Operating Procedures - hdbk11010051

DOE-HDBK-1101-96

2.4 Operating Procedures

29 CFR 1910.119 (f)

(1)

The employer shall develop and implement written operating procedures that provide clear instructions for

safely conducting activities involved in each covered process consistent with the process safety information

and shall address at least the following elements.

(i)

Steps for each operating phase:

(A)

Initial startup;

(B)

Normal operations;

(C)

Temporary operations;

(D)

Emergency shutdown including the conditions under which emergency shutdown is

required, and the assignment of shutdown responsibility to qualified operators to ensure

that emergency shutdown is executed in a safe and timely manner.

(E)

Emergency Operations;

(F)

Normal shutdown; and,

(G)

Startup following a turnaround, or after an emergency shutdown.

(ii)

Operating limits:

(A)

Consequences of deviation; and

(B)

Steps required to correct or avoid deviation.

(iii)

Safety and health considerations:

(A)

Properties of, and hazards presented by, the chemicals used in the process;

(B)

Precautions necessary to prevent exposure, including engineering controls, administrative

controls, and personal protective equipment;

(C)

Control measures to be taken if physical contact or airborne exposure occurs;

(D)

Quality control for raw materials and control of hazardous chemical inventory levels; and,

(E)

Any special or unique hazards.

(iv)

Safety systems and their functions.

(2)

Operating procedures shall be readily accessible to employees who work in or maintain a process.

(3)

The operating procedures shall be reviewed as often as necessary to assure that they reflect current operating

practice, including changes that result from changes in process chemicals, technology, and equipment, and

changes to facilities. The employer shall certify annually that these operating procedures are current and

accurate.

(4)

The employer shall develop and implement safe work practices to provide for the control of hazards during

operations such as lockout/tagout; confined space entry; opening process equipment or piping; and control

over entrance into a facility by maintenance, contractor, laboratory, or other support personnel. These safe

work practices shall apply to employees and contractor employees.

Intent

Operating procedures are an important tool for achieving safe, consistent, and efficient process

operation. Process procedures differ from many procedures because they cover all phases of opera-

tions. They must discuss operating limits, the consequences of deviating from these limits, and

recovery from deviations. Procedures must address normal, abnormal, and emergency conditions to