| Process Safety
Controlling process hazards is a continuing programme in GlaxoSmithKline
with a goal of minimising risk through the use of expert engineering
design and good manufacturing processes. Many products begin with
the formulation and processing of hazardous materials such as flammable
solvents and combustible powders. Through Green Chemistry and Green
Technology programmes scientists look for opportunities to eliminate
the use of these hazardous materials
Where this substitution is not feasible our Process Safety Programme
ensures that safety is built into the process. GlaxoSmithKline
EHS Standards require all hazardous operations to complete Process
Hazard Analysis (PHA) studies that include the identification of
hazards, the evaluation of risk and the development and implementation
of corrective action where needed. The Process Safety Programme
is a continuing management system that is in place for the life
cycle of every process ensuring that the highest level of safety
is maintained
as the process is operated, refined and finally decommissioned.
During 2003, operations continued the integration of the Process Hazard Analysis System into their routine operations. This web-based system has standardised the Hazard and Operability (HAZOP) methodology across GlaxoSmithKline and allows database access for the sharing of hazard information and control strategies. Also in 2003, a cross-functional team began the development of a Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) system. This system will assist engineers with the development of safer processes and the ideal maintenance strategies for these operations. The FMEA system is scheduled to be launched in 2004.
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GlaxoSmithKline's Thane factory in India is
a primary manufacturing site located 35 km north of
Mumbai. The Thane site undertook five initiatives to
mitigate risks to employees, neighbours and the environment.
They made engineering modifications in the control system
of the most hazardous exothermic reaction carried out
at site. They eliminated corrosive, toxic anhydrous
hydrofluoric acid in a fluorination reaction by replacing
it with aqueous hydrofluoric acid. They installed a
tank to hold contaminated fire fighting water until
safe disposal could be arranged, thus eliminating the
risk of contaminating public water supplies. They replaced
dry milling with a wet milling process to reduce the
risk of operator exposure to active dust and noise.
They also found a creative solution to high noise levels
in air suits available for use locally. All of these
initiatives resulted in business benefits as well as
improvements in employee morale and community relations.
This project tied for third place honours in the EHS
Initiative category in the 2003 CEO's
EHS Excellence Awards. |
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Safety engineering
GlaxoSmithKline's safety engineering programme focuses on construction, plant safety and emergency response activities to ensure that our employees, contractors, visitors and the community are protected from the operational hazards within our facilities. Through innovative programmes such as the Risk Assessment and Control Processes, Construction Contractor Safety Programme, Capital Project EHS Review Process and our Emergency Response Programmes we ensure that safety is built into and maintained at our sites worldwide.
A continuing process within our Safety Engineering Programme is
the development and distribution of safety engineering guides and
safety alerts. These intranet-based tools provide engineered solutions
to fire, explosion, electrical, machine guarding and other operational
risks. These guides provide a standardised global approach to difficult
safety risks.
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