Boehringer Ingelheim Austria GmbH - Audit System for Chemical Safety

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Boehringer Ingelheim operates a numerous number of multi-purpose plants. An audit system was developed which allows nearly standardized safety checks of process control procedure for chemical synthesis’ The system incorporates Boehringer Ingelheim’s internal guideline, legal requirements and the latest technical aspects.

 VTU Engineering and USE GmbH developed in close co-operation with a project leader from Boehringer Ingelheim an audit system with incorporates the following aspects to design safe processes: process control procedure, explosion prevention, mechanical safety, process design, control equipment, handling of hazardous substances, personal safety and organizational considerations. In the first audit conducted for a synthesis unit the system proved to be very helpful.  Afterwards, several process units in different chemical plant in Ingelheim were audited using the newly developed system. As a result of which the already existing high safety standards were further improved.

The audit consists of several steps. Based on about 100 questions regarding organizational matters and about 350 questions regarding the process, available documents are reviewed, interviews conducted and the plant toured. The resulting audit report is discussed with experts from different areas and the plant management. Findings are assessed and if necessary measures taken.

The cooperation with the plants that were audited are very positive due to good internal communication and audit preparation. In the course of the next audits, the system will be further improved and the co-operation intensified.