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.

Purpose

The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) is establishing a PSM Advisory Committee.

The purpose this committee is to discuss ways to improve workplace safety and health at refineries, stakeholders have a shared goal of providing a safe and healthy work environment for employees to ensure Washington is a leader in refinery worker safety practices. The efforts of the advisory committee will promote safer and more productive refineries in Washington.

Rulemaking information

• WACs addressing formatting
• Rulemaking page for PSM.
• CR101 for PSM.
• CR102 for PSM.

Get updates via email

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