He American Petroleum Institute (API) reported on the recent publication of the latest editions of three fundamental security standards: the fourth edition of the Recommended Practice 752 (RP 752) on the Management of hazards associated with the location of permanent buildings in process plants; the second edition of the Recommended Practice 753 (RP 753) regarding risk management associated with the location of portable buildings in process plants; and the second edition of the Recommended Practice 756 (RP 756) which addresses the management of hazards associated with the placement of tents in process plants.
These updates are intended to comprehensively improve the safety of professionals who work daily at oil and natural gas facilities, providing detailed guidelines for the location of permanent buildings, trailers and tents. This approach is designed to minimize risks to personnel related to potential explosion hazards, fires, and release of toxic materials.
“The updated editions of RP 752, 753 and 756 and our associated security assessment program reflect API’s proactive approach to adapting to the industry’s evolving challenges and technologies.“said Anchal Liddar, senior vice president of API’s Global Industrial Services (GIS) division.”They will foster a culture of continuous improvement and vigilance, while helping to minimize risks associated with process plant structures“.
About updating API standards
These documents are intended to strategically establish the location of personnel at a safe distance from process areas, recognizing the high flammability of oil and natural gas. This involves reducing the use of buildings and tents in proximity to these areas, carefully managing their occupancy, especially during high-risk operations, such as planned closures.
These updates contribute to improved safety and performance, evidencing API’s continued commitment to safety, sustainability and operational integrity.
These three API standards form the basis for facility siting assessments conducted as part of the Process Safety Site Assessment Program (PSSAP). In the coming months, API will conduct a review of the PSSAP protocol for facility siting, incorporating these updated standards. Evaluation of the updated protocol is scheduled for June 2024, giving the industry six months to assimilate the new and updated requirements.
Notably, these editions, which incorporate 62 new mandatory requirements , include expanded sections on fire hazards and toxic release, along with new examples and clarifications. A significant addition is the alignment of the toxic haven approach with API RP 751, which addresses the safe operation of hydrofluoric acid alkylation units. Additionally, guidance is included on the treatment of portable buildings that function as permanent structures.
The release of these standards highlights API’s ongoing efforts to adapt to new challenges and constantly improve safety in the oil and natural gas industry. These standards will be presented at AFPM’s upcoming Advancing Process Safety (APS) Summit in January 2024. API’s PSSAP program is part of this initiative, and the PSSAP strategy for updating the associated assessment protocol will be discussed during the summit, with the intention of gathering industry feedback on its update.
API represents all sectors of the oil and natural gas industry in the United States, supporting more than 11 million jobs in the country and with the support of a growing grassroots movement of millions of Americans. Our nearly 600 members are responsible for the production, processing and distribution of most of the nation’s energy and participate in API Energy Excellence®, an initiative that drives environmental and safety advancement by promoting new technologies and transparent reporting. Founded in 1919 as a standards-setting organization, API has developed more than 800 standards with the goal of improving operational and environmental safety, efficiency, and sustainability.
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Source and photo: www.api.org
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