Process Safety Management (PSM) has never been more critical than it is today. As industries evolve in complexity, scale, and technological advancement, so too do the risks associated with managing hazardous processes. Catastrophic events such as the Bhopal disaster, the Texas City refinery explosion, and other industrial incidents around the world have revealed a clear truth: technical excellence alone is not sufficient to prevent major accidents. A robust, systematic approach to managing process hazards is essential. This book was written to serve as a practical guide for that very purpose.
Process Safety Management (PSM) has never been more critical than it is today. As industries evolve in complexity, scale, and technological advancement, so too do the risks associated with managing hazardous processes. Catastrophic events such as the Bhopal disaster, the Texas City refinery explosion, and other industrial incidents around the world have revealed a clear truth: technical excellence alone is not sufficient to prevent major accidents. A robust, systematic approach to managing process hazards is essential. This book was written to serve as a practical guide for that very purpose.
Over the years, I have worked with engineers, operators, regulators, and safety professionals across various sectors—from oil and gas to pharmaceuticals—witnessing both the strengths and gaps in how organizations approach process safety. What became apparent is that while regulations and standards exist, the real challenge lies in implementation: in turning policy into practice, and awareness into action.
This book is intended to bridge that gap.
Drawing on global best practices, real-world examples, and key regulatory frameworks, each chapter in this book presents one of the core elements of a comprehensive PSM system. From foundational principles like Process Hazard Analysis and Mechanical Integrity to forward-looking topics such as Digitalization and Enterprise Risk Integration, the aim is to provide both breadth and depth in a practical, accessible format. Whether you are a plant engineer, safety officer, manager, or student, this book is designed to support your understanding and application of process safety in everyday operations.
Importantly, this is not just a technical manual. Embedded in every chapter is the recognition that process safety is as much about culture, leadership, and people as it is about systems and technology. It is my belief that fostering a proactive safety culture—where hazards are identified, understood, and managed before they lead to incidents—is the hallmark of a resilient organization.
I would like to thank the many professionals and mentors who have contributed to my journey in process safety, and whose insights have shaped the perspectives shared in these pages. My hope is that this book empowers you to strengthen the safety of your operations, protect your workforce and community, and contribute meaningfully to a safer industrial future.
— Adebayo Bamidele Olanrewaju
Olanab Consulting Ltd.
www.olanabconsults.com