Improvement Electrical Panel Design for Safety Work using HIRA Method at PT VME Process

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate and develop improvements to the electrical panel design at PT VME Process using the Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA) method based on Electrical and Instrumentation (E&I) standards. Field observations identified several deficiencies in the existing electrical panel installation, including improper panel location, insufficient working clearance, unorganized cable routing, an inadequate grounding system, and an unstable panel support structure. Subsequently, each identified hazard was assessed based on its likelihood and severity to determine the corresponding risk level. The HIRA results indicated that five validated hazards were classified as moderate to high risk, requiring engineering-based design improvements as control measures. The proposed improvements included panel relocation, provision of adequate working clearance, implementation of a structured cable routing system, enhancement of the grounding system, and reinforcement of the panel support structure. Design verification confirmed that the proposed improvements complied with the applicable IEC, ISO, and Electrical and Instrumentation (E&I) standards. The post-improvement HIRA assessment demonstrated that all validated hazards addressed in this study were successfully reduced to the low-risk category. These findings indicate that integrating the HIRA method with engineering-based design improvements is effective in enhancing occupational safety, improving the reliability of electrical systems, and supporting safer electrical panel installations in industrial environments.