Tel: (+44) 01492 879813 Mob: (+44) 07984 284642andy@abrisk.co.ukwww.abrisk.co.uk

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Task Risk Management

A Process for Managing Risks with Task Analysis at its Heart

Andy Brazier

Task risk management

A four stage process1. Develop a task list2. Prioritise task analysis according to criticality3. Analyse the most critical tasks4. Use the findings

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Questions for you this evening

Is ‘Task Risk Management’ the a good name?Alternative = Critical Task Analysis

Do you agree with the four stages?Would you add or remove any?

Why do my clients struggle to ‘get’ task analysis? (before asking me to assist!!!)

HSE tell them to do itSome have had bad experience with other consultants – may be because the client asks the wrong questions or does not engage in the process.

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1. Identify tasksPossible approaches

Skip the step – people often want to dive straight into task analysisExisting procedures – assume they cover all tasksStructured brainstorming – process drawing

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FiltersDuty/standby

PumpsDuty/standby

DP

Alarms

LoLoLo

Hi

Trip

Storage tank

Deliverytanker

Group exercise

1. Identify tasksThis step is very simple – but encourages a systematic approachUses for task lists

‘Gap analysis’ of procedures, training/competence systems;‘On the job’ training programmes;Workload estimates;Managing organisational changes.

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2. Prioritise tasks for analysisPossible approaches

‘Gut feel,’ experience or ‘normal’ risk assessmentHAZOP, Process Hazard Review (PHR) etc.Scoring system (see OTO 092 1999 – HSE)

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Hazardousness of systemIgnition/energy sourcesChanging configurationError vulnerabilityImpact on safety devicesOverall criticality

Low Medium High

1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 30-3 4-8 9-15

2. Prioritise tasks for analysisBenefits of scoring tasks at stage 2

ObjectiveDemonstration of why tasks were selected for analysis – safety reports/casesHighlight ‘anomalies’ without carrying out a detailed task analysis

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Microsoft Excel Worksheet

3. Analyse the most critical tasksTask analysis is tried and tested – but negative perceptions

Time and effortOnly doing it to keep the regulator happy

Discoveries from every analysis - if done ‘properly’

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3. Analyse the most critical tasksGroup exercise – use a data projector

People share experiences and concernsAccept procedure may not reflect realityBuy in to new methodsAn excellent training exercise for people involved

Human error analysisLook at the task with ‘new eyes’Identify where issues have been ‘glossed over’

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4. Use the findings‘Engineer out’ error potential

New projects – human factors integration planProcess design modifications to eliminate task or errorReview and improve performance influencing factors

ProceduresHigh criticality – print, follow and sign every timeMedium criticality – reference proceduresLow criticality – generic procedures and guidance

How do you manage the risks the risks of critical tasks that are performed frequently?

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4. Use the findings

Competence systemHow to perform tasksUnderstanding the risks

Continuous review – proactive and reactiveConsider all stages when examining failures

1. Why is a task missing from the list?2. Why was criticality not assessed correctly?3. Was the task analysis correct?4. Were the findings used?

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Identify tasks

Rank criticality

Analyse the most critical

1. Task analysis

2. Human error

3. PIF

Audit/reviewYes

Risk ALARP?

No

Use the output 1. Design 2. Procedures 3. Competence 4. Incident analysis

Introducing people to task analysis

Recent experience with a group of new graduates in the power industryUse of a ‘flow loop simulator.’

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Flow loop simulator

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Pump A

Pump B

Flow Control

Tank (1m3)

Reservoir Tank (1.5 m3)

PI

PI

TI

TT

FL1/DA/003

FL1/DA/008

FL1/DA/011

FL1/DA/016

FL1/DA/018

FL1/DA/001 FL1/DA/055A

FL1/DA/031A

FL1/DA/055B

FL1/DA/031B

FL1/DA/042

FL1/DA/013

NRV

FL1/DA/029A FL1/DA/026AFL1/DA/027A

NRV

FL1/DA/029B FL1/DA/026BFL1/DA/027B

PRV

FL1/DA/R038

PRV

FL1/DA/R039

FL1/DA/024

Return to reservoir tank

FL1/DA/TW01Liquid Supply

M

Manual valve

Motor operated valve

Non-return valve

Relief valve

PI Pressure indicator

PI

FL1/DA/054

Simplified flow

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Pump A

Pump B

Flow Control

Tank (1m3)

Reservoir Tank (1.5 m3)

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Group 1 – Start circulation

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Pump A

Reservoir Tank (1.5 m3)

Group 2 – Change circulation

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Pump B

Flow Control

Tank (1m3)

Reservoir Tank (1.5 m3)

Group 3 – Fill flow control tank to maximum level then shutdown

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Pump B

Flow Control

Tank (1m3)

Reservoir Tank (1.5 m3)

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The challenge for the groups

Develop a method for performing a defined task (1 hour)Consider the potential for human error (30 minutes)Determine how you will communicate your task method to operators and prepare (1 hour)Operators carry out task (1 hour).

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Questions again

Is ‘Task Risk Management’ a good name?Do you agree with the four stages?How can we help industry to ‘get it?’Any more we can say about using the output?

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