--- title: "Defining Barriers (and linking to IOWs)" slug: "defining-the-barriers-and-linking-to-iows" tags: ["IOW", "PEI", "CL"] updated: 2026-10-27T23:11:45Z published: 2026-10-27T23:11:45Z canonical: "ims-handbook.cenosco.com/defining-the-barriers-and-linking-to-iows" --- > ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://ims-handbook.cenosco.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # Defining Barriers (and linking to IOWs) For each of the [DMs Defined in the CL](/v414/docs/defining-the-degradation-mechanisms) one or more [Barrier](/v414/docs/barrier-types) should be in place and also defined in the CL. (See also [Step 2 Identify Threats and Barriers (Define the CL)](/v414/docs/step-2-identify-threats-and-barriers-define-the-cl-1).) Ideally, to be able to verify the Barriers, all Barriers should also be associated either with an [IOW](/v414/docs/integrity-operating-windows-iows-theory)[](/v414/docs/integrity-operating-windows-iows-theory) (P- and C-type Barriers - Operational Control Barriers) or a Component (M- and D-type Barriers - Mechanical Design and Cathodic Protection Barriers). The IOWs can directly be linked, when defining the Barriers. However, the Components are identified later, when the DMs are assigned to them during the start of the Risk assessment process (see [Assigning DMs to Components](/v414/docs/assigning-dms-to-a-component)). To add a Barrier for a DM: - Open the CL Details Page (see [IMS Details Page](/v414/docs/ims-details-page-options)). - Scroll to the Degradation Management section. - Go to the appropriate DM card. - The DM’s Common Barrier types (defined in Settings - see [RBI Specific Data Settings](/v414/docs/rbi-specific-data-settings)) will be displayed. Select the applicable Barrier(s) by checking the appropriate box; else - Click the **Add New Barrier** button and click the drop-down to select a Barrier type. The Barrier types are divided in N-Not mitigated, M-Material Selection, P-Process Control, C-Chemical Treatment, and D-Coating and Liners / Cathodic Protection / Design Detailing (see [Barrier Types and Definition](/v414/docs/barrier-types)). Note: Additional applicable fields will appear when a Barrier type is selected. ![](https://cdn.document360.io/e492a0e0-a4ba-4aca-8fc6-76b95f91fdf3/Images/Documentation/defining-the-barriers-(and-linking-to-iows)-image-2jmtu04u.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-28T11%3A53%3A52Z&se=2026-10-28T12%3A53%3A52Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=d%2Foj7QLRaeSbaMp%2BAgtQLq1vJYudMTXozVp3NmBXzqw%3D)Select a Common Barrier types or Add a new Barrier.  - Click the fold-out bar on the new Barrier card to go to the Barrier Details. Depending on the Barrier type, fill in the applicable information. - For a P- or C-type Barrier, the Barrier IOWs can be selected. To do this: - Click the search button. - If desired, define a new IOW (see [Creating and Defining IOWs](/v414/docs/creating-iows)). - Select the newly defined (or other) IOW. - Click **OK**. Note: IOWs can also be added/removed later, by clicking the **Process control and monitoring** link on the Barrier card. ![](https://cdn.document360.io/e492a0e0-a4ba-4aca-8fc6-76b95f91fdf3/Images/Documentation/defining-the-barriers-(and-linking-to-iows)-image-33n2957b.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-28T11%3A53%3A52Z&se=2026-10-28T12%3A53%3A52Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=d%2Foj7QLRaeSbaMp%2BAgtQLq1vJYudMTXozVp3NmBXzqw%3D)For P- and C-type Barriers, the Barrier IOWs can be selected.  - For a M-Material Selection Barrier, select Material from the list. If the Corrosion Loop Materials was already specified in the CL Details section (see [Creating Corrosion Loops](/v414/docs/creating-a-corrosion-loop)) these materials will automatically be added when you create a Barrier of type M-Material Selection. Note: The material designation can also be added/removed later, by clicking the **Materials** link on the Barrier card.![](https://cdn.document360.io/e492a0e0-a4ba-4aca-8fc6-76b95f91fdf3/Images/Documentation/defining-the-barriers-(and-linking-to-iows)-image-lee770r1.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-28T11%3A53%3A52Z&se=2026-10-28T12%3A53%3A52Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=d%2Foj7QLRaeSbaMp%2BAgtQLq1vJYudMTXozVp3NmBXzqw%3D)For M-Material Selection Barriers, the Material designation can be specified. - For a Barrier of Type D-05-Other, search for and select the Mitigated Equipment (available Equipment depend on assigned Components (see [Assigning Components to CLs](/v414/docs/assigning-components-to-the-cl)). This is the Equipment that the Barrier is protecting. Also add notes (see [Adding Notes to DMs and Barriers](/v414/docs/adding-notes-to-dms-and-barriers)) to specify how to verify the Barrier and what to monitor. Note: Equipment can also be added/removed later by clicking the **Mitigated Equipment** link on the Barrier card. ![](https://cdn.document360.io/e492a0e0-a4ba-4aca-8fc6-76b95f91fdf3/Images/Documentation/defining-the-barriers-(and-linking-to-iows)-image-cek4l06f.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-28T11%3A53%3A52Z&se=2026-10-28T12%3A53%3A52Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=d%2Foj7QLRaeSbaMp%2BAgtQLq1vJYudMTXozVp3NmBXzqw%3D)For Barriers of Type D-05-Other, the Mitigated Equipment must be specified. - For all Barrier types, you can select the Likelihood of Barrier failure. - For all Barrier types, you can specify a Next update date. - For all Barrier types, you can override the Barrier status, if desired. - Click **Save.** - You can add notes to the Barrier card (see [Adding Notes to DMs and Barriers](/v414/docs/adding-notes-to-dms-and-barriers)). Note: M- and D-type Barriers require Components to be verified. This association happens automatically when you assign Components to the CL (see [Assigning Components to the CL](/v414/docs/assigning-components-to-the-cl)), and then (later) assign DMs to these Components (see [Assigning DMs to a Component](/v414/docs/assigning-dms-to-a-component)). The Driving RBI Consequence of all the associated Component-DM Assessments will be shown on the Barrier card. Also, a Criticality Matrix will be shown, based on the selected Likelihood of LOPC and Driving RBI Consequence (or User Consequence if specified). From this Matrix the Barrier Risk is determined. ![](https://cdn.document360.io/e492a0e0-a4ba-4aca-8fc6-76b95f91fdf3/Images/Documentation/defining-the-barriers-(and-linking-to-iows)-image-8mlkxzps.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-28T11%3A53%3A52Z&se=2026-10-28T12%3A53%3A52Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=d%2Foj7QLRaeSbaMp%2BAgtQLq1vJYudMTXozVp3NmBXzqw%3D)For M- and D-type Barriers, the associated Components are those linked to the CL, for which the applicable DMs were assigned. Their Driving RBI Consequence is shown on the Barrier card. ## Copying Barriers to other CLs It is possible to copy one or more DMs with an associated Barriers to another CL. See [Copying DMs and Barriers to other CLs](/v414/docs/copying-dms-and-barriers-to-other-cls). ## Defining IOWs To further define the IOWs go to [Creating and Defining IOWs](/v414/docs/creating-iows). ## Assigning Components to CLs When done defining the Barriers you can start [Assigning Components to the CL](/v414/docs/assigning-components-to-the-cl).