How the PSM Standard Applies
Application
The PSM standard mainly applies to manufacturing industries - particularly, those pertaining to chemicals, transportation equipment, and fabricated metal products.
Other affected sectors include natural gas liquids; farm product warehousing; electric, gas, and sanitary services; and wholesale trade. It also applies to pyrotechnics and explosives manufacturers covered under other OSHA rules and has special provisions for contractors working in covered facilities.
The various lines of defense incorporated into the design and operation of the PSM process should be evaluated and strengthened to make sure they are effective at each level. Process safety management is the preventive (proactive) identification, evaluation and mitigation or prevention of chemical releases that could occur as a result of failures in processes, procedures, or equipment.
What is a "Process?"
To understand PSM and its requirements, employers and employees need to understand how OSHA uses the term "process" in PSM.
- 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
For purposes of this definition, any group of vessels that are interconnected, and separate vessels located in a way that could involve a highly hazardous chemical in a potential release, are considered a single process.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
2-1. Process safety management is the _____ identification, evaluation and mitigation or prevention of chemical releases that could occur as a result of failures in processes, procedures, or equipment.
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