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Introduction of Singapore Chemical Industry Council

Today, let us have some idea of SCIC.

The Singapore Chemical Industry Council Limited (SCIC) is one industry association representing the Singapore chemical industry in the private sector. It plays a proactive role in representing the interests of the local chemical industry and continues to promote it as a major economic pillar of Singapore.

SCIC was officially formed under the umbrella of the former Singapore Manufacturers Association (SMa) on 8th May 1979 by a group of 17 manufacturers. SCIC is affiliated to the ASEAN Chemical Industries Council (ASEAN-CIC).  It was incorporated as an independent entity on 28 June 2007.

Mission Statement
The Singapore Chemical Industry Council is committed to achieving the following objectives:
  • Promotion of the growth of the chemical cluster in Singapore in such ways as shall from time to time be thought fit and in particular in partnership with the government.
  • The promotion of safety and protection of the environment in the operations, processes and facilities of the chemical industry.
  • The enhancement of plant and facility operations of the members with a view to protect the health and safety of employees, the public and the environment through dissemination of knowledge and sharing of good practices.
  • To actively work with the government agencies and others in promulgating responsible laws, regulations, practices and codes of conduct to safeguard the health of the community, workplace and environment.
  • To assist members of SCIC to operate within acceptable laws, regulations and practices.
  • The partner in progress with the Government of Singapore in its effort to enhance growth for the Chemical industry for investors, safety in the workplace for the workers and an environmentally friendly Singapore for all the residents.
  • To represent Singapore chemical industry domestically, regionally and internationally.
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Uncategorized

TUV Rheinland and functional safety

In the coming days, we’re going to introduce some organizations with close connection to Safety Case related services.

The first one will be  TUV Rheinland.

1. TUV Rheinland

TUV Rheinland is an established certification body, independent and specialist risk management consulting and training company of 145 years history based in Cologne, Germany. TUV Rheinland Group employs over 19,600 staff in 600 locations in 69 countries.

It assists clients in major hazard industries and commercial and public sectors to manage health, safety, security, environmental (HSSE) and business risk. Its activities are supported by a comprehensive network of TÜV Rheinland offices and local representatives in other regions around the world.  TUV Rheinland intends to be close to our clients.

 

2. TUV Rheinland and Functional Safety

TUV Rheinland is a well-recognised certification body for the Functional Safety Products, Functional Safety Applications and Functional Safety Management System.  In the area of functional safety certification, some of its certified clients are ABB, HIMA, SIEMENS, Schneider Electric, Yokogawa and so on.

In addition, TÜV Rheinland Functional Safety Training Program is the only worldwide extended vocational training program in the area of Functional Safety where knowledge and competencies are approved of by a third neutral party and where certificates are issued.

TÜV Rheinland has institutionalized this training program in 2004 together with national and international companies and experts of the Functional Safety business. As of today more than 14,000 engineers have participated in various training topics and become “Functional Safety Engineer (TÜV Rheinland)”.

 

3. TUV Rheinland in Singapore

TUV Rheinland Singapore Pte Ltd was established in Singapore since Oct 1989 and has a rich 28 year history providing testing, inspection and certification services in Singapore. It’s located at the German Centre 25 International Business Park #01-57/58 Singapore 609916.

Functional Safety, Explosion protection and safety case for the process industry is part of its local  services.

 

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Major Hazards Symposium 2017 Presentation Slides

