Oct. 12: OSHA Public Meeting on PSM Update

OSHA will host a meeting with stakeholders to discuss an ongoing rulemaking project to update the Process Safety Management (PSM) Standard. Stakeholders who want to attend and/or comment during the meeting must register through OSHA’s website.

The informal stakeholder meeting is the next step in an effort that’s been in progress for nearly ten years. A 2013 Executive Order, Improving Chemical Facility Safety and Security, directed OSHA to “identify issues related to modernizing the PSM standard.”

Background on the PSM Rulemaking (OSHA.gov)

What is Process Safety Management (PSM)?

OSHA’s Process Safety Management (PSM) Standard, found in 29 CFR 1910.119, requires covered employers to identify and manage the hazards associated with highly hazardous chemicals. The goal is to prevent incidents like toxic chemical releases, chemical reactions, fires, and explosions.

A process involving a highly hazardous chemical is "any activity," including use, storage, manufacturing, handling, on-site movement, or any combination of these. Covered substances include certain flammable liquids, certain flammable gases, and all chemicals listed in Appendix A to the PSM Standard (29 CFR 1910.119(a)(1)).

OSHA assigns a threshold quantity to each chemical, ranging from 100 lbs. to 15,000 lbs. The PSM requirements apply when a process involves a covered chemical in an amount that exceeds the given threshold.

OSHA published the PSM Standard in 1992, following major chemical release incidents in the US (and around the world).  

Also in Progress: Clean Air Act RMP Revisions

US EPA recently proposed revisions to the Risk Management Planning (RMP) requirements under the Clean Air Act. Like OSHA’s PSM rules, the RMP regulations apply to facilities that use, store, manufacture, handle, or move regulated substances above certain thresholds. These requirements are found in 40 CFR Part 68.  

US EPA will accept public comments on its proposed rule to update the RMP program until October 31, 2022.

OSHA Safety Training—Anytime, Anywhere

From respirators and PPE to hazardous chemicals, lithium batteries, and more, find safety training you need to protect your staff and maintain compliance with OSHA safety standards in 29 CFR at Lion.com/OSHA.

Courses are interactive and self-paced, and employees can stop and start as needed to fit training into their day-to-day work schedules.

Tags: new rules, osha, process safety management, PSM