Dual Benefits of Damage Mechanism Reviews

A number of regulatory agencies have recommended modernization of PSM standard in recent past. Process Hazard Analysis (PHA) and Mechanical Integrity (MI) were the focus points of these recommendations. Damage Mechanism Review (DMR) is therefore proposed to be added as an element to the existing PSM standard in order 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 covers 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 Equipment Reliability Plans (ERPs), and implementing Risk Based Work Selection (RBWS) process for turnaround work scope finalization. These best practices are aimed to make a hydrocarbon facility pacesetter in achieving its process safety 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 refinery leadership team to understand these lateral benefits to avoid duplicating effort and be cost-effective in using several complementing best practices at site.