Periodic inspections

With periodic inspections, Tukes finds out what kind of operating methods for preventing accidents the company has and whether the methods are followed or not. Before the inspection, the facility must reflect on the procedures affecting safety, and there must be instructions on the procedures. Tukes refers to the object of inspection as the safety management system.

Examples of issues assessed during the periodic inspections and the related good practices:


Identifying statutory requirements

  • Changes in legislation, standards and recommendations in the field are monitored actively.
  • The requirements by the authorities are processed by the deadlines.
  • The safety documents required by regulations have been drawn up, and they are up to date.
  • The statutory requirements are taken into account in the changes.

Commitment by the management and the employees

  • The top management has drawn up a safety policy.
  • The management allocates resources in order to reach the goals set in the policy.
  • Safety indicators are used, especially ones that describe process safety.
  • In management reviews, the results of the safety indicators are reviewed and the results are documented.
  • The major accident prevention policy has been described in writing.
  • The personnel participate in the work on safety:
    • risk assessments
    • safety training, safety rounds, discussions and meetings
    • drawing up safety observations, such as deviations and positive observations
  • The tasks related to the work on safety are recorded in the job descriptions.
  • Standardised systems are used, such as process safety, occupational safety, quality or the environment.

Risk assessment and change management

  • The risks posed by dangerous chemicals have been identified and their consequences have been assessed.
  • More than one method is used for risk assessment, and the methods are selected based on the site. In addition to occupational safety, process safety must also be assessed.
  • The risk assessments are updated regularly. The changes and dangerous situations and accidents that have occurred, including ones at other facilities, may require updating the assessments.
  • There are written instructions for change management.

Technical implementation and working condition

  • The maintenance plan has been drawn up, and its realisation is monitored. The plan is edited based on the observations made, such as maintenance, inspections, accidents and dangerous situations.
  • Safety critical equipment has been identified, and the measures focusing on them have been classified as of primary importance.
  • The alarm and safety systems are tested regularly.
  • Passive systems, such as spill basins, are also within the scope of inspections and maintenance.

Instructions and training

  • Work instructions have been drawn up and they are found at the workstations.
  • Feedback about the functionality of the instructions is collected from the employees, and the compliance with the instructions is monitored.
  • There are also instructions for maintenance and upkeep work, such as process locks, separation and isolation.
  • First aid and prevention instructions on the most dangerous chemicals are also drawn up and placed in visible locations.
  • A training register is used. Revision training is arranged regularly.
  • In the induction of personnel, the risks of accident at the site are described as well as how to act in probable dangerous situations.
  • Service providers are also inducted.

Incident management

  • The personnel are familiar with the probable accident scenarios and have practiced actions in case they occur.
  • The people whose duties are not directly related to dangerous chemicals must also know how to act in case of an accident.
  • Deviations are documented and investigated in accordance with the procedures agreed upon.
  • Sites essential to rescue activities are marked on a map; copies of the map are affixed at visible locations.
  • The facility has its own industrial fire brigade, whose operations are maintained actively.
  • Close cooperation with the rescue department.

Tukes gives the areas listed above a grade on a scale from 0 to 5 as follows:

  • 5 proactive developer
    Tukes encourages to continue and share the competence.

  • 4 good practices
    Tukes states the positive issues and the development recommendations.

  • 3 compliant with statutory requirements
    Tukes brings up the opportunities for development.

  • 2 development needs
    Tukes encourages improvement.

  • 1 significant defects
    Tukes requires rapid actions.

  • 0 serious neglect
    Tukes requires immediate action.

Other general issues handled by Tukes in the periodic inspection:

  • Status of observations made during the previous inspection

  • Changes

    • in chemicals and their amounts
    • storages, tanks, pipes, equipment
    • staff
    • organisation
    • ownership of the company
  • accidents and dangerous situations:
    • chemical leaks, discharges of energy
    • self-sustained ignitions, fires
    • chemical exposures
    • accidents