Pre Start-Up Safety Review (PSSR)
PSSR is a safety review conducted prior to start-up (commissioning) of a new or modified processing/ manufacturing plant or facility to ensure that installations meet the design/ operating intent, to re-assess any potential hazard due to changes during the detailed engineering and construction phase of a project. It involves assessment of equipment, procedures and training to ensure that it is in “Ready to operate” state.
Comprehensive Safety Audits
CSA is a systematic, critical appraisal of all potential hazards involving personnel, plant, services and operation method; and to ensure that Safety and Health system fully satisfy the legal requirement and those of the company’s written safety policies, objectives and progress. Depending on the requirements of the organisations, the audit can focus attention on the multiple aspects of a safety system including Safety Management Systems, Safety in Operations & Maintenance, Electrical Safety, Fire & Explosion Prevention and Protection and Emergency Management. It can be specialised in Fire Safety Audit & Electrical Safety Audit.
Electrical Safety Audit
Electrical Hazards create threat to human safety, equipment and bring upon compliance liabilities. Electrical safety audit helps identify gaps and non-compliances that can otherwise become a cause of shocks, burns, injury, fire and explosion. An effective ESA undertakes verification of statutory compliances (CEA/IER/NFPA), physical inspection to identify Electrical Hazards, review of Lightning Protection System, preventive and maintenance systems, work permit systems and procedures, earthing systems, etc.
Thermography
Loose cable terminations, joints, defective lugs, faulty fuses, etc. can create abnormal rise in temperatures leading to fires, system failures, short circuits and loss of equipment. These faults can be easily detected using Thermal Imaging Technology (Infrared Cameras) without establishing contact with the electrical circuits. Hot spots in Transformers, Electrical Panels, Distribution Boards, Batteries, Switchyards, etc. can be scanned as a part of thermography and mitigation can be done on the site for most of the hazards. Process Equipment (such as motors, belt pulleys, dryers, etc.) thermography can also be carried out for identification of hot surfaces, insulation failure and gas leaks.
Arc Flash and Relay Coordination Study
Arc flash is a type of electrical explosion or discharge that results from a low-impedance connection through air to ground or another voltage phase in an electrical system. Arc flash temperatures can reach or exceed 35,000oF (19,400oC) at the arc terminals. The massive energy released in the fault rapidly vaporizes the metal conductors involved, blasting molten metal and expanding plasma outward with extraordinary force which can cause destruction of equipment, fire and injury to operators. Arc Flash Hazard Analysis is usually performed before anyone approaches exposed energized electrical conductors or circuit parts especially panels and Distribution Boards.
ECE uses ETAP for the Incident energy analysis of an Arc Flash from a given system which is based on NFPA and IEEE standards. It can be extended to Relay Coordination and Load Flow Analysis.
Electrostatic Hazard Assessment
Electrostatic charging can occur when solids or liquids move relative to the plant they are contained in or charged by induction. Electrostatic charging therefore occurs frequently in industrial process plant. If charges are allowed to accumulate and discharge, an electrostatic hazard may arise. Electrostatic discharges can act as a source of ignition resulting in catastrophic fire or explosion. The consequences of a fire or explosion can range from disruption of production to loss of plant and injury or fatality of personnel. ECE can help in carrying out Electrostatic Hazard Assessment covering the possibility of electrostatic charge generation, charge accumulation and discharge mechanism. Adequate measures are suggested in order to minimise risk due to electrostatic charges