Overview - ISO 23222:2020 (Corrosion control engineering life cycle - Risk assessment)
ISO 23222:2020 specifies the general requirements for risk assessment throughout the life cycle of corrosion control engineering. Applicable to all types of corrosion control programmes, the standard sets a structured process for identifying, analysing and evaluating corrosion risks to support safe, cost-effective and environmentally responsible asset management.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Risk assessment framework: Defines the overall process as risk identification, risk analysis and risk evaluation, aligned with lifecycle thinking.
- Lifecycle scope: Addresses all elements and stages - design, research & development, materials selection, manufacturing, construction, storage, transportation, installation, commissioning, operation, maintenance, acceptance inspection, repair, scrap and disposal.
- Corrosion sources: Requires comprehensive identification and monitoring of internal and external corrosion sources, including new sources that arise during implementation.
- Design and integration: Emphasises design that integrates systematisation, coordination and optimisation across the entire corrosion control life cycle, including environmental (“green”) planning.
- Documentation & traceability: Calls for scientific, traceable documentation and records, with regular audits to ensure completeness and support evaluation.
- Resource management: Requires assessment of human resources, equipment, tooling, testing capability and site management to meet risk principles.
- Comprehensive assessment & reporting: Requires lifecycle-wide assessment reports to guide improvements, with transparency and traceability of decisions.
- Quantitative analysis: Includes provisions for quantitative risk analysis (Annex B) and a risk assessment form (Annex A).
- Standards alignment: Refers to ISO 23123 for general requirements of corrosion control engineering and uses established risk concepts (e.g., consequence) consistent with ISO risk management guidance.
Practical applications and users
ISO 23222:2020 is used to develop, evaluate and document corrosion control programmes that protect asset integrity, safety and environmental performance. Typical users include:
- Corrosion and materials engineers
- Asset owners and operators (oil & gas, petrochemical, utilities, infrastructure)
- Maintenance and inspection planners
- Design and procurement teams
- Risk managers and safety engineers
- Regulatory bodies and auditors
- R&D organizations developing corrosion-mitigation technologies
Practical applications include design reviews, inspection planning, maintenance strategy development, procurement specifications for corrosion-resistant materials, lifecycle cost optimisation, and compliance demonstrations.
Related standards
- ISO 23123 - Corrosion control engineering life cycle - General requirements (normative reference)
- ISO 23222 complements ISO 23123 and aligns with international risk management principles to ensure consistent, transparent corrosion risk assessments.
Keywords: ISO 23222:2020, corrosion control engineering, risk assessment, life cycle, corrosion risk, risk analysis, risk evaluation, asset integrity, maintenance planning.