[Asia Economy Reporter Yoonju Hwang] SK Incheon Petrochem is set to fully embark on the digital transformation of its Safety, Health, and Environment (SHE) management system. The company plans to build a ‘Digital SHE Platform’ by integrating its accumulated safety and environmental management capabilities with digital technologies such as AI and big data, aiming to strengthen existing business competitiveness to overcome crises and discover new growth engines.
Since 2017, SK Incheon Petrochem has been advancing the sophistication of SHE management through digital means, including ▲developing operation prediction models via process big data analysis ▲facility inspections using drones and thermal imaging cameras ▲and enhancing maintenance systems that proactively predict risks.
President Yoonseok Choi stated, "The key to overcoming the unprecedented crisis faced by SK Incheon Petrochem lies in strengthening fundamental competitiveness through safe operations, and the establishment of the ‘Digital SHE Platform’ will serve as the foundation for this and a new growth driver.”
◆ Full implementation of mobile-based electronic work permit system (e-Permit) across all sites= SK Incheon Petrochem recently completed the development of a mobile-based electronic work permit system (e-Permit) and has begun its commercialization across all business sites. This system allows multiple members and workers to collaboratively create and approve inspection items related to all work permits within the process using a mobile app.
The electronic work permit system digitalizes the previously complex procedures conducted with paper permits, preventing errors such as typos or missing mandatory fields in advance. If errors occur, approval is blocked, ensuring strict compliance with work permit procedures.
Additionally, work permits can be created and approved on-site via mobile devices, drastically reducing the time spent on movement and document preparation/management. Real-time monitoring and management of work status enable quick responses to abnormalities, thereby significantly enhancing actual safety.
◆ Establishment of ‘Intelligent CCTV System’ applying deep learning-based video analysis technology= SK Incheon Petrochem introduced intelligent CCTV based on video analysis technology, applying digital technology to the SHE management system in its control operations.
The intelligent CCTV system uses deep learning-based video analysis technology to detect abnormalities in process equipment, fires, leaks, and risky behaviors, enabling proactive accident response. Even without a person directly monitoring the CCTV, the system detects abnormal situations and immediately triggers an alarm. This alarm allows on-site personnel to quickly understand the situation and take preemptive action. To date, the intelligent CCTV system has been expanded to cover process and crude oil tank areas, substations, and flare stack monitoring, with over 50 units installed.
Furthermore, SK Incheon Petrochem plans to build a next-generation intelligent CCTV system integrated with digital new technologies such as thermal imaging cameras for detecting hydrocarbon vapors in storage tank areas, gas leak detection systems within processes, and automated alarm systems at docks.
SK Incheon Petrochem stated, "We will accelerate the establishment of the company’s unique digital SHE platform by analyzing and utilizing accumulated data through SHE systems equipped with new technologies such as electronic work permits (e-Permit) and intelligent CCTV."
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