Process Safety Management
Jason Haney
The primary objective of Process Safety Management is to prevent the unwanted release of highly hazardous chemicals/biological agents into locations which could expose employees, students or the public to serious hazards. Process Safety is an integrated management system approach to evaluate processes that have the potential to cause catastrophic incidents such as fires, explosions or toxic releases. The program is designed to reduce operational risks within three focus areas: technology, facilities/equipment, and personnel. The program is based upon OSHA's Process Safety Management (29CFR 1910.119) standard and EPA's Chemical Accident Prevention (40CFR 68) program requirements.
Program Applicability
The Process Safety Management (PSM) Program applies to:
- University operations where a highly hazardous chemical, biological agent, or extremely hazardous substance (as defined by Penn State) is used, handled, or stored.
- Critical process operations identified by the University that would benefit from formal PSM program implementation.
Only a limited number of discrete unit operations across the University are currently covered.
If you are unsure whether a process in your work area is covered, contact EHS for an evaluation.
The framework to effectively manage and operate highly hazardous operations within The Pennsylvania State University has been incorporated into the seventeen (17) Elements of the Process Safety Management (PSM) Program. The 17 Elements that are included within the management system are provided below:
- Management System
- Process Safety Information
- Process Hazard Analysis
- Management System to Address Action Items
- Process Hazard Analysis Review
- Employee Participation
- Operating Procedures
- Emergency Preparedness
- Training and Assessment
- Contractor Management
- Mechanical Integrity
- Maintenance Systems
- Pre-Startup Safety Review
- Management of Change
- Incident Investigation
- Compliance Audits
- Trade Secrets
Program Requirements
Work Units:
- Determine whether they have a process that includes a highly hazardous chemical or biological agent.
- Submit potentially covered processes to the PSM Steering Committee for evaluation.
Supervisors:
- Understand the PSM program requirements and how they apply to their areas of responsibility.
- Ensure employees and others working in or around a covered process receive required PSM training and understand their responsibilities.
- Provide opportunities for employee participation in the PSM program.
Employees:
- Recognize their role in process safety.
- Report process safety issues that could help prevent or reduce the impact of a catastrophic release.
- Follow all applicable PSM procedures and written program requirements.
Training Requirements:
- PSM Overview and the 17 Elements of the PSM program.
- Annual Authorized Entrant Training for all personnel who work on or around covered process equipment.
Recordkeeping:
- Each covered process area has specific recordkeeping requirements that must be maintained.
Documents and Forms
See below for additional information on the Compliance Guidelines and written procedures for each of the PSM Program Elements.
04-Management System to Address Action Items
05-Process Hazard Analysis Review
The following information and documents are Resources to support the Process Safety Management (PSM) Program.
The PSM Program uses some unique terminology and to assist the University community in understanding the various terms used throughout the program please refer to the PSM Program Definitions document.
The PSM Steering Committee assists in reducing operational risks within the University through input relating to processes involving highly hazardous chemical / biological agent(s) or a critical process operation identified by the University and provides PSM advisory guidance through the EHS Department. Committee membership consists of high level stakeholders and/or subject matter experts associated with highly hazardous unit operations within the University. The responsibilities of the PSM Steering Committee are outlined with the Charter (PSM Steering Committee Charter).
To assist in completing and providing the necessary information associated with a proposed PSM change, please refer to the Management of Change (MOC) Form Instructions document.
Forms—the following Forms are to be used within the Process Safety Management (PSM) Program.