PSM - A Regulation or a Culture?

"Safety matters at all levels”, even for small companies that may not be OSHA’s PSM level facilities, as long as they use highly hazardous chemicals which may be toxic, reactive, flammable, or explosive. No matter how small a company is, if an incident happens, it may still have to deal with loss of life and property, OSHA/CSB investigations and possible fines and legal ramifications. Unexpected releases of toxic, reactive, or flammable liquids and gases in processes involving highly hazardous chemicals have been reported for many years in various industries that use chemicals with such properties. Regardless of the industry that uses these highly hazardous chemicals, there is a potential for an accidental release any time they are not properly controlled, creating the possibility of disaster. To help ensure safe and healthful workplaces, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) finalized CFR 1910.119 in 1992, which contains requirements for the management of hazards associated with processes using highly hazardous chemicals. Process safety management (PSM) is the strategic approach of reducing risk associated with the storage and use of highly hazardous chemicals and flammables. This approach sets proactive measures in place to ensure that the process remains in control, and chemicals and flammables are properly contained, thereby protecting people and property from potential disasters or hazardous situations.

This paper mainly focuses on the importance of Process Safety Management as a culture and briefing the 14 PSM elements. It also details with strategies and techniques to comply with PSM and to meet the National Emphasis Program (NEP) requirements.