Recent Blog Posts

P&IDs and Emergencies (Part 4)

May 11th, 2021

Preparation is critical for emergency readiness. At a chemical facility, an accurate P&ID is an indispensable tool to aid hazmat responders in making decisions during a crisis. With this in mind, P&IDs must be readily available to responders at all times. Often, chemical leaks can be stopped by closing a downstream isolation valve. The P&ID […]

P&IDs and PHAs (Part 3)

April 27th, 2021

Title 29 CFR 1910.119(d) requires that process safety information be developed prior to conducting a PHA. Therefore, one can conclude that it is unacceptable to complete a PHA when P&IDs are absent. But if having P&IDs available is simply viewed as a formality, the PHA team will not reap the benefits of the drawings. Often […]

P&IDs and SOPs (Part 2)

April 13th, 2021

RMP, PSM, and CalARP regulations require that operating procedures (SOPs) be developed and implemented to provide clear instructions to safely conduct activities involved in a chemical process. The law requires that SOPs be “consistent with the process safety information”. If you accept the premise that P&IDs are the cornerstone of process safety information, then it […]

Introduction to P&IDs (Part 1)

March 30th, 2021

It has been a few years since we last wrote about P&IDs. While most operators recognize that P&IDs are important, we often find there is confusion when it comes to using the diagrams in day-to-day operation. In the next few blogs, we will provide practical guidance to enable operators at PSM facilities to utilize P&IDs […]

Is Gas Detection Required for Outdoor Storage of Chlorine Cylinders and Containers?

March 16th, 2021

Chlorine is an essential chemical in any industrialized society. Widely used as a disinfectant to kill bacteria, treat drinking water, and maintain proper swimming pool chemistry, chlorine is also acutely toxic, with low levels of exposure causing nose, throat, and eye irritation. High levels of chlorine exposure can result in permanent respiratory or eye damage, […]