Consultancy - Process Safety

Advice on and assistance with all aspects of legislative compliance

Are your processes safe?

Chemical Reaction Hazards

The majority of chemical processes in industry are exothermic, and may be susceptible to thermal runaway, where heat is generated by a reaction at a rate greater than the removal rate. The increase in temperature will usually result in an increase in the reaction rate, which, in turn will yield more heat, which can very quickly lead to an explosion. Endothermic reactions can also present process hazards, such as the evolution of gases, or rapid crystallisation.

The assessment of chemical reaction hazards for batch and semi-batch processes includes selecting and specifying a basis of safety in order to prevent and control such process risks affecting people and the environment.

Although there is no single piece of legislation that covers the design and use of chemical processes, employers will still have duties to ensure the health and safety of employees and third parties under the Health and Safety at Work Act, 1974, as well as duties to assess and control risks under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. There may be more specific duties under other legislation, for example:

• The Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations, 2002
• The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations, 1998
• The Pressure Systems Safety Regulations, 2000

What would the impact of a process malfunction on your business?

The consequence of a process failure could range from the loss of product to damage to property or the loss of life. With the damage will also come the possibility of prosecution or civil claims, as well as the loss of reputation.

If you are unsure whether there are any weaknesses in your processes, or need a methodical approach to evaluating the likelihood and severity of failure for your processes, contact us to allow our experts in chemical engineering and chemical safety to help make your process safer.

We can help you:

• Critically analyse your processes, providing recommendations for remedial action where necessary.
• Help with in-house reactor and plant design
• Help lead in-house risk analysis teams
• Conduct failure mode analysis
• Provide in-house, bespoke training for your employees.

Further information

If you would like more information, please contact the Consultancy team