Process Safety Management FAQs

PROCESS SAFETY
MANAGEMENT FAQs
What is PSM?
Process Safety Management is an analytical
tool composed of organizational and operational
procedures, design guidance, audit programs,
and a host of other methods intended to prevent
or minimize the consequences of catastrophic
releases of toxic, reactive, flammable, or explosive
chemicals.
• Reference OSHA CFR 1910.119 and EPA 40 CFR
68 for complete details
What companies are subject to PSM?
PSM applies to companies that deal with toxic and
reactive Highly Hazardous Chemicals (HHCs) at or
above the specified threshold quantity (TQ) as
defined by OSHA standards. It also includes
flammable liquids and gases defined by OSHA
1910.1200(c) in quantities of 10,000 pounds
(4,535.9 Kg) or more. Common focus industries
include manufacturing, specifically those pertaining
to petroleum products, chemicals, transportation
equipment, and fabricated metal products. Other
sectors include natural gas liquids, farm product
warehousing, wholesale trade, pyrotechnics/
explosives, as well as electric, gas,
and sanitary services.
• Refer to OSHA 1910.119 App A List of Highly
Hazardous Chemicals, Toxics and Reactives
(Mandatory)
• Reference OSHA CFR 1910.119 and EPA 40 CFR
68 for complete details
www.entrustsol.com
What companies are not subject to PSM?
PSM does not apply to:
• Retail facilities
• Oil or gas well drilling or remote servicing
operations that are normally unoccupied
• Facilities where HHCs maintained fall below
OSHA Threshold Quantity (TQ)
• Reference CFR 1910.119 and 40 CFR 68 for
complete details
I don’t have a PSM program yet. Can you
help?
EN Consulting can help determine if you are
subject to regulations and are required to
implement a formal PSM program. Our PSM
experts can develop an overall PSM program or
individual element definition and program writeups.
I’ve completed a PSM program. What now?
PSM is often viewed as an initiative to be
completed within a set period of time; however,
this attitude is not congruent with the intentions
and requirements of PSM. PSM is an ongoing
initiative that must be maintained as long as
the covered processes are operating. Proper
maintenance of PSM programs can consume
significant company resources; so many
companies utilize EN Consulting’s highly
experienced team to provide efficient coordination
and maintenance of their PSM programs. Our
experts can perform a Process Safety Gap
Assessment and scrutinize every aspect of your
program and facilities, following up with a detailed
report that outlines gaps and provides corrective
measures to ensure you comply with OSHA
regulatory standards.
Who mandates PSM compliance?
On July 17, 1990, OSHA published in the Federal
Register (55 FR 29150) a proposed standard,
Process Safety Management of Highly Hazardous
Chemicals. The standard provides requirements
for the management of hazards associated with
processes using highly-hazardous chemicals to
help assure safe and healthy workplaces. Some
states have adopted standards and enforcement
policies that may differ from those mandated by
OSHA.
• Reference CFR 1910.119 and 40 CFR 68 for
complete details
What are the benefits of implementing
PSM?
PSM programs help protect people, assets, and
the environment. PSM may also ensure process
continuity (uptime), improve productivity, mitigate
financial loss, and avoid negative publicity from
incidents.
Why consider PSM if it’s not mandated?
While PSM may not be a regulatory requirement
for your facility, you are required by OSHA and
the EPA to operate your facility consistent with
industry-recognized good practices. PSM is a
sound practice that helps protect companies,
employees, assets, and the environment. In the
event that levels of HHCs reach threshold quantity
as defined by OSHA, your process will
become subject to PSM regulations.
www.entrustsol.com