My contribution to a safer work environment - The Dutch Process Safety Handbook

I recently celebrated the launch of the Dutch process safety handbook for which I wrote several chapters. Process Safety is relevant in any given industry and it is important to have an understanding of the respective theories. The book is a well-rounded introduction to all things process safety.

The idea of writing a book on process safety first came about when we at Stichting PHOV realized that all the available materials are written in English or other languages. There were no resources available in Dutch, so PHOV wished to change that and make a Dutch Process Safety handbook. The goal of the book is to give readers a good understanding of the gist of each subject related to process safety. Meaning that readers will not become experts from reading it, but rather they will have a solid practical foundation to get started with process safety.

Writing for the book was marvelous. In my spare time, I teach various topics of Process Safety and have done this for over a period of two decades. Through the foundation I teach at, I got involved with the Process Safety handbook project and I was honored to be asked to contribute to writing the book. It essentially means that people have enough faith in your knowledge and experience to ask for help, right? I acquired that knowledge and experience over a long period in previous positions in process automation and during my years with Bilfinger Tebodin.

My first time writing a book

It was the first time writing a book for me, meaning I had no experience on how such a thing is done. During the writing process, the text was revised many times. Everything was proofread by the editor-in-chief, and then returned with feedback. As multiple writers worked on the book, it was important that we as authors did not include the same information twice across different chapters for example. Trying to connect each chapter to the next was a big undertaking as well. Even when I read the final copy of the book, I noticed a few lines I could have written better. I suppose there really is always room for improvement.

It astonishes me how much time it took to fine-tune the contents. It took about five years to complete the book and most of my writing was done in 2018 and 2019. That should give you a bit of an idea of how long the process takes, especially the revising part. However, undoubtedly it is for the better. Iteration is the only way to achieve a high quality result.

It is truly heartwarming to see that the book is received so positively among readers.

Positive reactions and practical use

Now that the Process Safety Handbook is published, I use it frequently during my teaching. It proves useful in introducing the theories of Process Safety to people who are not familiar with them. As the book is on sale for anyone to buy, I have received several messages from peers who bought and read it. Ranging from people who wish to make strides in Process Safety in their workplace to people who are simply intrigued by the subject. It is truly heartwarming to see that the book is received so positively among readers.

Colleagues from Bilfinger Tebodin who contributed to the book with me have all been working in the Process Safety team for many years. This proved crucial as a lot of the theory relies heavily on experience in the work field. It allows newcomers to essentially get a head start by studying up on the knowledge and expertise shared in the handbook by experienced professionals.

I would like to conclude by saying: safety cannot be a priority because priorities tend to shift. It should be a prerequisite because they remain in place all the time. In the end, Process Safety relies heavily on the behavior of people and it requires cooperation from all facets of the organization. Understanding that is essential and why I recommend anyone with an interest in the topic to purchase the Process Safety Handbook.

Author: Gert Sloof

Print