Sponsors
Important Dates
Our call for speakers link has now closed!
Thank you to all who submitted. We will let all speakers know if they have been accepted or not by March 31.
*scroll down to review schedule with track titles and sessions in each track by day
CLICK HERE TO REVIEW THE 2023 EHS SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE!
For questions, contact:
Paula Lerash, CEM
Director of Education & Exhibits
Email: lerash@texaschemistry.org
Direct: (512) 646-6404
FOCUS ON SAFETY I (Sponsored by INEOS Oligomers)
June 5, 2023
8:30AM - 9:30AM
Leaving a Safety Legacy
Wylie Davidson, Legacy Safety Solutions
Expo A2
In this presentation Wylie Davidson, utilizes both his training and the real-world experiences that he has gained, to share with the audience the perfect mix of high energy, humor, and insight that attendees enjoy and take away from. Wylie’s presentation style and thought-provoking anecdotes keep them hanging on and making the connection. Attendees walk away with a clear understanding of how their safe actions impact themselves, as well as others, and make a personal connection to the reasons why it’s important to be safe. One of the best takeaways of this presentation is that every attendee can relate to it at some point on a personal level. By challenging them to reflect on ways that they can give back to those around them, attendees discover what is most important to them and as a result close the gap between having to be safe and wanting to be, ultimately creating their own safety legacy. If you’re looking for the perfect message to launch your event then look no further, because this message is for you!
June 5, 2023
9:45AM - 10:45AM
Believe in Safety
Brandon Schroeder, Motivational Speaker, Believe in Safety
Expo A2
Listen to Brandon as he recounts the events of the tragic day that nearly took his life, outlays the contributing factors, and informs your audience regarding retrospective avoidance techniques. Brandon brings safety in to real world application, so your audience walks away with techniques on how to make safety a priority in their daily lives. Brandon discusses the “small decisions” which can be a change agent for the safety culture on the job site. He walks through how his decision during that one moment, of that one day affected not only him, but every person on the job. He leaves the audience with a stronger understanding and respect for doing every job correctly and safely.
June 5, 2023
11:00AM - 12:00PM
Safe and Effective Asset Inspections Using sUAS (Small Uncrewed Aerial Systems)
Richard Evans, Sr. Vice President of Engineering/Technical Functions, GES
Expo A2
Asset and infrastructure inspection is critical for safe operations, maintenance planning, and regulatory compliance. The vast majority of built infrastructure – storage tanks, emissions stacks and flares, piping conveyance systems, buildings and roofs, bridges, rights of way, solar fields, storm water management systems, and more – are still inspected the traditional way by people on foot.
This presentation will highlight the capabilities and limitations of safe and effective asset inspection using drones and provide examples of use cases.
June 5, 2023
1:45PM - 2:45PM
Safely Improving Turnaround Productivity (2023 Edition)
George Perrett, United Shutdown Safety
Expo A2
In 2019, the number one concern across industry was the availability of skilled workers and its implications on productivity, profitability and of course, safety. At a leading industry conference 300 operational excellence and planning leaders committed to addressing solutions about the dwindling number of workers to support the petrochemical industry. Pandemic notwithstanding, industry today is facing unprecedented challenges getting work done. Workforce and safety professionals were tasked with researching other plants around the world to identify solutions of how their companies and the newer plants were safely improving productivity with fewer people. The presentation, Safely Improving Turnaround Productivity, shows several new technologies identified and are being tested and utilized by Gulf Coast refineries and chemical plants today. Case studies from area plants show the results and financial impact values of systems such as connected worker systems, artificial intelligence for compliance and dropped objects elimination, proximity badges and much more. Additionally, multiple vendors and suppliers contributed to the analysis to emphasize the technology and not a specific product provider. Refined over multiple presentations to companies and industry events in 2022, Safely Improving Turnaround Productivity ideas have been implemented in many of the region’s key refineries and petrochemical plants to great results. Solutions presented have increased the safety standards of contractors and plant personnel without increasing headcount. The dollar value of these productivity increases are being tabulated for the 2023 version of the presentation.
June 5, 2023
3:00PM - 4:00PM
Industrial Rope Access – Elevating the Standard
Forest Silva, Vice President & Alexander Mottram, Rope Access Div Mgr., Able Industrial, LLC
Expo A2
What is rope access, training education, why rope access, and how rope access can change your project outcome.
PROCESS SAFETY SPOTLIGHT (Sponsored by ExxonMobil)
June 5, 2023
8:30AM - 9:30AM
Enhancing Process Safety through Scenario Management
Joyce Miles, ExxonMobil Technology & Engineering
Expo A1
ExxonMobil utilizes a structured risk assessment process to manage process safety risks and reduce process safety incidents. With the goal of continuous improvement and through learnings from external benchmarking of our risk assessment and management processes, we identified an opportunity to further enhance our focus on low frequency higher consequence events through a scenario management process. Scenario Management helps keep major hazards and associated higher consequence potential scenarios top of mind and also demonstrates how potential significant process safety events can be prevented through the interconnected relationship of safeguards. At ExxonMobil, our Scenario Management process starts with identifying major hazards and the higher consequence scenarios associated with them, defines critical safeguards that prevent or mitigate those scenarios, and defines a process to manage those critical safeguards to keep them healthy. Scenario identification workshops were conducted for ExxonMobil’s chemicals, fuels, and lubes technology platforms. The technology-specific workshops highlighted the hazards and scenarios inherent to our process that have potential to lead to higher consequence scenarios and developed lists of standard scenarios for each platform. For the higher consequence scenarios, standard bowties were developed to further define the scenario and its critical safeguards. For each critical safeguard, performance criteria was developed to ensure each site was consistently assessing & maintaining safeguard health. This process helps ensures critical hazards and safeguards are known and effectively managed by our managers, supervisors, and team members.
June 5, 2023
9:45AM - 10:45AM
Benefits of Planning for Black Swan Events for Process Safety and Crisis Management
Tim Groman, Sr. Principal Engineer, AcuTech Group, Inc.
Expo A1
Companies should include consideration of very low probability and high consequence events (“Black Swan Events”) when assessing risk and planning for residual risk management to improve readiness and performance of the process safety management system. These events could include compound incidents, highly disruptive and sudden events, cascading events, domino effects, or larger releases than considered in the typical process hazards analysis studies. Often, they are discounted as not credible. Are they really such rare events that they should have been dismissed? Are the assumptions used to reach those conclusions valid? Are there benefits to be gained by considering this unique perspective? Have there been technological advances that can help assess these risks? Such events, usually considered extreme outliers, collectively play vastly larger roles than more common occurrences due to the potential for more severe consequences than was considered in the design, operation, risk management, and emergency response plans. The largest losses that drive the industry’s quest for improved process safety management are often based on events of this magnitude. Considering these events may lead to knowledge of gaps that support that a larger event was, in fact, credible, and should have been included in the scope of the design basis and not simply in the purview of crisis management.
June 5, 2023
11:00AM - 12:00PM
Improving Process Safety Performance by Creating a Culture of Excellence - Part I
Gregg Kiihne, Director - Process Safety North America, BASF and Kim Urie, Team Leader for ERP, BASF
Expo A1
Industry seems to be chasing its tail in pursuit of improving Process Safety performance, looking to new management systems and digital solutions in hopes of finding the silver bullet. In the pursuit of improving performance, there is good news and bad… It is simple but it is not easy. In this session, we will introduce and define the concept of a Culture of Excellence using both every day and industrial examples, understand how it can impact the performance of our organizations, then discuss how leaders / influencers shape the culture of their organization.
June 5, 2023
1:45PM - 2:45PM
Improving Process Safety Performance by Creating a Culture of Excellence - Part II
Gregg Kiihne, Director - Process Safety North America, BASF and Kim Urie, Team Leader for ERP, BASF
Expo A1
Now that we have seen what a Culture of Excellence is, how it can positively impact multiple areas of my operations, including process safety performance, and how anyone who wields influence can help shape that culture, we will spend some time learning practical actions we can each take to start creating a Culture of Excellence in our own organizations. Hint: it is more effective and more fun when done together in a group.
June 5, 2023
3:00PM - 4:00PM
Is LOPA Causing You to Miss Better Process Safety Solutions?
Kelly Keim, Process Safety Specialist, STEM Safety Consulting
Expo A1
| Review of cases where applying IPLs suggested by LOPA application could lead to less than optimum Process Safety risk reduction solutions. |
AGENCY HOT TOPICS (Sponsored by Mitsubishi Chemical)
June 5, 2023
8:30AM - 9:30AM
Explosions and Fires in Port Neches, Texas & AB Specialty Silicones Explosion and Fire Incident
Harold Griffin & Vonzella Vincent, Chemical Safety Board
Floral A1
The first half of this presentation will focus on an incident investigated by the CSB in Pt. Neches, Texas and some of the significant safety issues identified during the CSB investigation.
The second half will focus on the explosion and fire incident at the AB Specialty Silicones Facility in May, 2019 in Waukegan, Illinois. We will include the cause and incident of some significant safety issues identified by the CSB.
