September 2024 — The primary goal of an FSA Stage 3 is to verify that the installed safety instrumented system (SIS) matches the design package and is prepared for operational use.   FSA Stage 3 takes place once installation, commissioning, and validation activities are finalized, often as part of the Pre-Startup Safety Review. This stage entails a comprehensive assessment of the installation and pre-commissioning efforts to confirm that the SIS are properly implemented and prepared for safe operational use.   This assessment is the final FSA prior to startup . Subsequent stages are done after gaining experience in operations and maintenance (Stage 4) and, after modifications and prior to decommissioning of a SIS (Stage 5). The deliverable for a Stage 3 FSA includes a comprehensive report with a Stage 3 FSA checklist derived from a site visit and independent assessment. This report will present findings, including serious deficiencies, recommendations, and general observations.   The following recommendations will ensure a cost-effective, efficient, and expedient Stage 3 FSA. What Is the FSA Stage 3 Process? A Functional Safety Assessment  (FSA), defined by IEC 61511 , is an evidence-based investigation into the functional safety achieved by one or more safety instrumented systems (SIS) and/or other protection layers.   Stages 1 through 3 of an FSA cover the Safety Instrumented System  (SIS) from its inception through design, construction, and commissioning. These stages are essential for the implementation of a new or modified safety system. Stage 3, which occurs after the installation, pre-commissioning, and final validation of the SIS, ensures that the system is ready for operation and can effectively mitigate risks as intended. The FSA Stage 3 process typically consists of the following steps: installation validation, operational readiness, maintenance preparedness, and system validation. The objectives for each of these processes are listed below in the table below. Process Step Objectives   Installation Validation ●      Physical Validation : Ensure that hardware, such as transmitters and valves, is correctly installed and wired according to design specifications. ●      Wiring and Connections : Check that all wiring and connections comply with design documentation, including correct labeling, termination, and routing.   Operational Readiness ●      Operator Training : Confirm that operators are trained to use the new system and understand its impact on process control. ●      Procedure Verification : Ensure that operating procedures align with SIS functionality, including emergency shutdown procedures, alarm handling, and routine maintenance tasks.   Maintenance Preparedness ●      Maintenance Training : Train maintenance personnel on SIS maintenance requirements, including routine checks, troubleshooting, and repair procedures. ●      Spare Parts Inventory : Verify that an adequate inventory of spare parts is available to address potential failures, ensuring minimal downtime. Validation of System Functionality ●      Component Testing : Each component undergoes testing to ensure correct functionality. For instance, sensors must accurately detect process parameters, and actuators and final control elements must respond as expected. ●      Integrated Systems Testing : Conduct integrated testing to ensure that the entire SIS works as a cohesive unit, as envisioned. This involves simulating process conditions and verifying the system's appropriate response to hazardous situations. Table: Process Steps for FSA Stage 3 Team Engagement and Stage 3 FSAs Successful Stage 3 FSAs benefit from active team engagement. Teams should allocate sufficient time for interviews and training sessions, allowing assessors to gather comprehensive information. This level of commitment, although challenging due to operational demands, significantly enhances the assessment's effectiveness and the overall safety of the SIS. During Stage 3 FSAs, typical issues include discovering that safety instrumented functions do not perform as expected during testing, often stemming from incorrect design assumptions. To mitigate such issues, it is essential to involve key personnel such as operations supervisors and maintenance technicians in the assessment process. This personnel inclusion ensures a comprehensive understanding of the system's functionality and readiness. Conclusion By ensuring that the installation, operational readiness, and maintenance preparedness are thoroughly verified, Stage 3 FSAs help prevent hazardous events and protect both personnel and assets. Engaging the team actively and addressing potential issues proactively can significantly enhance the effectiveness of Stage 3 FSAs, ensuring the safety and reliability of industrial operations.

