Effective emergency relief design: an introduction
Safety and the prevention of incidents are important aspects during the design and operation of chemical facilities. Apart from the legal obligations to reduce the chances and effects of incidents, there is an economic drive to maximize safety. Direct damage of process equipment may result in the loss of market share and a detoriation of corporate image. A first line of defence is to prevent accidents from happening. However, first line safety measures may fail and a second line of defence should be in place. This is especially the case when an increase in pressure may result in rupture of equipment with a subsequent release of hazardous materials. Emergency relief systems are very suitable in forming this second line of defence. Not only will a relief system prevent the excessive pressure, it will also prevent toxic and/or flammable chemicals from entering the environment.

Language: English and Dutch
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Working safely with explosive atmospheres
The prevention of accidents and incidents during the handling and processing of chemical substances is a continuous effort for companies active in the various industries. For industrial environments with a potential explosion hazard, the European Union has introduced the ATEX 137 guidelines (1999/92/EC). Training of employees is an important aspect within this legislation. Explosion hazards may occur in every company using combustible components. In situations in which these components in the form of dusts, fumes, gasses or vapors are mixed with air, a hazardous explosive atmosphere can be generated. It is obvious that explosions can have a very disadvantageous effect on companies and their employees.

Language: Dutch
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An introduction to plant and process safety
It is obvious that as a major manufacturer of chemical products, Akzo Nobel bears responsibility for safeguarding the health and welfare of its employees, the public and the environment. This is the main reason for our intensive efforts in the fields of product and process safety. There are however other important incentives to focus on safety: It has been demonstrated that a good safety record has a positive effect both on profitability and on corporate image.

Language: English
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Effective contribution to HAZOP studies
Safety and the prevention of incidents has become an important aspect during the design and operation of chemical facilities. Apart from the legal obligations to reduce the chances and effects of incidents, there is an economic drive supporting investments in safety and risk reduction. Direct damages, loss of market share and loss of corporate image can be successfully reduced through effective safety management programs.
Unfortunately, corrective actions in the field of safety are often not triggered until a major incident takes place, even though it is preferable and more economical to prevent safety issues from occurring at all. Such a proactive approach is nowadays often a prerequisite for obtaining permits from the various competent authorities.

Language: English and Dutch
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Static electricity – From misunderstood phenomenon to controllable parameter
In each company the phenomenon of static electricity occurs. This phenomenon reveals itself during the handling of solids, powders and liquids, especially if insulators such as plastics are involved. For many, static electricity is a misunderstood phenomenon. “Unexplained incidents" are often attributed to static electricity. An electrostatic discharge in combination with an explosive atmosphere can lead to an accident with serious consequences, as is known from innumerable examples from the industry. Certainly now that the European legislation for working in potentially explosive atmospheres is subject to change because of the ATEX137 directive, mapping the dangers of static electricity within your company is of great importance. One of the requirements of the new ATEX directive is to catalogue and evaluate all possible ignition sources within your operations.

Language: English and Dutch
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Please check our web agenda for scheduled courses and course data.

All our courses are given at our facilities in Deventer, the Netherlands. It is also possible to give our courses 'in house'. For more information regarding 'in house' courses please contact us.

Additional information

Akzo Nobel Safety Services
Zutphenseweg 10
P.O. Box 10
7400 AA Deventer

Phone: +31 570 679831
Fax: +31 570 624113
safetyservices@akzonobel.com