5 services found
Primatech Inc. services
Process Safety Management
Companies that handle highly hazardous chemicals in excess of threshold quantities must comply with OSHA`s Process Safety Management (PSM) standard, 29 CFR 1910.119 and EPA`s Risk Management (RM) Program rule, 40 CFR Part 68. These regulations are performance-based and compliance with them is quite different from specification-based regulations that spell out requirements. Many decisions must be made by companies on how to meet PSM and RMP regulatory requirements and what levels of performance are appropriate. As technical improvements are made, OSHA`s and EPA`s expectations for performance increase. Companies must stay abreast of these developments and adjust their programs accordingly. Many companies find it is more cost effective to seek outside expertise when doing so.
Risk Management Programs (and Plans)
Companies that handle certain highly hazardous chemicals in excess of threshold quantities must comply with EPA`s Risk Management Program (RMP) rule, 40 CFR Part 68. EPA`s RMP rule embraces OSHA`s PSM standard but applies it to protection of the public and the environment rather than employees as is the case with OSHA. However, the RMP rule goes beyond PSM in its requirements. For example, it requires the determination of impact distances for a worst-case accident and at least one alternative release scenario. These additional aspects of the RMP regulation require technical expertise beyond that required for PSM.
Process Security Management
Process security management addresses threats against plants from terrorist and criminal acts that may deliberately cause harm such as shutting down processes or the diversion or release of hazardous materials. Facilities must ensure they are secure from such attacks.
Cyber Security
Manufacturing and process control computer systems are often connected to business, commercial and enterprise networks that in turn are connected to the Internet. Process control systems may also contain computers with Internet connections, or modems for remote access. These connections with the outside world provide the means for attackers to penetrate the systems and cause harm. The potential also exists for manipulation of control systems by people acting from inside a company. Various types of attack are possible including the theft, corruption, damage or destruction of information; denial of service wherein users are prevented or inhibited from accessing computer systems; manipulation where computers are used to control process equipment such as pumps, valves, and motors; and process shutdown.
OSHA Chemical Facility PSM NEP Assistance
The chemical facility National Emphasis Program (NEP) is a focused inspection program by OSHA to verify compliance with OSHA`s Process Safety Management (PSM) standard (29 CFR 1910.119) at covered facilities. It began in November, 2011 and follows on from a pilot chemical facility NEP initiated in July, 2009 and a petroleum refinery NEP that began in June 2007 and is now concluded. Previously, OSHA conducted Program, Quality, Verification (PQV) inspections but few such inspections were possible as they are resource intensive. PQV inspections are broad and open-ended, while chemical NEP inspections rely on specific investigative questions. The goal of the chemical NEP is to conduct a large number of focused inspections. The chemical NEP inspections will focus on whether companies have properly implemented their PSM programs.
