Alarm Management Fundamentals – What is the Impact of Electrical Equipment Automation on Industrial Control Systems

Poor alarm management is one of the leading causes of unplanned downtime, contributing to over $20B in lost production every year [1], and of major industrial incidents such as the one in Texas City (2005). Developing good alarm management practices is not a discrete activity, but more of a continuous process (i.e., it is more of a journey than a destination). This paper will describe the ISA 18.2 standard "Management of Alarm Systems for the Process Industries" [2]. Example alarm considerations for intelligent motors/motor controls, drives, and electrical infrastructure integrated into process control systems will also be discussed as well as why electrical engineers who implement IEC 61850 [3] substation automation systems need to adhere to alarm management standards.ISA 18.2 provides a framework and methodology for the successful design, implementation, operation, and management of alarm systems and will allow end-users to address one of the fundamental conclusions of Bransby and Jenkinson that "Poor performance costs money in lost production and plant damage and weakens a very important line of defense against hazards to people." [4].