Mechanical Integrity Equipment Deficiencies

Lesson Objectives  Describe Actions When Equipment Deficiencies Found in Operating Equipment  Describe Written Procedures and Documented Rationale Required to Safely Operate Equipment Until Deficiencies can be Corrected

Discussion  Unsafe Deficiencies Must Be Corrected ASAP or Provisions Made to Assure Safe Operation Until Correction  Examples of Deficiencies  Equipment Outside Acceptable Safety Limits  Failure  Material or System Outside Acceptable Limits  Cannot Perform Intended Function  Examples of Deficiencies  Loss of Vessel Strength Due to Corrosion  Leaks of HHCs  Blind Left Under Relief Valve by Mistake  Critical Switch is Off Calibration  Revised Temporary Operating Procedures May be Required to Continue Operations

Some Tips to Determine Action Plan  Confirm Outside Accepted Limits  Determine if Shutdown is Required to Restore MI  Determine Safety Consequences of Shutting Down Now Vs. Later  Determine What Steps Can be Taken to Accept Consequences of Failure  Bypass Equipment and Adjust Operations  Temporary Repairs to Stop Leaks  Temporary Hookup of Substitute Equipment  Reduction of Operations to Within Acceptable Limits

Justification for Continued Operation In Deficient Condition  Why the Decision was Made to Continue  What Was Done To The Equipment Or Process To Assure Process Safety  Analysis  Monitoring  Reduced Capacity  Other