Optimized work control process to improve safety and reliability in a risk-based and deregulated environment

This paper provides an overview of strategic models to assist power generat ing plants to improve their work control processes. These models include me chanisms to continually keep the process up to date. Included in the work c ontrol process are elements for system cost/performance analysis, life-cycl e maintenance planning, on-line scheduling and look-ahead techniques, and s chedule implementation to conduct work on the asset. The paper also discuss es how risk management associated with work control issues that effect the safety and reliability, as well as O and M costs, is integrated into this s trategy. The work control process is a pervasive and critical element in the success ful implementation of operations and work management programs. While provid ing a method to implement maintenance activities in a cost-effective manner , the work control process improves plant safety and system reliability. (C ) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. AU rights reserved.