scope:

1.3 Scope

1.3.1 APPLICATIONS

1.3.1.1 This recommended practice is intended for facilities that use, produce, process, or store the following substances:

a. Flammable or explosive substances that are present in such quantity and condition that a sudden, catastrophic release of more than 5 tons of gas or vapor can occur over a matter of minutes, based on credible failure scenarios and the properties of the materials involved (see Appendixes A and B).

b. Toxic substances that have a substance hazard index (SHI) greater than 5000 (see Appendix C) and that are present in amounts above a threshold quantity.

1.3.1.2 Toxic substances commonly handled by the petroleum industry that meet the SHI criteria include hydrogen sulfide (H2S), chlorine (CI2), hydrogen fluoride (HF), and ammonia (NH3). The following facilities are examples of those to which this recommended practice may be applicable, based on the criteria of 1.3.1.1, Item b:

a. Hydrogen sulfide and sulfur recovery facilities.

b. Chlorine handling and storage facilities.

c. Hydrogen fluoride alkylation and storage facilities.

d. Ammonia storage and refrigeration facilities.

An illustrative list of substances, along with calculated SHI values, is included in Appendix C as Table C-1.

1.3.2 APPLICABILITY OF RECOMMENDED PRACTICE

This recommended practice was developed for refineries, petrochemical operations, and major processing facilities. The following operations are not within the scope of this recommended practice:

a. Distribution, retail, and jobber operations.

b. Liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities and pipeline and transportation operations regulated by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).

c. Oil and gas well drilling, service, and production facilities and operations covered by the U.S. Minerals Management Service (MMS).

d. Natural gas processing facilities excluded by Appendix B.

e. Storage of hydrocarbon fuels solely for on-site consumption.

f. Storage of flammable or combustible nonreactive, bulk liquid materials at atmospheric pressure without benefit of chilling or refrigeration, and the transfer of those materials.

Storage facilities for liquefied petroleum gases, including surface facilities for underground storage caverns, are within the scope of this recommended practice, unless specifically excluded by Item d above.

When measures are taken in accordance with this recommended practice, such measures should conform to the most current provisions of any applicable, federal, state, or local regulations.