API RP 755

As a result of the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) investigation of the 2005 BP Texas City incident, the CSB issued several recommendations including the development of an American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standard that develops “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 fatigue in the workplace. Owners and operators should 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 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.