Understanding FSA Stage 2 Continuing from part one of our Functional Safety Assessment (FSA) series , FSA Stage 2 is a critical checkpoint after design and engineering of the Safety Instrumented System  (SIS). At this pre-installation stage, the FSA team assesses that the SIS will perform reliably once operational. It means ensuring that the design and engineering of the SIS meet the requirements as defined in the Safety Requirements Specification  (SRS) developed during earlier phases of the SIS safety life cycle as described in the process industry consensus ISA / IEC 61511  standard. According to the ISA / IEC 61511  standard, it is recommended to perform an FSA Stage 2 after the SIS has been designed and factory acceptance tested . Conducting a thorough FSA Stage 2 ensures that potential safety issues are identified and resolved before the SIS is operational, preventing costly changes, rework, and unexpected project delays.   What are the Goals of FSA Stage 2? The success of any SIS hinges on whether the design makes sense for real-world considerations. During FSA Stage 2, every component of the SIS goes through rigorous verification and testing for any field installation problems. This stage verifies compliance with the requirements as defined in the SRS while also identifying potential issues that could compromise safety.   Table 1: What FSA Stage 2 Accomplishes       Design Verification Implementation Review Prepare for Installation Confirm that the SIS design meets the requirements as defined in the SRS Assess the SIS hardware and software components to ensure they are correctly designed and engineered for field installation Establish a strong foundation for the successful execution of subsequent phases of the SIS safety life cycle.   What is the FSA Stage 2 Process? At the heart of every FSA Stage 2 is a thorough review of the SIS design and engineering. This involves evaluating the SIS logic solver(s), input/output (I/O) modules, communication system(s), control panel(s), and other critical components, including field instrumentation, to ensure they meet the design specifications provided in the SRS. The assessment also verifies that the SIS components are configured to fulfill their intended Safety Instrumented Functions (SIFs). Any discrepancies or gaps are identified and corrected before they can impact the SIS performance. A common misconception is that FSA Stage 2 can serve as a substitute for Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) , where the SIS logic solver(s) hardware and software are tested in a controlled environment prior to field installation. In reality, they are complementary processes that work together to ensure system reliability. FAT tests the SIS logic solver(s) hardware and software, while FSA Stage 2 provides an independent assessment of these tests, ensuring the system is robust, meets all requirements, and is ready for the field installation. Proper documentation is the backbone of an effective FSA. In addition to reviewing the output of the FSA Stage 1, the FSA Stage 2 will review the documentation developed during the SIS design and engineering. One of the most important aspects of the FSA Stage 2 is to confirm all the findings from the FSA Stage 1 are addressed. By verifying that all findings from previous stages are documented and addressed, teams can maintain continuity and avoid costly delays ensuring that the SIS evolves smoothly from design to implementation and beyond.   What is the Stakeholder Involvement for an FSA Stage 2? FSA Stage 2 is a team effort, and results are highly dependent on the involvement of key personnel including the following essential roles:   Table 2: Roles & Responsibilities Role Responsibilities PHA  and LOPA Leader Ensures that the outcomes of the hazard and risk assessments are accurately reflected in the SIS design and engineering. Operations Representative Verifies the practicality and effectiveness of their operational processes implemented in the SIS design and engineering. Maintenance Representative Assesses the maintainability and testability of the SIS, ensuring that future maintenance needs are considered during the SIS design and engineering. SIS Engineer Oversees the technical aspects of the SIS, ensuring that all components meet the required specifications and performance standards provided in the SRS.   FSA Stage 2 | An aeSolutions Case Study Recently, aeSolutions conducted an FSA for a fired equipment modernization program which involved multiple thermal oxidizers/incinerators. The project faced several challenges, including inconsistent safety requirements and the complex integration of new SIS components with the existing systems. By conducting a thorough FSA Stage 2, the team identified and corrected design flaws early, preventing potential safety hazards and ensuring the SIS met updated regulatory standards and design requirements. The FSA Stage 2 process included a comprehensive review of the SIS design and engineering documentation including the FAT records and an independent assessment to ensure the new SIS equipment was ready for the field installation. The lessons learned from the first thermal oxidizer were applied to subsequent fired equipment, streamlining the FSA process and reducing overall project costs. This proactive approach not only enhanced safety but also fostered collaboration among the project engineering, operations, and maintenance teams, contributing to a more robust and reliable SIS. The success of this project demonstrated the value of performing a meticulous FSA Stage 2, particularly in complex modernization efforts. The insights gained have been integrated into the company’s standard procedures for future projects, ensuring that similar initiatives can be managed more efficiently while maintaining the highest safety standards. The Takeaway Per the ISA / IEC 61511  standard, FSAs provide a five-stage, evidence-based investigation to judge the functional safety achieved by one or more SIS and/or other protection layers. FSA Stage 2 is the critical step in ensuring that the SIS is ready for field installation. By thoroughly verifying the SIS design and engineering, FSA Stage 2 helps to identify and address potential issues before they escalate into costly rework and project delays. It safeguards the integrity of the SIS, verifying that all components meet safety standards and are configured for optimal performance. This stage supports bridging the gap between design and construction, ensuring that all SIS components are aligned with safety requirements — readying them for the field installation. As organizations continue to adopt more complex and integrated systems, the value of a thorough FSA Stage 2 becomes even more critical — laying the groundwork for safer, more efficient, and ultimately more successful projects. Be sure to check out the next blog in our FSA series that discusses how an FSA Stage 3 confirms your Safety Instrumented System (SIS) is ready for operational use .

