SEMS Program Criteria
Operating Procedures
Every facility must have written operating procedures that clearly explain how to perform tasks in a safe and environmentally responsible way. These procedures must be created for all operations included in the Safety and Environmental Management System (SEMS) program. The written instructions must be easy to understand and include step-by-step guidance for normal operations, emergency situations, and unusual conditions that may occur.
The main goal of these procedures is to help workers complete their jobs without causing harm to themselves, others, or the environment. The procedures must include information such as proper equipment use, safe startup and shutdown steps, emergency shutdown processes, and how to respond to equipment failures or abnormal conditions.
In addition to written procedures for each operation, the SEMS program must also include safe work practices. These practices are general safety rules that apply across different types of tasks and help prevent injuries, illnesses, and environmental incidents. Safe work practices must be applied during:
- Operations: This includes day-to-day activities such as turning equipment on and off, monitoring system performance, and managing normal process conditions.
- Maintenance: Regular maintenance activities must follow safety practices to prevent accidents, especially when working with moving parts, high-pressure systems, or electrical equipment.
- Modification activities: When making changes to existing systems, equipment, or processes, workers must follow special procedures to ensure that the changes do not create new hazards or environmental risks.
- Handling hazardous materials and substances: Materials that are toxic, flammable, corrosive, or reactive must be handled using specific safety instructions. This includes wearing the correct personal protective equipment (PPE), following proper storage procedures, and knowing what to do if a spill or leak happens.
These written procedures and safe work practices must be reviewed and updated when operations change or when audits or incidents show that improvements are needed. All workers must be trained on these procedures so they understand their responsibilities and know how to protect themselves and the environment during their daily tasks.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
4-1. The employer should establish a SEMS program and implement safe work practices associated with _____.
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