PSM Operating Procedure Generation:

process safetyWhy Do PSM Operating Procedures Matter?

Operators are the first-line hands when it comes to running a plant. The ever-dynamic process that occurs at upstream platforms, midstream terminals, downstream refineries, and chemical plants would be difficult for anyone to keep straight without written guidance, instruction, and training.

This is why OSHA 1910.119(f) requires PSM-covered facilities to have up-to-date and accurate operating procedures. Per the PSM operating procedures mandate, the “employer shall develop and implement written operating procedures that provide clear instructions for safely conducting activities involved in each covered process consistent with the process safety information.”

What Criteria Do We Use to Write PSM Operating Procedures?

Well-written process safety management operating procedures can be hard to come by, yet are invaluable. The two criteria that make operating procedures so hard to write are that (1) they have to be concise enough to not over-burden an experienced operator, but (2) detailed enough for a new operator to comprehend and perform. A well-written operating procedure not only acts as the means to keep your process running safely but also serves as a training tool for new operators.

Cognascents engineers work with company personnel to generate process safety management operating procedures that address the following:

  • Initial startup
  • Normal operations
  • Temporary operations
  • Emergency shutdown
  • Emergency operations
  • Normal shutdown
  • Startup after a turnaround or emergency shutdown
  • Operating limits
  • Consequences of deviations (COD) and steps required to correct or avoid deviation
  • Safety and health considerations: properties of, and hazards presented by, the chemicals used in the process
  • Precautions necessary to prevent exposure, including engineering controls, administrative controls, and personal protective equipment (PPE)
  • Safety instrumented systems (SIS) and their safety instrumented functions (SIF)

Why work with Cognascents' Process Safety Management Operating Procedures Team?

Our PSM Operating Procedures Experience

Cognascents has worked with many major oil, gas and chemical companies to develop process safety management operating procedures from scratch or to update operating procedures after a major design change. Cognascents has also worked with small companies to develop operating procedures for processes that have grown in the last decade and are now covered by PSM.

In addition to writing PSM operating procedures, we also provide facilitators to risk-assess operating procedures. Our facilitators lead teams through a step-by-step process hazard analysis to identify and mitigate potential hazard scenarios. Our PHA facilitators have experience in performing What-If and Checklist Analyses, HAZIDs and HAZOPs for our clients’ operating procedures. Visit our Process Hazards Analysis page to learn more about how we can help you perform a risk assessment on your operating procedures.

Contact us to assist with your next process safety management operating procedures development.

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