June 5, 2023
9:45AM - 10:45AM
ACC Regulatory and Scientific Affairs Process Safety Federal Advocacy
Matii Chindori-Chininga, Associate Director, American Chemistry Council
Floral A1
This presentation will illuminate the approach that ACC’s Regulatory and Scientific Affairs staff take to federal advocacy. How they work to engage with Federal agencies such as EPA, OSHA and CSB to get ahead of issues, respond to matters as they arise and advance policies consistent with chemical industry priorities.
June 5, 2023
11:00AM - 12:00PM
Current OSHA Hot Topics
Larissa Ipsen, Assistant Area Director, OSHA – Houston South Area Office
Floral A1
A summary of the presentation: Review of OSHA’s current hot topic items to include a review of the agency's top regulatory agenda items, National emphasis programs, and enforcement activity priorities.
June 5, 2023
1:45PM - 2:45PM
From the Frontlines of Environmental Compliance and Enforcement in Texas
Craig Pritzlaff, Director | Office of Compliance and Enforcement, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
Floral A1
This presentation will provide an overview of office activities and initiatives across the state.
June 5, 2023
3:00PM - 4:00PM
TCC Legislative Update
Brittney Baldovinos, Chris Noonan, and Shea Pearson, Texas Chemical Council
Floral A1
Join us for an update and a full recap on what happened at this year's Legislative Session.
WATER & WASTE (Sponsored by LyondellBasell)
June 5, 2023
8:30AM - 9:30AM
Tools to Prevent Plastic Loss
Jim Gooris, Environmental Issues Manager, LyondellBasell
Floral A2
This presentation will go over tools and specialized best management practices successfully used by industry to prevent plastic pellet loss from various equipment to the environment.
June 5, 2023
9:45AM - 10:45AM
Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR) – Service Line Inventories
Laura Higgins, Lead and Copper Monitoring Team Lead, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
Floral A2
Discussion of timelines, resources, and tips for completing lead service line inventories under the new Lead and Copper Rule Revision.
June 5, 2023
11:00AM - 12:00PM
Guidance and Technical Issues related to Texas Risk Reduction Program
Rex Meyer, Portfolio Manager & Project Director, GeoMonitoring Services
Floral A2
This Presentation will address the basic guidance for working on a TRRP regulated site. TCEQ has published Risk Tables that can be used to define Protective Concentration Levels (PCLs) of a chemical or metal for Constituent of Concern (COC). The tables provide universal (generic) risk PCL levels. Applicants can use Modeling to develop site specific risk levels, the clean-up standards for remediation, or safe levels requiring no action under TRRP. Areas that have concentrations above the PCL are referenced as PCLEs which are soils or groundwater that have EXCEEDANCES of TCEQ Tables. The presentation will discuss the following acronyms and their meaning and significances – PRAA, RAER, RACR, DUS, VCP, COC, LNAPL, DNAPL, SIN, Remedy Standard A, Remedy Standard B, Institutional Controls, RBEL, TEL, and PMZ.
June 5, 2023
1:45PM - 2:45PM
UIC Deepwell Disposal: Past, Present, & Future, Regulations and Lessons Learned.
Daisy Gallagher, Sr. Geologist, Geostock Sandia
Floral A2
In the 1980’s, as part of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) and Resource Conservation Recovery Act (RCRA), the Federal Government established definitions for five classification types of injection well regulations to protect drinking water. The Class I type wells are defined as “deep injection disposal wells for hazardous and non-hazardous martials (not associated with Oil and Gas operations).” There are over 800 Class I Injection wells in the US, many operating safely since the 1970’s. There has been little spotlight in the past towards Class I injection operations, due to very few cases of environmental contamination, because of poor well construction. However, with current times and environmental interests, the Class I industry and the general public has generated a new interest with commercial and private injection well operations. This presentation will cover current and future practices related to injection well compliance.
June 5, 2023
3:00PM - 4:00PM
Is Your Cross Connection Control Sufficient?
Colleen Johnson, Sr. Consultant, Civil & Environmental Consultants
Floral A2
Do you drink water? Then you should care about potential cross-contamination effects from hazardous cross-connection and back-flow situations. While cross connections and back-flow issues are primarily discussed by plumbers, irrigators, and water systems, anyone misusing a hose can end up with a potential cross connection situation. This presentation will identify basic definitions of cross-connection and back-flow prevention, and better practices to prevent contamination at home, or at a facility, or work site. For example, in chemical facilities and remediation facilities all potable water uses – especially consumption, eye washes, safety showers, and hygiene uses must be protected from cross contamination. Potable water sources should not be used directly to clear lines. Process water must be separated from potable water. Your water system’s role in cross connection control will be addressed, as well as steps to be taken when initiating a project. Examples of types of cross connection controls, equipment and maintenance reminders will be addressed. Unfortunately, real life case studies with actual and potential cross connections exist in abundance. Several case studies including the case of the exploding toilet will be reviewed.
SAFETY INDUSTRY AWARDS BEST PRACTICES
June 5, 2023
8:30AM - 9:30AM
Implementing Integrated Compliance
Geoffrey Bottego, Corporate Safety Director, MISTRAS Group, Inc.
Floral B
In this session, we will discuss the benefits of installing an integrated compliance program within an organization. We will outline how to execute the integrated compliance initiative while also highlighting the organization benefits with the enhancement. We will discuss steps to take with incorporating executive leadership while making the initiative successful; and showcase how the integrated compliance initiative can save money while enhancing overall compliance for an organization.
June 5, 2023
9:45AM - 10:45AM
GEM Mobil Service Eversafe Index
Bill Shaw and Ernest Flores, Evergreen North America
Floral B
Evergreen North America companies developed a proactive safety measurement system Named the Eversafe index this is a calculation similar to Total recordable rate. We measure proactive safety audits behavior-based observations, near miss Reports, Safety meetings, Vehicle inspections and we plug that into a formula with work hours and get an eversafe index rate.
This eversafe index is published by region and Branches and is reviewed in the weekly safety call The Branch monthly operating report and in the Board of directors report.
June 5, 2023
11:00AM - 12:00PM
Trailer Connection Color System/Brock’s HSEQ Strategic Plan
Alex Martinez and Nathan Prilop, Brock
Floral B
Trailer Connection Color System Session: Towing involves the interaction of several components: the driver, tow vehicle, and trailer. Each of these contributes to the towing experience and safety of the combination. The driver is responsible for selecting the right tow vehicle and trailer for the load, hitching the unit, loading, steering, speed, and braking. All components of the tow vehicle and trailer affect towing. Therefore, safe and proper driving is a critical piece of trailer safety. As a lesson learned incident, Brock has adopted a best practice which includes a color code system on all trailer couplings and towing receivers.
Brock's HSEQ Strategic Plan:
Brock’s HSEQ Strategic Plan is a document that is designed to give the organization direction in regard to HSEQ in the upcoming or published year. It highlights the internal HSEQ strengths of the organization, and details strategies to address weaknesses. In general, Brock’s HSEQ Strategic Plan incorporates the following items:
- Bsafe Culture Commitment
- Vision, Mission & Values
- HSE Core Elements
- Monthly Initiative Calendar
- Site and Employee Recognition
- Innovative Products or Services
- Best Practices
- And other exciting things happening in the company
June 5, 2023
1:45PM - 2:45PM
Safety 3-6-5: Safety Management System & Process
Tonya Stevens, Regional Health & Safety Manager, HPC Industrial
Floral B
HPC Industrial developed a safety process that adds value to our safety culture through employee engagement, employee participation and management ownership. This process is owned by all levels of employees, from field level to management. The behavior based tools utilized in the Safety 3-6-5 process focuses on proactively identifying potential at-risk behaviors and conditions.
June 5, 2023
3:00PM - 4:00PM
Performance Contractors Best Practices
Torrey Garrison, VP of EHS/Leadership Development, Performance Contractors
Floral B
There is no way to do every task perfectly, but we are using every avenue at our disposal to create a safer and more efficient jobsite. Our craft training program begins before the employee is even hired with craft evaluations. It continues thru standardized training/tracking programs. But most importantly, it extends to taking care of our employees off the jobsite which in turn helps build better communities that we can all benefit from.
TOOLS FOR LEADERSHIP
June 5, 2023
8:30AM - 9:30AM
Safety is NOT Your Top Priority
Tim Autrey, Founder & CEO, PPI Global
Expo A3
In this session we will discuss building a work environment that focuses on these (7) Natural Principles maximizes the ability of Team members with different values (e.g., different generations, different worldviews, etc.) to work together effectively.
Participants in this Session will learn…
- WHY Safety is NOT your “Top Priority” (and why the future demands DIFFERENT)
- What Safety Culture [truly] is
- WHY people do WHAT they do the WAY they do it (aka Human Performance)
- The underlying “magic” of understanding & leveraging the (7) Natural Principles of Human Nature
June 5, 2023
9:45AM - 10:45AM
How to Get Team Members to Do Right Things in the Right Ways (Even When No one is Watching)
Bob Catinazzo, Executive Vice President - Client Services, PPI Global
Expo A3
Building on the (7) Natural Principles of Human Nature, this session unlocks the “Keys to The Kingdom” of LEADING & INFLUENCING.
