How often do the operators within your PSM/RMP covered process(s) actually use their operating procedures? Hourly, Daily, Weekly, Monthly, every three years during refresher training?
How often do we think they should be using their operating procedures?
How many times have you pulled the SOP binder off the shelf to find it covered in dust and not one blemish on any page – in other words, they just sit on a shelf and are there because some government agency requires us to have them?
“Operational Discipline” is a phrase you will not find in the PSM or RMP standards, but it is a significant need in PSM/RMP-covered processes. Simply put, EVERYTHING we do within a covered process is analyzed, then written down in detail, and trained on. NO FREELANCING! And when those occasions arise where we have a situation that an SOP does not cover we use a Safe Work Permitting process or the MOC tool to analyze, write down in detail, and train personnel on how to safely perform the necessary task(s).
When this disciplined approach is taken, SOPs and their content, become valuable and usable documents that are used at least daily; without this disciplined approach, SOP binders become dust collectors and paperweights.