OSHA’s Process Safety Management (PSM) standard is a regulation that focuses on risk management strategies for industries that use hazardous chemicals. The standard applies to all companies in any industry using or handling flammable liquids, gases, or vapors. It does not apply to individual workers but rather the company as a whole and its safety program as a result of its employees handling hazardous chemicals. The PSM standard has two main requirements: Mandatory Risk Management Programs and an auditable third-party verification process called a Self-Audit and Third-Party Audit (SAV) Program. When developing your Process Safety Management plan and procedures, it is important that you use the right tools to ensure compliance with OSHA guidelines. Check out this blog post for more information about what the PSM standard is, how it can help your business, and how you can develop an effective PSM strategy in compliance with OSHA standards.

What is OSHA’s Process Safety Management Standard?

When the PSM standard was first introduced in the late 1980s, it was voluntary. However, in the wake of several high-profile accidents, the standard became mandatory in all industries handling hazardous chemicals. The PSM standard is focused on reducing risk at all levels of the supply chain. It brings together all aspects of process safety management (process design, engineering controls, operating controls, preventive maintenance, housekeeping, emergency response and training), hazardous chemical properties and the hazards associated with them, the hazard communication program, the selection of process personnel, and the auditing procedures for monitoring compliance. The standard is primarily focused on the hazards associated with flammable liquids, gases, and vapors at all phases of a chemical process. PSM focuses on the entire process, not just on a particular hazard or employee.

Mandatory Risk Management Program

The Mandatory Risk Management Program (MRMP) is the lynchpin of the PSM standard. This program is a systematic approach to assessing hazards, using risk analysis to prioritize them, and selecting risk reduction methods. The MRMP focuses on the top five risks and the top five hazards identified during the process hazard analysis. The top five risks are hazards that could cause the most serious accident. The top five hazards are those that would result in the greatest number of serious accidents. The MRMP considers process design and equipment selection during hazard analysis to ensure these are given due consideration and appropriate controls are implemented. The MRMP focuses on minimizing the risk of serious accidents by selecting the appropriate risk reduction method. The MRMP should include a written process safety management plan and a process safety training program.

Auditable Third Party Verification Program

The auditable third-party verification program (ATVP) is a written procedure that requires all covered employers to have their process safety management program audited by a third party at least once every three years. The SAV program must be designed to ensure that the employer’s process safety management program is effectively implemented and is reasonably effective in preventing the release of hazardous chemicals into the environment, injury to employees and the public, and any other hazards associated with the employer’s process. The SAV must also be designed to disclose any weaknesses in the employer’s process safety management program, as well as any hazards associated with the program or the specific job site. The SAV program must be included in the MRMP and should be part of the written process safety management plan.

Self-Audit Program

The self-audit program is an internal audit program that is designed to identify weaknesses in the company’s processes and procedures, as well as identify any hazards associated with the program. The self-audit program should be included in the MRMP and should be part of the written process safety management plan. The self-audit program can include a process hazard analysis, an evaluation of process equipment and design, review of operating procedures, and third-party audits conducted by the company. The self-audit program can help manage the risk of serious accidents by discovering weaknesses and hazards and implementing corrective actions.

Developing Your PSM Strategy

When developing your PSM strategy, it is important that you determine your company’s risk profile and develop a risk-based approach to your PSM strategy. You can do this by conducting a process hazard analysis to identify hazards and a risk ranking for each hazard. You can then use the risk ranking to identify control measures that are appropriate for the hazard. The PSM strategy should also include a written process safety management plan that focuses on how your company will implement the risk management program. It should also include a SAV program that examines operations at different sites. The PSM strategy should include the internal auditing program and the frequency with which you will conduct them. The PSM strategy should also include the frequency with which you will conduct the SAV program at different sites.

Conclusion

The PSM standard is a regulation that focuses on risk management strategies for industries that use hazardous chemicals. The standard applies to all companies in any industry using or handling flammable liquids, gases or vapors. It does not apply to individual workers but rather the company as a whole and its safety program as a result of its employees handling hazardous chemicals. The PSM standard has two main requirements: Mandatory Risk Management Programs and an auditable third party verification program called SAV. When developing your PSM strategy, it is important that you determine your company’s risk profile and develop a risk-based approach to your PSM strategy.