Process Safety

Process Safety Management (PSM) is a system for managing process safety associated with highly hazardous chemicals. In the U.S., OSHA's Process Safety Management of Highly Hazardous Chemicals Standard is the main regulation to reduce and/or eliminate hazards related to potential chemical or hydrocarbon releases. Regulatory authorities in some non-U.S. countries maintain similar standards.

Marathon applies PSM principles in its operations worldwide, both in government-regulated facilities as required and in facilities that are not covered by host government regulations. At the beginning of 2009, Marathon had 11 facilities regulated under OSHA's Process Safety Management (PSM) program and another 11 facilities at which Marathon had voluntarily chosen to implement PSM principles. During 2009, one regulated facility and one voluntary facility were sold. In addition to voluntary compliance with the principles of PSM, U.S. Gulf of Mexico operations comply with U.S. Minerals Management Service regulations.

Marathon focuses on preventing process safety incidents by designing appropriate safety systems into processes and equipment, operating according to established procedures, applying safe work controls, maintaining equipment, employing management of change, learning from incidents, being prepared for emergencies, assessing and improving performance, and involving workers. These practices are formalized in the Marathon PSM Standard.