Safe Operation of Fertiliser Plants

Keywords: Safety, Legislation, Health and safety, Management.

The last meeting held at the Fertiliser Society specifically covering safety was in 1973. A year later in the UK, the Health & Safety at Work Act (HASAWA) came into force. The information given at the 1973 meeting on the hazards of fertiliser is still valid. Indeed since that time there have again been accidents involving fertiliser and fertiliser processes. However the disciplines imposed by the HASAWA and subsequent regulations under that Act have led to a change in management style: the definition of a company’s safety policy; making safety a line management responsibility; the setting up of safety committees and so on. Managing safety has become a normal part of the business with targets set for Lost Time Accidents and other safety yardsticks.

On the process front, procedures for carrying out Hazard & Operability Studies have become the norm when considering the design of new plants or significant modifications and design change procedures are followed for even the smallest change in the process or the flowsheet. In certain instances Hazard Analysis studies may also be advisable.

It is clear that if one takes safety seriously it will initially cost money but the authors believe that the benefits are well worth it. Not only does one avoid major catastrophes and gain public confidence but one also generates enthusiasm in one’s own workforce. The discipline necessary in running the business in a safe manner assists in developing a management style, which is good for the business as a whole.

M R Bailey, Hydro Agri (UK) Ltd, Immingham, UK.

R J Milborne and I K Watson, Kemira Ince Ltd, Chester, UK.

43 pages, 12 figures, 14 refs.