Process safety programs require that all equipment be designed, operated and maintained to the highest standards. In practical terms this requirement means that if the equipment and piping always retains its integrity, i.e., if it does not leak, then then highly hazardous materials will not be released. (The term used by OSHA — Mechanical Integrity — is too limiting; integrity programs should incorporate instrumentation and other non-mechanical items. The phrase ‘Asset Integrity’ is a better choice.)

Piping and valves have their own topic page.

Equipment Covered

The following is a list of the typical equipment covered by a process safety asset integrity program.

• Pressure Vessels and Columns
• Storage Tanks
• Pumps
• Compressors
• Turbines
• Heat Exchangers
• Air-Cooled Exchangers
• Cooling Towers
• Fired Heaters
• Flares / Blowdown
• Boilers
• Internal Combustion Engines
• Electrical Equipment
• Buildings

Regulations, Codes and Standards

There are many regulations, codes and standards to do with the mechanical integrity element of process safety management programs. Some of the key standards-setting bodies are:

• American Chemistry Council / Responsible Care®
• American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
• American Petroleum Institute (API)
• American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
• International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

In the United States important process safety management regulations are published by:

• The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
• The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) 
• The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE)

Articles and Safety Moments

Articles, safety moments and other publications are listed below.