Drafting a workable mechanical integrity inspection program
- Schindler & Associates, Corpus Christi, TX (United States); and others
As nearly all petroleum, chemical, and petrochemical processors are now aware, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration`s Process Safety Management Standard (OSHA PSM 29 CFR 1910.119) requires that each facility establish and implement written procedures to maintain the on-going integrity of process equipment covered by the Standard. An integral part of these procedures is a detailed inspection program which defines key elements to be used in assessing the pressure-boundary integrity of pressure vessels, tanks, piping, pumps, and operability of controls and safety devices to prevent unanticipated events. Since the advent of this rule (in early 1992), many organizations are continuing to struggle to produce this written inspection program. The ultimate goal is to write self-imposed requirements in compliance to the broadly-stated 1910.119 paragraphs, and, concurrently, provide for flexibility in implementation to recognize the scheduling realities and economics of the industry, Unfortunately, this {open_quotes}middle ground {close_quotes}appears difficult to achieve, as inspection programs ranging from 3 pages to several volumes have been observed. OSHA audit results have shown that many plants lack sufficient information or have inadequate programs, while plant inspectors complain that they have excessive requirements which impedes proper implementation. This paper will discuss some of the more common misunderstandings and misconceptions that can occur when preparing a Mechanical Integrity Inspection Program (MIIP), and, from the author`s perspective, provide some suggestions and ideas on how to achieve a more balanced approach when preparing a new inspection program or when revising an existing program. Suggested inspection program topics and presentation order will be provided at the end of the discussion, along with a summary of suggestions to remember when drafting or revising an MIIP.
- OSTI ID:
- 269140
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-960107--
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Mechanical integrity implementation and related process safety management elements
Management of change lessons learned