PHA Leadership Training Course
Smith & Burgess offers a 3.5-day, in-person PHA Leadership Training Course tailored for safety professionals, engineers, and future facilitators responsible for leading Process Hazard Analysis (PHA) studies. This comprehensive course delivers hands-on instruction rooted in OSHA 29 CFR 1910.119 and EPA RMP regulations, while applwying practical methodologies from the Center for Chemical Process Safety (CCPS).
Unlike generic PSM training, this program is designed to build confidence and capability in leading HAZOP, What-If, and other structured hazard evaluations—equipping participants with the skills to manage multi-disciplinary teams, ensure regulatory compliance, and drive informed risk mitigation strategies.
Course Objectives
- Interpret and apply regulatory requirements for PHAs under OSHA PSM and EPA RMP
- Prepare and facilitate team-based HAZOP and What-If analyses
- Identify and structure process nodes, causes, consequences, and safeguards
- Manage risk assessments using consequence severity and likelihood rankings
- Apply industry-approved risk matrices, scribing techniques, and documentation best practices
- Understand human factors, facility siting considerations, and safeguard validation
- Lead productive, audit-ready PHAs that support safer, more reliable operations
Course Content
- PHA regulations and compliance expectations (OSHA 29 CFR 1910.119(e), EPA RMP)
- Facilitator responsibilities and team management techniques
- Node identification and boundary definition
- Risk assessment methodologies (HAZOP, What-If)
- Scenario development and consequence analysis
- Use of safeguards and IPLs (Independent Protection Layers)
- Scribing techniques and documentation expectations
- Integration of human factors and facility siting reviews
- Application of PHA software (discussion only—no license required)
- Final report preparation and post-study action tracking
Course Instructor
Dick Baum | Principal Consultant
With over 40 years of process safety experience, Dick Baum is a recognized leader in PHA facilitation and SIL/LOPA analysis. He has conducted risk assessments for major oil, gas, and petrochemical clients and brings practical insights and field-tested tools to every training session. His deep understanding of both regulatory expectations and real-world operations makes him an exceptional instructor for technical professionals preparing to lead high-stakes hazard reviews.
2025 Course Schedule
Thank you for your interest in our PHA leadership course. We do not have any active courses at the moment.
If you have questions or wish to be notified when new course registrations open, you may contact us at: marketing@smithburgess.com.
Course Format & Agenda
Location: In-person only–heldat our Houston facility or hosted onsite by client request
Duration: 3.5 days
Certification: 28 professional development hours awarded upon completion
Course Agenda:
Day 1:
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM CDT
- Introduction and regulatory overview
(OSHA, EPA) - Process safety information
- P&ID workshop
- Node identification
Day 2:
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM CDT
- Node workshop
- Cause and consequence identification
- Risk matrix review and likelihood ranking
Day 3:
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM CDT
- Safeguard identification & validity workshop
- PHA documentation best practices
- Facilitator troubleshooting techniques
Day 4:
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM CDT
- PHA leader guidelines
- Full workshop simulation
- Q&A and final debrief
Pricing & Registration
Course Fee: $2,000 per participant
Group Discount: $100 off per student for groups of 3 or more
Includes: PHA Leadership course manual, workshop templates, and 28 PDH certificate
Insufficient Demand: We reserve the right to cancel a course if there is insufficient demand, as determined by us in our sole and absolute discretion. In this case, you will receive a full refund and/or the option to transfer the registration fee to a future course.
Why Train With Smith & Burgess?
- Regulatory Alignment – Built around OSHA PSM and CCPS methodologies used by regulators and global operators
- Real-World Facilitation Experience – Instructors lead PHAs across upstream, midstream, refining, and chemical facilities
- Tools You Can Use – Participants gain the confidence and practical skills to lead effective PHAs—maximizing safety and efficiency while minimizing environmental impact, compliance risk, and unnecessary costs
- Industry Recognition – Smith & Burgess is trusted by Fortune 500 clients for their most complex process safety needs
Register Today
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the registration deadline?
The final day to register is one week prior to the training start date. Seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Will I receive a certificate of professional development hours?
Yes. Anyone who attends all four days will receive a signed certificate of completion for 28 hours.
How do I prepare for the course?
The course includes lecture-style instruction, workshop exercises, and interactive Q&A. All students will need a scientific calculator. A course manual will be provided prior to the session.
I'm having issues making a payment. What should I do?
Please contact Smith & Burgess to receive alternative payment options.
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