Introduction
Safety Critical Elements (SCEs) are systems, equipment, or components whose failure could lead to, or significantly contribute to, a major accident event, or whose purpose is to prevent or mitigate such events.
SCE identification and management is a structured process used to ensure that all critical barriers – both preventive and mitigative – are clearly defined, maintained, and continuously monitored throughout the facility lifecycle.
Purpose
– Identify systems and components critical to preventing or mitigating major accident hazards
– Establish a clear linkage between hazards, barriers, and SCEs
– Define performance standards and functional requirements for each SCE
– Ensure the integrity, availability, and reliability of safety-critical systems
– Support regulatory compliance and safety case development
– Strengthen barrier management and operational safety
Outcomes
– Comprehensive SCE register linked to major accident hazards and barriers
– Defined performance standards (functionality, availability, reliability, survivability)
– Clear roles and responsibilities for SCE management and assurance
– Integration with maintenance and inspection strategies (e.g., assurance tasks, KPIs)
– Identification of gaps in barrier effectiveness and integrity
– Alignment with Bowtie Analysis and Safety Case requirements
– Recommendations to enhance barrier reliability and performance
– Structured SCE report and assurance framework ensuring audit readiness
