| Review: |
This book is a sequel to, and complements What went Wrong? Case Histories of Plant Disasters. It contains reports of accidents from many companies and individuals. The author, a visiting Professor at Loughborough University, UK, looks at the immediate technical causes and the changes in design and methods of working that should be made to prevent the accidents re-occurring. He also discusses any underlying weaknesses in the management systems. Most of the chapters cover procedure, rather than maintenance or modification. Accidents may have multiple causes, so in this case a more holistic approach with a better understanding of the process is needed. There are chapters on: entry into tanks and confined spaces; making changes to processes and plants; making changes in organization; changing procedures instead of designs; construction materials; operating methods; explosions; poor communication; control; leaks; planned and unplanned reactions; improving design and operations; and accidents in a coal mine and at sea. |