Management Methodology for Pressure Equipment

摘要

Pressure equipment constitutes a significant investment in capital and a major proportion of potential high-risk plant in many operations and this is particularly so in an alumina refinery. In many jurisdictions pressure equipment is also subject to statutory regulation that imposes obligations on Owners of the equipment with respect to workplace safety. Most modern technical standards and industry codes of practice employ a risk-based approach to support better decision making with respect to pressure equipment. For a management system to be effective it must demonstrate that risk is being managed within acceptable limits.Pressure equipment is operated and maintained by diverse groups within most organizations and central to ensuring statutory compliance and management of risk are well-documented and robust management systems that are clearly understood by all concerned. The management system must comprise elements for all stages of pressure equipment from design through fabrication, operation to disposal at end of life and include a strategy to manage non-conforming equipment.Queensland Alumina Limited has developed such a management methodology and successfully implemented its use across the operation. This methodology is included in the Plant quality system and is regularly audited by the third party quality auditor and the Statutory Authority. The methodology contains all the fundamental processes for managing pressure equipment in accordance with best practice codes, interfaces with legislation, previous operating experience and the Company's safety and environmental systems, yet still allows effective use of the equipment to underpin the Company's production goals.