Alarm systems and the operator response to the information is a very important layer of protection in keeping a plant or process safe. A well managed alarm system and operator response will help the operator to :

Alarms provide the operator with the necessary interface information  to manage ,protect and diagnose the plant and product against problems, deviations and failures.

Alarm management is often ignored during the design phase and the operational phase of the plant life and yet poorly managed alarm systems always appear as contributory factors in the failure of plant sometimes with great financial loss and risk to the operator. We maintain that the alarm systems and operator interface should be designed as part of any system, this will reduce the risk of financial loss and harm to the operator. The design tools are available to ensure that a well designed and managed alarm system can be installed reducing risks to the asset and the operator.

The EEMUA 191 guidelines provide a great deal of helpful information in the management and design of alarm systems. Key design principles of alarms are;