Safety and integrity management of operations in harsh environments

Abstract

The next industrial revolution is knocking on the door! Artificial intelligence (AI) driven automation and, more importantly , an AI-influenced workforce will dictate the direction of the "Industrial Revolution 4.0". This wonderful development will help achieve higher efficiency and more economic benefits. However, the most pertinent questions remain un-answered, "What are the safety and security implications of this development? Does this enhance safety or increase risk?" The other intriguing question is, "What are the impacts of climate change (harsh environments) on safety and integrity of operations?" The safety community must guide the current development to make it safe and sustainable. While embracing the Industrial Revolution 4.0, explorations for natural resources are moving into harsh environments , such as Arctic and sub-Arctic regions. As a result, safety and integrity are becoming more critical for the developments in these regions. Industrial activities in harsh environments present significant technical and logistical challenges in the engineering design, construction and operation of onshore/offshore infrastructure and facilities. Due to a lack of knowledge and data, it is uncertain whether engineering specifications are sufficiently defined to ensure the safety and integrity in harsh conditions. Further complications arise as engineering schemes fall increasingly under technological, economic, environmental and human constraints. The unique features of harsh environments, including ice and permafrost, severe operating conditions, higher and more complex material degradation rates, unpredictable climatic changes, and a high degree of uncertainty, pose many different challenges that require a concerted effort from all entities involved in these endeavours. Extensive and thorough research is necessary to create new knowledge and provide the necessary understanding and information for safety and integrity engineering and management in harsh environments. The Centre for Risk, Integrity and Safety Engineering (C-RISE) at Memorial University's Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science is dedicated to developing novel techniques, investigating modern technologies and generating new knowledge. C-RISE provides an interactive platform to connect the global network of safety experts from industries, academia and R&D organizations.