(83c) Dual Benefits of Damage Mechanism Reviews

Several regulatory agencies have recommended modernization of PSM standard in the recent past. Process Hazard Analysis (PHA) and Mechanical Integrity (MI) were the focus points of these recommendations with greater emphasis on damage mechanism review. Damage Mechanism Review (DMR) is therefore proposed to be added to Mechanical Integrity element of the OSHA PSM standard to overcome the perceived weakness in its application. Numerous PSM consultants have proposed their methodologies of accommodating Damage Mechanism Review (DMR) in the process of ensuring compliance with PSM standard. But there are lateral benefits of conducting site wide or unit wide damage mechanism reviews. This paper intends to cover the usefulness of Damage Mechanism Reviews (DMRs) beyond just the compliance with PSM standard. The DMR activity could very well assist other industry best practices such as launching a robust Inspection Program, developing Integrity Operating Windows (IOWs) and Risk Driven Asset Reliability Plans (ARPs), performing fitness for service and roll out a bad actor management program at site. These best practices are aimed to make an operating facility pacesetter in achieving its process safety, integrity, and reliability goals. Once the proposed changes are finalized into PSM standard, Damage Mechanism Review (DMR) will become a regulatory requirement for PSM facilities. Therefore, it becomes essential for the facility leadership team to understand these lateral benefits to avoid duplicating effort and be cost-effective in using other complementing best practices at site.