124: No Procedure for Task/Operation
Definition/Typical Issues
Was there no procedure for the task?
Examples
Example 1
- A mechanic made a mistake during repair of a security system camera. There was no procedure for the repair process, even though one was supposed to have been developed.
Example 2
- No procedure was developed for a particular quality assurance inspection. Acceptance requirements existed and were well known. However, each quality assurance technician performed the inspection somewhat differently, resulting in acceptance of components that were outside the specified requirements.
Example 3
- The facility shipped limited quantities of acids and caustics between two adjacent facilities. No contingency plan had been developed to deal with a potential spill of the materials.
Typical Recommendations
- Review task analyses to identify tasks that require procedures.
- Ask new workers about instances where procedures could assist in learning new tasks or in preventing errors.
- Ensure that all modes of operation (e.g., temporary shutdown, shutdown for annual maintenance, emergency shutdown, startup after each type of shutdown, initial startup, and temporary operations), all maintenance activities, and all special activities have written procedures.
- Develop contingency procedures for anticipated emergency operations.
- Develop special procedures to address hazards for units that process extremely toxic or otherwise hazardous chemicals.
- For all maintenance tasks and critical repair activities, develop job plans that list:
- The procedures to be applied (typically in the order they are to be used)
- Repair parts and maintenance materials that are needed
- Special tools that will be required
- Special calibration requirements (e.g., note if an instrument used for calibration must be traceable to a national or international standard)
- Certification requirements for personnel involved in doing the work
- Develop a written emergency action plan that specifies actions to protect and account for employees, contractors, and visitors.
- Establish pre-plans that address the range of accident scenarios that have been identified in the emergency plan.
- Develop a written plan or suite of written plans that address emergency management.
Cross-References
| Version 10 Element(s) | |
|---|---|
| Node ID | Node Name |
| 116 | No Procedure for Task |
| Maritime Element(s) | |
|---|---|
| Node ID | Node Name |
| 122 | No Procedure for Task/Operation |