Process Safety Management and Mechanical Integrity Panel Discussion, 1994 Engineering Conference Proceedings

M. Gorog

OSHA’s Process Safety Management (PSM) Standard, 29 CFR 1910.119, took effect May 1992 with primary objectives to reduce the number of fatalities and injuries associated with catastrophic releases of hazardous substances. OSHA estimates that compliance can reduce catastrophic explosions by 80% and prevent 264 deaths and 1,534 injuries every year.

The regulation identifies a list of toxic, reactive and flammable substances. Some of the covered chemicals that apply to the pulp and paper industry are chlorine, chlorine dioxide, hydrogen peroxide, ammonia, nitric acid and sulfur dioxide.

The panel discussion on process safety management will provide a summary of the rule. Since corrosion will impact Mechanical Integrity, there will be additional focuses on this element. Don Muroaka, Radian Corporation, will give an overview of the regulation and note recent changes or updates. Charles Jackson will discuss the PSM program at Westvaco’s Charleston, SC pulp mill. Doug Sharp, GPS Technologies, will discuss inspection and testing, a requirement of the Mechanical Integrity program. Steve Meiley will explain the elements and status of the pressure vessel and tank program at Champion International.