In the world of employment policies, there is a magical two-word phrase that suddenly changes one key policy (the infamous dress code) into something completely different: “casual day.” The casual day is a specific time when employees are allowed, and sometimes encouraged, to dress in a more casual, relaxed, and laidback style than the normal dress code calls for, and is generally seen as a fun way to break from the norm. At aeSolutions, we have our own version of the casual day every Friday. On these days, employees who aren’t meeting with clients or working at a job site may wear jeans and a more casual shirt to the office. Occasionally, this can lead to some funny discoveries about an employee’s fashion sense, or propensity to go clothes shopping at the same stores (check out the picture of Ken and Josh, who came in as accidental twins a few weeks ago!), but overall it’s appreciated by everyone as a way to relax as we close out another fast-paced week. This tradition started in our Greenville, SC headquarters, but as the company has grown and expanded into Texas, Alaska, and beyond, it’s been fascinating to watch how our “dress down” Fridays have been incorporated into each office. Our Greenville office, which has an average January temperature of about 50 degrees, is where you’ll usually see the most t-shirts year-round. During the college football season, all the shirts in the office seem to change color at the same time, and it’s not uncommon to see clusters of Clemson Orange or University of SC Garnet & Black take over some of our conference rooms. Meanwhile, over in our Houston office, polo shirts (the unofficial uniform of engineers everywhere) tend to come out in full force when Friday rolls around. Given the heat, we’ve recently even incorporated a system where employees can contribute to fundraising efforts for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in order to earn a “shorts day” – which is much appreciated in the middle of summer! The Anchorage office has its own unique take on the day. Some of our Anchorage staff actually start the week at the exact opposite end of the spectrum, wearing ties on Monday (not required by our dress code!) This makes the eventual “dress down” on Friday all the more visible. For most of the year, these days are accompanied by a sea of flannel taking over the office. For a rare handful of weeks in the summer the odd short-sleeved shirt will make an appearance, but those usually disappear before September and the season’s first snow. Regardless of the office you’re in, our casual Friday has become an important part of the aeSolutions culture. We have fun with it and get to show off what snazzy dressers we can be while staying focused on continuously improving the process safety performance of our clients. If you’re interested in exploring whether aeSolutions is the right fit for you, you can view our open positions at www.aesolutions.com/careers . ---------------------- aeSolutions Corporate Culture: https://www.aesolutions.com/corporate-responsibility Individual Employee Spotlights: https://www.aesolutions.com/employee-spotlight

Greenville, SC – August 11, 2021 -- aeSolutions ®, a consulting, engineering, and systems integration company that provides industrial process safety and automation products and services, announced today that the company has once again earned the Siemens SIMATIC PCS 7 Process Safety Specialist Certification. aeSolutions is the first Siemens safety-certified solution partner in the Americas, the first to renew in the Americas, and currently has the most certified engineers in the Americas. aeSolutions remains the only company in the Americas to hold this certification. “By attaining this second certification, and as the first and only Siemens safety-certified solution partner in the Americas, aeSolutions continues to prove our commitment to leading the industry in safety instrumented systems engineering and system integration,” states Ken O’Malley, President of aeSolutions. “We are proud to offer this level of competence and certification and consider it essential to supporting our customers’ most complex and critical processes.” To become certified, solution partners undergo a rigorous, multi-faceted process facilitated by Siemens. A Siemens senior consulting engineer out of Karlsruhe, Germany, audited multiple aeSolutions safety projects to ensure project configuration workflow processes followed Siemens-documented best practices, as well as international functional safety standards (IEC 61511). Overall, aeSolutions’ engineering team successfully demonstrated the capability to deliver compliant process safety projects using all of the latest Siemens process safety tools, including Safety Matrix. As a Siemens certified solution partner, aeSolutions receives software licensing and is trained on the latest technologies and best practices to ensure future-proof solutions. As part of the training, aeSolutions’ lead engineers participated in an expert course to reinforce best practices. In addition, aeSolutions will participate in continuous education efforts via Siemens webinars and Partner Portal for existing and new innovations; and will have priority hotline support, as well as consulting time with Siemens senior product management, application engineers, and advanced proposal tools. “In earning this