Introduction to Process Safety and Risk Analysis from Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

Getting Started & Why Study Chemical Process Safety?

After this module, you will be able to recognize and understand the importance of the study of process safety in the chemical process industry. You will be able to examine and become familiar with important historical events that have shaped the study of chemical process safety and you will be equipped with important resources necessary for the study of chemical process safety.

Risk Identification and Evaluation

At the end of this module, you will be identify risk involved in various activities related to the chemical process industry, as well as evaluate this risk using checklist analysis. You will be able to manage risk using safeguards and continue to use lessons from past chemical process safety incidents to inform the implementation of safer solutions and work practices.

Risk Assessment - Part 1

At the end of this module, you will be able to apply probability theory to estimate the failure frequencies of equipment and safeguards. You will be able to construct event trees and make calculations for the probabilities of result occurrences. You will also continue to use lessons from past chemical process safety incidents to inform the implementation of safer solutions and work practices.

Risk Assessment - Part 2

At the end of this module, you will be able to construct fault trees and make calculations for the probabilities of event occurrences and be able to identify independent layers of protection. You will be able to use layer of protection analysis to perform risk assessment and apply inherently safer design principles.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Teaches risk assessment theory from an engineering perspective, which is the standard in the chemical process industry

Possible dealbreaker: Requires students to have a solid background in engineering

Takes a systematic approach to examining risk in chemical process engineering

Provides practical instruction for understanding and mitigating hazards in chemical processing

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Introduction to Process Safety and Risk Analysis with these activities:

Review Basic Engineering Principles

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Refresh your understanding of basic engineering principles to enhance your comprehension of process safety.

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Review your notes or textbooks on topics such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer
Solve practice problems to test your understanding
If necessary, seek additional support from a tutor or instructor

Process Safety Resource Compilation

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Create a comprehensive compilation of resources related to process safety.

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Gather articles, books, websites, and other materials on process safety
Organize the materials into a logical structure
Create an annotated bibliography or summary for each resource
Share the compilation with other students and colleagues

Review Chemical Process Safety

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Familiarize yourself with the fundamentals of chemical process safety by reading this introductory book.

View Chemical Process Safety: Fundamentals with... on Amazon

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Read Chapter 1: Introduction and Overview
Read Chapter 2: Hazard Identification and Evaluation
Complete the end-of-chapter exercises

Five other activities

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Hazard Identification and Evaluation Exercises

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Sharpen your hazard identification and evaluation skills through these exercises.

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Download the exercise sheet from the course website
Work through the exercises, identifying potential hazards and evaluating their risks
Compare your answers with the provided solutions

Study Group on Process Safety

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Collaborate with other students to enhance your understanding of process safety.

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Form a study group with 2-3 other students
Meet regularly to discuss course material
Work together on practice problems and case studies
Prepare for exams and quizzes together

Risk Assessment Tutorial

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Gain a deeper understanding of risk assessment techniques by following this guided tutorial.

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Watch the video tutorials on probability theory and event trees
Complete the practice exercises on constructing event trees
Watch the video tutorials on fault trees
Complete the practice exercises on constructing fault trees
Apply the techniques to assess the risks of a chemical process

Process Safety Poster

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Create a visual representation of key process safety principles.

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Identify the key process safety principles to include on the poster
Design a visually appealing layout for the poster
Create the poster using software or by hand
Present the poster to your classmates or colleagues

Volunteer at a Chemical Plant

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Gain hands-on experience in chemical process safety by volunteering at a local plant.

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Contact local chemical plants to inquire about volunteer opportunities
Complete the necessary safety training
Assist with various tasks related to process safety
Observe and learn from experienced process safety professionals

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to Process Safety and Risk Analysis will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Process Manager

Process Managers are responsible for the safe and efficient operation of chemical processes. This course is an excellent fit for this role, providing you with a strong foundation in Process Safety, including risk assessment, event tree analysis, fault tree analysis, inherently safer design principles, and management of change.

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Chemical Engineer

Chemical Engineers design processes and equipment to produce chemicals, fuels, and other products safely and efficiently. A strong grasp of Chemical Process Safety is a must-have for succeeding in this role, and this course will provide you with the fundamental knowledge you need to excel, including risk assessment, event tree analysis, fault tree analysis, inherently safer design principles, and management of change.

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Risk Analyst

Risk Analysts identify, assess, and manage risks. This course is an excellent fit for this role, providing you with the fundamental knowledge you need to succeed, including risk assessment, hazard identification, and mitigation strategies.

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Researcher

Researchers conduct original research to advance knowledge. Those working in the field of process safety must have a strong understanding of the fundamental principles. This course can provide you with the knowledge you need to succeed in this role, including risk assessment, hazard identification, and mitigation strategies.

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Safety Engineer

Safety Engineers develop and implement plans to prevent accidents and protect workers from injuries and illnesses. They may work in any industry, but a background in Process Safety is particularly relevant for those in the chemical industry. This course is a great fit for this role, as it will provide you with a broad understanding of the hazards and risks associated with chemical processes, and how to mitigate them.

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Health and Safety Manager

Health and Safety Managers are responsible for developing and implementing health and safety programs in the workplace. They also conduct safety audits, and oversee the company's response to emergencies. A solid background in Process Safety is important for success in this role. This course can provide you with the knowledge you need to excel, including risk assessment, hazard identification, and mitigation strategies.

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Consultant

Consultants provide expert advice to businesses on a variety of topics, including process safety. This course can provide you with the knowledge you need to succeed in this role, including risk assessment, hazard identification, and mitigation strategies.

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Project Manager

Project Managers plan, organize, and execute projects. Those working in the chemical industry must have a strong understanding of process safety. This course can provide you with the knowledge you need to succeed in this role, including risk assessment, hazard identification, and mitigation strategies.

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Instructor

Instructors teach students at all levels. Those teaching in the field of engineering must have a strong understanding of process safety. This course can provide you with the knowledge you need to succeed in this role, including risk assessment, hazard identification, and mitigation strategies.

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Environmental Engineer

Environmental Engineers develop solutions to environmental problems, such as pollution and waste management. Those working in industry must have a thorough understanding of process safety. This course can provide you with the necessary knowledge to succeed in this role, including risk assessment, hazard identification, and mitigation strategies.

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Risk Engineer

Risk Engineers use their deep technical understanding of engineering principles to develop a thorough understanding of the hazards in a process, and develop risk mitigation strategies. This course may prove helpful, introducing you to the basic principles of Process Risk Analysis, so that you can better identify and manage risk in process facilities.

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Auditor

Auditors examine and evaluate financial records and other business documents to ensure accuracy and compliance with regulations. Those working in the chemical industry must have a strong understanding of process safety. This course can provide you with the knowledge you need to succeed in this role, including risk assessment, hazard identification, and mitigation strategies.

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Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts research and analyze public policy issues. Those working on environmental issues must have a strong understanding of process safety. This course can provide you with the knowledge you need to succeed in this role, including risk assessment, hazard identification, and mitigation strategies.

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Technical Writer

Technical Writers create documentation for complex technical products and processes. Those working in the chemical industry must have a strong understanding of process safety. This course can provide you with the knowledge you need to succeed in this role, including risk assessment, hazard identification, and mitigation strategies.

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Journalist

Journalists write and report on current events and issues. Those working in the field of science and technology must have a strong understanding of process safety. This course can provide you with the knowledge you need to succeed in this role, including risk assessment, hazard identification, and mitigation strategies.

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