Last minute risk analysis “LMRA 2.0”

The One in Safety program was started at Chemelot partly due to the findings in the Dutch Safety Board report of 2018. One recommendation and objective in the report is to strive toward more uniformity at Chemelot in maintaining a safe work environment. Moreover, interviews with staff on the work floor revealed that the large differences in LMRA (Last Minute Risk Analysis) methodologies and cards caused confusion. So, we need more uniformity!

As a result, the Chemelot board decided to create a working group in the One in Safety program that works on a single uniform LMRA methodology for Chemelot Industrial Park and the Brightlands Chemelot Campus. Their mandate was to work towards a single LMRA method that will actually be implemented on the Brightlands Chemelot Campus in the coming months, depending on the availability of a new, tailor made LMRA training. By switching to a single uniform approach, the entire Chemelot site will be providing input in the same way when identifying the risks/hazards just before carrying out a task. The chosen method will help us carrying out our work with the proper input and quality. All this is being done to improve Chemelot’ s safety performance including the Brightlands Chemelot Campus and to achieve the ambition to be the safest site in Western Europe by 2025.

EPA methodology

It was decided to apply the EPA principle for the new method. This method is already being used successfully at several plants at Chemelot Industrial Park. The letters in the term EPA each represent one of the three factors that are discussed in a proper LMRA discussion.

• • • Environment
      The letter E involves identifying the risks that arise within the environment. This includes lifting in the vicinity of the task, working in a confined space, and carrying out several tasks one above the other.
    • Process
      The letter P refers to the examination of the risks arising during the production process. For example, products that may come into contact with people, hot surfaces, and any sensitive equipment that must be taken into consideration.
    • Activity
      The letter A stands for the Activity that is carried out during the task. For example, working on an installation part, building a scaffold, or cleaning a part of a pipe. In this case, the risks that arise directly when implementing the task are jointly discussed. Of course, the staff must ensure that these risks are minimized by taking the proper control measures. For example, putting up railings when working at height and cordoning off a work area. To ensure the introduction and use of the new LMRA method is successful, the person who carries out the LMRA must be aware of how the EPA method can best be applied in practice. Asking the right open questions is an advantage that ensures an LMRA discussion is of a decent quality.

   

  Implementation

  The new LMRA 2.0 method will be implemented on the Brightlands Chemelot Campus in the coming months, depending on the availability of a new, tailor made LMRA training. At the moment that we’re ready for implementation a Campus wide communication campaign will be started. All landlords will be contacted to ensure a smooth implementation of LMRA 2.0. Material to inform and train the employees involved will be available, as well as the new LMRA card.