ABB HAZCON HAZDEM

SABIC Teesside operations consist of a number of very large process plants and associated storage facilities. A significant business improvement programme is being carried out by SABIC to help achieve operational efficiencies and to utilise latest technology. ABB has been managing the installation of the capital programme associated with this. The work has thrown up many challenges including integration with major shutdowns, demanding construction schedules and operational interfaces. However the health and safety aspects of the work have been particularly challenging.

Consider carrying out heavy lifting, welding, piling, steel erection, scaffolding activities all surrounded by existing plant structures containing ‘live’ process pipe-work, cables, underground services and hazardous materials. The potential for serious incidents is high. A major success was achieved in December 2008 when 500,000 hours of intensive construction and demolition work was achieved without a recordable incident or accident.


The ABB / SABIC team at SABIC plant on Teesside

All the SABIC projects have benefited from the ABB HAZCON / HAZDEM risk assessment process. The process provides a systematic and formal method of identifying and assessing risks to site activities during construction, maintenance, modification and demolition. Hazards are identified at the planning stages when there is an opportunity to eliminate or reduce risk. This has proved to be the case. The project team believes the HAZCON / HAZDEM process is having a major influence in achieving safety success.

For more information or to arrange HAZCON / HAZDEM training of your team contact:

John Wilkinson - john.h.wilkinson@gb.abb.com
Jim Miller - jim.miller@gb.abb.com