OSHA Notice PSM Emphasis Program

On July 29, 2009 OSHA published a notice dealing with PSM Covered Chemical Facilities National Emphasis Program. This notice describes policies and procedures for implementing a pilot National Emphasis Program (NEP) to reduce or eliminate the workplace hazards associated with the catastrophic release of highly hazardous chemicals. This notice applies OSHA-wide. Programmed inspections will take place in Regions I, VII and X. Unprogrammed inspections will take place OSHA-wide. This notice provides guidance to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) national, regional, and area offices for implementing an NEP to reduce or eliminate workplace hazards associated with the catastrophic release of highly hazardous chemicals. Although Washington is not an OSHA state there is a portion to deal with states that will participate. Process Safety Management (PSM) has come and gone as a hot button topic and know I believe it is coming back. We do have a good deal of PSM facilities in this area, a lot having over the threshold of Anhydrous Ammonia for refrigeration. So if your facility is covered by PSM regulations you may want to take a look at the notice.

Stay safe