Process Safety Management (PSM): Contractors

On October 23, 1989, an explosion occurred at the Phillips Petroleum polyethylene plant in Pasadena, Texas. A massive vapor cloud was created causing 23 fatalities and over 100 injuries. Investigation into the incident revealed that a specialist maintenance contractor employed to do work on one of the reactors did not follow the proper procedures prior to maintenance work. Process Safety Management (PSM) is a systematic process aimed at preventing highly hazardous chemicals from being released. Because contractors perform crucial activities on PSM covered processes, unsafe contractor work may jeopardize other employees as well as the contractors themselves. In this interactive online video course, safety expert Jon Wallace discusses the elements of the PSM Contractor requirement, including contractor selection, training, and evaluation. It is critical that contractors understand potential hazards of their work environment; therefore, a solid understanding of the PSM Contractor requirement will help ensure employers correctly train contractors on OSHA regulations.