PSM & Refrigeration Trends Reshaping The Industry

In this episode of Safe, Efficient, Profitable, we break down the top three Process Safety Management (PSM) trends we’re seeing across industrial ammonia refrigeration facilities — and why they matter. Episode details below!

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🔹 Trend #1: Vetting PHA Facilitators

As PSM requirements evolve and standards change, many facilities are outsourcing PHAs. We discuss:

How misunderstanding the intent of PHA questions undermines risk reduction

Why hands-on experience matters

What to ask before hiring a PHA facilitator

Key takeaway: Vet the person, not just the company.

🔹 Trend #2: Undefined PSM Coordinators. We discuss:

Many plants are hiring PSM coordinators quickly to keep up with compliance demands — but without clearly defining what decisions they’re qualified to make.

The difference between managing documents and validating safety content

Approval of technical procedures

When co-signing and oversight are necessary

Key takeaway: Clear role definition protects both the coordinator and the facility.

🔹 Trend #3: The Changing Definition of “Operator” We discuss:

High turnover has changed what it means to be a trained operator

Why traditional multi-year training timelines are difficult

How partial experience from other facilities can create hidden gaps

Key takeaway: Operator capability must be defined, verified, and reassessed.

🔹 Bonus Discussion: Third-Party Contractors & Hidden Risk: we discuss:

With more plants relying on contractors for refrigeration operation and PSM tasks, we talk about:

Third-party doesn’t automatically mean qualified

Common red flags

How contractor labor shortages mirror in-house challenges

Key takeaway: Contractors must be vetted with the same rigor as employees.

Why This Matters

Across all of these trends, one issue keeps surfacing:

PSM is drifting toward paperwork compliance instead of true risk reduction.

Remember to:

Vet people as individuals, not just vendors and contractors

Define competency

Adapt training models to modern workforce realities

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Need PSM Support?

We offer:
PHA facilitation and support
Hazmat training (along with other safety training & audits)
Mini compliance audits
PSM coaching and advisory services

👉 Visit Allen-Safety.com to learn more.

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