Major Hazards Symposium 2017 Presentation Slides

Symposium Programme

Time Topic Speakers
8:30 am Registration and Breakfast
9:00 am Welcome Address • Professor Ho Yew Kee, Associate Provost, SIT
• Mr Gilbert Tan, Assistant Director-General, NTUC and CEO, e2i
9:20am MOU Signing between e2i, SLP and SIT
9:30 am – Keynote 1 –
Safety Case Regime		 • Er. Go Heng Huat, Director, Major Hazards Department, MOM
10:00 am – Keynote 2 –
Process Safety in Respect to Business Continuity		 • Er. Lucas Ng, General Manager, Petrochemical Corporation of Singapore
10:30 am Tea Break
11:00 am Process Safety Leadership • Mr Teng Chong Seng, President, Society of Loss Prevention
11:45 am ALARP Concept and Its Demonstration • Mr Amit Bhatnagar, Process Safety Manager, Singapore Refining Company Pte Ltd
12:30 pm Networking Lunch
1:45 pm Integration of Process Safety Management Elements for Safety Case Write-up • Mr Lim Liang Hong, Senior Specialist, Major Hazards Department, MOM
2:30 pm Strengthening Safety Cases • Mr Anthony Woo, Adjunct Lecturer, Singapore Polytechnic
3:00 pm Education on Process Safety • Associate Professor Lim Kok Hwa, Programme Director, SIT
3:30 pm Closing Remarks • Ms Jaime Lim, Acting Deputy Director, Major Hazards Department, MOM
4.00 pm End of Symposium
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Major Hazards Symposium 2017 Open for registration

Date: 

28 Jul 2017 (Fri), 8:30 am to 4:00 pm

Venue: 

SIT@Dover, Academic Plaza, LT1A, 10 Dover Drive, Singapore 138683

Symposium Programme

Time Topic Speakers
8:30 am Registration and Breakfast
9:00 am Welcome Address • Professor Ho Yew Kee, Associate Provost, SIT
• Mr Gilbert Tan, Assistant Director-General, NTUC and CEO, e2i
9:20am MOU Signing between e2i, SLP and SIT
9:30 am – Keynote 1 –
Safety Case Regime		 • Er. Go Heng Huat, Director, Major Hazards Department, MOM
10:00 am – Keynote 2 –
Process Safety in Respect to Business Continuity		 • Er. Lucas Ng, General Manager, Petrochemical Corporation of Singapore
10:30 am Tea Break
11:00 am Process Safety Leadership • Mr Teng Chong Seng, President, Society of Loss Prevention
11:45 am ALARP Concept and Its Demonstration • Mr Amit Bhatnagar, Process Safety Manager, Singapore Refining Company Pte Ltd
12:30 pm Networking Lunch
1:45 pm Integration of Process Safety Management Elements for Safety Case Write-up • Mr Lim Liang Hong, Senior Specialist, Major Hazards Department, MOM
2:30 pm Strengthening Safety Cases • Mr Anthony Woo, Adjunct Lecturer, Singapore Polytechnic
3:00 pm Education on Process Safety • Associate Professor Lim Kok Hwa, Programme Director, SIT
3:30 pm Closing Remarks • Ms Jaime Lim, Acting Deputy Director, Major Hazards Department, MOM
4.00 pm End of Symposium

Who Should Attend

• All process industry professionals including managers, engineers, operators, safety advisors and risk management practitioners.

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites for this Symposium.

Registration: 

https://www.gevme.com/major-hazards-symposium-2017

 

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Events Regulations

PEB Briefing on Registration as Professional Engineer in Chemical Engineering

Source

PEB Briefing on Registration  of PE (Chemical)

PEB held a briefing on the registration of professional engineers (PE) in chemical engineering that would commence with effect from 1 Jan 2017.

When & where

The briefing was held at Level 6 Auditorium at JEM Building on 28 November 2016.

Speakers: 

PEB Board member Er. Tong Chi Wai gave an overview on the development of the framework for registration of PE (Chemical) that would support the implementation of the new MHI regulations. Mr Go Heng Huat, Director of Major Hazards Department from Ministry of Manpower shared on the importance of the involvement of PE (Chemical) when the MHI regulations take effect in 2017.

Presentations and Q&A: 

Details of the Safety Case Regime and roles of PE (Chemical) was presented by Mr Oh Hong Jia, Senior Specialist, Major Hazards Department, Ministry of Manpower. PEB Registrar Er. Chin Jen Chyi shared on the requirements for registration as PE (Chemical) which included obtaining approved qualifications, sitting for prescribed examinations, obtaining relevant practical experience and attending a professional interview.  The briefings were followed by a session of Q&A with the speakers.

