How low is “As Low As Reasonably Practicable” (ALARP)?

Forums focused on the concept of “As Low As Reasonably Practicable” (ALARP)
Date: Friday, 27 February 2015

Ensuring on-site risks are “As Low As Reasonably Practicable” was the focus of two Karratha forums organised by DMP  

Ensuring on-site risks are “As Low As Reasonably Practicable” – or ALARP – was the focus of two Karratha forums for petroleum and major hazard facility operators.

The Department of Mines and Petroleum’s Critical Risks Group from the Resources Safety Division took the forums to Karratha earlier this month to highlight the principles of ALARP.

Dangerous Goods and Petroleum Safety Director Ross Stidolph said the forums were designed to provide operators with an overview of the requirements to ensure risks can be driven to as low as reasonably practicable.

“Importantly, we wanted to demonstrate and document this process to petroleum operators and major hazard facilities to highlight the standards expected by the department,” Mr Stidolph said.

“With a better understanding of what is considered to be “reasonably practicable”, the submission of safety cases and safety reports should be more efficient and effective for both industry and the regulator.”

The Karratha events were organised following the success of the department’s first ALARP forum held in Perth in November.

“The Perth event was quickly booked out so, following discussions with local operators, it was decided to hold two forums in the Pilbara, which has a high concentration of petroleum and major hazard facilities,” Mr Stidolph said.

“The Karratha forums were just as successful. Holding industry forums is an important focus for our Critical Risks Group as we continue to work with industry to improve safety cases and highlight safety issues.”