Sam McWilliams & Associates, Inc. – Chemical & Process Safety Engineering Consultants
Process Safety Management (PSM) is a performance-based, regulatory-required management system designed to protect workers from the dangers of highly hazardous chemicals (HHCs). While it’s clear that refineries and chemical companies must comply, PSM actually applies to all facilities handling any of the more than 130 toxic and reactive chemicals listed in Appendix A of OSHA’s PSM Standard (29 CFR 1910.119).
At Sam McWilliams & Associates, we help companies understand, implement, and maintain full compliance with OSHA’s PSM requirements. Our team combines technical expertise and regulatory knowledge to keep your operations safe, efficient, and audit-ready.
We provide hands-on guidance to help you meet every element of OSHA’s PSM standard:
Ensuring your employees are actively involved in PHA development and have access to all relevant process safety information.
Documenting and maintaining accurate technical data on highly hazardous chemicals so risks are clear and accessible.
Identifying and evaluating processes with the greatest safety risks, and prioritizing corrective actions.
Reviewing and improving procedures for startup, normal operations, temporary operations, and emergency shutdowns.
Verifying that employees receive proper training on hazards, emergency actions, and safe work practices, with refresher training every three years.
Confirming contractor safety performance and ensuring they are informed of potential risks before starting work.
Validating all required safety steps before initial operations or after process modifications.
Ensuring equipment inspections, testing, and maintenance procedures are properly documented and executed.
Reviewing and validating hot work permits to ensure compliance with fire prevention and protection standards.
Evaluating proposed changes for their impact on safety, procedures, and employee communication.
Reviewing investigations to confirm they were timely, thorough, and that corrective actions were implemented.
Assessing compliance with 29 CFR §1910.38, including preparation for small chemical releases and facility-wide response readiness.
Conducting required triennial audits and ensuring all findings are addressed in a timely manner.
Ensuring all necessary information, even if protected as trade secrets, is available to PSM personnel.
Achieving and maintaining PSM compliance requires attention to detail, technical expertise, and a proactive approach. At Sam McWilliams & Associates, we provide the tools, facilitation, and experience you need to manage your risks effectively while meeting every regulatory requirement.
Contact us today to discuss how we can support your PSM compliance program.