second certification, maintaining its status of Siemens Process Safety Specialist and continuing to execute successful projects, aeSolutions has demonstrated that they have the engineering and quality practices to implement PCS 7 Failsafe systems correctly the first time utilizing best practices. Using Siemens process safety technology means that aeSolutions can confidently offer its customers quality and complete safety lifecycle services per the ISA/IEC 61511 functional safety standard for the process industries,” says Rich Chmielewski, Siemens USA DCS Solution Partner Program Manager. We have seen increased emphasis in process safety not only in Oil & Gas, Petrochemical and Chemical applications but also for gas detection systems in Life Sciences. aeSolutions expertise in the front-end engineering including detector selection and gas dispersion modeling to optimize detector placement has been found to reduce risk, save time and money for life sciences customers. Learn more about aeSolutions' partnership with Siemens: https://www.aesolutions.com/siemens-solution-partner About aeSolutions In business since 1998, aeSolutions is a consulting, engineering and systems integration company that provides industrial process safety and automation products and services. They specialize in helping industrial clients achieve their risk management and operational excellence goals through expertise in process safety, combustion control and safeguarding, safety instrumented systems, control system design and integration, alarm management, and related operations and integrity management systems. For more information, visit www.aesolutions.com . About Siemens Siemens Corporation is a U.S. subsidiary of Siemens AG, a global powerhouse focusing on the areas of electrification, automation and digitalization. One of the world’s largest producers of energy-efficient, resource-saving technologies, Siemens is a leading supplier of systems for power generation and transmission as well as medical diagnosis. With approximately 372,000 employees in 190 countries, Siemens reported worldwide revenue of $92.0 billion in fiscal 2017. Siemens in the USA reported revenue of $23.3 billion, including $5.0 billion in exports, and employs approximately 50,000 people throughout all 50 states and Puerto Rico. ### Media Contact: RedIron PR for aeSolutions kari@redironpr.com

Company to Serve as 2024 Conference Bronze Sponsor LAS VEGAS  – May 17, 2024 –   aeSolutions ,   a consulting, engineering and systems integration company that provides industrial process safety and automation products and services, today announced that the company will be presenting at the   AIChE 2024 Center for Hydrogen Safety Americas Conference . The conference will be held at the Hampton Inn Tropicana in Las Vegas, Nevada, from May 21 - 23, 2024. Presented by the Center for Hydrogen Safety, the conference brings together attendees from academia, industry, and government to discuss applied hydrogen safety topics, provide space for collaboration, and to offer attendees training and educational opportunities.   In attendance from aeSolutions will be VP of Solution Development Ken Whittle and Senior Project Manager Warren Johnson, PE, PMP, who will be serving as the company’s spokespersons and speaking to attendees about aeSolutions’ extensive experience in   hydrogen manufacturing  and   hydrogen safety practices . Additionally, aeSolutions will act as a Bronze sponsor for the conference.   WHAT:   AIChE 2024 Center for Hydrogen Safety Americas Conference WHO: aeSolutions VP of Solution Development Ken Whittle and Senior Project Manager Warren Johnson, PE, PMP WHERE:   Hampton Inn Tropicana, Las Vegas, Nevada WHEN:  May 21 - 23, 2024 REGISTRATION:   https://www.aiche.org/chs/conferences/center-hydrogen-safety-conference/2024/registration-info   To arrange a meeting with a member of the aeSolutions team, contact info@aesolutions.com .   About aeSolutions In business since 1998, aeSolutions is a consulting, engineering, and systems integration company that provides industrial process safety and automation products and services. They specialize in helping industrial clients achieve their risk management and operational excellence goals through expertise in process safety, combustion control and safeguarding, safety instrumented systems, control system design and integration, alarm management, and related operations and integrity management systems. For more information, visit   www.aesolutions.com .   Media Contact Kari Ritacco RedIron Public Relations for aeSolutions kari@redironpr.com