During this session you will learn a simple model, which when properly understood and put to proper use, develops your ability to influence virtually any other person to do virtually anything you want them to do.
WARNING- because this model is so powerful, we will require a commitment from all participants that they will only use the insights provided in this lesson for good and honorable purposes.
In this session you will…
- Understand the underlying reasons for choices, actions, and behaviors (including your own)
- Learn how to harness the power of mindset and perception
- Understand power struggles and HOW to avoid them
- Learn precisely HOW to provide Experiences that actively promote desired choices, actions, and behaviors.
June 5, 2023
11:00AM - 12:00PM
Human Factors: Sharpen Your Safety Saw by Working Smarter
John Grubbs, Grubbs Consulting
Expo A3
Join this workshop for insights regarding Human Factors and Human Psychology. Working with new tools can make you more effective on the job. Nudge theory and behavioral economics can help you accomplish more with less effort when it comes to human behavior. Discover a simple approach to changing behavior.
June 5, 2023
1:45PM - 2:45PM
Keep Your Guard Up
Termite Watkins, The Boxer and Motivational Speaker
Expo A3
When safety is your goal, the best gift you can give your co-workers and employees is an enthusiastic, passionate speech from a speaker they won’t soon forget. You will find this enthusiasm and passion in former professional fighter and Olympic boxing coach, Maurice “Termite” Watkins. Leave nothing to chance. Make it your priority to choose, introduce, and present an educational experience that will save lives.
June 5, 2023
3:00PM - 4:00PM
Demonstrating Safety Leadership with Cooperative Conversations
JoAnn Meyer, Founder & Principal, Previse Consulting
Expo A3
Even when safety policies and procedures are world class, people, at times, depart from these standards and put their health and life in jeopardy. When risky behavior occurs, shaming, badgering, cajoling, or bribing is seldom effective. Safety Leaders who engage in meaningful conversations to assess if these occurrences result from “can’ts” or “won’ts”, are best positioned to enable long-term, consistent behavior change. In this session, we’ll explore both sides of meaningful conversations, listening and straight talk. Research shows that, in reality, great listeners use more than their ears and delivering effective feedback requires more than a well-crafted script. We'll discover the real superpower of communication during this interactive learning experience.
EMERGENCY RESPONSE
June 6, 2023
8:45AM - 9:45AM
IAP Software – Initial Response to Recovery
Jeff Suggs, Kuraray
Expo A2
Incidents can occur anytime and anywhere, and their effects can be catastrophic. In many cases, the initial response phase plays a crucial role in preventing further damage and ensuring a successful recovery. One critical tool for effective initial response is the Incident Action Plan (IAP) Software. While IAPs are traditionally associated with the response phase, they can also be valuable tools for guiding the recovery phase. In this presentation, we will discuss using the IAP Software in the initial response to recovery phase and how it can be used to promote a successful recovery.
June 6, 2023
10:00AM - 11:00AM
Social Media in Emergency Management & Why It Matters
Johnny Morales, Emergency Mgmt. Coordinator, City of La Porte
Expo A2
The use and impact of social media platforms has skyrocketed over the past decade and has nearly replaced more traditional means of communication in many areas of the U.S. Recent incidents have highlighted the level to which impacted communities and responders use social media to communicate about issues. There are two primary ways that emergency managers engage in social media: posting information for public knowledge and collecting information to help allocate resources. Join Johnny Morales, from the La Porte Office of Emergency Management as he explains the importance of information sharing, the power of social media during an incident, and why you don’t want to be on the wrong side.
June 6, 2023
11:15AM - 12:15PM
Hazardous Material Pre-Incident Planning
Richard Lawhorn, Captain - Harris County Fire Marshall's Office
Expo A2
After the events of the ITC fire in Deer Park, TX, Harris County hired The Penta Group to conduct a county wide gap analysis which resulted in 52 recommendations. Harris County Commissioners Court adopted all recommendations which required the Fire Marshal’s Office to develop, build, and execute a first of its kind hazardous materials preplan program. The presentation will discuss the program and how it benefits the local first responders and industry who submits Tier II data as a part of EPCRA.
June 6, 2023
1:45PM - 2:45PM
Best Practices in Data Collection, Management and Communication During Emergency Operations
April Steger, Vice President of Sales, CTEH, LLC
Expo A2
Description: Using Case Studies from events in the Houston area and beyond, describing the accurate collection of air monitoring data, quality control of data, data management through ICS, and communication of information also through the Incident Command System. Data collection and communication as needed during a crisis event and what to do to ensure data is available for claims and litigation that is likely to follow a release event. Air monitoring 101 to be included to improve understanding of emergency response data collection.
June 6, 2023
3:00PM - 4:00PM
Digital Solutions to Reduce Emergency Response Time
Michael Machuca, Director, Chemical Industry Measurement Solutions, Emerson
Expo A2
When an emergency event takes place, early detection and responding quickly is critical to mitigating any facility, personnel injury and environmental impact. In this presentation we will learn about how implementing reliable flame and gas detection technologies can reduce response times to any fire or leak. Knowing the location of all plant personnel is also critical during an emergency. Location awareness solutions are available to improve mustering during emergency events using wireless location tracking. Pinpointing fallen personnel quickly reduces first responder response time while preventing sending safe people into harms way. Automatic safety shower and eyewash station monitoring reduce response times to activation.
WHAT'S NEW IN PROCESS SAFETY
June 6, 2023
8:45AM - 9:45AM
Preventing Systematic Errors and Reducing Test Intervals
Thomas Fritz, Global Process Safety Manager & Kris Worfe, Endress + Hauser
Expo A1
In chemical production plants, the periodic testing of SIL safety devices is still carried out annually in most cases. For flow measuring points in particular, the associated inspection effort is immense because the instruments must be removed for calibration to test them in the calibration lab. The risk of additional systematic faults during manual testing and parameter configuration — such as during recommissioning — is significant. To address this, solutions are available such as automated proof testing, which automates the test process in combination with the safety control system and Heartbeat Technology from Endress+Hauser. This avoids systematic faults, extends plant operational time, and reduces testing efforts.
June 6, 2023
10:00AM - 11:00AM
Comparing Apples and Oranges: Creating a Comprehensive View of Facility Siting Risks
Nathan Markham, ExxonMobil Research & Engineering
Expo A1
Ensuring that building occupants are kept safe from the myriad of potential hazards present in many process facilities involves a range of challenges. Often, an operating area’s facility siting plan is the result of several disparate studies, conducted over a period of years/decades, that are stitched together to try to form an overall plan. As a result, it may be difficult to find a complete representation of potential impacts on a particular building, or to gauge how changes to operations may impact nearby buildings and their occupants. An accurate understanding of all potential impacts is also critical for evaluating and making large investment decisions for process safety mitigations to facility siting risks. Many of these challenges can be addressed by creating a single map of the site, using a high resolution satellite image embedded into a CAD file. By utilizing the layering capabilities of the CAD program, contours from individual scenarios can be drawn on individual layers to be viewed individually or used together to create an overall map to enable siting of occupied facilities more easily. By having each potential hazard type drawn on a single map, the user can quickly evaluate the potential hazards that impact a particular area and whether a particular potential hazard is dominant. This can help with a variety of facility siting decisions including where to site buildings, whether a building occupancy can be increased, evaluation of efficacy of risk mitigation measures, and to improve the effectiveness of emergency response efforts.
June 6, 2023
11:15AM - 12:15PM
How to Apply GHS for Classifying Process Safety Events
Eric Atkins, NA Process Safety Sr. Manager, Olin Corp.
Expo A1
The first 10 years of existence of ANSI/API RP 754, Process Safety Performance Indicators for the Refining and Petrochemical Industries (as adapted for general chemical sector), chemical hazard classification was based on toxic inhalation hazard (TIH), Department of Transportation (DOT), and United Nations Dangerous Goods (UNDG) measures. The third edition brought a new classification technique using Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS). This session explains the basis for development of the GHS option, comparisons of the original classification technique with GHS, and the practicality of applying the GHS option for classifying chemical releases. Hypothetical examples of chemical releases will be explored utilizing the GHS classification technique to better comprehend the tier level assignment.
June 6, 2023
1:45PM - 2:45PM
Lessons Learned from Regulatory Investigation of PSM Programs
Mitch Lagerstrom, Director of EHS-HR Consulting, J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc.
Expo A1
Regulators launched an investigation of a J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc. (J. J. Keller) consulting client in July of 2022 regarding their compliance program for storage and handling of highly hazardous chemicals. This client requested our support throughout the investigation. Several weeks prior to the investigation, the facility experienced a catastrophic fire. This presentation will focus on:
- The regulatory investigation.
