Control of safety barriers through maintenance system

Abstract

Measures used to reduce the likelihood of hazardous events and limit the consequences of major accidents are generally referred to the term ‘safety barriers’. There are challenging to identify due to the wide variability of work processes and complex interactions between technical systems. In addition, the question is whether safety barriers are the only measures for risk reduction. A holistic view is required in order to foster adequate comprehension.

This thesis will present (1) the process model of an accident and discuss risk-reducing measures following ISO 17776 and national regulations such as the Management Regulations from the PSA and (2) the incorporation of risk-reducing elements into the maintenance system to assure that maintenance routines cover their functional requirements. The paper intends to systemize existing knowledge and connect separate work processes into a unified system that will present risk-reducing measures in a structured way, thus enabling adequate maintenance and follow-up of the barriers during their lifecycle.