Participants: 

Members and staff from Institution of Engineers Singapore (IES), Association of Consulting Engineers Singapore (ACES), Society of Loss Prevention (SLP), IChemE in Singapore, Singapore Chemical Industry Council (SCIC), local universities and Major Hazard Installations (MHIs) were invited to participate in the briefing and about 110 persons attended the briefing.

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Events

bizSAFE Convention 2017 by WSHCouncil

bizSAFE Convention 2017 – A Healthy Workforce in a Safe Workplace

Source

Held for the 9th consecutive year, the bizSAFE Convention celebrates the achievement of the bizSAFE community and provides an opportunity for non-bizSAFE companies to understand how bizSAFE can be an integral part of their business models.
This Convention will see leading WSH professionals and service providers offering practical solutions and advice in ensuring a safe and healthy workplace. The Convention will also feature the bizSAFE Awards, which recognizes bizSAFE Partners, Enterprises and individual Champions for their dedication and commitment to good WSH practices via the bizSAFE programme. In conjunction with the Convention, free bizSAFE Level 1 workshops are available for attending companies’ Top Management keen to kickstart their bizSAFE journey. Attendees are also given the opportunity to attend a worksite visit in the afternoon.
Seats are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. For enquiries, please email bizSAFE@wshc.sg.
Together, we can make workplaces safer and healthier. Please register for one of the tracks below:
3. Plenary Session (Morning) and Worksite Visit to SP Powergrid Limited (Afternoon) – Full
4. Pleanary Session (Morning) and Worksite Visit to Lendlease Singapore Pte. Ltd. (Lendlease Academy @ Paya Lebar Quarters) (Afternoon) – Full
Start Date
 14 Feb 2017
End Date
 14 Feb 2017
Time
 09 : 00 : AM – 04 : 00 : PM
Venue
 Max Atria @ Singapore Expo
Max Seats Available
 700
Attachment

 

Categories
Regulations

What is Safety Case and Safety Case Regime in Singapore

Safety Case

A case

Safety Case essentially is a case, which makes a statement based on evidence through argument.

A tool

Safety case, under Singapore’s WSH(MHI) regulations,  is also a regulatory tool. MHI is  required to develop its safety case, and demonstrate it to the MHD and convince them that the strategy for managing safety is  satisfactory, through the adoption of ALARP principle.

A set of documents

It also can be viewed as a set of documents, which demonstrate that the MHI are designed, constructed, commissioned, operated and decommissioned in such a way that the risks to personnel, the public and the environment are minimized, for the use of both regulators and operators.

In Singapore, this set of documents should cover at  least:

  • Hazard identification process
  • Identification of hazards with the potential to  cause major accidents
  • Evaluation of major accident risks
  • System/procedures put in place to control them
  • Measures to limit major accident consequences
  • ALARP methodology

Safety Case Regime in Singapore

Core Feature of WSH(MHI) Regulation: 

Safety Case Regime is the core feature of the WSH(MHI) Regulations. It allows flexibility for MHIs to tailor their risk mitigating measures, enabling MHIs to address their risk in a more holistic manner.

Under the Safety Case Regime, MHIs are expected to:

  • Take on greater responsibilities.
  • Proactively identify and manage Safety Health and Environment (SHE) risks through integration of all SHE protocols.
  • Demonstrate to regulators that their risks are as low as reasonably practicable.

A paradigm shift of Singapore’s MHI regulation

Safety Case Regime is a paradigm shift of Singapore’s MHI regulation, from prescriptive regulation to goal setting regulation.

In the past, the regulator is responsible to identify and maintain an appropriate set of regulations for operators to adhere to. While in safety case regime, the operator will be responsible to identify and implement appropriate measures, and the regulator will review and assess operator’s safety case.

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Events

Key Milestones of Singapore’s Safety Case Regime

The Key Milestones of Singapore’s Safety Case Regime are summarized as below, based on the information available to SafetyCase.SG. Your feedback is most welcome to help update it.

May 2013: MHI Study Mission

In May 2013, MOM led a multi-agency study mission with representation fromMOM, SCDF, NEA, EDB, JTC, WSH Council and the Singapore Chemical Industry Council(SCIC) to study how leading WSH countries such as the United Kingdom,Germany and the Netherlands manage MHIs.