New Offering Will be Built on Rockwell Automation’s ControlLogix® Platform Greenville, SC – April 10, 2024  – aeSolutions ,   a consulting, engineering and systems integration company that provides industrial process safety and automation products and services, today announced that it has partnered with Rockwell Automation to develop a Factory Mutual (FM) approved fire and gas system (FGS), the FGS 5000, built on Rockwell Automation’s ControlLogix platform. Release of the new product is planned for summer of 2024 awaiting FM approval. This partnership builds on aeSolutions’ long-standing legacy in delivering PLC/DCS based, FM-approved fire and gas systems in the industrial space for more than 20 years.   “aeSolutions is excited to offer the FGS 5000 based on Rockwell Automatic’s ControlLogix platform. We have taken all the features of our existing FGS platforms and incorporated them into this product to bring another high-performing life-safety platform to market,” said aeSolutions Senior Project Manager Warren Johnson. “The FGS 5000 can be used as a standalone system or as an upgrade to legacy fire and gas systems. Customers in hydrogen production, oil & gas, semiconductor, pharmaceutical industries, as well as chemical and manufacturing plants with combustible or toxic gasses will find that the FM-approved FGS 5000 meets all of their regulatory and compliance needs. We look forward to making this new product available in the marketplace.”   Particularly ideal for industrial facilities with an existing installed base of Rockwell Automation systems, the FGS 5000 offers the same features and functionality of its other FGS products. The FGS 5000 is designed to give customers a reliable fire and gas platform that instrument technicians familiar with Rockwell Automation can easily maintain and troubleshoot. The FGS 5000 is highly scalable and is suitable for installations ranging in I/O counts from 50 to 500 and well-beyond.   By using the same hardware/software platform as Rockwell Automation’s Basic Process Control System (BPCS), the FGS 5000 can be integrated seamlessly into a facility’s existing control architecture with common Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs), spare parts, training, engineering/configuration tools, maintenance, and procedures, all of which produce a dramatic savings in both installed and lifecycle costs.   A critical component of the FGS 5000 is its FM-approved secondary power supply system which consists of a charger panel and an industrial-integrity battery pack with a 20-year service life. aeSolutions FM-approved battery calculation tool confirms battery and charger sizing is compliant with NFPA 72 requirements for secondary power supplies.   Additionally, aeSolutions provides end-user training for operator, maintenance, and engineering staff, the last of which covers advanced software troubleshooting topics and adding new field devices to existing systems.   For more information about aeSolutions’ FGS products, visit   https://www.aesolutions.com/fire-gas-products . FGS 5000 Fire & Gas System Info and Datasheet: https://www.aesolutions.com/post/fgs-5000-data   About aeSolutions In business since 1998, aeSolutions is a consulting, engineering, and systems integration company that provides industrial process safety and automation products and services. They specialize in helping industrial clients achieve their risk management and operational excellence goals through expertise in process safety, combustion control and safeguarding, safety instrumented systems, control system design and integration, alarm management, and related operations and integrity management systems. For more information, visit   www.aesolutions.com .   Media Contact Kari Walker for aeSolutions Kari@redironpr.com @KariWalkerPR

aeSolutions recently participated in the Clemson Spring 2024 Career Fair, geared toward STEM graduates. It was an invaluable opportunity for us to engage with talented individuals eager to embark on a career in engineering. We are incredibly grateful for the chance to connect with prospective candidates and showcase what makes aeSolutions an exceptional place to pursue your full potential. Attending career fairs is not just about finding immediate hires; it's about cultivating relationships with future members of the workforce, whether they work for aeSolutions, or with aeSolutions as business partners or even clients. These events provide us with a platform to interact with students and professionals who possess the skills and passion that align with our core values of being Results-Driven, Inclusive, and Relentless. Moreover, these events allow us to stay current with emerging trends in the industry and gain insights into the aspirations of the next generation of engineers. At aeSolutions we prioritize hiring individuals with diverse backgrounds and skill sets to drive innovation and problem-solving. We actively seek candidates majoring in fields such as Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Electrical Engineering, as these disciplines are directly applicable to our work in Process Safety and Automation. Whether it's performing complex risk analysis studies, designing safety systems, or programming and implementing cutting-edge automation solutions, we believe in harnessing the expertise of multidisciplinary teams to deliver exceptional results. We are especially thankful for our aeSolutions employees who dedicated their time and effort to represent our company at the career fair. Their enthusiasm, professionalism, and commitment to showcasing our company culture and opportunities were truly commendable! If you're someone looking to kickstart or advance your career in engineering, we invite you to explore opportunities with us. Whether you're a recent graduate or an experienced professional, we welcome individuals who are eager to improve industry by guiding our clients to increasingly resilient operations and safety communities. You can view our latest job openings at www.aesolutions.com/careers , or submit your resume directly to one of our recruiters at resumes@aesolutions.com .

