Is it Safe to Work in Houston?

I can't speak for every plant in this part of the world, but every plant I know of down here uses ASME as a baseline. If there is ANY divergence from ASME, it is to a more robust standard. (i.e. using a heavier schedule than what is called for in the spec.)

In some of the older plants there is pipe up in the racks that is out of spec. However, insofar as I am aware, all new construction is to ASME or better.

-A-

Most if not all the plants I work with here in Houston do follow the ASME code for pressure vessels. As for the "magic bolt" it does happen, but it is very rare to see this. With OSHA and other agencies now watching plants closely it is less likely to happen today as everyone is concerned about safety. Most problems occur in older plants or when maintenance is being done and the contractors do not follow proper procedures.

Living just 2 miles south of Laporte, I enjoy the occasional explosion and fireball.