- Substances regulated as a highly hazardous chemical that aren’t on the PSM list.
- How regulators interpret the PSM exemptions.
- How having a highly hazardous chemical increases regulatory scrutiny.
June 6, 2023
3:00PM - 4:00PM
Coexisting in the Process Safety Management and Risk Management Program World Through Behaviors
Zee Deen, Manager, Process Safety Management, Altamira
Expo A1
In this session we will cover coexisting in the Process Safety Management and Risk Management Program world through behaviors. The “How to Approach Systems” to ensure compliance is met at a minimum.
INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE (Sponsored by JK, Inc.)
June 6, 2023
8:45AM - 9:45AM
Pitfalls of Chemical Protective Clothing Selection
Steve Mata, DuPont
Floral A1
The use of chemical protective clothing is a commonplace throughout the Texas and Louisiana Chemical Industry and as such can easily have its merits and limitations taken for granted. This presentation provides a grounding on considerations for selecting the appropriate garment for the ultimate protection. The session will help to understand the key determinants of selecting a Fabric, Seam and Design for the hazard. Then adds the nuances that can lead to pitfalls such as Chemical Mixtures, elevated temperatures, no direct permeation data and much more. A final topic will focus on the need for both chemical and flame protection. How do you handle the Dual Hazard environment?
June 6, 2023
10:00AM - 11:00AM
Alternative Schedules & Fatigue Risk Management Systems
Bill Davis, Vice President, Operations, Circadian
Floral A1
Companies that run 24/7 operations constantly face issues of safety and liability, profitability, reduced performance, poor morale and high absenteeism & turnover -- but much of that can be improved through better shiftwork schedules policies and practices. Although the human machine was not designed to be at peak alertness and performance during the night, come learn what you can do to significantly reduce the debilitating effects of the inherent physical stress and fatigue in the 24-hour workplace. Companies that successfully implement Fatigue Risk Management Systems (FRMS) save money, improve productivity, run a safer night shift, and boost employee morale by altering the way they schedule their employees and by bringing their policies in line with new research.
June 6, 2023
11:15AM - 12:15PM
Lessons Learned From 25 Years of Targeted Safety Program Client Satisfaction
Dr. Bob Emery, University of Texas HSC
Floral A1
Successful service industries constantly solicit client feedback to gauge how their organization is performing and determine how clients feel about the relationship that has been established. A tremendous amount of thought is put into the types of surveys conducted and the questions asked so that strategic information can be obtained. Safety programs are service intensive operations, but unfortunately, feedback is typically obtained only from (1) unsolicited feedback in the form of complaints, (2) training course evaluations (known as “smile sheets”), (3) a few generic questions in a larger organizational human resources workplace survey, or (4) passive survey links posted on a website or email message, imploring the viewer to “let us know how we did”. In this presentation, the value of obtaining client feedback in a more proactive, targeted, and systematic way will be discussed. The knowledge gained from 25 years of targeted surveys performed at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston will then be presented. The commonalities recorded are stunning and perhaps not what the average safety professional would anticipate. The presentation will also include a discussion about the way the survey results are displayed and communicated, along with the subsequent decisions that were made based on the findings.
June 6, 2023
1:45PM - 2:45PM
Risk Communication of Air Monitoring Data During/After An Incident
Ben Chandler, GHD
Floral A1
This presentation provides a strategic overview of effective risk communication for environmental and human health impacts, with a focus on the role as an EHS professional. An overview is provided of the latest trends, theories and concepts of risk communication for the EHS professional, and key challenges and good practices are identified.
June 6, 2023
3:00PM - 4:00PM
Indoor Air Quality Assessment and Responses for Resolution
Jan Koehn, President, JK, Inc.
Floral A1
Industrial hygiene consulting services have been performed for various Clients to address indoor air quality (IAQ) assessments for potential hazard identification within numerous workplaces along the Texas Gulf Coast. Specific proactive IAQ monitoring work was performed for multi- story office buildings and healthcare facilities involving implementation of defined airborne sampling strategies including primary determination of chemical and/or microbial agents. Reactive responses were often conducted for public facilities, tenant offices, and also school districts related to requests for consulting assistance or odors or other potential described harmful exposures. Industrial hygiene challenges were encountered to meet the needs of facility management Clients and impacted personnel involving strategy development, data interpretation, summary report with technical recommendations provided, and hazard communication needs addressed usually involving supplemental information. Client budget considerations must also be addressed to best meet defined workplace monitoring goals for anticipated resolution of personnel exposure concerns, nuisance issues, or other further outlined areas of investigation.
SUSTAINABILITY (Sponsored by Texas Brine)
June 6, 2023
8:45AM - 9:45AM
Automation Strategies to Achieve Your Sustainability and Decarbonization Goals
Michael Machuca, Director, Chemical Industry Measurement Solutions, Emerson
Floral A2
Amid a greater focus on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) efforts, executive management has committed to short and long-term decarbonization goals, but the details on how to achieve these targets is still not determined. Reducing energy and improving efficiency is low-hanging fruit to get part way there. This session will highlight some of the latest automation digital transformation tools that can help in areas such as improving combustion processes in fired heaters and boilers to maximize efficiency and reduce emissions. Improving heat exchanger efficiency by minimizing losses by as much as 25% is achievable. Improvements in managing steam through better accesses to measurement and detection of steam trap failures can provide opportunity for reducing energy consumption. Fugitive emissions can be reduced through better monitoring of pressure relief devices and leak detection solutions.
June 6, 2023
10:00AM - 11:00AM
Advancing Plastics Circularity through Advanced Recycling
Matthew McConomy, ExxonMobil Product Solutions
Floral A2
In this session, we will discuss how advanced recycling can play a pivotal role in driving towards a circular future. Our speaker will present on ExxonMobil’s Exxtend technology for advanced recycling, which breaks down plastic waste into its molecular building blocks so that it can be turned into valuable new products. The talk will include the recent startup of ExxonMobil’s large-scale advanced recycling facility in Baytown, plans to scale annual capacity to 1 billion pounds per year across multiple sites around the world, and collaborations across the value chain to improve collection and sorting of plastic waste.
June 6, 2023
11:15AM - 12:15PM
Sustainability Options In The Chemicals Industry
Doug White, Emerson Automation Solutions
Floral A2
To reach greenhouse gas emission reduction targets, many state, regional and national governments have implemented or are considering implementing low carbon fuel and fuel efficiency standards. The chemical industry, as a contributor to worldwide greenhouse gas emissions, is subject to these standards. In response, most major chemical companies have announced Scope 1 and 2 Sustainability and Net-Zero targets. Possible investments to meet these regulations include energy efficiency projects; carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS); increased hydrogen fuel use; biofuel feedstocks and products; increased renewable based process electrification and others. Investment decisions on the selection of investments must be made in a highly uncertain business environment with substantial feedstock/ product price volatility and limited capital availability. Advanced software and advanced automation applications can help guide overall emission reduction investment decisions and support cost effective implementation of the recommended strategies. In this presentation we will review these applications and investment decisions aids and case studies of their use.
June 6, 2023
1:45PM - 2:45PM
Greenwashing (and Climatewashing) Litigation Trends
Emily Mott, Sr. Associate Attorney, Baker Botts, LLP
Floral A2
This presentation will provide an overview of greenwashing litigation and trends relevant to company reporting and environmental marketing. We will also be discussing the attendant regulatory structure and anticipated changes, such as the FTC's Green Guides and the SEC's proposed climate disclosure rule. Lastly, we will touch on the newest trends in climatewashing cases, as they relate to company's net zero initiatives and climate transition strategies.
June 6, 2023
3:00PM - 4:00PM
Environmental Justice: Overview, Guidance, Trends, and Implications
Dr. Roberto Gasparini, Program Director-Legal, Audit & Enforcement, Spirit Environmental
Floral A2
Environmental justice ("EJ") is a rapidly developing field that is already affecting the way business is done. In this presentation, environmental justice will be defined as what it is (and what it is not), with an eye toward understanding how EJ ties into the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Current regulatory guidance and EJ tools will be explained. In addition, we will discuss trends being observed with respect to EJ-related filings at the state and federal levels. Finally, we will discuss how these developments will affect environmental projects going forward and offer suggestions to improve planning and effectiveness.
LEADERSHIP AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT (Sponsored by Pure Salt)
June 6, 2023
8:45AM - 9:45AM
LEADING from the FRONT - The Linchpins of EHS Performance
Tim Autrey, Founder & CEO, PPI Global
Expo A3
In war, battles are won or lost on the front line. In organizations, successes (or otherwise) also occur on the ‘front line’. And the individual who has (by far) the greatest impact on outcomes…the ‘linchpin’ of organizational performance…is the Front-Line Supervisor (FLS).
This session is designed to (1) develop and reinforce the importance of any Supervisory Role, (2) provide awareness of HOW to create a healthy Team Work Environment & Culture (irrespective of the broader environment in which the Team is currently functioning), and (3) provide actionable strategies & tools for synergizing the efforts of current Team Members.
