Managing process safety risks for long-term improvements

Ambatovy engaged us to conduct a Process Safety Management (PSM) Audit and a Semi Quantitative Risk Assessment (SQRA®) study for their hydrometallurgical process plant site in Toamasina, Madagascar.

To understand the effectiveness of existing PSM practices, we conducted in field observations, documentation reviews and interviews with a cross section of key personnel across the plant. Our findings gave Ambatovy a comprehensive picture of their performance and opportunities for improvement.

Using these insights, we developed a prioritised action plan that aligned with Ambatovy’s objective to achieve continuous improvement and exceptional performance in PSM. This was the first PSM audit for the site and helped establish a baseline for future achievements to be measured against.

Following the audit, we applied our proprietary SQRA® methodology to analyse select process safety hazards at the plant and associated port and tailings management facility. Bringing together a multidisciplinary representation of site personnel, we facilitated workshops to assess the hazards, which resulted in:

• Bowtie diagrams
• Relative risk profile
• Identification of critical controls
• Safety improvement plan to reduce overall fatality risk
• Prioritisation of major contributors to risk

Ambatovy’s diverse workforce uses multiple languages on the site. To draw upon their knowledge and experience effectively, our multilingual technical team members conducted the audit and SQRA® in both English and French.

Ambatovy now has an improved understanding of their key process safety risks and an action plan to achieve immediate risk reduction as well as long-term improvements in the management of process safety.

For more information, please visit www.ghd.com/advisory or contact us.