Definition:
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is a U.S. government agency responsible for environmental protection regulations, including those affecting chemical process safety. They own the very large and complex set of regulations known as Risk Management Plan (RMP). It is this RMP (along with PSM by OSHA) that together trigger IEC 61511-1 in the US.
Key Points:
- Regulates the Risk Management Program (RMP) under 40 CFR Part 68.
- Focuses on catastrophic release prevention similar to OSHA PSM.
- Has other regulations indirectly related to functional safety like the Toxic Substances Control Act
Example:
A chemical facility with more than the threshold quantity (TQ) of ammonia would fall under RMP. The rule has numerous requirements, one of which is to strongly encourage facilities to follow IEC 61511-1 and another is to submit an RMP plan.
Cited Source:
- 40 CFR 68.
- EPA Main Site