Recent Blog Posts

PSI Explained: Design Codes and Standards Employed

July 11th, 2017

In addition to the technical documentation that we have discussed previously (P&IDs, Ventilation System Design, Relief System Design and Design Basis, etc.), Title 8 CCR §5189(d)(3)(A)(6) and Title 29 CFR §1910.119(d)(3)(i)(F) require that a facility have documentation describing the “Design Codes and Standards Employed” readily available for each PSM chemical process. This documentation serves multiple purposes: […]

PSI Explained: Ventilation System Design

June 27th, 2017

Similar to the Relief System Design and Design Basis, Title 8 CCR §5189(d)(3)(A)(5) and Title 29 CFR §1910.119(d)(3)(i)(E) require that the owner of a PSM chemical process prepare documentation describing the design of the ventilation systems associated with the process. With regard to ammonia refrigeration machinery room ventilation, we have written about the current ventilation system […]

PSI Explained: Relief System Design and Design Basis

June 13th, 2017

Relief System Design and Design Basis is one of the most commonly inspected components of Process Safety Information (Title 8 CCR §5189(d)(3)(A)(4) and Title 29 CFR §1910.119(d)(3)(i)(D)). This documentation, when prepared correctly, will describe the basis by which a relief system was designed. Notice that the requirement is not limited to “relief valves”, but rather […]

PSI Explained: Electrical Classification

May 29th, 2017

Flammable, combustible, and toxic chemicals often require special electrical considerations to prevent accidental ignition caused by motors, wiring, and other equipment. Title 8 CCR §5189(d)(3)(A)(3.) and Title 29 CFR §1910.119(d)(3)(i)(C) require that the information pertaining to the equipment in the process include Electrical Classification. Electrical classification documentation may include: A written statement describing the applicable […]

PSI Explained: Piping and Instrument Diagrams (P&IDs)

May 16th, 2017

If Process Safety Information is the foundation of a PSM program, then Piping and Instrument Diagrams (P&IDs) are the cornerstone. An engineer or technician that desires to familiarize with a chemical process will often first turn to the P&IDs because of the detailed equipment information included on the diagrams. P&IDs must include at least the […]