What does the OSHA standard,

Process Safety Management of Highly

Hazardous Chemicals, cover?

This standard contains requirements for the

safe management of hazards associated with

processes using, storing, manufacturing,

handling, or moving highly hazardous chemicals

onsite. It emphasizes the management of hazards

through an established comprehensive program

that integrates technologies, procedures, and

management practices.

Why is this standard necessary?

Unexpected releases of highly hazardous

chemicals including toxic, reactive, or flammable

liquids and gases from processes have been

reported for many years. Incidents continue to

occur in various industries that use highly

hazardous chemicals that may be toxic, reactive,

flammable, or explosive, or may exhibit a

combination of these properties. Regardless of

the industry using these highly hazardous

chemicals, there is a potential for an accidental

release any time they are not properly controlled.

This, in turn, creates the possibility of a disaster.

What industries does the rule cover?

OSHA’s standard applies mainly to

manufacturing industries–particularly those

pertaining to chemicals, transportation

equipment, and fabricated metal products. Other

affected sectors include those involved with

natural gas liquids; farm product warehousing;

food processing, electric, gas, and sanitary

services; and wholesale trade. The standard also

applies to pyrotechnics and explosives

manufacturers. It has special provisions for

contractors working in covered facilities.

What does the standard require?

The key provision of the standard is a process

hazard analysis (PHA) that is based on a

compilation of process safety information. A PHA

is a careful review of what could go wrong and

what safeguards must be implemented to

prevent releases of hazardous chemicals.

The standard also mandates written operating

procedures, employee training and participation,

pre-startup safety reviews, evaluation of the

mechanical integrity of critical equipment,

contractor requirements, and written procedures

for managing change. It requires a permit system

for hot work, investigation of incidents involving

releases of covered chemicals or “near-misses,”

emergency action plans, compliance audits at

least every 3 years, and trade secret protection.

Where can I learn more about the

standard and its requirements?

For specific requirements see Title 29 of the

Code of Federal Regulations, Part 1910.119,

which is available on the OSHA website. OSHA

also has two publications that provide information

about the process safety management standard

and its application. Process Safety Management

(OSHA 3132) and Process Safety Management–

Guidelines for Compliance (OSHA 3133) are

available online at www.osha-slc.gov/OshDoc/

Additional.html and through the OSHA

Publications Office at the address and telephone

number below.

How can you get more information

on safety and health?

OSHA has various publications, standards,

technical assistance, and compliance tools to help

you, and offers extensive assistance through its

many safety and health programs: onsite

consultation, voluntary protection programs,

grants, strategic partnerships, state plans,

training, and education. Documents such as

OSHA’s Safety and Health Management

Guidelines provide information about elements

critical to the development of a successful safety

and health management system. This and other

information are available on OSHA’s website.

■ For one free copy of OSHA publications, send

a self-addressed mailing label to this address:

OSHA Publications Office, P.O. Box 37535,

Washington, DC 20013-7535; or send a

request to our fax at (202) 693-2498, or call

us at (202) 693-1888.
U.S. Department of Labor

Occupational Safety and Health Administration

2002

■ Order OSHA publications online at

www.osha.gov. Go to Publications and follow

the instructions for ordering.

■ To file a complaint by phone, report an

emergency, or get OSHA advice, assistance, or

products, contact your nearest OSHA office

under the “U.S. Department of Labor” listing

This is one in a series of informational fact sheets highlighting OSHA programs, policies, or standards. It does not impose

any new compliance requirements or carry the force of legal opinion. For compliance requirements of OSHA standards or

regulations, refer to Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations. This information will be made available to sensory-impaired

individuals upon request. Voice phone (202) 693-1999. See also OSHA’s website at www.osha.gov.

in your phone book, or call us toll-free at

(800) 321-OSHA (6742). The teletypewriter (TTY) number is (877) 889-5627.

■ To file a complaint online or obtain more

information on OSHA federal and state

programs, visit OSHA’s website.