(61c) Strengthening Process Safety Requirements in Hse Management System-An Noc's Experience

PETRONAS, a national oil company in Malaysia was formed in 1974. Since then, it has transformed itself into a fully integrated multi-national Oil & Gas company which is operating in 33 countries.

A structured HSE Management System based on risk and quality management approach had been established and implemented across the Group in 1999. HSE Management System audits conducted across the group since 2002 and the results show that the management system has been put in place in most operating companies. The audits' findings also highlighted various weaknesses in the management system especially with regard to the non-specific and non-prescriptive requirements of process safety.

A task group was formed in 2006 to formulate the implementation strategy and detailed work plans to enhance existing HSE Management System incorporating detailed process safety requirements. Eight technical standards which set minimum standards on the following process safety aspects were developed - Management of Change; Operating Procedures; Mechanical Integrity; Process Hazard Analysis; Process Safety Information; Pre-Activity Safety Review; Design Integrity and Proprietary Licensed Technology Assessment. Standard training modules were also developed for the eight process safety aspects and training sessions conducted for all operating companies. Subsequently, on-site situational assessments were conducted to identify the gaps and develop the implementation plan for each operating company.

The ultimate aim is to strengthen the process safety requirements and full implementation of the enhanced HSE Management System by the end of 2008.