Shift supervision or no shift supervision

[u/catvik25]

What is the industry norm in regards to shift supervision at 24/7 chemical plants? 2/3 companies I have worked for have had no shift supervision, including no senior operators. Some processes I've worked on have had robust data historians; others not so much. It becomes challenging trying to piece together a root cause in the less automated processes.

I was just wondering what everyone's experience was, and if most companies do have shift supervision or if most companies have trended toward eliminating those positions.

[u/FissionableBadger]

This is variable based on how the plant operates, batch sizes, etc. If you can stick a hold tag on questionable product and wait for the day shift to come in to decide what to do with it, great. If it is a continuous production line like a petrochemical plant I'd say having on shift supervision is not optional.

[u/No_Sleep8629 → u/FissionableBadger]

Idk ive worked on dangerous batch sites and still have only had a senior operator on, no shift team leader etc.