In this session you will…
- Understand the Linchpin Role- the POWER of those who directly supervise
- Understand the relationships between Work Climate, Work Environment, and Work Culture- WHY this understanding is essential and WHO has greatest influence on each
- Be presented with a Next-Gen understanding of what it means to be a Leader
- Learn the 4-step progression for growing a synergized fully committed Team
June 6, 2023
10:00AM - 11:00AM
A/B/C-Players, Conflicting Values and Generational Differences - How to BRIDGE the GAPS
Bob Catinazzo, Executive Vice President - Client Services, PPI Global
Expo A3
Our society, and consequently many Team Members, are more divided in values and perspectives today than ever before in our working lifetimes. On top of this, current macro signals seem to indicate that the chasm between those on “one side” and those on “the other” will likely continue to widen and deepen in the near-term.
If not mitigated, this can have significant negative impacts on Team and Organizational Performance.
This session considers current differences from (1) individual perspectives & behaviors (A/B/C-Players), (2) demographics (multiple generations working together), and (3) macro influences seeking to divide us.
In this session, today’s differences and challenges are approached from the perspective of HOW to grow Work Environments that generate a different energy- a “safe haven” from otherwise negative & divisive influences.
Participants will…
- Learn WHY Team Members become A-Players, B-Players, or C-Players, WHAT this means to Team & Organizational Performance, and HOW to deal with it
- Understand the GREAT Divide and the mindset underneath Victim Behaviors
- Learn HOW to bridge generational gaps
- Understand the (3) Steps for growing a Proactively Accountable Work Environment & Culture
June 6, 2023
11:15AM - 12:15PM
Multiplier Leadership for Safety
John Grubbs, Grubbs Consulting
Expo A3
The impact of Multipliers and Accidental Diminishers can be significant for an organization. Multipliers can inspire and bring out the best in their people, leading to increased productivity, innovation, and growth. Leaders can also seek opportunities to develop their skills and knowledge and seek feedback from their people on how they can improve. Learn how in this new workshop.
June 6, 2023
1:45PM - 2:45PM
Leading Through Safety Engagement
Joann Delao, HSE Manager, Hunter Site Services
Expo A3
Improving engagement has a positive impact on all aspects of your organization, from employee morale, quality, operations, but especially safety. Think about it…if you like your work and see yourself working there for a long time, you don’t want to mess that up with injuries – yours or other workers. Engaged employees will participate in safety and drive the safety culture in a positive direction. They take it personally when an unsafe act or injury happens because they see how it affects the goals of the company; their goals.
June 6, 2023
3:00PM - 4:00PM
Lessons From the Flight Deck
Patrick Browne, Flightdeck Safety Initiatives
Expo A3
Stress, poor communication, error chains and a culture of blame, often lead to poor outcomes in the Chemical industry. Aviation addressed these same issues several decades ago, realizing that Human Factors account for approximately 70-80% of all aviation accidents. The industry developed human skills training called Crew Resource Management (CRM). CRM - Human Factors is a program that trains multiple disciplines to work together in a coordinated and safety-conscious environment. These techniques have also been applied to other high-risk areas, such as maritime, medical, mining, NASA, petrochemical, railroad, first-responders, and nuclear power industries. With increasing awareness of the similarities, hazards and risk recognition between the Chemical and Aviation industries, programs have been created to introduce CRM - Human Factors to the Chemical Industry to assist in the reduction of incidents and accidents through the improvement of Human Factors in the workplace. Courses are typically co-facilitated by industry experts and are designed to address the unique challenges faced in today’s Chemical Industry environments.
THE FUTURE OF BEST PRACTICES
June 7, 2023
8:45AM - 9:45AM
Making Safety Training Fun and Effective
Lewis Chambers, EHS Manager, Georg Fischer Central Plastics
Expo A2
This presentation will discuss how Georg Fischer Central Plastics (GFCP) has improved their annual safety training by making it fun and effective by increasing interactions with employees. The presentation will discuss the different ways adults learn and retain information. The presentation will provide examples how GFCP was able to use interactive employee engagement to make their safety training fun, effective, and an event employees look forward to. The attendees should plan on a fun and interactive hour and be open for some hands-on demonstrations to win fun prizes, just like the GFCP employees did.
June 7, 2023
10:00AM - 11:00AM
Cascading Effects of Leadership on Safety, Environmental and Competitive Advantage
Kirk Madere and Ashley Griffin, Bayer Crop Sciences
Expo A2
Competitive Advantage is a never-ending goal of industry. With ongoing logistical and supply chance challenges, achieving competitive advantage has never been more challenge for some markets like the high-volume chemical industry. The most impactful continuous improvements are often the most overlooked. These overlooked opportunities can yield high returns on minimal financial investments. Come participate in open discussion and understanding the importance of maximizing non-utilizing assets to drive safety, environmental and competitive advantage. Bring back to your site, factual sharing’s from one of Bayer’s largest global sites.
June 7, 2023
11:15AM - 12:15PM
Relationship Based Safety
Darren Brooks, Safety, Health & Security Manager, and Trey Rice, Safety Training Coordinator, Shintech Inc.
Expo A2
In this session, we will review the concepts of relationship based safety using concepts from Complexity Management Theory and Relationship Psychology. We will discuss relationship based safety activities and how they are carried out.
June 7, 2023
1:45PM - 2:45PM
Hazard Recognition as a Competency
Bill Chidester, Sr. ESSH Manager, Fred Lewis & Mary Stavinoha, Ascend Performance Materials
Floral A1
A handful of years ago, Ascend Performance Material determined that we required a new approach to identifying and eliminating hazards. Hazard Recognition Plus (HRP) was determined to be the tool to improve this skill, and we embarked upon a mission to drive hazard recognition as a competency at the core of our safety culture. This session will provide a sampling of the HRP process, provide highlights from our multi-year deployment plan, and share valuable learnings from the journey as we demonstrate our Commitment to Zero.
June 7, 2023
3:00PM - 4:00PM
Building a Trusted Team
Andy Jackson, HSE Manager, Solvay Chemicals
Expo A2
The presentation would describe how a well run safety committee operates and some useful steps/tips to help organizations build and improve upon their own program.
PROCESS SAFETY MANAGEMENT (PSM)
June 7, 2023
8:45AM - 9:45AM
The Human Side of Process Safety
Nelson Rodriguez-Garcia, Plant Manager, Kuraray
Expo A1
As we continue our journey in manufacturing goods and overcome big challenges related to the environment and economics, new terms are starting to emerge like “productive safety”. For decades, we have used the concepts of “protective safety” not only to keep petrochemical plants intact and in good condition, but with the primary focus of ensuring our workforce returns home every day the same way they came. Despite the concept of “protective safety”, we have not put enough emphasis on the human side of safety. This can be confused with the pain and suffering caused by the incidents that, despite the industry’s technological advancement, continue to impact our people. This presentation focuses on the job that Companies and Leaders must do to create the right work environment to promote “employee happiness” and empowerment to exercise discretionary effort. This effort that is obviously “dis- cretionary” can lead to self-discovery in the organization and, as a result, improve investigations that will eventually make our plants safer. As a leader, you must set the tone for the Team. It is your job to provide a “safe place” where people can be open and share their ideas and opinions. This presentation is ideal for Site/Corporate PSM leaders, Managers and PSM Element Champions.
June 7, 2023
10:00AM - 11:00AM
Benchmarking Process Safety Performance
Tekin Kunt, PSRG
Expo A1
Organizations are interested in benchmarking their business performance including their performance in process safety. For a reliable benchmarking study, companies need two datasets: 1) internal metrics, and 2) averages for the same metrics in the relevant industries. Usually, it is easier to access lagging performance indicators for safety since companies need to report them frequently due to regulatory requirements. It is more difficult to access leading indicators, even as internal metrics since they are not consistently recorded in the same organization. In this talk, we will explore what options we have, as safety professionals, for measuring how our organization's safety record compares to others in the same industry. The purpose of this talk is not necessarily provide "a solution", but to explore possible options available to safety professionals in various organizations.
June 7, 2023
11:15AM - 12:15PM
Risky Business: Ensuring a Safe Design in High-Risk Environments
Jacqueline Unzueta, Project Engineer, Kuraray
Expo A1
A designer’s mandate places paramount importance on process safety. However, major incidents in the chemical industry continue to occur due to deficient process designs. The design process is inherently prone to errors, but what are the most prevalent design errors observed in past incidents? How can designers learn from these errors to ensure a safe design, especially in high-risk environments? This presentation will pro- vide insight into design-related incidents, identify potential pitfalls in the design process, and share recommendations to prevent major incidents from occurring.
Since process design concerns all departments at a plant, this discussion aims to be inclusive by sharing methods every team could use to build confidence during capital projects and collectively strengthen its safety culture.
