Process Safety Management Services for FRP Equipment

• Preventive Maintenance Inspection and Evaluation
• Verify and Document Extent of Code Compliance
• Recommendations to Establish Code Compliance
• Evaluation of Process Changes
• Evaluation of Mechanical Integrity
• Design of Equipment Replacement or Modification
• Pre-Startup Safety Review
• Supplement Owner's Process Hazard Analysis Team
• Training and Qualification of Inspection Personnel
• Assist with Emergency Action Plan
• Develop Procedures to Maintain Mechanical Integrity

Overview

FSE has implemented Preventive Maintenance programs for FRP equipment in many industrial facilities over the last ten years. FSE structures reporting procedures and inspection and testing methods to align with specific elements of OSHA's Process Safety Management (PSM) standard, 1910.119.

The purpose of OSHA's PSM standard is to prevent or minimize the consequences of catastrophic releases of hazardous chemicals. FSE can contribute to the owner's total compliance program by ensuring the mechanical integrity and ongoing suitability for service of existing and new FRP storage tanks, process vessels, piping and ducting systems.

OSHA 1910.119 requires that the owner document that the equipment complies with recognized and generally accepted good engineering practices. With FRP equipment, this means having experience with the specialized inspection procedures and engineering concepts required to appropriately evaluate FRP equipment. FSE is the recognized industry leader in providing the full integration of these FRP engineering services.

• FSE PSM Services Provided
• Objectives and Benefits of PSM

Who is Required to Implement PSM?

The OSHA PSM regulations apply to any workplace where highly hazardous chemicals (HHCs) are used, stored, manufactured, handled, processed or moved on site. The only exceptions are retail facilities, oil or gas well drilling or servicing operations, or normally unoccupied remote facilities.

HHCs include:

• Toxic or reactive chemicals that are present at or above their designated threshold planning quantity.
  
  
• Flammable liquids or gases in quantities of 10,000 pounds or more in one location, except:
  • Hydrocarbon fuels used solely at the workplace, unless they are part of a process containing another HHC and
    
    
  • Flammable liquids that are kept below their atmospheric boiling point without benefit of chilling or refrigeration

FSE PSM Consulting Services Provided

With over 20 years of experience in the field, FSE provides the full spectrum of FRP engineering, inspection and testing services. Each service is important to your PSM program, especially your mechanical integrity compliance program.

These basic services include engineering and design, project management, contractor qualification, training of plant personnel in basic inspection techniques and basic repairs, quality assurance inspection and a fully developed planned maintenance program for your fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) process equipment. All of these services are integrated by an experienced FSE engineering team.

The OSHA PSM program contains 14 main points. FSE has targeted 9 of these areas of compliance support for FRP equipment and can provide them to the owner. These 9 areas are:

• Process Safety Information
  
  
• Process Hazard Analysis
  
  
• Operating Procedures
  
  
• Contractors
  
  
• Pre-startup Safety Reviews
  
  
• Mechanical Integrity
  
  
• Management of Change
  
  
• Incident Investigation
  
  
• Emergency Planning and Response

Objectives and Benefits of PSM

The primary objective of PSM is to reduce the number of fatalities and injuries resulting from catastrophic releases of hazardous substances. Other potential benefits to the owner include:

• Enhanced productivity due to fewer process disruptions and accidental shutdowns
  
  
• Decreased labor turnover due to a safer work environment
  
  
• More efficient utilization of space, labor and equipment as a result of required plant reviews, leading to potential operating and product cost savings
  
  
• An improved, integrated approach to process design, construction, operation and maintenance, with process safety as the central focus of concern
  
  
• More consistent product quality
  
  
• Lower insurance premiums