NAC459.95416. Operating procedures.

     1. The owner or operator of a facility with a process that is subject to C.A.P.P. shall develop and implement written operating procedures for that process which:

     (a) Are consistent with the process safety information developed pursuant to NAC 459.95412; and

     (b) Provide clear instructions for safely conducting such a process.

     2. The operating procedures must include:

     (a) Steps for each operating phase, including, without limitation, steps for:

          (1) The initial start-up;

          (2) Normal operations;

          (3) Temporary operations;

          (4) An emergency shutdown, including, without limitation, a description of the conditions under which an emergency shutdown is required and the assignment of responsibility for a shutdown to a qualified operator;

          (5) Emergency operations;

          (6) A normal shutdown; and

          (7) Start-up following a turnaround or an emergency shutdown.

     (b) Operating limits, including, without limitation:

          (1) The consequences of a deviation; and

          (2) The steps required to correct or avoid a deviation.

     (c) Safety and health considerations, including, without limitation:

          (1) The properties of, and hazards presented by, the chemicals used in the process;

          (2) The precautions that are necessary to prevent exposure, including, without limitation, engineering controls, administrative controls and personal protective equipment;

          (3) Control measures to be taken if physical contact or airborne exposure occurs;

          (4) Quality control for raw materials;

          (5) Control of hazardous chemical inventory levels; and

          (6) Any special or unique hazards.

     (d) A description of the safety systems and their functions.

     3. The owner or operator shall:

     (a) Ensure that the operating procedures are readily accessible to employees who work in or maintain an applicable process;

     (b) Review the operating procedures as often as necessary to ensure that they reflect current operating practice, including, without limitation, any change to a process that may result from a change in process chemicals, technology or equipment;

     (c) Certify annually that the operating procedures are current and accurate; and

     (d) Develop and implement safe work practices for employees and contractors to provide for the control of:

          (1) Hazards during a lockout or tagout;

          (2) Hazards during a confined space entry;

          (3) Hazards while opening the equipment or piping associated with a process;

          (4) Entrance into the facility by maintenance, contractor, laboratory or other support personnel; and

          (5) Any other hazards that may be encountered.

     (Added to NAC by Environmental Comm’n by R121-98, eff. 5-27-99; A by R137-04, 2-15-2005)