Process Safety Management Practice Exam 2025 - Free PSM Practice Questions and Study Guide

A check valve is specifically designed to prevent backflow in a piping system, ensuring that the flow of fluid occurs in one direction only. By allowing flow in the forward direction while blocking reverse flow, check valves effectively safeguard against potential hazards associated with backflow. This is particularly important in systems where the reversal of flow could lead to contamination, equipment damage, or safety risks. Therefore, the primary hazard that a check valve addresses is flow, making it crucial for maintaining the integrity of the system and ensuring it operates as intended.

While aspects such as temperature, pressure, and corrosion can affect the overall operation and longevity of a system, the main function of a check valve centers on managing flow direction, thereby safeguarding against the hazards associated with improper fluid flow.