Facility Siting is a fundamental part of a process safety management system, and is at the heart of providing necessary protection to onsite employees and contractors. Past incidents have demonstrated the importance of an appropriate approach to facility siting, with the need to consider all potential hazards.
Recent EPA RMP updates in 2024 require, among other things, consideration of hazards posed by proximate facilities, and accident release consequences posed by proximity to the public. These new requirements are causing companies to re-evaluate their existing facility siting studies.
With updated editions of API RP 752, 753 and 756 being released in January 2024, there are many additional requirements which should be considered. One update from the latest editions is the refuge concept, where a building or room could provide protection as either a safe haven or a shelter-in-place.
This presentation provides clarity on the different facility siting refuge options, as well as discussing the different types of hazards that a refuge may be required to protect against. Guidance is also provided related to evaluating hazards from proximate facilities to comply with the EPA RMP requirements.