Mr. Ken Robertson, President of Exxon Chemical Americas, discussed "protective programs" or "mechanical integrity" programs in a keynote address at the Chemical Manufacturer Association's Plant Inspection and Maintenance Forum in 1990. Indicating that public expectations are increasing, Mr. Robertson noted there is less tolerance for oil and chemical spills as well as tragic plant safety incidents. [7]

The Exxon president reviewed some of his company's process safety management practices relating to maintenance:

First, safety critical systems must be reliable. These systems control releases in the event of accidents. It's necessary to have a critical analyzer, instrument and electrical system test program. This should consist of preventive maintenance and alarm and trip device testing for panel alarms, emergency isolation valves and other critical components. [7]

Also, procedures must be in place to control defeating safety critical systems. Before taking these systems out of service for any length of time, there must be proper authority, communication and detailed contingency planning.

Regular, comprehensive inspections to ensure the safe condition of site equipment is another important consideration. There must be clear lines of responsibility for inspection and maintenance of crucial containment systems. A formal system must be in place for documenting recommendations and communicating them clearly and quickly to the appropriate managers in the organization.

We're doing away with our traditional maintenance mindset of using heroic measures to fix something our approach is to take ownership, to use predictive tools to get ahead of problems.