Management of Change Request Form

Why You Need a Management of Change Request Form

Operational changes introduce new risks if you don’t carefully review them before implementing them. Whether you’re modifying equipment, changing materials, or updating procedures, there are safety, environmental, and compliance considerations to address when considering which changes to make. That’s why having a management of change request form is so important.

A request form creates a standard method for submitting ideas for changes. It ensures that your team evaluates the scope and impact of changes before approving them. And most importantly, it helps prevent oversights that could lead to accidents, unplanned downtime, or regulatory violations. Without a formal change management process, your team may become reactive instead of proactive when it comes to risk control.

What to Include in a Change Request Form

The form your team uses for submitting change requests should guide them through the critical steps of change evaluation and approval. It should also capture enough detail to support risk assessments and post-implementation reviews.

• Description of the proposed change
• Reason or justification for the change
• Potential hazards or impacts introduced by the change
• Departments or roles involved in the review process
• Required documentation updates (e.g., procedures, P&IDs, safety data)
• Training or communication needs
• Pre-startup safety review items
• Approval signoffs with names, roles, and dates
• Implementation status and follow-up actions

How to Use the Form to Support Safe, Compliant Changes

Introduce the request form as part of a larger change management system. Make it easily accessible to all departments and provide training on how to complete and submit it. Review each request during regular safety or operations meetings to ensure thorough evaluations.

Once you approve a change, use the form to track implementation steps and verify that they meet all your conditions before startup. Store completed forms for compliance records and reference during audits or investigations. Over time, a form will help establish a proactive safety culture across your company.

You can take this entire process a step further with management of change software like Frontline MOC. It’s a user-friendly system that allows your team to submit change requests, review them before approval, plan and execute implementation, and document everything in a single location. If you’re seeking management of change for compliance reasons, using a software solution is the best way to eliminate reporting gaps and improve overall execution of your strategy.