Company Will Showcase New Machinery Safety Line of Service Greenville, SC – October 19, 2022 – aeSolutions , a consulting, engineering and systems integration company that provides industrial process safety and automation products and services, today announced that the company will be exhibiting at the 2022 South Carolina Manufacturing Expo . The Conference and Expo will take place at the Greenville Convention Center in Greenville, South Carolina from November 3 - 4. With more than 3,000 attendees each year, the conference is one of the largest manufacturing events in the Southeast, and provides manufacturing professionals from across the region the opportunity to discuss the latest manufacturing trends and topics, share their visions, and to become inspired by and immersed in manufacturing culture. At this year’s event aeSolutions will be showcasing its new Machinery Safety Line of Service , which aims to reduce injuries associated with human-machine interaction and improve overall plant value while achieving compliance with machinery safety standards. Experts from aeSolutions will be available to discuss your machinery safety needs. WHAT: 2022 South Carolina Manufacturing Expo WHERE: Greenville Convention Center, Greenville, SC Booth # 246 WHEN: November 3 - 4, 2022 REGISTRATION: https://scmanufacturingconference.com/attendee-registration/ To arrange a meeting with a member of the aeSolutions team at the Expo, contact info@aesolutions.com . About aeSolutions In business since 1998, aeSolutions is a consulting, engineering, and systems integration company that provides industrial process safety and automation products and services. They specialize in helping industrial clients achieve their risk management and operational excellence goals through expertise in process safety, combustion control and safeguarding, safety instrumented systems, control system design and integration, alarm management, and related operations and integrity management systems. For more information, visit www.aesolutions.com . Media Contact RedIron PR for aeSolutions kari@redironpr.com

Industry Veteran to Focus on Client Success and Growing the Company’s Portfolio Greenville, SC –January 17, 2024–   aeSolutions , a consulting, engineering, and systems integration company, today announced the appointment of David Ivester to the position of senior vice president for Sales and Marketing. Ivester will serve on the senior leadership team, where he will head the company’s sales strategy and efforts.   “We could not have asked for a better candidate for our sales leader position than David. He is an innovative thinker and problem solver, and has the right market experience,” said aeSolutions President Ken O’Malley. “Most importantly, he is an ideal cultural fit for our organization. Through his collaborative approach, he will help us to refocus on what our clients really need from us.” In his new role as senior vice president, Ivester will provide organizational leadership to help drive the growth of the company’s portfolio. Prior to joining aeSolutions, Ivester accumulated more than 30 years of experience in a variety of leadership positions in sales and marketing in the process automation space. During his previous tenure at Emerson, Ivester held a range of roles, from sales representative to vice president of Global Accounts. In his most recent role at Emerson, his responsibilities included leading a billion-dollar revenue-generating team and managing capital project investments. “From the very beginning of my conversations with aeSolutions about joining the company, I knew I aligned with the com pany’s focus on client success and emp loyee development. It’s a good fit from a values perspective, and I am also really excited about working in a smaller company with quick decision-making cycles,” said Ivester. “I have a passion for developing long-term, mutually beneficial relationships and I’ve spent a significant portion of my career in the strategic account management segment of sales. My record of hiring and developing talent in my previous role is one of the things I’ve been most proud of. I’m thrilled for this new challenge, and I look forward to applying my knowledge and skills as the company looks to the future.” About aeSolutions In business since 1998, aeSolutions is a consulting, engineering, and systems integration company that provides industrial process safety and automation products and services. They specialize in helping industrial clients achieve their risk management and operational excellence goals through expertise in process safety, combustion control and safeguarding, safety instrumented systems, control system design and integration, alarm management, and related operations and integrity management systems. For more information, visit www.aesolutions.com .   Media Contact RedIron PR for aeSolutions kari@redironpr.com

