Osha Instruction: Voluntary Protection Programs (Vpp): Policies and Procedures Manual

Publisher Marketing: This Instruction cancels and replaces OSHA Instruction OSHA CSP 03-01-002. The purpose of the manual is to provide guidance concerning implementation of the Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP), including revised policies and procedures a) published as Federal Register Notice 68 FR 68475, December 8, 2003; b) affecting VPP participants covered under the Process Safety Management (PSM) standard; and c) enabling OSHA to employ an alternative reapproval process, the Compressed Reapproval Process to Recognize Sustained Excellence (CRP), for qualifying VPP Star participants. Major Changes include: Benchmark Rates. This Instruction incorporates changes published in Federal Register Notice 68 FR 68475, December 8, 2003, that revised the benchmark injury and illness rates used within VPP. Process Safety Management. This Instruction modifies procedures for VPP applications, OSHA onsite evaluations, and annual participant self-evaluations for applicants/participants subject to OSHA's Process Safety Management (PSM) standard. Compressed Reapproval Process. This Instruction introduces an alternative onsite reapproval process for Star participants who have demonstrated sustained excellence in safety and health systems management. Other. This Instruction removes template letters that OSHA periodically modifies and that are more appropriately disseminated through other means. It includes changes in the VPP recognition process. It also removes temporary instructions no longer applicable, and references to specific VPP affiliates. Minor editorial changes improve readability.