What specific elements of PSM does a contractor at a PSM regulated client site need to comply with?

Contractors at a PSM-regulated client site must comply with several elements of Process Safety Management (PSM) to ensure their work doesn't compromise safety . These include:

• Safe Work Practices: Contractors must adhere to safe work practices, including lockout/tagout, confined space entry, and control over entrance into the facility 2, 4.
• Training: Contractors must ensure their employees are trained in necessary work practices to perform their jobs safely, including instruction on potential fire, explosion, or toxic release hazards related to their job and the process, and the applicable emergency action plan 3, 9. They must also document this training .
• Following Facility Safety Rules: Contractors are responsible for ensuring their employees follow the safety rules of the facility, including required safe work practices .
• Informing the Employer of Hazards: Contractors must advise the employer of any unique hazards presented by their work or any hazards they discover 3, 9, 15.
• Permit Systems: A permit system or work authorization system can help control contractor activities, especially for specialized or hazardous tasks like confined space entry or non-routine repairs 1, 5.
• Management of Change: Contractors must be informed of, and trained in, any changes to the process that affect their job tasks prior to start-up .

The hiring employer also has responsibilities, including 2, 9:

• Evaluating a contractor's safety performance and programs before selection 2, 6, 9.
• Informing contractors of potential fire, explosion, or toxic release hazards related to the contractor's work and the process 2, 9.
• Explaining applicable provisions of the emergency action plan 2, 9.
• Implementing safe work practices to control the entrance, presence, and exit of contract employers and employees in covered process areas 3, 9.
• Periodically evaluating the performance of contract employers in fulfilling their obligations 3, 9.
• Maintaining a contract employee injury and illness log related to the contractor's work in process areas 3, 6, 9.