What is Process Safety Management?
Process Safety Management (PSM)is a systematic approach used to reduce the likelihood of experiencing a significant process safety event. PSM tends to be more focused on low frequency/high severity events such as process fires, explosions and toxic releases.
How is it different than an EH&S Management System?
EH&S (Environment, Health and Safety) Management is a systematic approach used to reduce the likelihood of experiencing a occupational health and safety event. An EH&S Management system is typically more focused on higher frequency/lower severity events such as spills, slips, trips and falls. However, there are obvious exceptions to this statement as no one would consider a fatality from confined space entry or working at height to be a low severity event.
Why do you need a PSM and an EH&S Management System?
At the end of the day a well managed facility requires both programs to be implemented. Ideally the Process Safety Management system and the EH&S management system should be integrated to support and complement each other.
Are there overlaps between the systems?
Yes there are overlaps between the systems. Two obvious areas are management of hot work and energy isolation, but there are more areas depending on the nature of the facility and associated hazards.
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