Qualification Structure

The OTHM Level 7 International Diploma in Process Safety Management (PSM) is an Ofqual-regulated qualification accredited on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). The qualification has a Total Qualification Time (TQT) of 1200 hours and 600 Guided Learning Hours (GLH).

Assessment for the OTHM Level 7 International Diploma in Process Safety Management (PSM) is conducted on a Pass/Fail basis. Learner work is internally assessed and verified by the approved centre, with external quality assurance provided by OTHM-appointed External Quality Assurers to ensure compliance with OTHM quality standards.

To achieve the qualification, learners must successfully complete all mandatory units.

Core Study Units

Introduction to Process Safety Management (PSM)

• Explain the fundamental principles and objectives of Process Safety Management.
• Identify major process hazards and their potential consequences in industrial settings.
• Describe the importance of hazard identification and risk control in process industries.
• Recognize key elements of a structured PSM framework.
• Understand the role of safety culture in preventing major accidents.

2. Process Safety Management Systems (PSMS) & Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS)

• Describe the structure and components of a Process Safety Management System (PSMS).
• Explain the function and importance of Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS) in risk reduction.
• Interpret safety integrity levels (SIL) and their application in system design.
• Evaluate the integration of engineering and management controls in process safety.
• Analyze system reliability and failure prevention strategies.

3. Process Safety Engineering

• Apply engineering principles to identify and control process hazards.
• Evaluate process design for inherent safety improvements.
• Conduct basic hazard analysis techniques such as HAZOP and What-If analysis.
• Assess equipment design and operational safety requirements.
• Develop strategies to minimize loss of containment and major incident risks.

4. Emergency Planning and Response

• Develop emergency response plans for process-related incidents.
• Identify roles and responsibilities during emergency situations.
• Assess evacuation procedures and incident command structures.
• Evaluate communication strategies during emergencies.
• Review effectiveness of drills, simulations, and contingency planning.

5. Legal and Regulatory Compliance

• Interpret key national and international process safety regulations.
• Explain employer and employee legal responsibilities in process safety.
• Assess compliance requirements for hazardous industries.
• Evaluate the consequences of non-compliance and safety violations.
• Apply regulatory frameworks to real-world industrial scenarios.

6. Environmental Protection in Process Safety

• Explain the relationship between process safety and environmental protection.
• Identify environmental hazards arising from industrial processes.
• Evaluate pollution prevention and control measures in process industries.
• Apply sustainable practices to reduce environmental impact.
• Assess incident scenarios involving environmental damage and mitigation strategies

Who Is This Qualification For?

The OTHM Level 7 International Diploma in Process Safety Management (PSM) is designed for professionals who are responsible for managing process safety, operational risk and major accident hazards within high-risk and process-based industries. It is particularly suitable for:

• HSE and process safety professionals seeking advanced knowledge and leadership capability in process safety management.
• Process safety engineers and safety engineers responsible for hazard identification, risk assessment and safety control systems.
• Engineering and operations managers who need to integrate process safety principles into operational and strategic decision-making.
• Health and safety managers and supervisors working in high-hazard environments where effective risk control is critical.
• Oil and gas, petrochemical and chemical industry professionals involved in managing hazardous processes, substances and equipment.
• Manufacturing, energy and pharmaceutical professionals with responsibilities for operational safety and major hazard prevention.
• Risk management professionals seeking to strengthen their expertise in process safety and organisational risk management.
• Experienced professionals aspiring to senior HSE, process safety, safety management or operational leadership positions.

Career Opportunities

The OTHM Level 7 International Diploma in Process Safety Management (PSM) prepares learners for senior and strategic roles in process safety, risk management, and operational safety across high-hazard industries. The qualification develops advanced expertise in process safety management systems, major accident hazard control, risk assessment, safety leadership, incident prevention, and organisational resilience, enabling graduates to strengthen process safety performance, manage operational risks, support regulatory compliance, and lead safety improvement initiatives in both national and international organisations. It is particularly relevant to sectors such as oil and gas, petrochemicals, chemical processing, energy, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, engineering, utilities, and other industries where hazardous processes and major accident risks require robust safety management.

Future Progression

The OTHM Level 7 International Diploma in Process Safety Management (PSM) provides learners with a strong foundation for career advancement into senior and strategic process safety, risk management, and operational safety roles. The qualification is internationally relevant and supports professional progression across high-hazard industries such as oil and gas, petrochemicals, chemical processing, energy, manufacturing, engineering, pharmaceuticals, utilities, and other process-based organisations where advanced process safety expertise is highly valued.

Academically, learners may progress to relevant postgraduate qualifications, including a Master’s degree, subject to the entry requirements of the receiving institution, or pursue specialist professional development programmes in process safety, risk management, health and safety, environmental management, emergency management, compliance, and operational resilience. The Level 7 qualification also supports lifelong learning and continuous professional development (CPD).

Professionally, this diploma can enhance opportunities to progress into roles such as Process Safety Manager, Process Safety Engineer, Process Safety Specialist, HSE Manager, Risk Manager, Loss Prevention Engineer, Safety Consultant, Major Accident Hazard Specialist, and Process Safety Adviser. The advanced knowledge and strategic skills developed through the qualification enable learners to strengthen process safety management systems, control major accident hazards, improve operational risk management, and contribute to safer and more resilient industrial operations across the UK and internationally.