Process interlock, alarm modification rights
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Currently, the process alarm values in our company can be modified by DCS operators. We now want to implement a hierarchical system for these modification rights; we’re not sure how to do this and whether there are any relevant regulatory requirements in this regard. I ask my friends for their advice.
Only technicians and those with a higher rank in our organization have the permission
Regulatory provisions should be established for step-by-step approval. Changes to the alarm values must be approved by the workshop’s senior management ； Changes to the interlock trip value must be approved by the plant-level management.
Previously, we had 5 computers, one of which had engineer privileges and could modify alarms, interlocks, and program processes. 3 units have normal operation permissions, while 1 unit can only view trends and images and cannot perform any operations. Engineers have different levels of permission on their computers; the authority to make adjustments to alarms is granted to those with a position equivalent to or above that of a process engineer, but an application must be submitted for approval by a supervisor. The factory manager has the authority to make changes related to interlocks, while those with a position equivalent to or above that of a shift manager can make changes to program settings. All modifications are recorded in the DCS, and anyone who makes changes without proper authorization will be punished if caught.
Where a MOC change management process is required, data should not be altered casually as this can lead to safety incidents; this is especially true for interlock values. Once relevant documents are modified, they need to be updated promptly.
Changes are made by the instrument engineer or technician, and approved by the process team. Who will be responsible if something goes wrong due to arbitrary changes? The person in question can’t even be found
Ordinary operators do not have the authority; modifying these parameters requires a process technician or engineer. You can group tag numbers in the configuration and assign operation permissions for those tag number groups to accounts with higher operation levels.
Our unit can’t make any changes, because there’s no one in the unit who knows how to do it; nobody is capable of doing it.
Does modifying interlock values require approval from the design institute?