How long must records of process safety analysis be kept?

According to OSHA’s Process Safety Management (PSM) standard (29 CFR 1910.119), all documentation related to a Process Safety Analysis (or Process Hazard Analysis, PHA) — including findings, recommendations, and corrective actions — must be retained for the life of the process.

That means if a chemical process or operation continues for 10, 20, or even 30 years, the original and updated PHA records must be kept for that entire duration. These records are essential because they help track how process risks were identified, evaluated, and controlled over time.

Even when a process is modified or updated, the old PHA reports remain valuable references for understanding historical safety decisions and lessons learned.

Only when the process is permanently shut down or decommissioned can the records be archived or disposed of.