Simultaneous operations (SIMOPs)
Simultaneous operations (SIMOPs) are situations where two or more operations or activities occur at the same time and place in a facility.
They may interfere or clash with each other and may involve risks that are not identified when each activity is considered by itself. Thus, they can increase the risks of the activities or create new risks. A number of major process industry accidents have involved simultaneous operations.
Usually, the situations involved in simultaneous operations are not considered during process hazards analysis (PHA) studies which focus attention on individual process operation. Moreover, PHA teams may not recognize the importance of examining how simultaneous operations may interfere with each other. Furthermore, it is difficult to do so within the constraints of a regular PHA study. Consequently, a SIMOP review should be performed prior to conducting simultaneous operations.
The purpose of the SIMOP Study is to ensure that operational complexity, enhanced level of risks and environmental issues are properly addressed during detailed design and all subsequent phases that include constructional, commissioning and operational activities on the project.
KTT provides consulting services to help companies to implement SIMOP’s studies.
Each activity is then reviewed and the following identified:
- List of identified simultaneous operations, tie-ins and interface requirements
- List of potential interaction of the individual operations themselves
- Identify the requirement of complex organisation and chain of command
- Identify the higher concentrations or personnel involved
- List the major design barriers required to each SIMOPs to demonstrate ALARP
A decision matrix is completed to ensure that the operations are compatible and to identify the necessary precautions to limit the risk of interference or potential accidents (MOPO).