June 7, 2023
1:45PM - 2:45PM
Avoiding PHA Pitfalls
Jennifer Leszczynski, HSE Manager - Bayport, Kuraray
Expo A1
A Process Hazard Analysis (PHA) is essential in a well- planned process safety management (PSM) program. However, merely completing a PHA doesn’t result in better process safety performance. To lead an effective and successful PHA, facilitators must focus on quality. How many times have people asked, “Why didn’t you catch that in the PHA?”?
In a root cause investigation, how many times has poor PHA scenarios, documentation, or recommendations contributed to causing the incident? In this discussion, we will cover the pitfalls to avoid during a PHA and tips on how to reach your team’s highest potential.
June 7, 2023
3:00PM - 4:00PM
My Journey to Becoming a MOC Believer
David Steele, Kuraray
Expo A1
For many engineers and managers in the petrochemical industry, management of change (MOC) is just an exten- sive and monotonous process with impeding paperwork. To be transparent, I had this mentality earlier in my career. I did not see the value of MOCs, but as my professional experience grew so did my appreciation. It became more apparent that an MOC brings many benefits, including improved safety and enhanced plant operations. In this discussion, my goal is to emphasize the importance of a well-executed MOC, provide tips and tricks for improving your MOC process, and share my journey of becoming an MOC champion!
AIR (Sponsored by Indorama)
June 7, 2023
8:45AM - 9:45AM
HON and SOCMI NSPS Proposed Revisions - Overview and What to Expect Next
Gary Daves, Sr. Regulatory Professional, TRICORD Consulting
Floral A2
With the U.S. EPA’s HON Risk and Technology Review (RTR) close to completion and the proposed revisions to the HON and other SOCMI air rules imminent, what does the future hold for the petrochemical sector air quality requirements? As a result of litigation by organizations including Texas Environmental Justice Advocacy Services and Louisiana Environmental Action Network, U.S. EPA is currently under a consent decree requirement to sign a rule package with proposed revisions to the HON and several other SOCMI rules in March 2023. Affected rules in the package include the HON and NSPS Subparts III, NNN, RRR, and VVa. This presentation will provide an overview of the proposed revisions and cover some of industry’s concerns with the proposed rules. For example, Startup, shutdown, and malfunction (SSM) exemptions will be eliminated as a result of a federal court decision several years ago. In other MACT rules that have had SSM exemptions removed, like the Refinery MACTs (Subparts CC and UUU) and the Ethylene MACT, EPA has added work practice standards to provide facilities compliance options during startup and shutdown periods. However, the HON affects a broader range of facility types than the Refinery MACT standards and Ethylene MACT, and environmental professionals from some SOCMI facilities have expressed concern that EPA’s stated focus on ethylene oxide and chloroprene could mean the proposed HON SSM revisions will not adequately address manufacturing processes for other chemicals. The presentation will also outline the proposed implementation schedules of the various HON and NSPS revisions and how facilities should prepare for the changes, including data collection. Additionally, lessons learned from facilities that have already implemented similar requirements for flare monitoring and operations, process vents, maintenance vents, heat exchange systems, and fence line monitoring will be shared.
June 7, 2023
10:00AM - 11:00AM
Derivation and Application of Comparison Values and Action Levels for Use in Mobile Air Monitoring
Dr. Sabine Lange, Chief Toxicologist, TCEQ
Floral A2
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has several ambient air monitoring instruments that can collect instantaneous chemical concentration data during mobile monitoring trips. These instruments can provide accurate, real-time concentrations, typically in 1-30 second intervals, of select chemicals in ambient air while the monitoring vehicle is in motion. The measured levels can be used to rapidly identify abnormally high concentrations of targeted chemicals in ambient air and can help expedite efforts to address them. However, instantaneous data present unique challenges for interpretation, due in part to their very short sample duration. These challenges include a lack of relevant toxicity studies with brief exposure durations on which to base health risk determinations, as well as the need for continuous, real-time review of incoming air monitoring data to determine appropriate response actions. Based on evaluation of the data that TCEQ has collected with these instruments, together with new methods to relate existing toxicity values to instantaneous concentrations, the TCEQ developed six different types of fit-for-purpose data screening levels. These values are intended to provide guidance to mobile monitoring staff on when to initiate actions such as source investigation, stationary monitoring, and staff exposure mitigation (i.e., leaving the area). These values provide guidance for staff actions but are not intended to overrule the cautionary discretion of the monitoring and field investigation staff, particularly when considering exposure mitigation. Altogether, these fit-for-purpose comparison values can help the TCEQ and others to prioritize resources for identifying sources, characterizing chemical concentrations, and/or mitigating exposure from events that cause chemical releases.
June 7, 2023
11:15AM - 12:15PM
Supporting the E in ESG: Climate, Carbon & Net-zero Strategies & Implementation
Teresa Lang & Kyle Breeze, Anew Climate
Floral A2
This session will review the various frameworks for voluntary climate action, ranging from disclosure to target setting, discuss how these voluntary frameworks align with governmental initiatives (such as SEC disclosures and FTC Green Guides), and update attendees on the current state of the voluntary carbon market, emphasizing best practices for making claims about your use of carbon credits and communicating progress towards your climate targets more broadly.
June 7, 2023
1:45PM - 2:45PM
HGB Ozone Reclassification and Nonattainment New Source Review (NNSR)
Johnny Vermillion, Program Manager, Spirit Environmental
Floral A2
This presentation discusses the recent reclassification of the Houston-Galveston-Brazoria (HGB) ozone nonattainment area. Ozone nonattainment reclassifications have been finalized under both the 2008 and 2015 ozone standards; however, classification changes under the 2008 standard will have the greater effect regarding ozone nonattainment air permitting. These reclassifications have affected NNSR applicability, permitting procedures, and authorization requirements (i.e., major source and major modification thresholds, offset ratios, etc.). This presentation provides information regarding the recent ozone nonattainment changes for the HGB area and also discusses how these changes could affect your facilities’ future permitting requirements. Topics discussed in this presentation will include the following: • Where do we currently stand? (2008 and 2015 ozone standards). • What does an ozone reclassification mean? • How does the ozone reclassification affect New Source Review (NSR) permitting? • Additional ozone nonattainment information in Texas.
June 7, 2023
3:00PM - 4:00PM
What Facilities Still Get Wrong in Their LDAR Programs
Deever Bradley, PE, SLR Consulting
Floral A2
Even with a heightened awareness of LDAR compliance requirements among monitoring technicians and plant Environmental and Operations personnel, there are some persistent compliance issues commonly found during third-party LDAR audits beyond the low-hanging fruit of open-ended lines and missing delay of repair tags that you will not necessarily find from an annual HRVOC audit. This presentation will discuss several common issues identified from the past few years of LDAR program audits within the chemical industry at sites in Texas and Louisiana as well as some areas of inquiry that EPA has been recently exploring. The goal is to help identify questions to take back to your plant to ensure that your LDAR program can withstand an outside audit or agency investigation.
LEADERSHIP & COMMUNICATION
June 7, 2023
8:45AM - 9:45AM
Principle Based Engagement - A Simple 4 Step Recipe for Growing Alignment, Engagement and Ownership
Tim Autrey, Founder & CEO, PPI Global
Expo A3
Many Organizations have expended substantial efforts & resources over the past few decades to influence the choices, actions, and behaviors of Team Members. Two examples include Observation & Coaching Programs and Behavior-Based Safety.
Whether you’ve had success with such programs (or otherwise), this session offers insights, a strategy, and a simple 4-part “recipe” that standardizes, simplifies, and revolutionizes engagement and feedback between Team Members at all levels and in all directions.
If you’re currently engaged in a functional program where giving feedback is required- what you’ll learn in this session will make it work better. If your current efforts as a Leader, Influencer, or Program Manager aren’t serving you, you’ll likely discover your next best step.
The approach provided in this session unveils a simple method for engaging Team Members & providing feedback, and draws those involved together in a way that (1) proactively addresses positives as well as areas for improvement, (2) promotes, acknowledges, and appreciates Team Member successes and efforts to make things better, (3) grows positive relationships, and (4) creates alignment that moves Work Environments and Work Cultures toward functioning as One Team with One Goal having One Conversation.
The CORE-4™ process detailed in this session is a true example of brilliant simplicity on the far side of complexity.
In this session you will…
- Understand the (3) “Hats” of Influence, Boss, Coach, & Mentor, including when its best (and best not) to don each one
- Learn the (4) HABITS of IMPACT for being a powerful Role Model
- Understand the CORE-4™ “recipe” for engaging, aligning, and growing relationships
- Learn the (2) Golden Questions that every Leader should employ whenever possible
June 7, 2023
10:00AM - 11:00AM
HOW to [Rapidly] EXPAND your Sphere of Influence
Bob Catinazzo, Executive Vice President - Client Services, PPI Global
Expo A3
Perhaps more than ever before, our Teams, our Organizations…our World is yearning for true, good, and honest Leadership.
In this session you will be challenged to answer the call.
AND, no matter your current role or situation, you’ll be given insights into HOW to rapidly, effectively, and sustainably expand your Sphere of Influence.
