Process Safety Management (OSHA regulation)

Fourteen elements of OSHA's process safety management program

Process Safety Management (PSM) is a regulation promulgated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the United States. Its primary goal is to prevent the unwanted release of hazardous chemicals, especially into locations that could expose employees and others to serious hazards. The regulation is codified under 29 CFR 1910.119 and encompasses a comprehensive framework aimed at controlling the use and storage of highly hazardous chemicals.

Overview

Process Safety Management is designed to protect employees, the public, and the environment by fostering a systematic approach to identifying, evaluating, and controlling the risks associated with processes involving hazardous chemicals. The regulation requires employers to compile and adhere to a set of practices and procedures that ensure the safe management of these chemicals throughout their lifecycle, from procurement and storage to use and disposal.

Key Elements

The PSM standard consists of 14 elements that form the foundation of a comprehensive process safety management program. These elements include:

• Process Safety Information: Employers must compile written process safety information before conducting any process hazard analysis. This information should detail the hazards of the chemicals used, the technology of the process, and the equipment in the process.

• Process Hazard Analysis (PHA): A systematic and thorough review of what could go wrong and what safeguards must be implemented to prevent releases of hazardous chemicals.

• Operating Procedures: Written procedures that outline how processes involving hazardous chemicals should be safely conducted.

• Training: Ensuring that employees understand the hazards and the processes they are working with, and are proficient in the safe operating procedures.

• Mechanical Integrity: Regular inspections and maintenance of process equipment to ensure it is fit for service.

• Management of Change: A formal system for managing changes to processes, equipment, and technology that could affect process safety.

• Pre-startup Safety Review: A review conducted before the startup of a new or modified process to ensure all elements of PSM are in place and functional.

• Emergency Planning and Response: Plans and procedures for responding to accidental releases of hazardous chemicals.

• Incident Investigation: The investigation of incidents that resulted in, or could reasonably have resulted in, a catastrophic release of hazardous chemicals in the workplace.

• Compliance Audits: Regular audits to ensure compliance with the PSM standard and to identify areas for improvement.

Implementation Challenges

Implementing PSM can be complex and resource-intensive, requiring a multidisciplinary approach that includes engineering, training, and management practices. Small and medium-sized enterprises may find the requirements particularly challenging due to limited resources. However, the benefits of preventing chemical accidents can far outweigh the costs of implementation.

Impact

Since its introduction, the PSM standard has been credited with significantly reducing the number and severity of industrial accidents involving hazardous chemicals. It has also raised awareness about the importance of process safety and has driven improvements in safety culture across a wide range of industries.

See Also

• Occupational Safety and Health Administration
• Hazardous Chemicals
• Risk Management Plan (RMP) Rule
• Safety Culture

This safety related article is a stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it.