Level 3 Certificate in Process Safety Management

This qualification is divided into 10 advanced units, each designed to strengthen understanding and practical application of process safety management principles.

1. Introduction to Process Safety Management
   Overview of the purpose, elements, and benefits of effective process safety systems.

2. Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA)
   Understanding techniques for identifying hazards and evaluating risks in process industries.

3. Process Hazard Analysis (PHA) Techniques
   Applying advanced tools like HAZOP, FMEA, and What-If analysis to assess and control risks.

4. Work and Permit-to-Work (PTW) Systems
   Managing safe work practices through controlled permitting systems and operational procedures.

5. Safety Instrumented Systems and Alarms
   Understanding the role of instrumentation, alarms, and interlocks in process safety.

6. Emergency Response and Incident Management
   Developing structured emergency response plans and post-incident recovery strategies.

7. Fire and Explosion Prevention in Process Industries
   Identifying fire and explosion hazards and implementing preventive control measures.

8. Mechanical Integrity and Asset Management
   Ensuring reliability of process equipment through maintenance and integrity programs.

9. Human Factors and Behavioral Safety in Process Safety
   Studying how human behavior, decision-making, and culture affect process safety performance.

10. Regulatory Compliance and Industry Standards in PSM
    Understanding key laws, standards, and frameworks governing process safety management.

• Builds expertise in identifying and mitigating complex process safety risks

• Enhances ability to lead and manage safety-critical operations

• Strengthens understanding of compliance and global safety standards

• Improves decision-making for safer process operations

• Process and production supervisors

• Safety and risk management professionals

• Engineers and maintenance managers

• Individuals seeking advancement in industrial safety leadership roles

• Type: Written test and practical assessment

• Format: Multiple-choice questions, scenario-based tasks, and case study analysis

• Pass Mark: 60% or higher

• Duration: 2 hours (written) + practical session

• Certification: Level 3 Certificate in Process Safety Management

To deliver this Qualification, HiQual UK Approved ATPs must demonstrate the capability to deliver, assess, and internally quality assure qualifications in line with recognised regulatory principles and the expectations of the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF).

Approved centres must operate effective systems to ensure the validity, reliability, fairness, consistency, and security of assessment.

1. Centre Recognition and Legal Compliance

Centres must be formally recognised by HiQual UK prior to the delivery or assessment of any qualification. To maintain recognition, centres must: Be a legally constituted organisation operating in compliance with applicable legislation and regulatory requirements. Demonstrate effective governance, management oversight, and clear lines of accountability. Comply with all HiQual UK policies, procedures, and conditions of centre recognition. Notify HiQual UK promptly of any material changes that may affect delivery, assessment, or internal quality assurance arrangements.

2. Resources, Facilities, and Learning Environment

Centres must ensure that sufficient and appropriate resources are in place to support learning and assessment. This includes: Learning environments appropriate to the mode of delivery, including classrooms and, where applicable, specialist or practical facilities. Access to learning and assessment resources that enable learners to meet qualification outcomes. Secure systems for managing learner data, assessment records, and certification claims. Arrangements that support equality of access and reasonable adjustments for learners where required.

3. Staff Competence and Occupational Expertise

Centres must ensure that all staff involved in delivery, assessment, and internal quality assurance are competent and suitably qualified. Centres must: Appoint tutors with appropriate subject knowledge, teaching competence, and relevant occupational or professional experience. Ensure assessors are trained and competent in applying HiQual UK assessment requirements and standards. Appoint a qualified Internal Quality Assurer (IQA) responsible for monitoring assessment practice and decisions. Maintain records of staff qualifications, experience, training, and continuing professional development (CPD).

4. Assessment Practice and Internal Quality Assurance (IQA)

Centres must operate robust internal quality assurance systems to ensure assessment integrity. Centres must: Ensure assessment is valid, fit for purpose, and conducted in line with HiQual UK requirements. Implement effective IQA procedures to monitor assessor performance and confirm the consistency of assessment decisions. Maintain accurate, complete, and auditable records of learner registration, assessment evidence, and outcomes. Carry out regular internal reviews and standardisation activities to support continuous improvement.

5. Integrity, Risk Management, and Malpractice

Centres must take appropriate measures to protect the integrity of assessment. Centres must: Maintain policies and procedures for the prevention, identification, and management of malpractice and maladministration. Ensure secure handling, storage, and retention of assessment materials and learner evidence. Report any suspected or confirmed malpractice to HiQual UK in accordance with published procedures.

6. Health, Safety, Safeguarding, and Learner Protection

Centres must provide a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment. Centres must: Comply with applicable health and safety and safeguarding legislation. Conduct risk assessments for learning activities, particularly where practical or technical work is involved. Maintain procedures to safeguard learner welfare and wellbeing.

7. Learner Information, Support, and Fair Treatment

Centres must ensure learners are informed, supported, and treated fairly. Centres must: Provide clear and accurate information on programme requirements, assessment methods, and certification. Ensure learners receive timely and constructive feedback on assessment outcomes. Operate transparent complaints and appeals procedures aligned with HiQual UK requirements. Manage learner information securely in compliance with data protection legislation.