Development of a process safety culture of chemical engineers

Chemical engineers are firequently responsible for designing and operating process facilities. These facilities could cause major accidents with consequences on site and off site. Equilibrium has to be maintained between production pressure and safety requirements. This equilibrium can only be achieved if the people involved with the process plant develop and maintain a strong process safety culture. Lessons from the Challenger, Columbia, BP Texas City accidents, etc. indicate that there are five important key organization culture themes that need to be taken into account. 1. Maintain sense of vulnerability 2. Establish an imperative for safety 3. Perform valid/timely hazard/risk assessments 4. Ensure open and frank communications 5. Learn and advance the culture This paper will describe how a chemical engineer can integrate these as a safety roadmap. (c) 2008 American Institute of Chemical Engineers.