Frequently Asked Questions

At what capacity or volume of operation should my organization start to implement a Process Safety Management System?

The PSM roadmap and program are applicable to all facilities handling hazardous material. The rate and level of implementation will depend on the organization’s readiness and self-assessment against the issued standards. which will be determined through the Egyptian PSM Committee’s Company PSM Maturity Survey.

What is the PSM Diploma?

The PSM professional Diploma is delivered by the American University in Cairo’s (AUC) Engineering and Science Services Center designed to provide professional course education and student assessment in Process Safety Management (PSM), in accordance with the 24 standards and guidelines issued by the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources in collaboration with Methanex Egypt.

Who is eligible to enroll in this diploma?

Engineering and Science BSc candidates from Oil, Gas, Petrochemical, Manufacturing Industries, Pharmaceutical industries, F&B industries, and Mining in Egypt and worldwide.

What are the key topics covered in the diploma?

• 1. Fundamentals of Process Safety.
  2. Hazard Identification & Risk Assessment.
  3. Process Safety Leadership.
  4. Process Safety in Design & Engineering.
  5. Emergency Response & Incident Investigation.
  6. Regulatory Compliance & Auditing.

What is the duration of the diploma?

The diploma, including assessments, lasts between 4 to 5 months.

Is there an online platform to attend the diploma remotely?

The PSM professional diploma will be delivered as a combination of in-person and online teaching, thus accommodating student needs.

Are there any prerequisites for enrolling in the diploma?

The minimum requirements are to hold a BSc degree in Engineering and/or Science. Two years of relevant work experience and site/field experience are preferred.

Can I take the diploma if I have no prior PSM experience?

Yes, provided you have the minimum education requirements.

Does the diploma require career experience, or can I apply as a fresh graduate?

You can apply as a fresh graduate; however practical PSM and field experience are very valuable thus supporting the overall education journey.

What are the assessments and certifications at the end of the diploma?

The diploma includes ongoing assessments throughout the program. Candidates who successfully pass the assessments and meet the graduation requirements will receive a professional diploma from the Engineering and Science Services (ESS) of the American University in Cairo (AUC).

Do participants receive certification upon completion?

Yes, candidates successfully completing the Diploma shall receive a Diploma certificate by the Engineering and Science Services (ESS) of the American University in Cairo (AUC).

What are the benefits or key takeaways of completing this diploma?

The professional PSM Diploma will offer candidates a strong PSM base, equipping them to become competent PSM practitioners and giving them a competitive edge in the job market. Successful diploma graduates will be able to apply PSM engineering and procedural best practices in their areas of work, contributing to safer operational facilities, projects and communities.

What industries benefit from the PSM Professional Diploma? Or is the diploma dedicated to oil & gas only?

The PSM professional diploma is not limited to the oil and gas industry. Candidates from various industries can benefit including oil, gas, petrochemical, manufacturing industries, pharmaceutical industries, F&B industries, and mining.

How does this diploma differ from standard process safety training and certifications like CCPS or OSHA?

Unlike standard process safety training, this structured professional diploma is delivered within a university setting over a 4–5-month period and led by experienced education and industry PSM professionals with formal assessments, ensuring that graduates demonstrate Diploma level competence upon program completion.

What is the diploma content based on? Does the diploma align with international safety regulations?

The PSM Diploma curriculum and structure are based on the 24 standards and guidelines issued by the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources in collaboration with Methanex Egypt. It also incorporates additional national and international best practices that are directly related to the issued documents, such as the CCPS 20 elements of a PSM program.

What is the best use of safety technology as part of the PSM application?

Safety systems technology is part of the safety assessments required to demonstrate that a facility is safe to operate and have to be reflected in each facility safety case. The facility can use multiple data systems to maintain its operations such electronic permit to work, risk-based inspection for asset integrity, computerized maintenance management system, and HSE reporting system.

What is the role of digitalization in the PSM program implementation?

Digitalization is applied across the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources operations through various examples, including the implementation of the electronic permit to work systems, Fire and Gas modelling and consequence modelling to determine the extent of the gas clouds, as well as the heat radiation & flame lengths.

Are there any plans to provide PSM training programs for employees in the petroleum sector?

The new MoU signed in 2025 with the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources highlights the need for a PSM education program supporting the sector. The professional diploma program will be available for personnel from the sector to participate and benefit from this opportunity.

Where can I get proper training or certification for PSM?

You can find organizations that offer formal degrees in the subject such as certificates, diplomas and Master’s degrees nationally and internationally. You can also obtain certification through the Methanex-AUC Process Safety Management (PSM) Diploma—an accredited program by the American University in Cairo. It offers comprehensive education in PSM and equips professionals with the knowledge and skills to implement the 24 national PSM standards in line with international best practices.

Which facilities are required to develop a safety case?

All facilities that handle and/or process hazardous materials capable of producing Major Accident Hazards (MAH) are required to have a Safety Case as defined in the issued Safety Case Standard.

Is the safety case mandatory? How often should it be reviewed?

Yes, all facilities that handle and/or process hazardous materials with potential of causing Major Accident Hazards (MAH) are required to have a Safety Case as defined in the issued Safety Case Standard. The Safety Case should be reviewed every 5 years or if a major changed happened prior to the 5-year period. Please to review the Safety Case Standard for more details.

What is the pilot project, and who will develop the safety case?

The pilot project is set to implement PSM Standards for a national company and develop a Safety Case for a selected operating unit within this company. This project will serve as a practical model for broader sector adoption. The development efforts will be led by a reputable PSM consultant and heavily supported by the PSM Technical Sub-Committee from the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources and Methanex Egypt.

The pilot will begin with the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources identifying the participating company and site. A PSM consultant will be selected through a tender process based on detailed Terms of Reference set by the PSM Technical Sub-Committee. The consultant will conduct workshops, gather technical data, and coordinate closely with the selected site, with ongoing support and oversight from the Technical Sub-Committee. The project is expected to take 12–16 months. Once finalized, the Safety Case will be shared across the organization to ensure stakeholders understand its content and how to maintain it as a live, working document.