On October 2, 2023, hosted at the VOCO Hotel in Al Khobar, the Fire & Gas Mapping Technical Seminar was organized by ISA-SAS and MSA – The Safety Company. This in-person seminar dissected and analyzed the critical factors that influence detector placements and numbers to efficiently mitigate fire and toxic gas risks. At its core, the seminar detailed the technicalities involved in ISA TR 84.00.07, an industry-consensus document that outlines best practices in design.
Mr. Ed Marszal, the leading authority in the field with over 25 years of experience, presented the seminar. His deep-rooted knowledge in safety instrumented systems enriched the discourse, offering critical perspectives on fire and gas systems design:
Performance-Based Approach
The seminar underscored the need to move from heuristic techniques to a performance-based approach. This shift ensures more accurate, reliable, and efficient safety systems.
Risk Assessment
Another key takeaway was the urgency to conduct comprehensive risk assessments. The process is essential for determining the required number and strategic placement of fire and gas detectors, allowing for optimal risk mitigation.
Regulatory Compliance
ISA TR 84.00.07 stands as a pivotal guideline that must be followed rigorously. This technical report expounds on the methodologies for designing safety systems that meet and exceed industrial safety norms.
The discussions moved beyond theoretical guidelines to include real-world examples, thereby providing a holistic understanding of the design complexities in safety systems.
The seminar was an invaluable resource for professionals, particularly those in the energy sector—power, water, oil, gas, and petrochemicals.
