API releases three new standards for improving refinery safety issues

The American Petroleum Institute (API) issued three new first edition standards to enhance refinery safety and inspection programs as part of its core commitments to improving workplace safety and protecting the environment. 

“These new recommended practices will enhance safety by helping companies prevent refinery accidents before they happen while helping to mitigate and respond to those incidents that may occur,” said David Miller, director of standards for the API. “The three new standards help improve safety by offering guidance for reducing corrosion, improving efficiency of process safety inspections, and outlining steps for proper pressure equipment incident investigations.”

RP 583, Corrosion Under Insulation and Fireproofing: This standard will assist with industry inspection, and allow maintenance personnel to fully understand the complexity of corrosion under insulation and fireproofing, as well as the subsequent ways to reduce its occurrence at refineries.  

RP 584, Integrity Operating Windows: A key part of process safety is the facility’s inspection program, and this standard was written to assist industry in developing the most efficient and effective inspection program based on each unit’s unique operational history.

RP 585, Pressure Equipment Integrity Incident Investigation: This standard describes how an effective investigation can be structured so organizations can learn from each incident, and use this knowledge to reduce the likelihood of future incidents.

The API's website includes full details on each standard.

The API standards program has grown from the first published standard in 1925 to more than 600 standards and technical reports today, with more than 185 safe operating standards, recommended practices and technical reports for the refining and petrochemical industry. The program is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), the authority on US standards. 

Every API standard is developed in an open process with a public comment period by joint committees of representatives from government, the engineering field, and the oil and natural gas industry. More than 130 API standards have been incorporated in government regulations, and API undergoes regular third-party audits to ensure the program meets ANSI’s essential requirements for openness, balance, consensus and due process.