4 entries found for "January, 2026"

Owner Management Support is Fundamental to Achieving What "Good Inspection" Looks Like

by Michael Hurley, 1/28/2026

Tags: Human Factors Inspection Mechanical Integrity

A "good inspection" is determined by whether an organization allows the truth about equipment condition to surface and then acts on it. While NDE methods and codes are important, they cannot compensate for weak ownership. This post explores how management defines the purpose of inspection, controls quality variables like scope and follow-up, and establishes the psychological safety necessary for true risk identification.

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Execution Failures: The Main Cause of PSM Loss-of-Containment

by Michael Hurley, 1/21/2026

Tags: Asset Performance Management Mechanical Integrity Process Safety Management Risk Management

Investigations by the CSB and industry standards like API RP 754 reveal that the majority of loss-of-containment events are preventable through disciplined execution. While degradation mechanisms are often well understood and corrective actions identified, disasters frequently occur because repairs are delayed or inspections are deferred. This post explores how organizational accountability and robust governance can prevent these systemic breakdowns in PSM execution.

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What Does "Good" Actually Look Like in Inspection?

by Michael Hurley, 1/14/2026

Tags: Damage Mechanisms Inspection Mechanical Integrity Probability

In mechanical integrity, we often confuse activity with assurance. A thick report or "100% coverage" means nothing if the inspection tool cannot "see" the damage morphology. This post explores what "good" inspection actually looks like by shifting the focus toward meaningfully reducing uncertainty. Learn the critical questions every program must answer and how to align NDE physics with specific damage mechanisms to prevent loss-of-containment events.

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Got Out of 2025 with Only 9 U.S. Refinery Fires and Explosions - A Safety Checkpoint Worth Noting

by Michael Hurley, 1/7/2026

Tags: Mechanical Integrity Process Safety Management Regulation Risk

In 2025, the U.S. refining industry recorded approximately nine publicly reported fires and explosions. Notable events at Chevron’s El Segundo facility and HF Sinclair’s Navajo refinery underscore the persistent risks associated with mechanical failure and process safety gaps. This report analyzes why these statistics, though seemingly modest, demand a continued focus on maintenance and hazard identification to prevent future high-consequence events.

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4 entries found for "January, 2026"

Owner Management Support is Fundamental to Achieving What "Good Inspection" Looks Like

Execution Failures: The Main Cause of PSM Loss-of-Containment

What Does "Good" Actually Look Like in Inspection?

Got Out of 2025 with Only 9 U.S. Refinery Fires and Explosions - A Safety Checkpoint Worth Noting

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