Handbook for Process Safety in Laboratories and Pilot Plants

6 Standards for the LAPP

6.1 RBPS Element 2: Compliance with Standards

Element 2: Compliance with Standards is focused on implementing programs or management system practices and procedures to ensure that applicable codes, standards, and guidelines are identified, understood, and appropriately followed.

Compliance with standards is a system to identify, develop, acquire, evaluate, and provide access to applicable standards and codes that affect safety. The standards system addresses both internal and external standards; national and international codes and standards; and local, state, and federal regulations and laws. The system makes this information easily and quickly accessible to potential users. The standards system interacts in some manner with every RBPS management system element. Knowledge of standards helps a company (1) operate and maintain a safe facility, (2) consistently implement process safety practices, and (3) minimize legal liability.

The types of standards to be included in listings of requirements are those covering the design, operation and maintenance of both the facilities and the equipment. Several examples of standards relevant to LAPPs are covered in this chapter. Other examples are referenced in discussions of specific types of common hazards and their controls in research facilities.

The relevant standards for facilities and equipment should be listed in a site registry and/or stored in the process and equipment information data base for use as required ...