(6c) Block and Check Valves in Process Safety: Addressing the Mechanical Integrity Element of PSM

One of the 14 Elements for a compliant OSHA Process Safety Management program is Mechanical Integrity, which includes block and check valve applications in piping systems. Process safety incidents involving manually operated, self actuated, and automated block valves have occurred when this technology is not understood or not implemented correctly.

This presentation will focus on the importance of valves when their shut-off capabilities and back flow prevention are critical to process safety. It will highlight the best choices for different valve styles (gate, globe, plug, ball, butterfly, and check), and address safety and functionality trade-offs when selecting a valve.

It will showcase process safety incidents where improper valve selection and misapplications were the root cause of the failure, and how to prevent occurrences at end users facilities by utilizing OSHA PSM principles.