OHS306 - Introduction to Process Safety

Subject Title
Introduction to Process Safety

Subject Description
In this course, students will be introduced to the prevention of unintentional releases of chemicals, energy, or other potentially dangerous materials during the course of chemical processes that can have a serious effect to the plant and environment. Students will study how industrial processes can affect worker and environmental health and safety.

Credit Status
One credit toward the Occupational Health and Safety Certificate and/or one credit toward the Environmental Management Certificate.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

1. Analyze key issues with process safety and process safety management

1. Explain human, environmental and business consequences of poor process safety
2. Distinguish between the types of process safety management and how they are inter-related and can complement each other
3. Analyze hazards associated with facilities and how the risks can be controlled
4. Interpret key process safety requirements at each stage in the life cycle of a facility
5. Identify key factors influencing the basis for process
6. Discuss Pre-Start Safety Review as it applies to startup of a new operation or start-up following a change in process

2. Distinguish between the various process safety systems, PHA's, audits and corrective actions

1. Discuss key elements of a Process Safety System: Human Factors elements (communication, human system interface, work environment, staffing, and fitness for duty), Facility Siting element, Project Risk
2. Management, Senior Leadership & Accountability
3. Analyze and discuss Process Hazard Analysis (PHA) including audits and corrective actions

3. Develop process management systems and integrate into corporations

1. Develop written programs to meet PSM requirements
2. Explain how to incorporate and integrate the PSM element requirements into other corporate management systems

4. Discuss the 14 elements of the Process Safety Program

1. Describe the 14 elements of a PSM Program (Employee participation, Process Safety information, process hazard analysis, operating procedures, training, contractors, pre-startup safety reviews, mechanical integrity, hot work permit, management of change, incident investigation, emergency planning and response, compliance audits, trade secrets.

5. Discuss Process Safety Elements as they apply to process safety

1. Review flammability, reactivity, fires and fire prevention, and explosions and explosion prevention as they apply to chemical process safety

6. Review hazard identification and control for process safety

1. Analyze the nature of the accident process and methods used in accident investigation, inherently safer design strategies, HAZOP analysis, various strategies and governmental regulations relevant to process safety management
2. Discuss Management of Change (MOC) components: Change of process Technology, change of facility, organizational changes with potential safety impact, variance procedures, permanent changes and temporary changes

7. Apply process safety techniques to prevent hazards

1. Explain how to evaluate program compliance throughout implementation
2. Conduct process hazard analysis on set criteria (i.e. HAZOP analysis, Fault Tree analysis, major hazards analysis, event tree analysis, cause-consequence analysis, bow tie analysis etc.)

Essential Employability Skills

    •  Communicate clearly, concisely and correctly in the written, spoken and visual form that fulfils the purpose and meets the needs of the audience.

    •  Respond to written, spoken, or visual messages in a manner that ensures effective communication.

    •  Apply a systematic approach to solve problems.

    •  Locate, select, organize, and document information using appropriate technology and information systems.

    •  Analyze, evaluate, and apply relevant information from a variety of sources.

    •  Show respect for diverse opinions, values, belief systems, and contributions of others.

    •  Interact with others in groups or teams in ways that contribute to effective working relationships and the achievement of goals.

    •  Manage the use of time and other resources to complete projects.

    •  Take responsibility for one's own actions, decisions, and consequences.

Academic Integrity
Seneca upholds a learning community that values academic integrity, honesty, fairness, trust, respect, responsibility and courage. These values enhance Seneca's commitment to deliver high-quality education and teaching excellence, while supporting a positive learning environment. Ensure that you are aware of Seneca's Academic Integrity Policy which can be found at: http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academic-integrity-policy.html Review section 2 of the policy for details regarding approaches to supporting integrity. Section 2.3 and Appendix B of the policy describe various sanctions that can be applied, if there is suspected academic misconduct (e.g., contract cheating, cheating, falsification, impersonation or plagiarism).

Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.

Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecapolytechnic.ca.

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.

Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
Synchronous (live) classes may be delivered in person, in a Flexible Learning space, or online through a Seneca web conferencing platform such as MS Teams or Zoom. Flexible Learning spaces are equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream instructor and student interactions, providing an in-person experience for students choosing to study online.

Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.

By attending live classes, students are consenting to the collection and use of their personal information for the purposes of administering the class and associated coursework. To learn more about Seneca's privacy practices, visit Privacy Notice.