AVEVA to host world renowned safety expert at Houston event

Houston, Texas – 1 April 2014: Dr. Sam Mannan, world-renowned safety expert and director of the Mary Kay O’Connor Process Safety Center (MKOPSC) will be presenting his research ‘Development of an Effective Framework for Shift Handover’ at the Houston Petroleum Club on 15 April, 11:30 am – 1:30 pm. The research highlights the importance of a formal communications framework and efficient information management technology in improving safety during shift handover operations.

“Based on my research, the key aspect where technology can make a difference is the quality of information and how it is communicated”, said Dr. Sam Mannan. “Without an effective Asset Management infrastructure, establishing

Dr. Sam Mannan presents AVEVA sponsored research on safety in shift handover in Houston.

and sustaining safety-oriented procedures can be very difficult. The industry must recognize that a lack of Information Management is going to cost them more money in the long run. Perfect shift handover would transmit 100% of the information from one shift to another and this can be achieved only by using a software based system.”

“We have had a long association with MKOPSC and it has been a fantastic opportunity for AVEVA to support Dr. Mannan to produce this insightful research. Investigation of process plant incidents demonstrates all too well that face-to-face communication in shift handover does not ensure operational safety,” said William Muldoon, Executive Vice-President – North America, AVEVA. “Fortunately, AVEVA’s Information Management solutions, based on AVEVA NET technology, help develop and support best practice in shift handover. AVEVA NET aggregates information from existing systems to enable users to find and use critical information regardless of the source. We have seen with our own customers how the deployment of a larger engineering information management strategy can help to reduce risk in many operational areas, including shift handover.”

Date & Time: 15 April, 11:30 am – 1:30 pm

Place:               Petroleum Club of Houston, 800 Bell St, Houston, TX 77002, United States

To attend the event, please contact Natalie Hunter, tel: +1 832 204 5583.

For more information and to download the research document, please go to: http://www.aveva.com/shift-handover-survey

About Dr. Mannan

Mannan is Regents Professor and holder of the Mike O’Connor Chair I in the Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering at TexasA&M University and director of the Mary Kay O’Connor Process Safety Center in the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station (TEES).

A professional engineer and certified safety professional, Mannan is a fellow of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers and a member of the American Society of Safety Engineers, International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration and National Fire Protection Association. In addition to his many professional honors and achievements, Mannan has served as a consultant to numerous entities in both the academic and private sectors, including the Columbia Accident Investigation Board.

About Mary Kay O’Connor Process Safety Center

The Mary Kay O’Connor Process Safety Center mission is to lead the integration of process safety — through education, research, and service — into the education and practice of all individuals and organizations involved in chemical operations. The center aims to serve as the premier process safety resource for all stakeholders so that safety becomes second nature for managers, engineers and workers as progress continues toward zero injuries and lost lives. The center seeks to develop safer processes, equipment, procedures and management strategies that will minimize losses in the process industry.