Mechanical Integrity Practices

Employers must inspect and test process equipment, using procedures that follow recognized and generally accepted good engineering practices. The frequency of inspections and tests of process equipment must conform to the manufacturers' recommendations and good engineering practices. Employers may conduct the inspections and tests more frequently if they are determined to be necessary based on prior operating experience. Employers must document each inspection and test on process equipment, and include the following information:

• The date of the inspection or test
• The name of the person who performed the inspection or test
• The serial number or other identifier of the equipment on which the inspection or test was performed
• A description of the inspection or test performed
• The results of the inspection or test

The employer must correct any equipment deficiencies outside the acceptable limits defined by the process safety information before any further use of the equipment.

In constructing new plants and equipment, the employer must ensure that the equipment is suitable for the process application for which it will be used. The employer must perform the appropriate checks and inspections to ensure that the equipment is installed properly, and is consistent with design specifications and the manufacturer's instructions.

Also, the employer must ensure that maintenance materials, spare parts, and equipment are suitable for the process application for which they will be used.

To learn more about Process Safety Management visit our Cal/OSHA Process Safety Management Online Training web page.