Alarm Rationalization - Optimization of Resources

So, you’re about to do an alarm rationalization for an existing system or upcoming project. What are some tips that will help you streamline the process and make the most of the team’s time that is so limited in our high-tech, overworked world?  Optimizing the alarm rationalization team is the focus of this discussion and methods will be prescribed to maximize the team effort is a significantly shorter period.

The most efficient process would start with asking the right questions and recording feedback during the PHA session and few facilitators are equipped to do it. From there, a well laid out alarm philosophy provides the cornerstone of the process. The team should then be given enough training to “hit the ground running”.

Software tools are helpful in driving efficiencies both in the alarm rationalization and in the PHA process where safety alarms can be identified. Software will also drive consistency through rationalization process. Lastly, selective choice of team members is critical to efficiency and insures long term program support.

Following such practices will minimize the resource time, maximize the output, and provide a process that will pass the test of time.