API RP 755

As a result of the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) investigation of a 2005 refinery incident in Texas City, TX, the CSB issued several recommendations, including the development of an American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standard on “fatigue prevention guidelines for the refining and petrochemical industries that, at a minimum, limit hours and days of work and address shift work.”

ANSI/API RP 755 provides guidance to all stakeholders (e.g. employees, managers, supervisors) on understanding, recognizing, and managing employee fatigue in the workplace. Should sites decide to use this document, the owners/operators shall establish policies and procedures to meet the purpose of this recommended practice.

This document was developed for refineries, petrochemical and chemical operations, natural gas liquefaction plants, and other facilities such as those covered by the OSHA Process Safety Management Standard, 29 CFR 1910.119. This document is intended to apply to a workforce that is commuting daily to a job location.

ANSI/API RP 755 applies to all employees working night shifts, rotating shifts, extended hours/days, or call outs who are involved in process safety-sensitive actions. It should also be considered for others making process safety-sensitive decisions. On-site contractors involved in process safety-sensitive actions shall have fatigue risk management systems equivalent to the criteria outlined in this document.