Automating Process Safety Management

Abstract

In February of 1992 the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) promulgated the Process Safety Management Standard (PSM) for Highly Hazardous Chemicals. The stated objective of this standard is to prevent unwanted releases of hazardous chemicals especially into locations which could expose employees and others to serious hazards. This federal requirement along with the EPA's Risk Management Program, The Chemical Manufacturers Association's Responsible Care(8) Program and ISO 9000, 14000 and 18000 have similar requirements and can be addressed in a more effective and efficient manner by automating core elements. Although there is no explicit requirement to automate PSM there is a growing trend in the chemical process industry to do so. This paper discusses the requirements and benefits of software system integration for the purpose of PSM automation.