What is a DigiTARP?

TARPs or Trigger Action Response Plans have spread from Mining to adjacent industries. TARPs are plans, deliberately developed and put into place to mitigate risks anticipated from a specific set of conditions. 

A TARP defines the minimum set of actions required by workers in response to a deviation from normal working conditions.

TARPs can be used to determine the differences between conditions in:

• a normal environment

• an abnormal environment (e.g. equipment malfunctioning or overheating)

• an emergency situation, or

• any predefined situation

They define the required actions relevant to each situation.

TARPs should:

• be simple and robust

• be adequately resourced in terms of personnel and equipment, including monitoring systems

• focus on prevention and control through early detection

• set triggers through detailed knowledge of what is normal

• be regularly reviewed and revised as necessary

• be based on the best available on-site and off-site advice.

The DigiTARP is designed to monitor the triggers, and when exceeded provide the actions required in response to the trigger. It can also be used to record if the actions have been successfully undertaken.

The advantages of a DigiTARP are:

• a clear set of actions for a given situation that can be communicated to those who need to take action

• constant monitoring of the triggers

• a historical record of triggers and actions for auditing purposes or continual improvement

• consistency in application