As a Participant you will…
- Consider whether (or not) you’re facing the direction you’re headed
- Identify whether you’ve been Playing to WIN (or playing not to lose)
- Understand your Sphere of Influence and the concept of functioning as a trim tab
- Be challenged to be “crazy enough” to want to make the world BETTER and SAFER
June 7, 2023
11:15AM - 12:15PM
A Different Approach to Accountability for Safety
John Grubbs, Grubbs Consulting
Expo A3
Accountability has been misdefined by contemporary culture. It is not synonymous with responsibility. Discover new thinking about accountability and why employees are disengaging with safety measures on the job. Trends have shifted and the new workplace needs to be held accountable. Join this workshop to change your thinking about safety and accountability
June 7, 2023
1:45PM - 2:45PM
An Olympic Dream that Changed the World
Termite Watkins, The Boxer and Motivational Speaker
Expo A3
From the age of 10 years old his passion was to be a champion. He realized that dream many times over by becoming our Nation’s first 16 year old Golden Gloves Champion (with an amateur record of 128 wins and 10 losses), by becoming a professional boxer (with a record of 58 wins, 5 losses, 2 draws, and 48 knock-outs), and by concluding his career with a fight for the coveted world title! After his legendary career he was asked to go to Iraq and use his pest control skills to rid our US military camps of bugs, scorpions, and snakes. Through a series of events he was soon asked to coach and qualify the Iraqi boxing team for the 2004 Olympics.
June 7, 2023
3:00PM - 4:00PM
Developing the Next Generation of Safety Leaders
Van Long, Balmert Consulting
Expo A3
In an interactive session, Van Long will examine five vitally important questions as they relate to safety leadership in the future:
- In the future, will safe operations require strong leadership?
- Over time, will safety leadership challenges get easier – or harder?
- Will future leaders come to work better prepared to lead successfully than were their predecessors?
- What does it take to become an effective safety leader? What skills and experiences are necessary?
- What are the best ways to prepare future leaders to lead effectively?
HUMAN FACTORS
June 7, 2023
8:45AM - 9:45AM
Behavior Based Safety
Rick Pitman, Total Safety
Floral A1
Behavior Based Safety has become a universally recognized phrase which contains a wide variety of tools and techniques to address impacting behaviors which lead to injuries and illnesses. This session will take a humorous, probing and perhaps even provocative look at the key components of human behavior that your BBS strategy must address to be successful. In addition, this session will present necessary solutions with specific examples serve as ideas to stimulate discussion in your organization.
June 7, 2023
10:00AM - 11:00AM
Human Organizational Performance
Dr. Camille Peres, Texas A & M University, School of Public Health
Floral A1
The term “Human Performance” is used in many ways—for those in sports, it is used to describe physical performance, for those in psychology, it describes what people do when performing a task. Recently it has been used when discussing how to mitigate the risk of human error. A more comprehensive investigation into this would necessarily include the organizations responsibility an impact on this as well—thus the commonly used phrase, Human Organizational Performance. The challenge of this perspective can sometimes be that it is limited to a focus on reducing human error and thus does not look at how to support all of the other attributes of the ways humans “perform” or work. The goal of this talk is to expand the concept of human performance beyond human error that may, in fact, not only improve safety but also, increase efficiency and effectiveness.
June 7, 2023
11:15AM - 12:15PM
Doing Work Through a Human & Organizational Performance (HOP) Lens
Susan Lee, PE, Marathon Petroleum Group
Floral A1
The presentation will review what you might see in an organization that has adopted a HOP philosophy and point out some pitfalls to watch out for on your HOP journey.
June 7, 2023
1:45PM - 2:45PM
Safety Climate vs. Safety Culture
Dr. Stephanie C. Payne, Professor of Industrial Organization, Texas A & M University
Floral A1
What is the difference between safety climate and safety culture and why should this distinction matter to you? Is your company suffering from empty rhetoric or do you really walk the talk? Come learn some practical tips based on science for promoting safety in the workplace.
June 7, 2023
3:00PM - 4:00PM
The ONE THING All Safety Cultures Require
Rod Branch, Chief Human Resource Officer, ARCXIS
Floral A1
Psychological safety, self-confidence, a learning culture, value-based relationships, and managing safety performance are critical to a successful safety culture, and they are all part of a safety leadership system we will build during the presentation. Each of these leadership system nodes is rooted in one core keystone. This short academic study will convince you of the significance of this breakthrough leadership thinking. Without it, your safety culture will never reach its peak. Discover this obvious and simple truth and begin the journey to peak safety performance today.
FOCUS ON SAFETY II
June 8, 2023
8:45AM - 9:45AM
Digital Confined Space Monitoring - How to Adopt A Digital Approach
Amanda Miranda, Safety Source and Bridget Shelton, VISICS
Expo A2
In this session we will cover the following elements: Review of Equipment; Visibility inside space and open communication between operator and worker; Video Recording which includes book marks and screen shots for safety observations and investigations; Entry/Exit Control; Continuous Gas Detection, Data Logging - Ability to keep permits active; Productivity Tracking / Tacking Manhours inside space; Eliminating Manpower and Assistance for Rescue.
June 8, 2023
10:00AM - 11:00AM
Digital CSE & Rope Access Lessons Learned
Reggie Evans, Safety Systems Specialist, INEOS Olefins & Polymers
Expo A2
In this session we will review lessons learned including permitting, mobilization and incident reporting.
June 8, 2023
11:15AM - 12:15PM
Advancing Safe Work Authority
Michael Fleming, HSE Global
Expo A2
Stop Work Authority is a critical component of industrial workplace safety. Often personnel may be reluctant to invoke stop work authority. In order to advance Stop Work Authority to a positive contributor to organization performance it is imperative to understand why Stop Work Authority may be dysfunctional and what steps can be taken to move in a positive direction.
PSM CURRENT TRENDS & EMERGING ISSUES (Sponsored by Indorama)
June 8, 2023
8:45AM - 9:45AM
Multi-Hazard Resistant Building Design for Critical Asset Protection
Karen Vilas, President, FORTRESS Protective Buildings
Expo A1
Many processing facilities contain highly hazardous materials and as such, require Mission Critical Buildings (MCBs) such as control rooms, remote instrument enclosures (RIEs), operator shelters, etc. Due to their operational use, MCBs must remain functional during a crisis or catastrophe. In addition to natural hazards and malicious events, processing facilities face operational hazards including explosions, fragments, fires, and toxic events. In the Chemical Safety Board’s (CSB) investigation findings of the Philadelphia Energy Solutions (PES) Refinery incident investigation report released on October 11, 2022, CSB includes a recommendation for the American Petroleum Institute (API) to update its standard to “require protection of critical safeguards and associated control system components from fire and explosion hazards, including radiant heat and flying projectiles.” This recommendation, if implemented, will require facilities to ensure MCBs are built as Multi-hazard Resistant Buildings (MRBs), which can withstand a range of potential impacts. This paper will discuss the key design characteristics of MRBs to protect critical assets in industrial processing facilities whether that be critical safeguards and control systems; emergency response equipment including communications and firewater equipment; or personnel critical to the operations and emergency response. First, this presentation will introduce the reader to key concepts of protective building design including response of different building materials to hazards common in processing facilities. Then, it will address how building response translates to vulnerability to internal components and people. Finally, a series of full-scale test videos will be shown to demonstrate how the two most utilized building materials for protective buildings, concrete and steel, protect against the range of hazards common in industrial processing facilities.
June 8, 2023
10:00AM - 11:00AM
Pending Changes to EPA RMP - What You Need to Know Now
Adrienne Young, Sr. Consultant, BSI Group
Expo A1
For the past few years, companies manufacturing or handling highly hazardous chemicals have been facing compliance uncertainty regarding planned modifications to the EPA RMP rule. After several rounds of legislative action, lawsuits, and rulemaking, the EPA is now on track to incorporate additional changes to the regulation which are intended to better protect regulated entities and the communities in which they operate from catastrophic events. This session will 1) provide attendees with an understanding of the proposed RMP requirements and how they may impact their organizations/facilities; 2) help attendees differentiate between major and minor modifications and their associated implementation deadlines; and 3) assist attendees with recognizing the questions they should be asking now to prepare their organizations to address these new requirements. This information will empower attendees to identify needed improvements to their existing compliance strategies and programs to ensure their organization’s ongoing ability to protect employees, equipment, neighboring communities, and the environment.
June 8, 2023
11:15AM - 12:15PM
Influence of Major Economic Events on Incident Rate
Quentin Baker, President, BakerRisk
Expo A1
The COVID 19 pandemic caused major economic changers globally, causing one of the most rapid economic downturns in history, followed by an equally rapid upturn. Chemical processing and petroleum refining industries, similar to other industries, were hit hard by the economic downturn, significantly cut production, and, in some cases, shut down plants. Once restrictions on workers and consumers eased, demand for goods spiked, resulting in a rapid resumption of manufacturing with the associated demand for raw materials. As a result, in a short period these industries went from low/no production to full production. Maintenance and inspections were deferred during the downturn under the stress of low production, low revenues, staff reductions, and restrictions on facility access. The rate of incidents at industrial facilities began to climb beginning in 2021. The incident rate increased by about 50% in 2022 compared to previous years. This presentation explores the relationship between major economic events and the incident rate in chemical processing and petroleum refining industries.
