Effective process safety management for highly hazardous chemicals

Abstract

Process safety management (PSM) has been a critical consideration in the plants that handle highly hazardous chemicals (HHCs), flammable gases and liquids. This article introduces PSM standard by OSHA's 29 CFR 1910.119. Further, it highlights an effective PSM for HHCs and provides PSM practices of the industries in Thailand. Effective PSM can prevent or mitigate catastrophic releases of HHCs which can cause health problems, fires, explosions, and fatalities. It is a disciplined framework for managing the integrity of operating systems, safety critical equipment (SCE) and safe work practices. Effective implementation and audits of PSM system and the continual improvement are important. It requires the industries to execute suitable leading and lagging process safety metrics. The inclusive and integrated PSM intents, human factors, good design principles, recognized and generally accepted good engineering practices (RAGAGEPs), engineering and administrative controls, and integrity of operating and maintenance practices are substantial key roles. It is important that the PSM system should be risk-based under the ALARP concept because hazards and risks are not equal, and there are multiple risks and consequences to consider. In summary, the PSM effectiveness depends on, for example, process safety metrics, management review, audit findings and particularly workforce involvement.