NOM-020-STPS Compliance in Compressed Air Systems

When it comes to safety in industrial processes, the use of compressed air receivers is essential.

In this regard, the Mexican Official Standard NOM-020-STPS-2011 was established to regulate the design, manufacture, and operation of equipment such as pressure vessels, cryogenic vessels, and steam generators or boilers.

The Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare (STPS) is responsible for enforcing this regulation to ensure workplace safety and risk prevention. For CBS Compressors, compliance with all regulatory requirements is both essential and non-negotiable.

We provide our customers with full assurance that the safety of our equipment strictly adheres to the applicable legal requirements. Below are some of the key regulatory provisions concerning compressed air systems and the environments in which they must operate, as established under NOM-020-STPS-2011:

General Requirements

Equipment must have a serial number or unique identification code, visibly marked or painted, including a TAG number when applicable.

Systems must be equipped with a pressure gauge and, when required, additional control instruments.

All control instruments must be maintained in safe operating condition.

Units must include a certified pressure relief device.

Adequate clearance must be provided around the equipment to ensure safe operation, inspection, and maintenance activities, in line with manufacturer or installer recommendations.

Requirements for Higher-Capacity or Specialized Equipment

Physical protections such as containment barriers or perimeter fencing must be installed if vessels are located in areas where they may be exposed to vehicle impact.

Foundations and support systems must be maintained in a condition that guarantees operational stability.

Physical protection or insulation must be provided to safeguard workers from extreme surface temperatures.

Equipment must be subject to scheduled inspection and maintenance programs.

Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for fluids contained within the equipment must be available, in accordance with NOM-018-STPS-2000 or its successor standard.

Specific Requirements for Pressure Vessels

Units must include pressure relief devices or elements that ensure the operating pressure does not exceed the maximum allowable working pressure (MAWP).

Safety devices must be calibrated in compliance with applicable standards.

Pressure measuring instruments must have a range between 1.5 and 4 times the operating pressure, or fall within the second third of the dial scale.

At least one pressure relief device must remain in service when a three-way connection is present.

When rupture disks and relief valves are installed in series, the rupture disk must be set at a pressure below that of the subsequent relief device.

These are only some of the safety specifications outlined in the referenced standard. At CBS Compressors, we reaffirm our commitment to delivering equipment of the highest quality and to safeguarding the health and safety of operators through strict compliance with national regulations.