Process Safety Management Checklist

Why You Need a Process Safety Management Checklist

Process safety management (PSM) is a regulatory framework designed to prevent the release of highly hazardous chemicals in facilities that handle toxic, reactive, flammable, or explosive substances. There are 14 elements of the PSM standard, which you must implement consistently to ensure compliance and prevent major incidents. A process safety management checklist is a simple document that will help you track what you’re working on and which changes you’re making.

Without a checklist, it’s easy to overlook key requirements such as updating process safety information or ensuring timely completion of mechanical integrity inspections. A checklist not only supports regulatory compliance but also promotes accountability and continuous improvement.

What to Include in a Checklist

The information you include in your PSM checklist will depend heavily on what you intend to use it for. If you want to use it for a compliance review, you’ll need to have line items for each of the 14 PSM elements. If you just want to use it for basic documentation of what you’re working for, you might only include things like:

• PSM element you’re addressing
• Status of any changes you’re managing (under the MOC requirements)
• Control documents to update

How to Use the Checklist to Maintain Compliance and Improve Safety

Once you’ve added the information you want to your checklist, you’ll need to make it part of your team’s standard work. Whether that’s on a quarterly basis for PSM program reviews or weekly to document any PSM tasks, make sure it’s consistent.

Documenting your PSM program with a checklist is essential if you want to maintain compliance with the standard. Not having the proper recordkeeping processes in place can lead to a major incident or regulatory fine. Over time, though, your team should get used to documenting the critical elements of your process.