What Is a Site Map and Why Does It Matter? | Blog No. 91
- Michael Amaya-Daniel, Process Safety Engineer
- 3 days ago
- 1 min read
A site map is a scaled drawing that shows the layout of a facility. It includes buildings, process areas, storage locations, and access points. Unlike our typical other drawings, a site map doesn’t focus on pipes or equipment details. Instead, it provides a bird’s eye view of the facility, highlighting how the process fits within the physical space.
Before we visit a facility, the site map is the first document we review. It gives us a sense of scale before we start digging into the machinery rooms or the detailed P&IDs.
Site maps often include important information such as:
Facility boundaries and property lines
Process building and machinery rooms
Storage tanks and utility areas
Roadways and access routes
Emergency exits, muster points, and fire equipment locations
One of the most common deficiencies we see is outdated site maps. An inaccurate site map can confuse audits or, during an emergency, when every second counts.
Beyond being useful, sitemaps are also a compliance requirement. Under the EPA’s RMP rule, they support off-site consequence analyses and hazard communication. They are also typically used in training, emergency planning, and internal audits.
Stay tuned for more!
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