TSA Conference 2019
A level playing field for all technologies Lessons learnt the hard way
Not under-estimating the enormity of the global energy challenge to decarbonise,
Brian Worrall, head of group sustainability at DCC, told the audience ‘this is not for
another generation, it’s for now!’ Allan P Greensmith of APG Consulting and Training has
delivered his presentation ‘Never Again’ (dangers of
complacency and inadequate safety cultures) to directors,
managers and the workforce of major upstream and
downstream oil & gas businesses across the UK and also in
Europe.
“Human rather than technical failures now represent
the greatest threat to complex and potentially hazardous
systems,” said Allan.
Talking from real life experiences, human factors leader,
Allan who worked in UK refining for 35 years before retiring
in 2017, spoke of a young life lost in an accident that he
believes could have been prevented by being more aware
and talking to each other.
“How we think and act is affected by our attitude,
moods and behaviour at that moment. Although most
individuals do not plan to make mistakes, this can cause us to
act in error or choose to break the rules.”
Allan urged delegates to ‘treat every day in this industry
with chronic unease’.
Warning that businesses which feel ‘it couldn’t happen
on our site, are the ones set up to have it happen there’.
Lessons are learnt the hard way – these are people’s lives –
it’s vital to never lose focus and never be complacent.
In 2017/2018 there were 144 fatalities in the workplace
in the UK – equipment can be rebuilt and repaired, a life lost
cannot.
Consider the human cost with better understanding of
the why and how, focus more on the severity, do not gamble
on probability, and remember you cannot beat talking and
identifying hazards.
Comparison of alternative technologies to standard diesel
With oil still available in substantial quantities, banning it today is not the best
way to decarbonise. Early evidence suggests oil derivatives can provide very viable
alternatives and the industry continues to work with stake holders.
The energy transition is not a simple move from black to white. It remains a
competitive and multi-faceted landscape.
“Decarbonising should not be a beauty contest between the different
technologies. To resolve issues, we need all the resources we can get,” said Brian.
There is a danger of a knee jerk reaction with government trying to pick on one
unproven technology over another.
Ensuring a full analysis of each technology’s life cycle and resulting impact, all
new technologies need to be encouraged, with the market then deciding the take up
of each technology through its ease of use, price etc.
Calling for a level playing field for all technologies Brian spoke of plenty of
opportunities for oil to act as a staging post including the decarbonisation of heating
oil in the UK and Ireland.
“The industry’s trade associations are uniting with alliances getting stronger.
There’s a lot we can do to embrace and adapt to the changing circumstances.
Liquid fuel will continue to play a significant role in the future by driving efficiency.
“Clean fuel alternatives are available and to ensure more product consistency,
we’re looking at blending further up the supply chain.”
Recent graduates joining
CLH-Pipeline in London
Reducing risk and protecting
people
Caron Maloney, specialist inspector – risk assessment, HSE,
who specialises in major hazard risks in chemicals, explosives
and microbiological, reminded delegates of the risk factors
to consider.
Looking at individual v societal risk, Caron spoke of the
need to consider the complexity of a facility’s operations and
the risks that this poses to the wider society beyond.
Reminding as to the need to ask – how many people will
be affected by an incident both on and off site? What type of
casualties could there be and what response would be needed?
Taking into account such societal considerations, cost
benefit analysis must consider beyond the facility. Keep it
simple by asking so what if questions early on in the process
and have the confidence to challenge assumptions for better
understanding.
For guidance read – Reducing risk and protecting
people – which looks at HSE’s decision making process. It
makes transparent the protocols and procedures HSE follows
to ensure that the process of decision-making, including risk
assessment and risk management, is perceived as valid.
http://www.hse.gov.uk/risk/theory/r2p2.htm
Fuel Oil News | December 2019 21