New initiative aims to minimise risk within terminal operations

KLAW, a designer and manufacturer of breakaway couplings and emergency release systems, has developed a Dual Risk Reduction Policy which it believes is crucial in minimising risk and maximising efficiency within the typical working day pressures of running a commercially efficient terminal operation.

The Dual Risk Reduction Policy consists of two complementary operational practices, pre-event and post-event. These combine not just to reduce the risk of an incident occurring, therefore minimising risk of injury, but minimising risk of damage to assets (both within and beyond the terminal), operational downtime, damaged reputation and preventative practices that can occur following an event.

Pre-event or event prevention practices such as training and refresher training, the investment, use and good maintenance of equipment, and robust procedures all contribute to reducing the probability of an event occurring.

A good pre-event policy that is well documented also demonstrates that the operator delivered due diligence regarding the safe operation of the facility.

The post-event aspect of a Dual Risk Reduction Policy is designed to limit the consequences of an incident that has taken place. This assumes that an event will eventually occur and when it does, ensures the operation has the equipment and procedures in place to limit its consequences.

KLAW has dedicated a great deal of attention to the post-event aspect of a Dual Risk Reduction Policy, evolving equipment that both limits the consequences of an incident and maximises the pre-event efficiency demands of the typical terminal operation.

KLAW breakaway couplings and emergency release systems are both designed to allow the line to separate and close flow in the event of a truck or railcar drive-off. The difference between these two options is one of specification and the operational requirements required by the terminal.

“Risk is most acute where one or both elements within a transfer system are mobile,” says Matt Tugwell, KLAW Sales Manager. “Post incident risk reduction starts with investing in reliable equipment and KLAW has a very clear approach to this,” he explains. “We undertake rigorous inspection of every customer’s specific criteria. This enables us to design solutions that deliver minimum post-event risk and maximum pre-event operational efficiency.

“From the perspective of our solutions, there are two elements to pre-event operational efficiency. The first is flow rate within our equipment and the second is maintenance.

“The unique design of our equipment enables maximum flow rates and such details are available when discussing the specification with an operator.

“Maintenance of equipment has also become more convenient over the years. An example of this is the KLAW reset facility which is now fitted to all breakaway couplings supplied by KLAW. This enables maintenance and resetting of the coupling without the need to remove it from the line.

“Even with the best risk management possible there will always be the potential for an incident to occur,” Matt explains. “The consequences of an incident are not easily predictable or within the control of the terminal operator. Nevertheless, the diligent application of a well-thought Dual Risk Reduction Policy will by its definition reduce the probability a catastrophic incident taking place.”

Read the article online at: https://www.hydrocarbonengineering.com/special-reports/18102019/new-initiative-aims-to-minimise-risk-within-terminal-operations/