Mar 2014:  Inter-Agency Taskforce for MHI(IAT-MHI) formed

Following the study mission, in March 2014, MOM set up an Inter-Agency Taskforce to review and enhance the existing MHI regulatory framework, in order to enable better oversight of SHE risks in the MHI sector and to be line with the international best practices.

Dec 2014: Recommendation of Safety Case Regime and National MHI Regulatory Office(NMRO)

In Dec 2014, IAT-MHI completed the above mentioned review and recommended to introduce Safety Case Regime for MHIs and to establish the National MHI Regulatory Office(NMRO).

Mar 2015: Announcement  of the introduciton of  WSH(MHI) Regulations in Parliament

On 9 Mar 2015, MOM’s Senior Parliamentary  Secretary, Mr Hawazi Daipi, announced in  Parliament the introduction of WSH (MHI)  Regulations and the establishment of NMRO.

Jun 2015: First meeting of  Safety Case Joint Work Group(SC JWG) conducted

In the middle of 2015, with the help of SCIC, the Safety Case  Joint Work Group was established, with representatives from Government (MOM,NEA &SCDF) and from Industries (SRC, ExxonMobil and Shell).

On 5 th June 2015, its first meeting was conducted.

The objective of SC JWG is to

  • support enhancement of Process Safety Regulatory Framework in Singapore by developing implementation proposals and technical guide for Safety Case Regime;
  • and coordinate with SRMC/SCIC QRA Work Group to ensure revised QRA Guidelines are fit for adoption into Safety Case Regime.

Nov 2015: WSH Institute Visiting Expert Series:Safety Case – The Way Forward

This  WSH Institute Visiting Expert Series (VES) was held in collaboration with the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and Institute of Chemical and Engineering Sciences (ICES) of A*Star. The half day session entitled Safety Case – The Way Forward held on 27 November was attended by around 140 participants from chemical processing, oil and petrochemical industries, pharmaceutical and wafer fabrication plants.

Jan 2016: Public Consultation on the proposed WSH(MHI) Regulations

In January 2016, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) invited the public to provide feedback on the proposed Workplace Safety and Health (Major Hazard Installations) Regulations (MHI Regulations). The objective of the proposed Regulations is to implement a Safety Case regime and streamline existing Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) regulatory requirements for MHIs.

Feb 2016: MHI Leadership Forum

In Feb 2016, the MHI Leadership Forum was held. More supporting information about this forum is needed. 

Sep 2016: MHD formed

In Sep 2016, the Major Hazards Department (MHD) is a joint-government department led by MOM and comprises officers from NEA, SCDF and MOM.

Its objective is to be a single regulatory front for:

  • Quantitative Risk Assessment (QRA) submissions.
  • Safety Case assessment and site verifications.
  • Investigations into MHI incidents involving multi-agency coordination work among NEA, SCDF and MOM.

Sep 2016: Enactment of WSH(MHI) Regulations

In Sep 2016, WSH(MHI) regulations was enacted. And it’s targeted to take effect after one year. (Supporting source needed)

Oct 2016: MHI Symposium

Major Hazards Department (MHD), in conjunction with the Workplace Safety and Health Institute (WSH Institute) and A*STAR’s Institute of Chemical and Engineering Sciences (ICES),  organised the Major Hazard Installations (MHI) Symposium. The Symposium was held on 20 Oct 2016 at the JTC Summit Theatrette to update MHIs on the impending Safety Case regime. More than 200 participants, comprising company leaders and senior management, from over 80 MHIs attended the Symposium.

Oct 2016:  Safety Case Technical Guide and Draft Safety Case Assessment Guide Issued

Safety Case Technical Guide describes how a Safety Case shall be structured and presented by MHIs to the Major Hazards Department (MHD) to meet the WSH (MHI) Regulations.

Safety Case assessment guide sets out the principles and approach used by MHD in its assessment of Safety Cases.

