Shahram Ahmadi, Director General of Health, Safety, and Environment
(HSE), speaking at the third Process Safety Management Conference, praised HSE
personnel nationwide for their critical role in safeguarding operations under
challenging conditions. “They are the hidden pillars of security, production
continuity, and protection of national assets,” he said.
Ahmadi highlighted that process-related incidents now account for
roughly 50% of major accidents in the oil sector over the past four years,
noting that even minor errors, such as incorrect electrical connections after
maintenance, can have significant and unpredictable consequences. He said
analysis shows about 70% of incidents originate from maintenance, equipment
integrity, and risk management deficiencies.
He described PSM as the sector’s primary tool for managing such risks,
noting that HSE standards and PSM guidelines have been developed and are now
being operationally implemented. More than 90% of relevant companies have begun
PSM adoption, with 40 firms participating voluntarily and 84 compliance
declarations submitted.
Ahmadi also emphasized institutional capacity-building and
professional training. A 320-hour PSM specialist course, developed with the
Petroleum University of Technology, will begin next week to train a new
generation of safety experts. He also stressed the potential role of artificial
intelligence in supporting operators and engineers with real-time,
standards-based guidance.
“Process safety is not just a standard or guideline—it is a culture
and organizational commitment,” Ahmadi said. “The Ministry of Petroleum is
fully committed to embedding PSM as an operational practice across the oil and
petrochemical industries.”