Stop if the Unexpected Occurs

Image © IOGP

This is an extract of the supporting information & guidance cards from the IOGP Process Safety Fundamentals documented in their Report 638.

  • We discuss the work plan and what signals would tell us it is proceeding as expected.
  • We pause and ask questions when signals and conditions are not as expected.
  • We stop and alert supervision if the activity is not proceeding as expected.

Tips for Managers:

  • Positively recognize people who stop to reevaluate a task if it is not going as planned.
  • Communicate to front-line workers that they should pause and seek guidance if an activity is not proceeding as expected.

This page only summarises the guidance – refer to the IOGP report and/or IOGP website for further information.


For more information on our Process Safety Fundamentals (or other) playing cards please contact us.