Mechanical Integrity entails which elements, and which PSM element does it support?

• A. It is primarily about safety training and procedural compliance.
• B. Mechanical integrity covers design, preventive maintenance, inspection, and testing to ensure equipment works safely; supports the Mechanical Integrity element of PSM.
• C. It concerns financial risk management.
• D. It only relates to labeling and hazard communication.

Answer: (B)

Mechanical Integrity focuses on keeping equipment reliable and operable throughout its life. It includes designing systems that are fit for service, performing preventive maintenance, conducting regular inspections, and carrying out testing to verify that equipment can operate safely under expected conditions. This combination is what ensures equipment won’t fail unexpectedly and cause releases, fires, or other hazards. That is why it supports the Mechanical Integrity element of the PSM program—the ongoing, practical activities that maintain equipment in safe condition. The other areas mentioned don’t fit because safety training and procedural compliance relate to people and procedures, financial risk management deals with economic aspects, and labeling and hazard communication pertain to information and warnings rather than the condition of equipment.