Corresponding DOE Programs and Requirements

DOE-HDBK-1101-96

To instill a sense of ownership, each operator may be assigned a portion of procedures to develop,

review, and maintenance, even if the first draft of the procedures is written by someone else. This

approach is not intended to preclude other workers from writing or amending procedures. Rather, it

ensures that someone takes responsibility for their accuracy, timely completion, and current

applicability.

Corresponding DOE Programs and Requirements

DOE 5480.19, CONDUCT OF OPERATIONS REQUIREMENTS FOR DOE FACILITIES, and

DOE O 440.1, WORKER PROTECTION MANAGEMENT FOR DOE FEDERAL AND

CONTRACTOR EMPLOYEES, contain provisions for written operating procedures. Operating

procedures for processes covered by the PSM Rule should be reviewed to ensure that they comply

with these requirements. Safe work practices should be reviewed to ensure that they are current.

Additional safe work practices may need to be developed if PrHAs identify frequently encountered

hazards that are not unique to a given process. Additional DOE guidance is provided in DOE-STD-

1029-92, Writers' Guide for Technical Procedures.

Documentation Requirements

If operators are to work safely and efficiently, they must understand the reasons for the actions

described. Therefore, operating procedures for chemical processes covered by the PSM Rule should

describe operator interactions with process units, explaining why actions are to be carried out in the

manner described. Generally, procedures should be written at a level of detail such that 1) an

experienced operator who is not familiar with a particular process unit could run the unit with

minimal supervision or help from other operators, or 2) the least experienced operator released for

unsupervised work could run the unit. Operating procedures should be readily available for rapid

reference[59].

DOE contractors should develop their own "systems" for confirming that the operating procedures

are current and accurate. Contractors must certify annually that procedures for operation of covered

processes are current and accurate [Q60].

Minimum Implementation Criteria

Operating procedures must be developed to cover all phases of process operations, including the

following [Q61].

Initial startup [Q62].

Normal operation and/or partial operation.

Temporary operation.

Emergency operations/shutdown.

Normal shutdown.

Start-up following a turnaround or after an emergency shutdown.