ApplyIT, the South African software solution provider to the process manufacturing industry, has launched the Aurora Plant Clearances module, a world-first application designed to enhance the level of safety and reliability of manufacturing plants across the globe.
The software controls the process by which clearances, or permits to work within an operating plant, are prepared, authorised, issued and subsequently managed. The system focuses on enhancing plant safety by improving the integrity of and management control over the clearance process.
"The issuing of plant clearances on any manufacturing plant needs to be closely monitored and strict rules adhered to," says Gavin Halse, MD of ApplyIT. "The Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHS Act) requires that employees be aware of the hazards involved in the job and the area in which they work, and are adequately protected against these hazards."
Legislation also requires that all clearance certificates be issued, authorised and accepted by trained and competent employees and all active clearances be kept up to date to guarantee safe working conditions. These are essential to safeguard employees and the environment, avoid damage to the plant and prevent loss of production when work is being carried out.
When preparing a clearance certificate, the Aurora Plant Clearances system detects hazards associated with specific jobs depending on the type of work being carried out, the area within the plant and the types of equipment involved. Based on the hazards present, rules are applied to the precautions, preparations and personal protective equipment (PPE) required, ensuring that workers are aware of the hazards and adhere to the specified safety precautions. Furthermore, the application employs sophisticated heuristics to `learn` from previous hazardous scenarios.
"Traditionally, clearance rules are outlined in company procedure manuals, which are inevitably kept in an office, gathering dust. When work teams require clearances the rules are not always readily accessible, leading to inconsistencies on clearance certificates and the compromising of safety regulations," says Halse.
The software caters for various levels of authority for different types of work in different areas of a plant, ensuring all clearances are authorised and issued in line with company procedures. It provides up-to-date clearance information to management and those involved in operating the plant and manages shift handovers and transfers of responsibility of active clearances.
Equipment isolations can be efficiently managed using the plant clearance module, and measures are put in place to ensure that isolations are only removed once set tasks are complete.
The application is designed to integrate with most other CMMS (computerised maintenance management systems).
"Management can now have the assurance that high-integrity clearances are being issued in accordance with the company`s procedures. The progress of a clearance as well as any changes that are made can be easily traced and the system provides a high level of transparency - at any time those operating the plant can see precisely what`s happening in every area of the plant, what clearances are active and what isolations are in place," says Halse. ApplyIT has plans to market the Aurora Plant Clearances module internationally and VAR channels are being established in the UK, Europe, Australia and New Zealand.
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