Process Safety Management (PSM): What You Should Know

If your job requires the use of highly hazardous chemicals, there is potential for an accidental release to occur at any time. This, in turn, creates the possibility of disaster. That is why Process Safety Management is so important. Read on to learn more!

What is Process Safety Management?

Process Safety Management (PSM) is a proactive process. It is used to identify, evaluate, mitigate, and prevent possible releases of highly hazardous chemicals. OSHA’s PSM standard addresses the potentially catastrophic consequences such a release could have on the health and safety of personnel.

Regulations

PSM is regulated by OSHA and the EPA. The OSHA standard is required by the Clean Air Act Amendment, as is the Environmental Protection Agency’s Risk Management Plan (RMP). Employers who utilize both standards in their PSM program are more likely to be in full alignment with each and keep their employees safe. The standards regulating PSM are as follows:

• 29 CFR 1910.119 – Process Safety Management of Highly Hazardous Chemicals
• Clean Air Act Section 112® – Accidental Release Prevention/Risk Management Plan Rule

What are the 14 elements of PSM?

OSHA’s standard is made up of 14 guidelines or elements. An effective PSM program depends on these elements being present and in alignment. The elements of a PSM are as follows:

• Process Safety Information
• Employee Participation
• Process Hazard Analysis
• Operating Procedures
• Hot Work Permits
• Mechanical Integrity
• Contractors
• Training
• Management of Change
• Pre-startup Safety Review
• Emergency Planning & Response
• Incident Investigation
• alignment Audits
• Trade Secrets

Who Needs to be Trained in PSM?

Effective training is one of the most important steps toward keeping employees safe. Employees must have training that includes an overview of processes involving highly hazardous materials and safe operating procedures.

Additionally, employees must receive refresher training at least every three years. This is to ensure they understand and follow the most current operating procedures. Employers may require refresher training to take place more frequently, depending on input they receive from the employees involved in the operating process.

Don’t forget, initial training and refresher training, as well as any written and practical evaluations, must be documented and filed. Records must identify the employee, give the date of training, and how the employer verified the employee’s knowledge and understanding of PSM.

In Conclusion

We here at Safety Provisions are excited to announce the addition of a PSM training to our Hard Hat Training series! If you have need of this or any other training, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Good luck and stay safe!