The mechanical integrity journey—Equipment identification

The development of a functioning mechanical integrity (MI) program is very much like taking a long journey. The first step in that journey is to develop a practical methodology for determining what equipment is to be inspected and tested. When it comes to equipment that contains or handles hazardous materials, this step is crucial from a catastrophic prevention perspective process safety management (PSM), as well as environmental protection and production/cost perspectives. A practical methodology to identify MI equipment for inspection and testing, as well as a table that is used to document MI equipment and tests required were developed and are shared in this article. This article describes an approach that builds on center for chemical process safety guidelines and fulfills both the occupational safety and health administration, process safety management, and environmental protection agency's risk management program regulations, by considering the four following criteria to identify MI equipment: Equipment that provides containment of hazardous materials. Equipment that prevents releases of hazardous materials. Equipment that mitigates releases of hazardous materials. Equipment that supports containment, prevention, or mitigation of releases of hazardous materials. © 2008 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog, 2008