Why Do I Need A Process Safety Consultant?

In industries that deal with hazardous materials, high pressures, or extreme conditions, process safety is a critical aspect of the safety of your operations, people, and the environment. 

While many businesses have in-house safety teams, there are times when bringing in an external process safety consultant is the most effective way to identify, assess, and minimise risks. 

Whether you are in oil and gas, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, or power generation, a process safety consultant has the expertise to help you navigate complex safety issues, ensuring you do not miss critical steps that could put your operations at risk.

What Exactly Is A Process Safety Consultant And Why Is Their Expertise So Valuable?

A process safety consultant is a specialist who provides expert advice on managing risks associated with industrial processes. 

They are typically process safety engineers who work with businesses to identify hazards, assess risks, and implement controls that mitigate those risks.

They bring valuable expertise to a range of process safety engineering areas, from hazard identification and risk assessments to designing safety systems and ensuring compliance with regulations.

The role of a process safety consultant is not limited to solving problems when things go wrong, it is about proactively assessing and managing risks before they turn into major incidents.

Why Do I Need A Process Safety Consultant?

One of the key reasons to hire a process safety consultant is that they bring specialised knowledge and independence from that you have within your team. You may understand your process to a high level of detail, but an experienced consultant brings with them relevant knowledge from other industries and applications. They are also not ingrained in a given way of working or site safety culture, and as such may be able to identify concerns with your systems or working methods which are not visible to the team directly. 

Process safety engineering requires a deeper understanding of both technical and regulatory aspects than you may have immediately available within your company, and consultants can support you in navigating the sometimes complex world of safety compliance. 

Safety is not limited to compliance, it is about creating a culture of safety within your organisation or business. A process safety consultant can help get everyone in your business on the same page.They will guide your team through the process of identifying hazards, assessing risks, and putting safety systems in place, while also fostering a proactive attitude toward safety.

Risk Assessments

Risk assessments are the backbone of process safety, and they are not a one size fits all approach. A process safety consultant brings an objective perspective and a structured, systematic method to assess the risks in your processes. 

Whether you’re looking at new systems, making modifications, or reviewing existing procedures, a consultant can help to make sure that risks are identified, assessed, and managed properly. Their expertise in leading safety workshops, conducting safety drills, and providing training will ensure that everyone in your organisation, from management to frontline workers, understands the importance of safety and plays an active role in maintaining it.

Compliance and Regulatory Expertise

Navigating safety regulations and compliance standards can be overwhelming. 

A process safety consultant keeps you up to date with the latest safety legislation, standards, and industry best practices, so that your business remains compliant with local and international safety requirements, helping you avoid becoming the safety case for the next iteration of advice. 

In many high-risk industries, non-compliance can lead to costly fines, legal actions, and even operational shutdowns. 

By working with a consultant, you can be confident that you are not only meeting legal obligations but also achieving expected  industry standards.

Identifying Hazards Early

A process safety consultant will thoroughly review your systems and processes, identifying hazards that could pose significant risks to your business. By catching these issues early, consultants help prevent accidents, avoid downtime, and save your business from potentially catastrophic incidents. 

This proactive approach helps minimise risk before it becomes a problem, and it often saves significant costs in the long run both in installation capital expenditure and by preventing incidents that could lead to employees being injured, property damage, legal liabilities, and reputational damage.

Every Business Is Unique, And So Are Its Safety Needs. 

A process safety consultant works closely with you to understand your specific operations, challenges, and objectives. They then tailor their recommendations and solutions to fit your business, ensuring that the safety measures implemented are practical and effective.

From designing safety systems and developing operating procedures to offering training and guidance, a consultant ensures that the process safety measures in place are specifically suited to your site and operations.

How 6 Engineering Can Help

At 6 Engineering, we specialise in providing process safety consultancy that is tailored to your business needs. 

Our team of experienced process safety engineers works with you to identify and assess risks, implement effective safety systems, and ensure compliance with industry regulations.

We offer a wide range of services, including risk assessments, hazard studies, safety system design, and safety culture development. We are here to help you ensure your operations are as safe and reliable as possible.

If you are looking to improve your process safety practices get in touch with us at 6 Engineering. 

Let’s work together to build a safer and more efficient operation for your business