly. If however it did, how do you think the section you propose could play out? As I see it, all the aspects mentioned do apply almost exclusively to chemical engineering. Having said this, the article can clearly be expanded from its current status regardless. JudeFawley (talk) 11:32, 9 August 2024 (UTC)

Thanks, Jude. I am inclined to agree. The rough outline I had in my head was just a short header outlining key elements (id, risk assessment, etc.) then moving to safety measures and controls (for engineering, admin, etc.) and finishing it off with some hazard analysis techniques and regulatory/best practices.

As I read through the current article, all of these topics are referenced in some fashion, I think it's more of an organization issue at this point, since people like us aren't going to be using this as a primary reference, and this would be more for the layman to read for entertainment/understanding/quick reference value.

I've noticed the most enriching wiki articles I have read on topics I am unfamiliar with are those that break down the topic into multiple organized sections. If we were to do an overhaul, I think it would be a good idea to use some of those AI chat tools to create an outline/skeleton of header sections and then fill in the content already discussed here in the article under those respective sections by moving certain paragraphs around. Just my thoughts, but not trying to step on any toes here. OldPetrol (talk) 22:00, 9 August 2024 (UTC)

E.g. this is what the AI suggests for structure. Obviously, it is a bit much, but I do love the compartmentalization for easy reference.

1. Introduction
   • Definition of process safety
   • Historical context and evolution
2. Fundamentals of Process Safety
   • Core principles
   • Risk management concepts
   • Safety culture
3. Regulatory Framework
   • Major regulations (e.g., OSHA PSM, EPA RMP)
   • International standards and guidelines
   • Industry-specific regulations
4. Process Safety Management Systems
   • Elements of PSM
   • Implementation strategies
   • Continuous improvement approaches
5. Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment
   • Hazard identification techniques
   • Risk assessment methodologies
   • Quantitative vs. qualitative approaches
6. Process Hazard Analysis (PHA) Techniques
   • HAZOP
   • Fault Tree Analysis
   • FMEA
   • Other common PHA methods
7. Inherently Safer Design
   • Principles of inherently safer design
   • Application in process development and plant design
   • Case studies and examples
8. Engineering Controls and Safeguards
   • Containment systems
   • Pressure relief systems
   • Fire and gas detection systems
   • Emergency shutdown systems
9. Human Factors in Process Safety
   • Human error prevention
   • Ergonomics and workplace design
   • Training and competency management
10. Emergency Preparedness and Response
    • Emergency planning
    • Crisis management
    • Community awareness and preparedness
11. Process Safety Information Management
    • Documentation requirements
    • Data management systems
    • Knowledge transfer and retention
12. Incident Investigation and Learning
    • Root cause analysis techniques
    • Near-miss reporting and analysis
    • Lessons learned and knowledge sharing
13. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and Metrics
    • Leading and lagging indicators
    • Benchmarking
    • Safety performance measurement
14. Emerging Technologies in Process Safety
    • Big data and analytics
    • Artificial intelligence and machine learning
    • Virtual and augmented reality applications
15. Process Safety in Different Industries
    • Chemical and petrochemical
    • Oil and gas
    • Pharmaceutical
    • Food processing
    • Other relevant industries
16. Global Perspectives on Process Safety
    • Regional differences in approach and regulation
    • International cooperation and knowledge sharing
17. Future Trends and Challenges
    • Sustainability and process safety
    • Cybersecurity in process control systems
    • Adapting to climate change impacts
18. Conclusion
    • Summary of key points
    • Importance of ongoing commitment to process safety

OldPetrol (talk) 22:02, 9 August 2024 (UTC)

Wow that looks extensive. By all means go ahead. I will monitor and maybe collaborate later on if you do not mind. JudeFawley (talk) 23:59, 9 August 2024 (UTC)

Sounds like a plan! I am going to take my time with this one as I did some extensive edits last night so need to take a bit of a break. Have the grandchildren this weekend so may not get to it till mid next week. OldPetrol (talk) 01:55, 10 August 2024 (UTC)