Chapter 1 – Why PSM Is Needed?
How did the PSM standard evolve?
The PSM standard started from previous chemical plant incidents that resulted in the deaths of several employees.
The following table illustrates some of the previous incidents that drove the need for OSHA to create the PSM standard.
NOTE: The standard is 29 CFR.1910.119
So, what is Process Safety Management?
Process Safety Management (PSM) is a program that involves managers, employees and contract workers, with the purpose of minimizing uncontrolled change from design and/or operating intent at their facility or plant.
Therefore, the objective of the PSM standard is to prevent unwanted releases of hazardous chemicals into locations, which could expose employees and others to serious hazards or disaster.
How do you know if your facility requires a PSM program?
If your process involves a chemical at or above the specified threshold quantities listed in Appendix A of 29 CFR 1910.119.
OR
If your process involves a flammable liquid or gas on site in one location, in a quantity of 10,000 pounds (4535.9 kg).
Then a PSM Program is required!
But what is a Process?
A process is any activity involving a highly hazardous chemical including any use, storage, manufacturing, handling, or the on-site movement of such chemicals, or combination of these activities. For purposes of this definition, any group of vessels, which are interconnected and separate vessels, which are located such that a highly hazardous chemical could be involved in a potential release shall be considered a single process.
What is involved with a PSM program?
The OSHA PSM standard requires the implementation of 14 elements in a PSM program. OSHA determined from the root causes of previous catastrophic incidents, that the proper implementation of 14 elements would prevent future events.
The Fourteen Elements of PSM are:
The following chapters will provide a little insight into these 14 elements of the PSM standard.