“I expect mills will be much more automated, and with more internet connectivity.”
JIMMY ONSTEAD
FM Global
MANAGING RISK IN THE PULP AND PAPER INDUSTRY
Interview with Jimmy Onstead, Staff Vice President and Principal Engineer Forest Products at specialist pulp and paper industry insurer, FM Global
CURRENT RISKS CHALLENGES AT MILLS
J. Onstead: “Well, that list can be pretty extensive, but at the mill level it involves a constant, proactive approach of inspection, testing, and maintenance of equipment. Fire protection is a big issue because there is lot of exposure in the industry as a result of pulp and paper storage and the manufacturing process. There also are risks to equipment such as boilers, pressure vessels, and mechanical and electrical systems. Maintaining the integrity of such equipment can be a daily challenge for mill owners.”
Watch video of the full interview
IMPORTANCE OF EQUIPMENT BUILD QUALITY
J. Onstead: “Our clients must protect their market share, margins, and reputation. Equipment used in the pulp and paper industry is expensive and having top-of-the- line products that meet the highest loss prevention standards is essential. For recovery boilers, the three standards that drive design come from BLRBAC in the United States, the Swedish Norwegian Recovery Boiler Committee in Sweden, and the Finnish Recovery Boiler Committee in Finland.”
OPERATOR TRAINING
J. Onstead: “Operator training is essential, especially with regard to addressing common causes of industry losses. Almost all losses today can be attributed, at some level, to human factors – those actions people did or did not do. Certainly, a loss may start with mechanical damage or fire, but what the operators do in terms of their reaction during such events can make the situation worse or better. It is a constant struggle for many organizations to ensure their operators are properly trained. A mill’s employees are probably the most important factor when it comes to managing risk.”
