INCORPORATING COLD CHAIN
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carry . Notwithstanding , every line opening , a liquid transfer operation , that mask is commissioned on their face .
If there is potential to get a lungful , wear your PPE - no one typically dies wearing respiratory protection in an emergency . Why ? Because the level of harm caused by ammonia exposure is proportionate to the possibility of avoidance . There is no surprise , successful escape relies on your ability to see and breathe . If your PPE is on the floor or hanging off a service valve , by the time you attempt to don ; that is if you can find it , the area may already be engulfed . Your initial inhalations both in panic and intensity may be seriously compromised in that false sense of security that the mask will provide the hope of survival . It may ironically be your undoing .
Ever since I started in this industry , there has always been an element of bravado about how much ammonia one can handle . When I was an apprentice , we didn ' t even have issued masks , many a time I remember working in the belly of a boat squinting , breathing fire off the top of my lungs ( as I was taught by my mentor ) still tasting ammonia in my mouth the next day . It was just how things were done . I have since learnt the hard way and now do my best to preach my lessons to others . These benighted folk are on the decline but they still live among us . Wear your damn mask for a few minutes .
POST TASK DEBRIEFING - REFLECTION Now , this is where I feel the real learning begins , the value . However , time is money . Many incidents in every industry are caused by rushing and the time pressure of business continuity . Ours is not exclusive , often we wrap up the job and are onto the next or it ' s just finished at the end of the day and everyone is chomping at the bit to get home , grab a beer or both .
We need allowance for 5-10 minutes of reflection on the success or failure of a job , much like the " toolbox talk ", debriefing should be included in the SOP / PTW format in my view .
What should the sequence of a post-task debrief be ?
1 . Clearly start with honest observations . How was the task successful or unsuccessful ? What went right , what went wrong . What could have been done better ?
2 . Did everyone understand what occurred , what was their interpretation before and during ? Do they require more training on a specific component or part of the procedure ? If there was an emergency were we prepared ?
3 . Document , assess , act and amend on the reflection where performance criteria establish the need . Pass it up the chain of command for action .
I feel during this reflection we can iron out a lot of mistakes that could one day lead to a catastrophe . In contrast , this same process will most likely improve task efficiency . Good clear communication can solve a lot of problems .
ENFORCEMENT I read this quote from Gary Smith , president and CEO of Ammonia Safety Training Institute many moons ago , and it has stuck behind my eyeballs . It is so so true : ‘ More deaths & serious injuries have occurred to ; the personnel who repair , maintain , and operate the systems than to the emergency responders and downwind customers and public combined .’
We can ' t rely on enforcement , much like anyone is there to tell you to put your seatbelt on . Who makes sure you are wearing the PPE and following the SOP ? You do . You are responsible for your own safety .
We have great standards and codes in place - when they are followed , we have very reliable and proven passive and active barriers often that utilise autonomous interdependent systems which do not rely on any human intervention . However , when they are not in place , we can have ticking timebombs that ultimately rely on highperformance people on the ground . Invest in yourself , read , seek ongoing training and don ' t always wait for management policy to initiate positive change .
This was a very interesting article and just highlights the need for further on-the-job training . It ’ s all very good being an SAQCC Gas recognised technician but it does not stop there - that is just the beginning – SAFETY should be a state of mind . You might not get a second chance . The clothing you need to wear is not called personal protection equipment for nothing , you need it for your safety . CLA
Inexperienced commercial techs will agree to work on these systems with little to no experience and resources .
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