OSHA Guide Expands PSM Standard’s Exemption For LNG Facilities

OSHA has broadened the liquefied natural gas (LNG) sector’s waiver from the agency’s process safety management (PSM) standard, holding that the rule does not apply to facilities subject to Transportation Department (DOT) pipeline safety rules while also revoking a narrower Clinton-era policy that exempted only “fire and explosion” dangers. In a letter of interpretation (LOI) dated April 27 but only released online this week, Patrick J. Kapust, acting director of OSHA’s Directorate of Enforcement Programs, writes that pipeline standards crafted...