RIVM 2018-0004: Attention to 'ageing' within the chemical industry: companies on the risks resulting from the ageing of chemical installations
[ Source: RIVM, https://www.rivm.nl/publicaties/aandacht-voor-ageing-binnen-chemische-industrie-bedrijven-over-risicos-als-gevolg-van, 10.21945/RIVM-2018-0004 ]
Summary
At companies that work with chemical substances, incidents may occur because installations are outdated. In the Netherlands, this point of attention is often referred to using English terminology: 'ageing of the process industry' or 'ageing' for short. Since 2015, Brzo companies are obliged to assess and control the safety risks associated with ageing and corrosion of their installations. As of 2017, Brzo inspectorates pay attention to ageing of installations during their inspections.
In preparation for the inspection, RIVM conducted a survey to gain insight into how much attention Brzo-relevant branches pay to ageing. Of the seventeen industry organisations approached, nine responded in terms of content.
Firstly, the survey showed that not all industries are yet explicitly including ageing in their risk management. At the end of 2016, many businesses were still in the early stages of incorporating ageing into their risk management. At most industry associations, however, ageing is being discussed internally. Secondly, businesses appear to be using different definitions of ageing. The 'narrower' definition refers only to material degradation. The 'broader' definition covers not only material degradation such as rust and wear but also the ageing of the techniques, procedures and knowledge used. Half of the industry organisations use the broader definition.
Meanwhile, several initiatives have been undertaken to increase the attention paid to ageing in government and business.
