Process Safety Management (PSM) Unit

The Process Safety Management (PSM) Unit is responsible for inspecting refineries and chemical plants, covered under Labor Code sections 7850-7873, that handle large quantities of toxic and flammable materials. Health and safety standards enforced by the PSM Unit, including adequate employee training, are intended to prevent catastrophic explosions, fires, and releases of dangerous chemicals.

Petroleum refinery employers must submit to the PSM Unit every September 15 a full schedule of planned turnarounds for all affected units for the following calendar year (Labor Code sections 7872-7873). A "turnaround" is a planned, periodic shutdown, total or partial, of a refinery process unit or plant to perform maintenance, overhaul, and repair operations and to inspect, test, and replace process materials and equipment. After receiving and reviewing an employer's schedule of turnarounds, the PSM Unit may request that the employer provide onsite access and allow inspectors to review additional documentation related to the turnaround.

Recognized and Generally Accepted Good Engineering Practices (RAGAGEP) for Process Safety Management Study by Rand Corporation

February 2025