Safety Process Specialist
Job Purpose:
The Safety Process Specialist supports the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of process safety programs to prevent incidents involving fire, explosion, toxic releases, and operational failures. The role ensures compliance with safety standards and promotes a strong safety culture across operations.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Process Safety Management (PSM)
- Support implementation and maintenance of PSM elements (MOC, PHA, Operating Procedures, Mechanical Integrity, etc.).
- Assist in preparing and reviewing PSM documentation and compliance reports.
- Verify adherence to corporate and regulatory process safety requirements.
2. Hazard Identification & Risk Assessment
- Participate in and support HAZOP, HAZID, What-If, LOPA, and risk assessments.
- Identify potential process hazards and recommend corrective actions.
- Conduct field inspections to monitor control measures and safety critical elements.
3. Operating Procedure Support
- Review and update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
- Ensure operating disciplines are aligned with process safety requirements.
- Assist in developing work instructions for safe chemical handling and equipment operation.
4. Incident Prevention & Investigation
- Support incident reporting, root cause analysis (RCA), and investigation activities.
- Track corrective actions and verify that improvements are implemented effectively.
- Identify trends from incident data and recommend preventive strategies.
5. Management of Change (MOC)
- Participate in MOC reviews related to equipment, processes, materials, or operational changes.
- Ensure safety impacts are evaluated, documented, and approved prior to implementation.
6. Compliance & Audits
- Assist in internal and external audits related to safety and PSM.
- Track audit findings and ensure timely closure.
- Maintain records and documentation required by regulators (OSHA, NFPA, API, ISO, etc.).
7. Training & Awareness
- Support development and delivery of process safety training for employees and contractors.
- Promote safety culture by engaging teams in safety campaigns and workshops.
- Ensure employees understand critical safety procedures.
8. Emergency Preparedness
- Assist in developing emergency response plans and drills.
- Participate in emergency exercise evaluations.
- Support hazard modeling for release scenarios (leaks, fires, explosions).
Key Skills:
- Good understanding of process safety concepts (flammability, reactivity, toxicity, runaway reactions).
- Familiarity with PHA methods (HAZOP, What-If, FMEA, Bow-Tie).
- Knowledge of P&IDs, process flow diagrams, and equipment operation.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and auditing skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication.
- Ability to work cross-functionally with operations, engineering, maintenance, and HSE.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Safety Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field.
- 15+ years of experience in process safety, HSE, or operations within chemical or oil & gas industries.
- Certifications preferred: NEBOSH, CCPS training, IChemE SAFED, OSHA PSM training.
- Experience with risk assessment tools and process safety software is an advantage.