Not only did OSHA update its Compliance Directive for Process Safety Management standard 1910.119, effective January 26, 2024, this week, they also posted a Letter of Interpretation (LOI) clarifying several key terms used in its PSM Standard. Terms defined include:
- Employer
- Employee
- Access, as used in the EP element
- Accessible, as used in the SOP element
- Maximum Intended Inventory
- Electrical Classification
- Initial Startup
- Certify, as used in the SOP and Auditing elements
- Provided, as used in the Training element
The information in this letter does not constitute official definitions of terms in the PSM standard. The following information provides clarification on some of the terms used in the PSM standard.
Adding new definitions to Section 1910.119 requires rulemaking changes.
The PSM rulemaking is currently in the pre-rule stage, and you may submit comments requesting definitions or additional guidance in the future.
Please check the Unified Agenda on Reginfo.gov for status updates on the rulemaking.
NOTE: I have added some links for ease of seeing referenced sources.