Improving Process Safety Regulations

It has been 18 years since the OSHA PSM standard was adopted and 11 years since the EPA RMP rule was created. A lot of experience has occurred - some good; some not so good - but all have been opportunities for learning. In addition, new process safety regulations and implementation lessons have been generated around the world. Most conclude that the regulations in the U.S. have had an extremely positive influence on process safety. Yet, some industries, companies, and plants face process safety performance challenges as evidenced by accidents recurring with apparently similar root causes. In addition, OSHA enforcement initiatives reveal numerous common, in some cases chronic, process safety compliance issues. As a portion of its program at 2010 Global Process Safety Congress, CCPS is sponsoring a ½-day interactive panel/audience discussion session regarding how the U.S. process safety regulations should be improved. The panel will include process safety experts from a wide variety of stakeholders, including OSHA, EPA, CSB, industry and labor, as well as the international perspective. We need your help in focusing the discussion on topics of interest to you regarding process safety performance. In particular, we want your questions, discussion suggestions, and areas for regulatory improvement.