June 8, 2023
1:45PM - 2:45PM
Advanced Approaches for Mitigating Occupant Vulnerability in Existing PEMBs
Travis Holland, Principal Engineer, BakerRisk
Expo A1
This presentation will explore the use of PEMBs in industrial processing facilities and highlight how upgrading these buildings for blast resistance is an achievable method to lower the explosion risk to occupants. First, this presentation will introduce how PEMBs respond to blast loads and highlight the drivers for occupant vulnerability in these structures. The presentation continues with a discussion on engineering methods that account for complex interaction between the building structure and the blast wave that can be utilized to significantly reduce structural upgrade requirements when compared to methods utilized only a few years ago. This portion of the presentation will include visual comparisons of engineering models and a discussion of engineering cost versus construction cost savings. Finally, while strengthening the structure of the metal building is an important component of upgrading the PEMB, this presentation will address non-structural occupant vulnerability mitigation factors for consideration as well, such as floor plan arrangement, to further protect building occupants. The presentation closes with a discussion on when blast resistant upgrades should be considered for existing buildings and the expected investment in cost and time to complete the design and construction effort.
June 8, 2023
3:00PM - 4:00PM
PSV's in PHA's: Investing in Safety
Brianna Araujo, Process Safety Engineer, AcuTech Group, Inc.
Expo A1
Have you ever walked out of a PHA with more recommendations and follow-up items to confirm if a specific pressure relief device is appropriately sized for a specific scenario? Has it then come to your attention months later that the relief device is inadequate or not appropriate for that scenario and the team needs to still mitigate that gap? In this session, Brianna Araujo and Tim Groman from AcuTech Group, Inc. will walk through knowledge gaps in PHA’s and the benefits of including a Pressure Relief Device SME in your core team while conducting a PHA/LOPA/HAZOP.
LEADING EHS (Sponsored by Sasol)
June 8, 2023
8:45AM - 9:45AM
The Art of Effective Communication
Vickie Irvine, VP, Human Resources, Sabinal Energy
Expo A3
In this session we will cover tips for creating settings for successful communication and talk about why communication typically fails. We will look at barriers to good communication and how we can remove those barriers and own our communication so we share what we need to share with those that are around us. We will talk about the different methods of communication (verbal and non-verbal) as well as the different styles of communication and how those styles impact how the message is received.
June 8, 2023
10:00AM - 11:00AM
The Leadership Process
Jenee Olivier, Owner/Consultant, Business Boutique
Expo A3
Leadership does not just happen, and the skills to be a successful leader do not just appear. So how do you do it? There is not an Easy Button, but rather a process. Understand how to create a process to develop yourself into a great leader. What are the steps that you can take and put in place to become a great leader?
June 8, 2023
11:15AM - 12:15PM
Can Safety Become Unsafe?
David Wilbur, Managing Member and CEO, Vetergy Group
Expo A3
Why do some organizations outshine others when they are made up of the same basic components - people recruited through similar talent strategies and trained to use functional equipment within an engineered process to deliver reliable results? In this interactive session, we will explore how the difference distills to one central philosophy, how we approach human factors.
The conventional idea is that safety and reliability are the result of optimized and disciplined operations. People are a risk to be managed, and bad outcomes are the consequence of human error. We implement safety management systems to drive down the likelihood and consequences of error. We simplify and reduce failures to root causes and focus corrective action on tightening controls. Despite diligent work nothing improves. Even worse, our scorecard gets better, and leaders celebrate the success.
The harder we work at improving discipline and dehumanizing our operations, we inadvertently suppress ingenuity, ignore expertise, and nullify ownership. Pursuing sensible metrics, leaders become unaware of systemic irregularities and dismissive of actual work being performed. As a result, when teams face reality [and uncertainty], they are less adept, or possibly less willing, to adapt.
By illustrating the relationship between Operating Discipline and Adaptive Capacity, participants will consider four dimensions of Operational Resilience to develop practical solutions valuable in their operations at home.
June 8, 2023
1:45PM - 2:45PM
Is Leadership Changing in this New Digital World? If so, how?
Jim Spigener, Chief Client Officer for DEKRA OSR
Expo A3
This session will outline the challenges facing leaders as technology continues it march into our work lives. What changes and what do the leaders of the future do to continue to create an environment of high performance and employee retention and wellbeing? Will technology changes make it harder of easier on leaders? This presentation will take a hard look at the issues and solutions.
June 8, 2023
3:00PM - 4:00PM
The Missing Link in Human and ORGANIZATIONAL Performance (HOP)
Tom Harvey, Allied Safety
Expo A3
The drivers behind behaviors that lead to human errors must be better understood if we are to reduce errors and prevent adverse events. When human error is attributed to serious and catastrophic events, 90% of the time the cause of the human error is… extreme Normalized Drift, caused by a lack of accountability. Normalized Drift is organizational weaknesses that are allowed to persist over time, increasing risk for human error—essentially, people are set up for failure. Accepting that humans are fallible, behavior-based, blame approaches that focus on individual fault are a losing proposition, especially in today’s tight labor market. Optimize human performance by finding and fixing organizational error traps to set people up for success.
ENVIRONMENTAL PERMITTING (Sponsored by Mitsubishi Chemical)
June 8, 2023
8:45AM - 9:45AM
2023 Air Permitting Hot Topics
Brian Burdorf, Director, and Shishir Mohan, Trinity Consultants
Floral A1
Air quality permitting and compliance for petrochemical manufacturers is being significantly impacted by state and federal regulatory and funding initiatives, federal administration directives, and NGO activities. This presentation will provide petrochemical manufacturers the latest insight and guidance on the current air quality permitting and compliance hot topics.
June 8, 2023
10:00AM - 11:00AM
A Cornucopia of Air Permitting Topics
Aaron Hebert, Sr. Project Mgr., BGE & Jean Leonard, Sr. Project Mgr., BGE
Floral A1
Keep up with the latest lessons learned from the world of Air NSR Permitting. The TCEQ’s guidance on how to use PBR registrations continues to change and often requires the additional use of 106.261 and 106.262. Retrospective reviews to correct emission rates for existing sources or to add “newly identified” sources can require a lot of work to document past federal applicability and retrospective air dispersion modeling can present big challenges. Other tips, lessons-learned and case studies related to retrospective permitting, PBRs, as well as Title V updates for NSR projects, will be shared.
June 8, 2023
11:15AM - 12:15PM
Wastewater Air Emissions Permitting Nuances and Common Compliance Issues
Inaas Darrat and AJ Hansborough, Trinity Consultants
Floral A1
This session explores the nuances of permitting air emissions from wastewater operations in Texas. Topics of interest include a dive into permitting strategies around federal (HON, MON, BWON provisions in 40 CFR 61 and 63) and state (Chapter 115) regulatory requirements, BACT and TCEQ’s Boiler Plate conditions, potential emissions quantification (ToxChem), and tips on how facilities can implement robust compliance programs to ensure readiness to respond to potential agency inspections.
EHS DIGITIZATION
June 8, 2023
8:45AM - 9:45AM
Implementation of Enterprise PTW System at Valero
Doug Deardorf, CEO, NiSoft and Mike Keller, Sr. Mgr. for Refinery Safety Affairs, Valero
Floral A2
This presentation starts with a short introduction from the CEO of NiSoft and looks at what they provide and what makes them different. A representative from the Valero project team will then look at what was done at the sites and highlight some of the considerations that were needed for the successful role out of a PTW system cross their fleet of assets.
June 8, 2023
10:00AM - 11:00AM
Small Sites Going Digital with PSM
Rainer Hoff, President, Gateway Consulting Group, Inc.
Floral A2
This session is the story of how a few small sites digitized their business processes for Risk-Based Process Safety. We will recounts a number of case studies where small sites implemented digital solutions for process safety compliance.
June 8, 2023
11:15AM - 12:15PM
Digital Transformation Impacts on Safety
Sean McWhirter, Global Sales Engineering Manager, Prometheus Group & Richard Bass, HSES Supervisor, Kuraray EVAL
Floral A2
In this session we will review the impacts of digital transformation on maintenance and operations and how integrated solutions can enable stronger safety processes and culture.
PLANT MANAGER ROUND TABLE
June 8, 2023
2:00PM - 4:00PM
Plant Manager Round Table
Facilitator: Bob Bradshaw, Plant Manager, INEOS
Floral B
This is a round table discussion designated for Plant Managers only. It will include topics selected by Plant Managers and will be a group discussion to discuss challenges and solutions. David Wilbur be our Guest Speaker and will facilitate thought provoking questions for a discussion around human factors.
Click HERE HERE to view the full agenda
