Preliminary investigation indicates that two (2) HVAC contractors were in the vicinity of the ammonia leak when it was initiated. Norwood’s first responders were able to stabilize and transport one man to Good Samaritan Medical Center, and he was then further transferred to Massachusetts General Hospital for specialized treatment. The second contractor, 68, was deceased on scene. The two men, both HVAC contractors, had been near an ammonia pipe that was severed while contractors were working at the plant. This incident, much like the fatal NH3 release in 2016 that claimed the life of a 43-year-old supervisor. Why do I bring special attention to these two NH3 fatal incidents in the state of MA?
Because the state of Massachusetts adopted its own state code for process safety management, 527 CMR 33.00: Hazardous Materials Process or Processing (which is now part of the state fire code – link provided). The 2016 incident was NOT a PSM/RMP-covered process; however, it did fall under the state’s code. As far as we know, the state did not issue citations for this fatal incident in 2016. The question today is, will this December 2022 NH3 fatal LOPC event result in the state Fire Marshal using this state code to enforce the state’s Hazardous Materials Processing code?
SAFTENG members can learn more about MA’s Hazardous Materials Process or Processing code:
The State of MA revises their “Process Safety” standard “527 CMR 33.00: Hazardous Material Process or Processing (Chemical Process Safety (PSM/RMP)) …Created on 07 May 2017
What does 527 CMR 33.00: Hazardous Material Process or Processing have to do with the Boston NH3 Fatality? Created on 12 April 2016
Massachusetts 527 CMR 33.00: Hazardous Materials Process or Processing (UPDATED) (Chemical Process Safety (PSM/RMP)) Created on 02 March 2014
UPDATE – State of MA Hazardous Material Process or Processing: 527 CMR 33 (Chemical Process Safety (PSM/RMP)) Created on 08 January 2014
State of Massachusetts Hazardous Materials Processing regulation (527 CMR 33) Created on 27 February 2012