Company to Focus on Expansion and Core Expertise in 2022 Greenville, SC – February 23, 2022 – aeSolutions , a consulting, engineering, and systems integration company that provides industrial process safety and automation products and services, today announced company milestones achieved and overall performance for 2021. The company’s significant achievements included outstanding client retention, several key hires to help propel the company into the future, and the release of its newest offering, aeAlarm ™ . “In looking back at 2021, aeSolutions emerged smarter, stronger, more focused and even better positioned to serve our clients and partners,” said Ken O’Malley, president of aeSolutions. “aeSolutions remains unparalleled in the industry when it comes to helping industrial clients achieve their risk management and operational excellence goals through our expertise in integrating process safety and automation. Our adaptability and capacity to pivot have demonstrated to our clients that we are a trusted partner and service provider, and they can rely on us to offer continuity and excellence even in difficult times. In a year of continued challenges, aeSolutions enjoyed significant repeat business from 72% of its existing clients, a 3% increase over 2020. Furthermore, 43% of the company’s business came from new clients. Over the past two decades, aeSolutions has focused on growing a solid technical team and delivering resilient solutions to industries’ toughest challenges. To address both, the company has begun offering its clie nts Front End Loading (FEL) co nceptual design services that integrate the expertise of all of its service lines rather than aligning under individual solution silos . a eSolutions has endeavored to streamline its product offerings by organizing around these market-facing teams, which has also meant developing strategic plans and raising the bar on project execution and delivery expertise. As a result, aeSolutions’ clients are better equipped to select the optimum design options for their capital projects. O’Malley went on to add, “W e have seen an uptick in clients seeking our support for projects that had been put on hold, as well as an increase in clients looking to us to bolster their reduced staff and take broader ownership of projects that would have been typically executed in-house. We are excited to continue strengthening relationships with our current clients and look forward to building relationships with the new.” As the pandemic continued into 2021, aeSolutions remained committed to hiring and developing the best talent, regardless of location; as such, the company continues to offer opportunities to work remotely. Additionally, the firm restarted its intern program and i nitiated the Rapid Skills Development program, designed to accelerate the process by which staff members who are early in their career become engaged in project work. Key Personnel Appointments The business added several key hires during 2021. Ben Krisher, Human Resources Director: A Human Resources (HR) expert with more than a decade’s worth of experience. At aeSolutions, he manages a high-performing team of HR professionals across the entire company. He specializes in finding and hiring the best technical talent available in the industrial process safety, combustion, and automation fields. Laura Ankrom, Vice President of Process Safety: An aeSolutions veteran with more than 11 years at the company and over 25 years of experience in the process safety and risk management field, including significant involvement in the Occupational Safety and Health Administration Process Safety Management and the United States Environmental Protection Agency Risk Management Program compliance. Laura specializes in and provides technical support in the rollout, implementation, training, and auditing of global and site level process safety and risk management systems and support corporate management systems and leadership development. Roland Stock - Manager of Projects: A specialist in project management with nearly 20 years of experience planning and managing engineering, fabrication, and construction projects focusing on quality, cost containment, adherence to defined scope, and on-time delivery. Roland brings proven leadership and management experience in helping to motivate teams for successful project delivery. aeSolutions Launches Proprietary aeAlarm™ Rationalization Tool In response to a growing market need, aeAlarm was created to support the alarm rationalization process by providing a clear and concise approach to critical alarm documentation. aeAlarm is a control system platform agnostic and is adaptable across all industrial sectors. It is effective for projects of all types and sizes, including small project rationalizations and large site-wide efforts. Additionally, the tool creates a platform to compile process safety information and generates customized reports and tables to expedite data tracking for site-specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Plans for 2022 Heading into the coming year, aeSolutions will continue to strengthen its position as a valued partner to the world’s process manufacturers as they seek to conduct smarter, more resilient industrial operations and contribute to safer communities. To accomplish that, the firm will embrace and expand its renewed emphasis on core consulting and engineering expertise and focus on the growth and expansion of its core business of providing industrial markets with resilient solutions that integrate process safety and automation. The goals for the company will include significant growth in