Process Safety Information (PSI) is the technical foundation of a Process Safety Management (PSM) program. Your PHAs, operating procedures, mechanical integrity program, and many other PSM activities depend on this information being accurate. Under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.119(d), PSI is divided into three main categories. But what actually belongs in each one? 1. Hazards of the Chemical For an ammonia refrigeration system, this section documents the hazards and properties of anhydrous ammonia. OSHA...

Population data continues to come up during EPA Risk Management Program inspections and technical discussions, specifically the use of 2010 Decennial Census population data in off-site consequence analyses. The issue is simple: that data is over a decade old. Why this matters Population counts directly drive the number of people potentially impacted in both worst-case and alternative release scenarios. If that input is outdated, the output is also outdated, regardless of how solid the release...

As the industrial refrigeration industry continues to evolve, so do the standards that govern safe system operation and emergency response. One question that continues to surface among facility owners, engineers, and contractors is whether Field Test Pressure must be included on a machinery room placard. Recent updates to IIAR standards have brought clarity to this topic—and also corrected common misconceptions. At Macha PSM, our engineering team frequently receives requests for guidance on...