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PCE

PCE — Process Containment Event

An unplanned loss of containment involving hazardous process materials from primary containment.

Definition

A Process Containment Event (PCE) is an unplanned release or loss of containment of hazardous process materials from primary containment that has the potential to impact personnel, the environment, assets or business operations. Process Containment Events are monitored to support process safety performance, incident investigation and continual improvement of asset integrity programs.

Why It Matters

Process Containment Events provide a standardized basis for monitoring and improving process safety performance.

In Practice

Process Containment Events are commonly classified according to established organizational or industry reporting criteria, such as API Recommended Practice 754, to support consistent performance measurement and benchmarking.

Common Misuse

A Process Containment Event describes a reportable process safety event involving loss of containment, whereas Loss of Primary Containment refers specifically to the physical release from primary containment.

Term Details
Synonyms:
PCE; Process Containment Event; Loss of Containment Event; Process Safety Event
Classification:
Process Safety
Concept
Advanced
Applications

Process Safety; Asset Integrity; Risk Management.

Where It's Used

Oil and gas.; Petrochemical.; Chemical processing.; Manufacturing.; Power generation.

References

API RP 754

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