headcount across all expertise areas in the first six months of the year and to continue to foster a culture and expectation of continual professional and personal growth. Through the development of the company and its stakeholders, aeSolutions aspires to enhance the way its stakeholders think about the relationship between customer and supplier, to advance the understanding that it is a relationship built on trust, and to have the embodiment of those ideals result in an excellent experience for the customer. About aeSolutions In business since 1998, aeSolutions is a consulting, engineering, and systems integration company that provides industrial process safety and automation products and services. They specialize in helping industrial clients achieve their risk management and operational excellence goals through expertise in process safety, combustion control and safeguarding, safety instrumented systems, control system design and integration, alarm management, and related operations and integrity management systems. For more information, visit www.aesolutions.com. Media Contact Kari Walker for aeSolutions Kari@redironpr.com @KariWalkerPR "Industrial Process Safety and Automation Company aeSolutions Achieves Year of Outstanding Growth and Client Retention"

A natural gas processing and compression facility control rooms had to relocate, which caused many challenges in an application with many potential hazards during the process. Project included control panel upgrades, communication digitalization and moving process control and process safety systems. Control room relocation insights Control room, process control system migration project challenges E-stop migration, process isolation safety complications Project lessons learned: System integration project management Six steps for project success included control system, safety system cutover, factory acceptance test, control panel upgrade Project results: Project management, standardization, control panels Lessons for future projects: Front-end loading, codes and standards by Ted Hoffman, PE , senior project development engineer; Charles Mills , automation control specialist, both with aeSolutions . Edited by Chris Vavra, web content manager, CFE Media and Technology. Read the full article here: Achieving on-stream control room relocations (controleng.com)

by Keith Brumbaugh Functional safety specialists may be stuck in the past and doing industry a disservice. The current industry trend is to only consider random hardware failures in safety integrity level probability of failure on demand calculations. But are random hardware failures the only thing that cause a safety instrumented function to fail? What if our assumptions are wrong? What if our installations do not match generic data or vendor assumptions? What else might we be missing? How might we address systematic (human) failures? Is anyone updating assumptions as operating experience is gained? One obvious problem with incorporating systematic failures is their non-random nature, hence the difficulty in including them in standard calculations. Many functional safety practitioners claim that systematic errors are addressed (i.e., minimized or eliminated) by following all the pr ocedures in the ISA/IEC 61511 standard . Yet even if the standard were strictly adhered to, could anyone realistically claim a 0% chance of a SIF failing due to a systematic issue? Some will say that systematic errors cannot be predicted, much less modeled. But is that true? Traditional PFD calculations are a useful starting point, but it is possible to incorporate systematic errors into a SIF’s real-world performance model. One can use Bayes’ theorem to capture data after a SIF has been installed — either through operating experience or incidents — and update the function’s predicted performance. This methodology can incorporate both objective and subjective observations. It can also be used to justify prior use of existing and non-certified equipment. To learn more about the use of Bayes’ theorem in SIF performance evaluations, read the full paper here. Other papers you may like: Reverend Bayes, meet Process Safety. Use Bayes’ Theorem to establish site specific confidence in your LOPA calculation Bayes’ Theorem is an epistemological statement of knowledge, versus a statement of proportions and relative frequencies. It is therefore a method that can bridge qualitative knowledge with the rare-event numbers that are intended to represent that knowledge. Bayes’ Theorem is sorely missing from the toolbox of Process Safety practitioners. This paper will introduce Bayes’ Theorem to the reader and discuss the reasons and applications for using Bayes in Process Safety related to IP Ls and LOPA . While intended to be introductory (to not discourage potential users), this paper will describe simple Excel™ based Bayesian calculations that the practitioner can begin to use immediately to address issues such as uncertainty, establishing confidence intervals, properly evaluating LOPA gaps, and incorporating site specific data, all related to IPLs and barriers used to meet LOPA targets. https://www.aesolutions.com/post/reverend-bayes-meet-process-safety-use-bayes-theorem-to-establish-site-specific-confidence-in-lopa