OSHA’s Process Safety Management of Highly Hazardous Chemicals (PSM) standard contains requirements for the management of hazards associated with processes using chemicals deemed to be “highly hazardous.”
For many types of businesses, such as refineries and chemical companies, it may be obvious that PSM applies. However, PSM can apply to many other, perhaps not-so-obvious, employers, such as grocery stores, pulp mills, manufacturers, to name a few. (Conversely, some employers think they have PSM-covered processes when in fact they do not.)
PSM applies to those companies that deal with any of more than 130 specific toxic and reactive chemicals in listed quantities (See 1910.119 Appendix A, which contains the list); it also includes any Category 1 flammable gas (as defined in 1910.1200(c)) or a flammable liquid with a flashpoint below 100°F (37.8°C) on site in one location, in a quantity of 10,000 pounds (4535.9 kg) or more (with a few exceptions, as outlined in 1910.119(a)(1)(ii)(A) and (B)).
Exempted from the standard A few types of facilities and operations are exempt from PSM. The standard does not apply to any of the following:
Employers with covered processes must: