Episode 113 - The Challenges of Aging Facilities

Amplify Your Process Safety

In this episode, inspired by the CSB investigation update into the 2023 explosion and toxic chemical release at the Honeywell facility in Geismer, LA, Rob and Molly discuss the challenges of aging equipment and infrastructure at chemical plants and refineries. They discuss the aforementioned Honeywell incident, as well as three others where poorly maintained equipment was a key factor that ultimately led to an incident. Then they move on to discuss managing the asset life cycle, warning signs related to aging equipment, equipment deficiency management, and some considerations for aging support equipment and infrastructure.

Find the U.S. Chemical Safety Board Releases Investigation Update into 2023 Explosion and Toxic Chemical Release at Honeywell Facility in Geismer, LA here.

Here are the CCPS books we mentioned that are great resources to look into:

• Dealing with Aging Process Facilities and Infrastructures
• Recognizing Catastrophic Incident Warning Signs in the Process Industries
• Guidelines for Asset Integrity Management

And finally, here are a few related podcast episodes we recommend:

• Episode 1 - Intro to Mechanical Integrity (MI) & RAGAGEP
• Episode 7 - API 510 with Guest William McBride
• Episode 75 - Mechanical Integrity (MI) Inspection Requirements with Guest William McBride
• PSM: Back to Basics, Part 6 - Mechanical Integrity (MI)