Process Safety Information , documentation

Process Safety Information Physical, chemical, and toxicological information related to the chemicals, process, and equipment. It is used to document the configuration of a process, its characteristics, its limitations, and as data for process hazard analyses. 

This section describes 14 tasks required for compliance with the PSM Rule regardless of the PrHA method selected. The sequence of these tasks is shown in Figure 3.1. This figure also indicates where process safety information (PSI) requirements fit into PrHA tasks, and what documents are generated as a result of each task. Concepts common to all PrHA methods are also discussed. 

Collect Chemical Reactivity Data Process Knowledge and Documentation Process Safety Information Identification of Major Hazards... 

Document Chemical Reactivity Risks and Management Decisions Process Knowledge and Documentation Process Risk Management Process Safety Information Process Hazard Analysis Operating Procedures Operational Control... 

The system that experienced the failure had been modified within the previous decade. Instrumentation and control changes made it difficult for field crews to diagnose and troubleshoot operating problems. Process safety information had not been properly documented and there was litde evidence that the changes had been formally evaluated. A few days before the incident, a tag was installed on a faulty letdown valve instructing that a bypass must not be used. No explanation was given for this instruction. 

The Mary Kay O Connor Process Safety Center at Texas A M University in College Station is an international leader in process safety and is increasing in stature each year. The center has a rich source of process safety information as well as documented case histories, a schedule of upcoming courses, information about upcoming and previous symposia, and links to other helpful information. The Centers web address is http //process-safety.tamu.edu. 

Process Safety Information. Employers must compile considerable documented process safety information on the hazards of chemicals used in a covered process as well as information on the process technology and equipment before conducting the process hazard analyses required by the standard. 

Industry associations, professional societies, academic institutions, and government agencies provide information on process safety incidents. Several groups sponsor conferences (both domestic and international) that include major sessions on process safety incidents. Documented proceedings from these conferences provide valuable information for selecting metrics based upon historical incidents. The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazards Investigation Board (CSB) conducts incident investigations and hazards studies, and documents causal... 

PROCESS DESCRIPTION. A separate element of the PSM Rule (paragraph [d] Process Safety Information) requires documentation of process details. These details need not be repeated in the process description. However, this section of the report should provide a brief working description of the process, perhaps with a block diagram. It should also describe the location of the process and the potential for exposure of workers. The discussion should consider workers working directly on the process and those that are "co-located" but not directly involved in the process. This section should also discuss the relationship between the location or "siting" of the process and the accident potential. 

Because a process technician or engineer cannot tell the difference from a process interlock tuid a safety interlock, there must be a list available to employees of the interlocks and their type. This list is usually part of the process safety information required by OSHA. Safety interlocks must be tested and the test documented. Often, this is on a yearly basis and done by an outside contractor. 

Will documentation of process safety information (PSI) be impacted Yes No ... 

The SIS functionality should be documented in a design basis that is maintained under revision control as process safety information for the life of the system. The SIS design basis should address the following ... 

Documentation Process Safety Information, Procedures, and Maintenance Management System Data... 

This means that the process safety information needs to be revised as documentation of the changed process, and there needs to be documentation that it was checked (for example, the PSSR form or database) to document that process safety was considered. Examples of piping, equipment, or automation changes that will most likely affect the PSl include ... 

Typical Document Title PSM / RMP Compliance Plan Employee Participation Process Safety Information Process Hazard Analysis Procedure Program Training Program Contractors... 

Process safety information (PSI) A compilation of chemical hazard, technology, and equipment documentation needed to manage process safety. 

An effective audit includes a review of the relevant documentation and process safety information, inspection of the physical facilities, and interviews with all levels of plant personnel. Utilizing the audit procedure and checklist developed in the preplanning... 

What records Written process safety information (chemical hazards, process technology, process equipment) Written process hazard analysis Written operating procedures Document employee training... 

Most tolls involve the transfer of proprietary information from one party to the other, typically from the client company to the toller. Each party should have maintained a log of transferred documents or software code to make the return of proprietary documents a simple matter. An initial list of the documents should have been referenced in the contract or as part of the technology package. Keeping records of additional documents transferred during the course of the toll will help eliminate confusion at the end of the project. The toller may need to retain documents appropriate for their process safety system needs. 

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