The technical and assessment guides were co-developed with the industry under the Joint Industry-Government Work Group, which was supported by the Singapore Chemical Industry Council (SCIC).

Oct/Nov 2016: Commencement of Safety Case Clinic

Safety Case Clinic commenced  after MHI Symposium.

The objective of Safety Case Clinic is to help MHIs in their preparations for pre-receipt and Safety Case submission, MHD will conduct Safety Case clinics for MHIs to seek consultation on safety case matters.

Nov 2016: PEB Briefing on Registration as Professional Engineer in Chemical Engineering

PEB held a briefing on the registration of professional engineers (PE) in chemical engineering that would commence with effect from 1 Jan 2017. The briefing was held at Level 6 Auditorium at JEM Building on 28 November 2016. Members and staff from Institution of Engineers Singapore (IES), Association of Consulting Engineers Singapore (ACES), Society of Loss Prevention (SLP), IChemE in Singapore, Singapore Chemical Industry Council (SICC), local universities and Major Hazard Installations (MHIs) were invited to participate in the briefing and about 110 persons attended the briefing.

PEB Board member Er. Tong Chi Wai gave an overview on the development of the framework for registration of PE (Chemical) that would support the implementation of the new MHI regulations. Mr Go Heng Huat, Director of Major Hazards Department from Ministry of Manpower shared on the importance of the involvement of PE (Chemical) when the MHI regulations take effect in 2017.

Sep 2017: Safety Case Regime for MHI takes effect

In his opening speech of the MHI Symposium, Mr Sam Tan, Minister of State for Manpower, announced that the Safety Case regime would take effect on 1 September 2017 through the WSH (MHI) Regulations. There are three key elements in the Regulations, developed in consultation with the industry. First, rather than stipulating an absolute standard, MHIs are required to show that adequate, effective and reliable control measures are in place to reduce risks of major accidents to ‘as low as reasonably practicable’ or ALARP.

Sep 2017: Start of Safety Case Implementation Phase 1

Mar 2018: Start of Safety Case Implementation Phase 2

Sep 2018: Start of Safety Case Implementation Phase 3

 

Reference: 

  1. The Singapore Safety Case Journey (https://www.wsh-institute.sg/files/wshi/upload/event/file/The%20Safety%20Case%20Journey%20for%20SG_Jaime%20Lim.pdf)
  2. Opening Speech at Major Hazards Installation Symposium 2016 (http://www.mom.gov.sg/newsroom/speeches/2016/1020-speech-by-mos-tan-at-major-hazards-installation-symposium-2016)
Categories
Regulations

Two Key Changes to MHI Regulatory Framework

Under the WSH(MHI) regulations, we’ll see two key changes to the regulatory framework for MHIs

First, the introduction of Safety Case Regime. Under this regime, MHIs have to prepare Safety Cases consolidating all Safety, Health and Environment or SHE regulatory protocols and demonstrate to authorities that they have managed their SHE risks to as low as reasonably practicable.

Second, Single Regulatory front to MHIs for all SHE matters.  This enhances coordination among the three regulatory agencies –

  • MOM for workplace safety and health;
  • NEA for environmental impacts and control of hazardous chemicals;
  • SCDF for emergency preparedness, transport, storage and use of flammable substances.

Safety Case Regime:

Safety Case regime will take effect on 1 September 2017 through the WSH (MHI) Regulations. There are three key elements in the Regulations, developed in consultation with the industry.

      First, Safety Case Demonstration.

Rather than stipulating an absolute standard, MHIs are required to show that adequate, effective and reliable control measures are in place to reduce risks of major accidents to ‘as low as reasonably practicable’ or ALARP.

      Second, Critical Information Sharing.

Because MHIs are so integrated in their operations across different companies, MHIs will be obliged to share critical information on the nature and extent of risks on affected workplaces. For example, an MHI may need to share with its neighbors, the extent and severity of major accidents and their potential off-site risks. This ensures that neighboring MHIs can put in place measures to protect their operations against potential domino effects resulting from these major accidents.

       Third, Process-related incidents Reporting.

