Process Hazard Analysis - Selecting a Methodology

Selecting a PHA methodology involves multiple factors, including how much is known about the process. Regardless of what method is used, however, the PHA must address the following:

• Hazards of the process
• Identification of previous incidents with the potential for catastrophic consequences
• Engineering and administrative controls applicable to the hazards
• Consequences of failure of engineering and administrative controls
• Facility siting
• Human factors
• Qualitative evaluation of possible safety and health effects on employees in the event the controls fail

The PHA is best performed by a team that has expertise in engineering and process operations, and knowledge of the process being evaluated.

The employer must promptly address the team's findings and recommendations and document them. At a minimum, the PHA documentation should include the following:

• Findings of the evaluation
• Actions to be taken
• Written schedule of when these actions are to be completed

For the life of the process, employers must keep on file all the process hazard analyses, any updates or revalidation of the process hazard analyses, and the documented resolution of all of the team's recommendations.

To learn more about Process Safety Management visit our Cal/OSHA Process Safety Management Online Training web page.