Conclusion
As you can see, proper implementation of OSHAs PSM standard is extremely important for the prevention of a catastrophic day.
But proper implementation cannot be accomplished without full upper management support.
Here are some OSHA fines concerning PSM violations during 2012:
Middleton, Mass., manufacturer pays $600,000 in fines, takes corrective steps following legal action by US Labor Department after 2011 explosion.
Labor Department's OSHA cites OPC Polymers in Columbus, Ohio, for process safety management program deficiencies; fines exceed $138,000.
For those of you that desire to become more knowledgeable, conduct an Internet search on “PSM Training” and numerous companies that specialize in more detailed training will show up in the results.
Proposed Changes to the Standard
On August 1, 2013, President Obama signed Executive Order 13659 entitled Improving Chemical Facility Safety and Security and this will have some changes to the PSM Standard.
These changes were the result of some recent uncontrolled releases of highly hazardous chemicals, and major incidents since the PSM Standard became effective in 1993. Some of these releases or incidents are:
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On April 23, 2004, an explosion and fire at the Formosa Plastics in Illiopolis, Illinois killed five workers and injured three others.
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On March 23, 2005, 15 workers died and more than 170 other were injured at the BP Refinery in Texas City, Texas.
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On April 2, 2010, seven workers were killed at the Tesoro refinery in Anacortes, Washington.
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On April 17, 2013, 15 people were killed at the West Fertilizer Company in West, Texas.
So because of these incidents, the PSM Standard is in need of being modernized. There are approximately fourteen proposed changes to the PSM Standard:
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Clarifying the PSM exemption for atmospheric tanks.
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Clarifying the PSM exemption for Oil and Gas-Well Drilling and Servicing.
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Clarifying the PSM exemption for Oil and Gas-Production Facilities.
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Expanding PSM Coverage and requirements for reactivity hazards.
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Updating the list of highly hazardous chemicals in Appendix A of the PSM Standard.
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Revising the PSM Standard to require additional management-system elements.
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Require the evaluation of updates to applicable Recognized and Generally Accepted Good Engineering Practices RAGAGEP.
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Clarifying the PSM Standard by adding the definition of RAGAGEP.
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Expanding to cover the mechanical integrity of any safety critical equipment.
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Clarifying the standard with the explicit requirement that Employers Manage organizational changes.
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Revising the standard to require coordination of Emergency Planning with Local Emergency-Response authorities.
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Revise the standard to require third-party compliance audits.
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Changing enforcement policy of the PSM exemption for retail facilities.
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Changing enforcement policy of highly hazardous chemicals listed in Appendix A of the PSM Standard without specific concentrations.
These proposed changes could be become effective in the PSM Standard by 2016. This book will be updated to reflect those changes after they become effective.
