Pressure Vessels 29 CFR 1910.106, 1910.216, and

Pressure vessel design, construction, and inspection is referenced in the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, 1968, and current 1910.106(b), 1910.217(b)(12), 1910.261(a)(3), and OSHA Technical Manual CPL 2-2.208, Chapter 10 (Pressure Vessel Guidelines). These set the guidelines for pressure vessel safety. Two consequences result from a complete rupture (1) blast effects can happen due to a sudden expansion of the pressurized fluid, and (2) fragmentation damage and injury can result if vessel rupture occurs. 

In the event of leakage failure, the hazard consequences can range from no effect to very serious effects. Suffocation or poisoning can occur, depending on the nature of the contained fluid, if the leakage occurs into a closed space. Fire and explosion can cause physical hazards when a flammable fluid ignites. Chemical and thermal bums can result from contact with process liquids. 

Most of the pressure or storage vessels in service in the United States have been designed and constructed in accordance with one of the following two pressure vessel design codes  

The ASME Code, or Section VIII of the ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code  

The API Standard 620 or the American Petroleum Institute Code, which provides rules for lower pressure vessels not covered by the ASME Code 

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