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736 Introduction to Process Safety Management (PSM)
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Operating Procedure Requirements

PSM operating procedures should describe:

  • tasks to be performed,
  • data to be recorded,
  • operating conditions to be maintained,
  • samples to be collected, and
  • safety and health precautions to be taken.

The procedures need to be technically accurate, understandable to employees, and revised periodically to ensure that they reflect current operations.

The process safety information package helps to ensure that the operating procedures and practices are consistent with the known hazards of the chemicals in the process and that the operating parameters are correct.

Operating procedures should be reviewed by engineering staff and operating personnel to ensure their accuracy and that they provide practical instructions on how to actually carry out job duties safely. OSHA believes that tasks and procedures related to the process must be appropriate, clear, consistent, and most importantly, well-communicated to employees.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

5-3. According to OSHA, the most important requirement for process tasks and procedures is that they should be _____.