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Process Safety Management
Overview
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 using 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, OSHA has issued the Process Safety Management of Highly Hazardous Chemicals standard (29 CFR 1910.119), which contains requirements for the management of hazards associated with processes using highly hazardous chemicals.
Process safety management (PSM) is addressed in specific standards for the general and construction industries. OSHA's standard emphasizes the management of hazards associated with highly hazardous chemicals and establishes a comprehensive management program that integrates technologies, procedures, and management practices.
Standards
Process safety management (PSM) is addressed in specific standards for General Industry and Construction.
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Hazard Recognition
Provides references that help begin a PHA by recognizing process hazards.
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Evaluation and Control
Provides references that may aid in evaluating and controlling process hazards in the workplace.
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Additional Resources
Provides links and references to additional resources related to process safety management.
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Highlights
- Process Safety Management for Petroleum Refineries. OSHA Publication 3918, (2017).
- Process Safety Management for Explosives and Pyrotechnics Manufacturing. OSHA Publication 3912, (2017).
- Process Safety Management for Small Businesses. OSHA Publication 3908, (2017).
- Process Safety Management for Storage Facilities. OSHA Publication 3909, (2017).
- PSM Covered Chemical Facilities National Emphasis Program. OSHA Directive CPL 03-00-021, (January 17, 2017).
- Process Safety Management - Small Business Advocacy Review Panel. OSHA is initiating a Small Business Advocacy Review Panel in order to get feedback on several potential revisions to OSHA's Process Safety Management Program (PSM) standard.
- Petroleum Refinery Process Safety Management National Emphasis Program. OSHA Directive CPL 03-00-010, (August 18, 2009).
- Refinery NEP First Year Inspection Results. OSHA.
- Process Safety Management Depends on You!. OSHA Publication 3315, (2009).
How do I find out about employer responsibilities and workers' rights?
Workers have a right to a safe workplace. The law requires employers to provide their employees with safe and healthful workplaces. The OSHA law also prohibits employers from retaliating against employees for exercising their rights under the law (including the right to raise a health and safety concern or report an injury). For more information see www.whistleblowers.gov or Workers' rights under the OSH Act.
OSHA can help answer questions or concerns from employers and workers. To reach your regional or area OSHA office, go to the OSHA Offices by State webpage or call 1-800-321-OSHA (6742).
Small business employers may contact OSHA's free and confidential On-Site Consultation program to help determine whether there are hazards at their worksites and work with OSHA on correcting any identified hazards. Consultants in this program from state agencies or universities work with employers to identify workplace hazards, provide advice on compliance with OSHA standards, and assist in establishing injury and illness prevention programs. On-Site Consultation services are separate from enforcement activities and do not result in penalties or citations. To contact OSHA's free consultation service, go to OSHA's On-Site Consultation web page or call 1-800-321-OSHA (6742) and press number 4.
Workers may file a complaint to have OSHA inspect their workplace if they believe that their employer is not following OSHA standards or that there are serious hazards. Workers can file a complaint with OSHA by calling 1-800-321-OSHA (6742), online via eComplaint Form, or by printing the complaint form and mailing or faxing it to the local OSHA area office. Complaints that are signed by a worker are more likely to result in an inspection.
If you think your job is unsafe or if you have questions, contact OSHA at 1-800-321-OSHA (6742). Your contact will be kept confidential. We can help. For other valuable worker protection information, such as Workers' Rights, Employer Responsibilities, and other services OSHA offers, visit OSHA's Workers' page.