MHIs will be required to notify and report process-related incidents. For example, leaks of dangerous substances from storage tanks or fires and explosions that cause property damage or injury. This will enhance safety standards through learning from past incidents and best practices in the industry.

Single Regulatory Front:  

      Major Hazard Department(MHD) formed

In order to implement the Safety Case Regime effectively, a new inter-agency department, known as the Major Hazards Department, or MHD, was formed in MOM on 1 September 2016. MHD comprises officers from MOM, NEA and SCDF who will work hand-in-hand for Safety Case assessments, site verification and incident investigations.

        Replacement of Safety and Risk Management Center (SRMC)

MHD replaces the Safety and Risk Management Centre, or SRMC, as a coordinating center for Quantitative Risk Assessment submissions.

 

Reference: Opening Speech at Major Hazards Installation Symposium 2016 by Mr Sam Tan(Minister of State for Manpower)(http://www.mom.gov.sg/newsroom/speeches/2016/1020-speech-by-mos-tan-at-major-hazards-installation-symposium-2016)

 

Categories
Regulations

MHI Registration Process

MHI Certificate

Suppose your workplace is assessed and classified as MHI, what awaits you is to register your MHI for MHI certificate.

     For existing MHIs,

  • by Dec 2016: MHI will be notified of Safety Case submission date & provisional MHI certificate details;
  • from Sep 2017:  provisional MHI certificate will take effect  replace your current factory license;
  • afterwards, MHI is to follow the timeline set by MHD for official registration of MHI certificate.

      For new MHIs,  you’ll need to apply MHI certificate instead of factory license.

MHI Registration Process

5 practical steps will guide you in MHI registration.

Step #Step NameDescription
1MHI ApplicationSubmit MHI application & assessment forms to MHD
2Safety Case PreparationUpon confirmation of MHI status, MHI to prepare SC according to SC Technical Guide
3Pre-receipt MeetingMandatory meeting between MHI and MHD, to align Safety Case contents
4Safety Case SubmissionSafety Case to be submitted for MHD’s assessment
5Issue MHI Certificate of RegistrationCertificate issued upon payment of registration fees

Step #1: MHI Application

Submit your completed MHI Application Form and MHI Assessment Form to MHD at contact_mhd@mom.gov.sg .

Step #2: Safety Case Preparation

MHIs are advised to start Safety Case Preparation as earlier as possible.  Earlier preparation will allow you more time to meet criteria stated in the Safety Case Assessment Guide (SCAG).

Please continue to subscribe to SafetyCase.sg, and we’ll share more perspectives in how to prepare Safety Case.

Step #3: Pre-Receipt meeting

It’s a Mandatory meeting between MHI and MHD, in order to help MHI prepare its Safety Case well before the submission.

6 months ahead of  Safety Case submission dateline, MHI’ll be appointed to meet MHD and discuss below topics:

  • Descriptive information for your facility
  • Predictive Aspects-methodology and selection of Major Accidents Scenarios (MAS) and Safety Critical Events (SCE).
  • ALARP methodology and ALARP demonstration of 1 SCE.

Step #4: Safety Case Submission

For existing MHIs, MHD will inform your Safety Case submission dateline. So pay attention to MHD’s message to you via email and letter.

For new MHIs, your safety case submission dateline is 6 months before planned commissioning date.

Upon reception of your safety case, MHD will proceed to Safety Case Assessment & Site Verification, Review towards Acceptance, Acceptance and Proposed Intervention Priority & Intervention Plan.  The process is illustrated as below:

Step #5: Issue MHI Certificate of Registration

Once Safety Case is accepted by MHD,
  • MHI will be notified to make a payment for MHI Registration Fees via LicenceOne .
  • MHI Certificate of Registration will be issued,valid for 5 years.
  • MHI Certificate of Registration will replace Provisional MHI Registration.

Reference: Guide to WSH(MHI) Regulations(https://www.wsh-institute.sg/files/wshi/upload/event/file/PastEvents/MHI%20Symposium/Guide%20to%20WSH%28MHI%29%20Regs%20-%20Lim%20Eng%20Wee.pdf)