Alarm systems play an important role in maintaining the safe operation
of process plant. Poor alarm system performance can result in critica
l events being missed by the plant operator, and there have been sever
al cases of this contributing to major plant accidents. Consequently t
he design and management of alarm systems is receiving increasing atte
ntion. This article presents the results of a survey of the management
of alarm systems in chemical and power plants that was carried out on
behalf of the Health & Safety Executive. Performance data is presente
d and a number of exercises to improve installed systems are described
. Guidance is also presented on the procurement of alarm systems for n
ew plant.