Date: Wednesday, December 10, 2008 at the Cynwyd Club, Bala Cynwyd, PA
Time: Networking, 5:30 PM; Dinner, 6:30 PM; Talk and Business Session, 7:30 PM

CONSULTING IN HUMAN RELIABILITY ENGINEERING
AND THE FUNCTIONAL SAFETY STANDARDS

CHRIS O'BRIEN

Abstract: The impact of human intervention can have a significant impact on the operations and safety in the operation of chemical plants and facilities. This impact can be positive when for example it involves averting a potentially hazardous condition. It can also be negative as when a human error initiates the hazard. Understanding how to model the likelihood of a human intervention being conducted properly can help in assessing the inherent risk associated with the activities. Additionally it can help to identify critical weaknesses that need to be strengthened. The recently released IEC functional safety standards provide guidance on how to model the reliability of human activities and also how to increase the reliability of these activities. This presentation will explore how to quantify human reliability, how to create a gap assessment between the existing reliability and the required reliability, and the role of a consultant in working through the process.

Biography: Chris O'Brien has over 20 years experience in the design, manufacturing and marketing of process automation, reserve power systems and safety related equipment. He is currently the Director of Business Development with Exida Consulting, LLC. In this role he focuses on supporting new and existing customers with their implementation of the IEC 61508 and ISA S84/IEC 61511 functional safety standards as well as reliability analysis for mechanical devices. He was formerly Vice President of the Power Systems Business Unit of C&D Technologies, a business that specialized in the design and implementation of high reliability back up power systems. Prior to that he was with Moore Products/Siemens Energy and Automation where he held several positions including General Manager of the Instrumentation Division. Chris has been awarded 5 patents, including a patent for the industry's first safety rated pressure transmitter. He has a Bachelors of Mechanical Engineering from Villanova University.

Location: The Cynwyd Club, 332 Trevor Lane, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004. From I-76 drive S on City Line Ave. (US Rte. 1). Turn right on Conshohocken State Rd. (Rte. 23); stay in right lane. After second light watch for white left-turn arrows painted on street (about .14 mi/750 ft). Do not follow Rte. 23 left at turn but instead go straight ahead onto Llandrillo Rd. (passing to right of Valley Press printing). In one block bear left onto Trevor Lane at stop sign. Clubhouse and parking are on the left. Please park in lot if space is available; otherwise park on Trevor Lane. If lost, call the club at 610-667-4524, ext. 2.MAP

Reservation: To make or cancel a dinner reservation, e-mail CCNReservations@aol.com or call the ACS office at 215-382-1589 (leave message on voicemail if necessary). Fee, including food and beverages (wine, beer & sodas), is $25 by the deadline, Thursday, December 4, $35 afterwards.  Late reservations and walk-ins subject to availability. No-shows will be invoiced. Please advise of any special food requirements. There is no charge for talk only, but registration is suggested using contact information above.