The term Quality Assurance appears in this section of the regulation. Quality Assurance specifically refers to new equipment. Mechanical integrity issues related to the initial design of equipment, piping, and instrumentation design, as well as the construction and installation of equipment, is beyond the scope of this book and requires a library of references. If you need an overview look at design, consider reviewing the 1995 publication Handbook of Highly Toxic Materials Handling and Management. [2] The handbook devotes a chapter to design and operating considerations for process equipment. There is practical information on codes, corrosion basics, containment, inerting, as well as specific information on various classes of equipment. The handbook also looks at design considerations for piping and instrumentation, providing good information on the basics covering valves, gaskets, expansion joints, and design awareness concepts on instrumentation. Finally, it addresses the storage of toxic materials and provides a comprehensive look at the assessment of risk, "inherently safer" design, and other information vital to a safe design.

In addition, the American Institute of Chemical Engineers publishes Guidelines for Safe Storage and Handling of High Toxic Hazard Materials. [5] "Design of Storage and Piping Systems," one of the chapter titles, provides information on vessel design, low-pressure tank guidelines, piping design, and other pertinent design considerations. It also presents over six pages of valuable references. Over 200 individual codes and standards are listed a valuable resource for new engineers. [5]