Innovation May-June 2023

L E T T E R S

FOLLOWING SAFETY PROCEDURES SAVES LIVES

▶ Meticulous documentation of the exact condition of every part of the plant (each vessel and pipeline) after de-commissioning— sometimes it can be very difficult to leave a plant completely free of hazards. ▶ Detailed description of how every

In instances like this, it might be tempting to not apply the appropriate care and attention, especially if those involved are not suitably trained. No facility is ever too trivial if it poses potential threat to life, and that is always the case anywhere ammonia is handled. Familiarity breeds contempt, and that rarely ever ends well. Noel Graham Jones, P.Eng. (retired)

Editor, I was dismayed to read the report in the magazine about the ammonia leak in May 2022 ( Innovation March/April 2023). Such tragic events should never happen. I have worked at a chemical plant facility where serious life-altering injury did occur. You never quite stop wondering if it could have been and should have been avoided! The rigorous application of modern safety procedures saves lives and prevents serious injury. As someone who has both operational experience in handling ammonia and the application of HAZOP, the permitting for the operation of this facility is so bad as to be criminal. De-commissioning of a small facility such as this might appear trivial but that is a serious mistake. It is important to note that de-commissioning is very different from routine shutdown and is often much more challenging. It can be accomplished without major incident or injury but only when a proven thorough approach is taken: ▶ Using HAZOP to identify and clearly

plant item is to be safely taken apart and safely disposed of.

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document safety issues and the correct procedures to follow both during de-commissioning and subsequent dismantling.

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CLARIFICATION In a March/April Innovation article "Accredited Employer Program Marks 5 Years," the photo caption on page 27 indicated that it was a recent photo. The photo was actually from 2020. Innovation regrets any confusion.

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