Since it was first published in 1999, EEMUA 191 has become the globally accepted guide to good practice for all aspects of alarm systems.
The new edition has been updated and restructured to improve ease of use. The terminology has been aligned to that used in the latest editions of the standards and the opportunity has been taken to include new material on alarm management for remote sites.
Alarm systems form an essential part of the operator interfaces to large modern industrial facilities. They provide vital support to the operators by warning them of situations that need their attention and have an important role in preventing, controlling and mitigating the effects of abnormal situations.
EEMUA 191, developed by the users of alarm systems in industry, gives guidance on designing, managing and procuring an effective alarm system. It is intended to help in improving existing systems and in developing new facilities during plant construction or during alarm system refurbishments. Both of the international standards for the management of alarm systems for the process industries, ISA 18.2 and IEC 62682: 2023, are aligned with EEMUA 191.
EEMUA 191 is primarily concerned with alarm systems provided for people operating industrial processes. These include alarm systems in industries such as chemical manufacture, power generation and oil and gas extraction and refining. However, much of the guidance is said to be generic and with appropriate interpretation can be applied in other sectors. The guide has been used successfully as a basis for training in the rail and transport sectors and in the nuclear industry.