Element 13 · EI PSM
Operational readiness and process start-up
Purpose
The commissioning and start-up of new, modified or existing plant and equipment is a high risk operation.
EI statement
"Management must ensure that there is a systematic process to verify that plant and equipment are in a safe condition, and that personnel are appropriately prepared, before start-up or return to normal operation."
Integrated reading
Readiness applies to any new capability entering service, including technology and business systems. The question is the same as for a new facility: is the organisation ready to operate it before it goes live?
Brings in
Technology development and implementation
No documents placed here by the integrated reading.
Expectations (10)
- 13.1There is a systematic process for checking operational readiness and the integrity of systems before they are brought into service.
- 13.2The checking process addresses: new or modified plant and equipment; return from maintenance; and restart following system or full plant trip or planned shutdown.
- 13.3There are defined criteria for operational readiness reviews and they are regularly reviewed and updated.
- 13.4The criteria cover: hardware; control system and software; human and organisational factors; operating procedures; and documentation.
- 13.5System checks are carried out and documented by competent personnel.
- 13.6There are defined criteria for categorising and handling identified issues and outstanding work items.
- 13.7Completed system checks are reviewed, approved and accepted by specific levels of management appropriate to the magnitude of the risk.
- 13.8Commissioning and start-up procedures have defined stages, hold/check points and progression criteria and review authorities.
- 13.9Arrangements for operational readiness and process start-up are understood and followed; understanding of arrangements, and compliance with them, are regularly tested.
- 13.10Compliance and performance trends are reviewed by specified levels of management.
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