API Updates Fire Protection Standard for Refineries

WASHINGTON, October 24, 2024 – The American Petroleum Institute (API) today announced the publication of Addendum 1 to API RP 2001, 10th Edition, “Fire Protection in Refineries.” This addendum strengthens existing fire safety measures by introducing new protocols for pre-planning and incident response in refineries. 

"The latest update to API RP 2001 marks a significant step forward in enhancing fire protection practices across refineries," API Senior Vice President of Global Industry Services Anchal Liddar said. “With the addition of pre-planning and leak response protocols, we are providing refinery operators with the tools they need to prevent and effectively respond to fire-related incidents." 

Key Features and Updates 

For more than 90 years, API RP 2001 has served as the industry’s primary standard for refinery fire prevention and protection. The new addendum builds on this legacy by addressing recommendations from the U.S. Chemical Safety Board (CSB), introducing two new annexes: 

• Annex E: Addresses pre-planning fire response scenarios, establishing proactive measures tailored to potential incidents. 

• Annex F: Provides a detailed Leak Response Protocol, offering guidance on safely managing unignited material leaks before they escalate into fire hazards. 

The addendum also reinforces the importance of the Incident Command Structure established in previous editions of the standard. This structured approach helps refinery personnel effectively manage complex fire emergencies, reducing the likelihood of adverse outcomes. 

The release of Addendum 1 to API RP 2001, 10th edition, underscores API’s commitment to protecting workers, communities and the environment while advancing the integrity and reliability of refinery operations. 

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 API represents all segments of America’s natural gas and oil industry, which supports nearly 11 million U.S. jobs and is backed by a growing grassroots movement of millions of Americans. Our approximately 600 members produce, process and distribute the majority of the nation’s energy, and participate in API Energy Excellence®, which is accelerating environmental and safety progress by fostering new technologies and transparent reporting. API was formed in 1919 as a standards-setting organization and has developed more than 800 standards to enhance operational and environmental safety, efficiency and sustainability.

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