Process Safety Engineering Skill Set

Single Isolation Practice

  • Developed guidance document to meet requirements under Alberta OH&S Part 15 for isolation of piping systems with hazardous materials under pressure. The practice includes a methodology for risk assessment to allow engineers to determine the requirements for working under single isolation if double block and bleed or a system of blinding is not available.
  • Provided training to engineering groups who are responsible for certifying work under single isolation
  • CAPP positive isolation working group chairperson

Consequence Modelling

  • Use of PHAST modelling tool to estimate flammable gas releases, toxic gas releases, pool fire, jet fire, flash fire, BLEVE, and vapour cloud explosion as required.

Risk Matrix Development

  • Provided input to the process safety team members developing a new risk-matrix for use in evaluating process/operational risks in our facilities. Reviewer for the final draft of the Cenovus Operations Risk Matrix.
  • Provided training to employees, contractors and engineering design house staff on how to use the Cenovus Risk Matrix when conducting various types of Process Hazard Analysis (Hazop, What If/Operational Risk Assessment, etc.).

Process Hazard Analysis

  • Analysis of maintenance frequency for fixed detection systems (LEL, H2S, Flame Scanners) to determine change in reliability of devices if changed from a 3 month frequency to a four month frequency) using simplified IEC 61508 and IEC 61511 methods
  • Facilitate risk assessments and Hazops as required by the different business teams
  • Rewrote and updated the Hazop Manual – provided additional clarification on requirements for core team members during Hazop and risk assessments, requirements for safeguards, how much credit to take for safeguards, and Hazop revalidation requirements
  • Collaborated with training group to develop electronic training courses for risk assessment
  • Developed risk assessment training courses for participants and facilitators
  • Provided risk assessment training for facilitators and participants
  • Performed simplified analysis of probability of failure on demand of a basic process control system used as a burner management system vs an independent burner management system and a basic process control system
  • Collaborated with automation group to provide guidance on how much credit to allow for basic process control system in risk assessments vs safety instrumented functions, the requirements for independence and reliability in order to take two credits for instrumented functions in the basic process control systems

Overpressure Risk Assessments (ORA)

  • Worked with Process Engineering Group to develop a methodology for conducting ORAs to meet the requirements in ABSA’s AB-525 “Overpressure Protection Requirements for Pressure Vessels and Pressure Piping”.
  • Facilitated ORA reviews on existing pressure systems as required.
  • Provided training to groups in how to conduct ORAs per the new methodology to meet there requirements of AB-525.

Fire Protection Engineering

  • Review existing facilities for building and fire code compliance for life safety systems and property protection
  • Review designs for new facilities to ensure fire/explosion system design not only meets code but also addresses the hazards associated with the facility, which may not be covered by code
  • Review fire alarm system verification and annual testing reports
  • Conduct acceptance testing of new fire protection systems – this includes:
    • fire water tanks,
    • fire pumps,
    • fixed sprinkler systems (wet, dry, pre-action, deluge),
    • foam water systems,
    • hydrants
    • special hazard systems such as high pressure CO2, wet chemical systems, fixed storage tank foam systems, ICAF, etc.
  • Train personnel responsible for conducting regular inspection testing and maintenance of existing fire protection systems and assist with annual performance testing of systems.
  • Worked with Cenovus maintenance and scheduling department and the different asset maintenance teams to establish regular maintenance and testing requirements in Maximo for all Cenovus assets
  • Developed Cenovus standard for inspection, testing and maintenance frequency of life safety systems in process, infrastructure and camp buildings
  • Developed Cenovus standard for fire hydrants and hose sizes
    Participated as committee member in Enform’s Fire and Explosion Hazard Management Program Development Guide, June 2016