Recently, the State Administration for Market Regulation issued a notice to launch a pilot program on integrity management for pressure-bearing special equipment at 21 major chemical enterprises with established management systems in 13 provinces and municipalities, including Tianjin, Liaoning, Shanghai, and Jiangsu, thereby actively exploring new approaches to the scientific regulation of high-risk special equipment.

Pressure‑bearing special equipment, including pressure vessels and pressure pipelines, is extensively used in the chemical industry and serves as the “heart” and “blood vessels” of industrial production. At present, China has more than 6.08 million pressure vessels and over 119,000 kilometers of pressure pipelines; among these, pressure vessels used by 25,000 chemical enterprises account for more than 1.54 million units, while pressure pipelines total over 250,000 kilometers. Due to harsh operating conditions such as high temperature and high pressure, this type of equipment is prone to leaks, fires, and explosions, which directly jeopardize public safety and property and can also impede economic development. Consequently, it is a key focus of safety regulation for governments worldwide.

Equipment integrity management, which relies on risk identification, risk assessment, risk monitoring, and risk control as its core tools, is akin to a “general practitioner” systematically “taking the pulse” and conducting a “diagnosis” of equipment on a regular basis. It promptly detects potential “pathologies,” enabling early prevention and timely “treatment.” The ultimate goal is to mitigate risks and proactively eliminate hidden hazards before accidents occur, ensuring that equipment operates safely, reliably, and economically—thus fully embodying the principle of “the highest form of medicine prevents illness before it arises.”

The pilot chemical enterprises have three primary tasks: First, designate an integrity management department for pressure‑bearing special equipment, clearly defining its organizational structure, management responsibilities, and operational mechanisms. Second, conduct risk analysis and control. Perform risk assessments for pressure‑bearing special equipment and, based on the identified risk levels, develop corresponding integrity management strategies. Implement tiered risk controls in accordance with these strategies, strengthening routine professional tasks and preventive maintenance activities—such as daily monitoring, weekly inspections, and monthly scheduling—related to the equipment, its safety accessories, safety protection devices, and instrumentation systems. Leverage digital tools to establish an equipment information database, enabling dynamic management of inspection records, maintenance histories, defect handling, and other relevant processes. Third, optimize resource allocation and capacity building. Create dedicated integrity management positions for pressure‑bearing special equipment, assign full‑time personnel, and clearly delineate the responsibilities of all involved parties. Ensure adequate investment in the financial resources, human capital, monitoring and testing equipment and facilities, and information systems necessary for establishing and implementing the integrity management system (or specific regulations). Establish a training framework to ensure that all relevant personnel understand the duties, scope, and requirements of integrity management and possess the requisite knowledge and skills for their roles.

The State Administration for Market Regulation stated that, through pilot programs, it will encourage enterprises to fulfill their primary responsibility for safety, strengthen systemic risk prevention and control, prevent and curb the occurrence of serious and extremely serious accidents, and effectively safeguard the lives and property of the people.

(Source: China Chemical News, January 16, 2026)