Like in most industries, safety hazard mitigation in the bioeconomy is a key component of every process hazard analysis of every project.  This is most frequently done using HAZOP (Hazards and Operability) studies. HAZOP is a systematic, thorough method, using the Process Flow Diagrams, and it is designed, ideally, to find all possible specific unsafe conditions. Hazard mitigation addresses the hazards and consequent possible unsafe events identified by the HAZOP, including their probability and their consequence magnitude. It eliminates the hazard or reduces its probability and/or consequences to an acceptable level. It seeks to prevent fatalities, injuries, illness, property damage, interrupted production, and the attendant financial costs from inadequately prevented and controlled safety hazards.

Hazards mitigation is designed to protect the employees, contractors, site visitors, and the public. Regular employee and contractor training in the specific process hazards and their mitigation is essential. This includes Management of Change, OSHA, EPA, DOT, and DOE requirements, and mandatory Process Hazard Analysis updates every 5 years. Mitigation uses Inherently Safe Process Design, engineering controls (e.g. interlocks), personal protective equipment (e.g. respirators), and operating procedures, written for safe operation by documenting all the safety hazards and how they have been addressed. The operating procedures must ensure safe start-up, normal operation, normal shut down, and emergency shut down.

Among its 150+ experts, Lee Enterprises Consulting has a wide range of services in bioenergy, biomaterials and chemicals, biotechnologies, and feedstocks.  We certainly have specialists in hazard mitigation and safety.  In fact, our specialty services also include other things like environmental & regulatory compliance, executive recruiting, expert witness engagements, intellectual property (IP) assistance, Life Cycle Analysis, RINs & Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS), market studies, carbon credits, wildlife habitat matters, benchmarking, attestations, DOE Merit Review, BQ9000 Preparation, food safety & defense, Insurance selection & procurement, and process safety & management, to name a few.

Take a look at our experts and the services we provide.  You will note that most of our experts are also available for ancillary engagements and advice, for specialty engagements like serving as expert witnesses in litigation matters.  A good overview of our group is found in this video.  Call us at 1+ (501) 833-8511 or email us for more information.