" All things are always changing and nothing remains,
Heraclitus. The fame of this first thinker of change has crossed the ages, so convincing is his enthusiastic vision. Indeed, Heraclitus envisaged the harmony of the world as resulting from its capacity to transform itself.
The effects of change are, however, far more striking than the change itself. What is more obvious and more elusive than change? How can we think about prevention in the face of change?
Change is everywhere, in history as in everyday life. It is inexorable, but it should be thought of as a blessing rather than a fate. With change, we move from a controlled state to a new state. It therefore implies prevention as well as adaptation to transform this dynamic into an opportunity. This is particularly true in the industrial sector currently transformed by the energy transition.
The developments that are part of the energy transition require a proactive approach to drive change rather than suffer it. Hydrogen, electric vehicles, CNG (LNG and CNG), biogas, EHS, electric charging stations: the management of emerging industrial risks induced by new energies requires a rigorous process to induce a controlled and managed change.
What are the challenges of change for industrial players? How can we understand the dynamics of change? Gesip wants to be both an actor and a master of change. Our ambition is to accompany the energy transition of the actors of the industrial world.
Changes bring new risks to the industrial world
The changes that are taking place in the industry are bringing new risks as well as modifying existing ones. Indeed, the field of new energies has its own specificities in terms of risk management and regulatory compliance, particularly with regard to transport and storage.
For example, energy storage systems (ESS) generate thermal, electrical, toxic and explosive risks. The role of these systems is to smooth out intermittent production and the rates of change inherent in renewable energy sources. They are therefore connected to the electrical grid. They are mainly based on lithium-ion battery technology.
Controlling emerging risks
Of course, the industrial world has always been in a state of flux, but this is even more true today, when climate change is causing rapid evolution. These changes must be accompanied by solid risk analyses and rigorous change management processes.
It is indeed crucial to formalize a change management procedure with processes to identify, analyze, evaluate and implement adaptation measures and then follow up on these measures.
The stages of change management are as follows:
- Identification of the change: This could be, for example, the entry of electric vehicles on an industrial site with an ATeX zone or CNG.
- Characterization and analysis of the change: e.g. vehicles with battery, asynchronous electric motor - in addition to the classical equipment, there is special equipment.
- Risk assessment: Risk analyses and hazard studies are essential to anticipate emerging risks.
- Validation and implementation of the actions to be taken to accompany the change: It is a question of giving the different actors the means to lead the change and to master it in terms of material, structural and organizational means (staff training, operating procedures for example for the loading of the CNG tank, safety devices, accidentology,...).
- Monitoring change: Feedback allows for regular adjustments to the actions implemented for risk management. The practical application always allows the discovery of flaws or improvement paths.
There is therefore a complete cycle between the identification of the change and its implementation. The ambition is to develop an exhaustive methodology capable of covering all the facets of the change in order to achieve a preventive objective, the only way to guarantee good control of the change.
Gesip alongside manufacturers to control change
The industrial world is mature and knows its risks. It has, therefore, put in place change management procedures, supported by Gesip.
Gesip's strength lies in the transmission of knowledge and experience. The organization relies on a community of industrial players based on more than 70 years of experience.
It is in Gesip's DNA to cultivate collective intelligence. GESIP acts as an interface between different businesses and sectors. As a catalyst for exchange, it brings different points of view and apprehensions to enrich the reflection and lead to more complete risk analyses.
Change is easier when it is carried out with anticipation in a controlled framework, thanks to Gesip's shared experience and expertise in risk management. In fact, Gesip's risk management methods can be applied to both newly identified risks and future developments.
Gesip supports industrialists in their energy transition by offering quality training missions combining theoretical and practical lessons that can be carried out on site or on one of Gesip's technical platforms, which are unique in Europe.
GESIP also assists manufacturers in their change management with consulting, auditing, and risk analysis services, as well as technical and regulatory monitoring.
Gesip also shares its technical expertise through the writing of guides.
Thus, the following can be cited:
- Energy Storage Systems (ESS) Intervention Guide, published in February 2022;
- Guide to Accessing ADR LNG/CNG Vehicles at Dangerous Goods Loading/Unloading Stations, published in January 2020 ;
- Guide for the reception of electric vehicles on sites with ATEX zoning, guide to be published.