Definition:
Process Safety Management (PSM) is an OSHA regulatory standard requiring the management of hazardous chemicals to prevent catastrophic releases.
It is a massive regulatory structure with professionals spending entire careers doing it. IEC 61511-1 is just a portion of it.
Key Points:
- Required by OSHA for facilities that exceed Threshold Quantities (TQ) of regulated substances.
- Encompasses hazard analysis, mechanical integrity, training, and emergency planning.
- Ties into SIS requirements indirectly through hazard mitigation.
- Should align with functional safety documentation such as PHAs, SRS, and SIL assignments.
- Often intersects with EPA’s Risk Management Plan (RMP).
Example:
A refinery covered by OSHA PSM must perform regular PHAs and maintain SIS documentation.
See Also: OSHA, RMP, process safety information (PSI), MI program, threshold quantity
Cited Source:
- OSHA 29 CFR 1910.119.
- OSHA PSM homepage