Installation Mechanical Integrity Program

Equipment used to process, store, or handle highly hazardous chemicals must be designed constructed, installed and maintained to minimize the risk of release. A systematic, scheduled, test and maintenance program is preferred over "breakdown" maintenance " that could compromise safety. Elements of a mechanical integrity program include 1) identification and categorization of equipment and instrumentation, 2) documentation of manufacturer data on mean time to failure, 3 ) test and inspection frequencies, 4) maintenance procedures, 5) training of maintenance personnel, 6) test criteria, and 7) documentation of test and inspection results. 

Mechanical Integrity PSSR verifies maintenance task procedures are in place and workers have been trained on the tasks and applicable safe work practices. PSSR verifies equipment has been reviewed for placement in the mechanical integrity program and that it was designed and installed according to codes, standards, and manufecturers recommendations. 

This topic, the full name of which is Assurance of Quality and Mechanical Integrity of Critical Equipment, requires that procedures have to be in place and implemented so that critical equipment is designed, fabricated, installed, tested, inspected, monitored, and maintained in a manner consistent with appropriate service requirements, manufacturer s recommendations, or industry standards. Contractors should have programs in place to address the safety of their own critical equipment. 

The Mechanical Integrity element of PSM was also a critical issue as the temporary pipe had not been designed according to established engineering standards. Also, there must have been problems with the integrity or inspection program before the accident. After all, if the leak in the pressure vessel had not occurred, there would have been no need to install a bypass. 

The Army should direct installations to implement, in coordination with program staff, a strategy that includes development of public involvement mechanisms. Such mechanisms must be fully integrated with project schedules so that the public has a genuine opportunity to provide input to project decisions. Their goal must be to engage both the lo-... 

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