Safeguarding People, Assets, and the Environment Through Comprehensive Risk Management
Effective protection measures and risk assessments are paramount in high-hazard industries like chemical processing, oil & gas production, and refining. Whether you're overseeing large-scale refining operations, sensitive wastewater treatment sites, or specialized chemical facilities, EPS provides the expertise needed to identify hazards, implement mitigation strategies, and comply with stringent safety regulations.
Facilities handling flammable liquids, toxic gases, or reactive chemicals must regularly perform HAZOPs, Process Hazard Analyses (PHAs), and other safety reviews to prevent accidents.
Fire Protection and Explosion Prevention
Fire hazards can occur in unit operations, bulk storage tanks, and loading terminals. EPS assists in designing fire protection systems that meet NFPA and API standards, integrating detection, suppression, and emergency response plans.
Lightning Protection and Grounding Systems
Lightning strikes can pose a severe risk to facilities storing volatile compounds or operating high-value equipment. EPS evaluates protective measures—like grounding, surge suppression, and facility-wide lightning arrestors—to ensure compliance and mitigate downtime.
Regulatory Compliance and Reporting
Adhering to OSHA's Process Safety Management (PSM) requirements, EPA's Risk Management Plan (RMP) rules, and local fire codes requires constant vigilance. EPS helps streamline documentation, audits, and emergency response protocols.
Wastewater Treatment and Disposal Risks
Oil extraction and chemical processing often generate complex wastewater streams. Storage, transport, and disposal systems are vulnerable to ignition sources, leaks, and lightning hazards; EPS investigates site safety designs and operational practices to mitigate environmental risk.
Emergency Response and Crisis Management
Effective emergency planning can be the difference between minimal damage and disastrous outcomes. EPS helps clients devise thorough plans, conduct drills, and train personnel to respond quickly under pressure.
Our Services Include
Process Hazard Analysis (PHA) and HAZOP Studies
Identifying hazardous scenarios, analyzing potential outcomes, and devising robust safeguards to ensure safe production processes.
Fire Protection System Design and Audits
Developing and reviewing suppression, detection, and alarm systems. Ensuring compliance with NFPA, API, and local fire codes.
Lightning Protection and Grounding Evaluations
Assessing facility layouts, grounding methods, and equipment vulnerabilities to design comprehensive protection systems.
Risk Assessment and Mitigation Planning
Quantifying the probability and impact of potential incidents using industry-standard methodologies and creating cost-effective mitigation strategies.
Regulatory Compliance Support
Assisting in OSHA PSM, EPA RMP, and state-level reporting requirements, ensuring proper written programs, process safety information, and training.
Forensic Investigations and Expert Witness Services
Determining root causes of incidents, evaluating system failures, and providing testimony in litigation involving equipment design, construction, or operational negligence.
Multidisciplinary Team Our roster includes chemical, electrical, and mechanical engineers with extensive experience in high-hazard industries.
Rigorous Methodologies EPS applies industrial standards (OSHA, NFPA, API, etc.) and proven best practices to design solutions that withstand regulatory scrutiny.
Hands-On Industry Knowledge From upstream oilfields to complex chemical plants, EPS has a long-standing track record assessing and improving facility protection measures.
Customized Strategies We tailor each project to meet unique site constraints, operating budgets, and safety objectives, ensuring practical and cost-effective solutions.
Trustworthy Forensic and Legal Support In the event of an accident or dispute, EPS's tenured investigators and expert witnesses stand ready to provide credible testimony.
Representative Engagements
A selection of EPS engagements across engineering, forensics, and valuation.
Resolving Fire Protection System Deficiencies at a Chemical Production Facility
Challenge
A chemical production facility faced frequent firewater system failures due to corrosion, inadequate pump capacity, and outdated alarm systems, posing significant operational and safety risks.
Solution
EPS conducted a comprehensive assessment of firewater mains, pumps, and alarm systems, recommending replacements and upgrades to meet NFPA standards and enhance safety.
Result
The facility achieved compliance with fire protection codes, reduced operational risks, and ensured integration with emergency responders, safeguarding both personnel and infrastructure.
Saltwater Disposal Facility Fire Investigation
Challenge
An oil & gas production saltwater disposal facility experienced a significant fire, causing extensive damage and raising questions about the adequacy of its lightning protection system.
Solution
EPS conducted a thorough investigation, ruling out a direct lightning strike as the cause and identifying operational factors and maintenance practices as contributors to the ignition risk. The team evaluated compliance with applicable standards and assessed alternative ignition sources.
Result
EPS provided a balanced and technically sound analysis that clarified the fire's origin and contributed to the resolution of the dispute. Recommendations for improved safety measures were issued to prevent future incidents.
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About Dr. John A. Williams
Leadership in Industrial Safety and Forensic Assurance
Dr. John A. Williams, PE, ASA, MBA, CFEI, AIChE Fellow, is the founder and General Manager of EPS. With over four decades of experience spanning chemical process design, risk mitigation, and technical consulting, Dr. Williams guides the EPS team in delivering leading-edge protection strategies and forensic analyses.
Dr. Williams's extensive background in hazard identification, engineering design, and litigation support ensures holistic, data-driven solutions for complex risk scenarios.
Credentials
Accredited Senior Appraiser (ASA) – Machinery & Technical Specialties in Energy
Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator (CFEI) – National Association of Fire Investigators
Fellow of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE)
PhD in Chemical and Fuels Engineering – University of Utah
MBA in Finance – University of Chicago
BS in Chemistry – University of Delaware
Licensed Professional Engineer in more than 20 states
