Maintenance plant layout specification

Specifications Similar to the plant layout specification discussed in Chapter 2, this document highlights maintenance, operator access, clearances, and equipment spacing. 

This document highlights spacing requirements for equipment and access widths and elevation clearances for operator and maintenance access. A typical plant layout specification can be found in Chapter 2. The sample specification shown in Exhibit 3-9 highlights the safety spacing requirements around a process furnace. 

The most conuiion cause of fire accidents in process plants is equipment failure. Tliis is primarily a result of poor equipment maintenance or poor equipment layout and design. Maintenance perfonned according to a detailed and well structured schedule will significantly reduce tlie occurrence of fire accidents. Tlie second largest cause of fire accidents is ignorance of tlie properties of a specific chemical or chemical process. Proper training of employees will increase tlieir knowledge of tlie properties of a specific chemical and chemical process and can prevent many of tliese chemical fire accidents. 

Specific details on maintenance of plant are given later. However, in developing the station layout adequate thought must be given to cranage, storage areas and access for maintenance of heavy plant. 

Suitable provisions shall be made in the design and layout of the plant to minimise exposure and contamination from all sources of radioactivity. Such provisions shall include adequate design of systems and components with respect to low radiation exposure during maintenance and inspection, shielding from direct radiation, reduction of corrosion-product activation by specification of appropriate materials, means of monitoring, control of access to the plant, minimisation of the time to be spent in contaminated areas, and suitable decontamination facilities. 

The specification, selection, layout, maintenance, and operation of plant equipment can influence plant noise levels and employee noise exposures. Each of these items is worth considering when evaluating noise control requirements and available options. For those companies that are moving office workers out onto the factory floor, these considerations are essential. 

Structures are used in most industrial fecilities to accommodate equipment and associated components to suit specific process, real estate, climatic, and client requirements. A structure can be designed to support one or two pieces of equipment or an entire process plant and can be open or enclosed, The principal ob-jeaives in the layout of struaures are to optimize all available space and to suppon safety, maintenance, operation, cost, and constructability. 

Mobley, K., ed. 2001. Plant Engineer s Handbook. Boston BnOerworth-Heinanann. This reference is concerned with industrial operations or maintenance. Coverage includes the basics of plant engineering, layout and location, contracts and specifications, energy and water supply, HVAC, safety and health, maintenance, mechanical and electrical equipment, and statistical applications. 

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