Emergency Change Workflow
This article describes the steps involved in an MOC emergency change and who is responsible for completing each step. An emergency change is intended to be used exactly when you’d think it should—in an emergency. This abbreviated process allows for quick action while still providing steps for documenting approvals and conducting risk analysis.
Note: In this process, the option exists to make an emergency change permanent, if it is determined that the emergency change is more efficient and significantly safer to operate than the original method.
Select each step to read more about it. Select the flowchart image to enlarge it.
Draft (Initiator)
In the event of an emergency, action will be taken to contain the situation before an Implementer, or anyone else, accesses the software. Conversations will occur and plans will be verbally approved. In the Draft stage, the emergency change is documented, including the reason for and date of the emergency.
Pre-Startup Review (responsible party)
The responsible party completes a pre-startup safety checklist. This checklist is controlled by administrators of the system and may be the same as the non-emergency PSSR, or pared down to only absolutely necessary questions. The goal is to perform a quick check to make sure that that change will not exacerbate the emergency situation.
Option: Pre-Startup Action Items may also be assigned. These actions must be completed before the change request can be approved for startup.
Approved for Startup (Implementer)
When actions required for startup (if any) are complete, the change is approved, but not yet executed. The system notifies the Implementer at a minimum; other members of the team can also be notified based on notification rules defined by the administrator. The Implementer will indicate in the system when the change is implemented.
Temporary Implementation (Implementer)
An emergency MOC is always assumed to be a temporary change. After the emergency situation is contained, the Implementer will decide whether the fix that was implemented should be temporary or permanent. Depending on the choice:
-
- If the change will be permanent, it will move to the Design Approval stage and follow the path of a regular, permanent change.
- If the change will be temporary/reverted to the original, it will undergo a Pre-Startup Review.
