Question 1

What is an example of process safety?

Accepted Answer

An example of process safety in the chemical industry would be the use of safety systems and procedures to prevent chemical spills or releases. This can include the use of containment barriers, emergency shut-off valves, and alarms to contain and control spills. It also includes regular inspections and maintenance of equipment, as well as training for employees on proper handling and storage of hazardous materials. Also, a process safety management (PSM) program is an effective way to identify and evaluate potential hazards in a process, develop procedures to control or mitigate those hazards, and continuously monitor and improve the safety performance.

Question 2

What are five major OSHA process safety standards?

Accepted Answer

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has several process safety standards that are intended to prevent or mitigate the effects of chemical releases in the workplace. These standards include:

Process Safety Management (PSM) of Highly Hazardous Chemicals (29 CFR 1910.119) - This standard requires employers to implement a PSM program for processes that involve the use of highly hazardous chemicals. This program must include elements such as process hazard analysis, incident investigation, compliance auditing, emergency planning and response and management of change.
Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) (29 CFR 1910.120) - This standard applies to employers engaged in the cleanup of hazardous waste sites, and includes requirements for emergency response planning, employee training and medical surveillance.
Respiratory Protection (29 CFR 1910.134) - This standard requires employers to provide respiratory protection for employees who may be exposed to hazardous substances in the air.
Fire Protection and Prevention (29 CFR 1910.39) - This standard requires employers to take necessary steps to protect the employees from fire hazards and provide necessary fire extinguishers, alarms and emergency evacuation plan.
Access to Employee Exposure and Medical Records (29 CFR 1910.1020) - This standard requires employers to establish, maintain and provide access to records of employee exposure to toxic materials or harmful physical agents.

These are just some examples of OSHA process safety standards; others may apply depending on the specific industry and type of process.

Question 3

How do you best manage process safety?

Accepted Answer

Managing process safety involves identifying hazards, implementing controls, having emergency response plans, monitoring and maintaining safety, providing employee training, creating a safety culture and compliance with regulations. Managing process safety also regularly conducting assessments, audits, investigations and updating procedures as necessary. Managing process safety can involve wide employee participation (and may differ depending on role and access) and can hold everyone accountable for low-risk, safety-minded behaviors. Managing process safety also can require continuously monitoring, evalutating and documenting effectiveness of safety controls and procedures.

Question 4

What are some common process safety risks?

Accepted Answer

Common process safety risks include explosions and fires from flammable or combustible gases, liquids or dusts, chemical releases from improper controls or equipment failures, mechanical failures from improper maintenance or wear and tear and human error. These risks can lead to injuries, death, environmental damage and process disruptions. It's important to identify and assess these hazards and implement controls, processes and training to mitigate or eliminate them.

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