Over the past 30 years, computer simulators became the powerful tool for training industrial process operators to work in normal, extraordinary, and emergency situations. Computer simulators use the most advanced information technologies of simulation, computer emulation and automated instruction. They allow to form and consolidate the reliable skills of safe and efficient industrial processes control for the operators. Computer simulators are wide-spread, including those at the plants of chemical-technological type (oil and gas production and processing, petrochemicals, chemistry, production of mineral fertilizers, pulp and paper, mining and metallurgical, pharmacological, food industries, etc.). Potentially hazardous plants are actively equipped with training systems, especially at the stage of new construction or modernization of the units, and their equipping with the modern control systems. According to the world statistics, over the past ten years the losses from industrial accidents decreased (to a great extent thanks to the use of computer simulators).
Domestic enterprises are experiencing the real training boom in the new millennium. At the same time, the requirements for computer simulators are defined only by Rostechnadzor in the General rules of explosion safety for explosion and fire hazardous chemical, petrochemical and oil refining plants, which cannot serve as a barrier against entering the low-functional solutions to the enterprises. The enterprises themselves are not always able to filter out such proposals. All this happens against the background of worsening emergency statistics and causes anxiety for the professional community.
The paper analyzes the objective and subjective reasons for practical declining in the quality of training. The world best practices are given concerning the development, implementation and support of computer simulators, the transfer of which to the domestic soil would help to reverse the negative trends. The need is shown in developing a standard for computer simulators, which will require to combine efforts of the suppliers, independent experts and regulatory bodies in the field of ensuring occupational safety in industry.
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