Process Safety Management (PSM) 

The purpose of this rulemaking is to improve workplace safety and health at refineries. Catastrophic events at oil refineries across the U.S. have tragically claimed the lives of many workers — including 13 in Washington State since 1998. Six workers died from a Process Safety Management (PSM) related incident in 1998 at a petroleum refinery in Anacortes. In 2010, 7 more workers died when a heat exchanger used in the refining process at a petroleum refinery in Anacortes exploded and the fire engulfed the workers. These incidents have led to much discussion about what could have been done to prevent these tragedies.

Status

On June 21, 2023, L&I, Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) filed a Proposed Rulemaking (CR-102) to update the requirements in chapter 296-67 WAC Safety Standards for Process Safety Management of Highly Hazardous Chemicals relating to petroleum refineries.

Please see “Meetings & Timeline” tab below for information regarding public hearings. All other related information including proposed language can be found under the “Rule Drafts & Documents” tab.

See all the rulemaking activity for Process Safety Management on our L&I Rulemaking page.

Learn more about our rulemaking process and terminology

Background

In 2015, the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) launched an effort to update the safety standards for process safety management of highly hazardous chemicals. A Process Safety Management Advisory Committee was established consisting of L&I staff, labor representatives, business representatives, and other community members. The Committee held 10 meetings between September 21, 2015 and September 6, 2017, during which the initial draft rule language was developed and discussed. In August 2017, L&I filed a preproposal statement of inquiry (CR-101) initiating a rulemaking. Eleven stakeholder meetings to discuss the draft rule language were conducted between January 24, 2018 and December 4, 2018. On June 21, 2023, L&I filed a proposed rulemaking (CR-102) and will be holding public hearings in August 2023.

Meetings & Timeline
Action Item Date
Filed CR-101 Pre-proposal Statement of Inquiry​​ August 22, 2017​
Filed CR-102 Proposed Rulemaking​​ June 21, 2023​

L&I encourages the submittal of written comments, due by 5:00 p.m. on August 24

Public Hearings on Proposed Rules

Public Hearing Materials

Public Hearing Locations

  • Thursday, August 10, 2023: Four Points Sheraton, Fairhaven Room, 714 Lakeway Drive, Bellingham, WA 98229
    • Pre-hearing overview at 9:00 a.m.
    • Public hearing at 10:00 a.m.
  • Tuesday, August 15, 2023: Virtual via Zoom Passcode: PSM@1230

Join by phone (audio only):
Phone/Dial-in: 253-215-8782 US (Tacoma)
Meeting ID: 879 4704 9101
Passcode: 43800387

    • Pre-hearing overview at 12:30 p.m.
    • Public hearing at 1:30 p.m.
  • Wednesday, August 16, 2023: Majestic Inn & Spa, 419 Commercial Ave. Anacortes, WA 98221
    • Pre-hearing overview at 5:30 p.m.
    • Public hearing at 6:30 p.m.
  • Thursday, August 17, 2023: Four Points Sheraton, Fairhaven Room, 714 Lakeway Drive, Bellingham, WA 98229
    • Pre-hearing overview at 9:00 a.m.
    • Public hearing at 10:00 a.m.

Previous Meetings

Rule Drafts & Documents Additional resources

Staff Contacts:

For rulemaking questions, please contact:

Tari Enos
Administrative Regulations Analyst
Tari.Enos@Lni.wa.gov or 360-902-5541

For technical questions, please contact:

Sally Buckingham
Industrial Hygiene Specialist
Sally.Buckingham@Lni.wa.gov or 360-647-7322

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If you would like to receive updates regarding this proposed rulemaking project and future stakeholder meetings, please sign up for our email updates.