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A layered safety process audit (LSPA) is a systematic auditing technique used to evaluate critical safety systems. An LSPA is conducted by employees who represent various levels of the organization. Traditionally, safety has relied on various inspections specific to programs or equipment. Often, however, these inspections are assigned to a few individuals who reside at the same level within the organization (e.g., safety technicians, production, maintenance employees).
Relying on a select few to conduct inspections can result in process errors and gaps due to limited knowledge or poor technique, gaps in the inspection process itself, and inconsistent application of inspection protocols. Because so few individuals are involved, these system errors may not be readily identified, thus creating organizational risk.
An LSPA is not the same thing as a layered process audit (LPA), which is a specific process/term used within the quality profession. An LSPA is specific to safety processes and systems. However, its logic, techniques and value mirror that of an LPA.
From LPA to LSPA
Like an LPA, an LSPA enables plant management at different organizational levels to directly evaluate the effectiveness of safety programs and any related critical processes. The LSPA process can apply to any safety process, but it often helps to first focus on safety-critical programs, such as those in which a gap or error can result in severe injuries, disabling injuries or fatalities. Safety programs with these levels of consequences include confined space entry, hazardous energy control (lockout/ tagout), powered industrial vehicles, machine guarding, driving safety, fall prevention/protection, electrical safety and life safety (e.g., emergency exits, exit routes, emergency lighting).
Initially focusing on safety-critical programs and the related processes (e.g., entry permits, lockout procedures for maintenance, anchor points) can produce immediate, positive improvements in an organization's injury or fatality experience.
As a next step, an organization can expand the LSPA process...