Bryan Haywood

Is an Oil Seperator on a NH3 Compressor a PRCS?

To continue with the articles I have written about Permit-Required Confined Spaces found in mechanical refrigeration processes, today I want to discuss the Compressor Oil Separator.  SAFTENG Members can read my earlier post on Evaporative Condenser(s) and Sprial Freezers.  Over the last several years I have shared several pics of workers halfway inside these separators…...

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EPA RMP citations @ wastewater treatment plant (Cl2 & SO2 & $80K)

The Respondent operates a wastewater treatment plant where Chlorine, propane, and sulfur dioxide (anhydrous) are present above their thresholds. The Respondent operates a wastewater chlorination process at the stationary source. 40 C.F.R. § 68.130 specifies a 2,500-pound threshold for chlorine, a 10,000-pound threshold for propane, and a 5,000-pound threshold for sulfur dioxide (anhydrous). The Respondent’s…...

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EPA RMP citations @ gas plant (Flammables & $74K)

Respondent operates a gas plant where flammable mixtures and propane were present above their thresholds. The Respondent lists one process in its Risk Management Plan (RMP) with the process number 1000054282. The covered process is subject to the “Program 3” requirements of the RMP regulations and must, among other things, comply with the Program 3…...

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OSHA’s position on making flammable gas subcategories 1A and 1B

As I have said, this is all about the “environmental movement” to reduce the regulatory burdens on flammable refrigerants and not about worker safety!  You can read OSHA’s own words about by they are proposing this change… OSHA is proposing several changes to the Flammable Gases hazard class (Appendix B.2). Most significantly, OSHA is proposing…...

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What happens when liquid nitrogen contacts my skin?

With last week’s horrible tragedy in GA involving liquid nitrogen, I have received a number of inquires about what actually happens when a liquid cryogenic, such as Nitrogen, makes contact with someone’s skin.  And this video probably does as good of a job as any “official” training video. PLEASE REMEMBER, these chemicals are EXTREMELY DANGEROUS…...

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Going “green” with Hydrogen and a well respected RAGAGEP to help ensure it is done safely

Let’s face it, the “green movement” is here to stay and in some situations, going green may be great for the environment, but sometimes this “going green” can introduce significant hazards in our workplaces.  Hydrogen is becoming the last hydrocarbon fuel source of the “green movement” if you’re not going solar.  Hydrogen is a GREAT…...

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Do you have a “RED TAG” program in place for your fixed fire protection systems?

Most insurers these days require this type of management program, although they may be called something else. The idea is that BEFORE a fixed system is removed from service, someone will notify the insurer about the removal from service. The insurer will then require a host of actions to be taken during the time the…...

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FM Global to the rescue once again with their Data Sheet 7-45 – Safety Controls, Alarms, and Interlocks (SCAI)

It is the year 2021 and OSHA’s Process Safety Management standard will be 29 years old this May.  Most processing facilities have come a long way in improving their process safety, but most still lack a comprehensive WRITTEN management program for their Safety Controls, Alarms, and Interlocks (SCAI).  These safety instrumented systems (SIS) play a…...

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Explaining the holes in the Swiss Cheese model (Reason, 1997)

The gaps in the defense arise for two reasons – active failures and latent conditions – occurring either singly or in diabolical combinations. They are devilish because, in some cases, the trajectory of accident liability needs only exist for a very short time, sometimes only a few seconds:… Membership Required You must be a member...

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OSHA proposing to update the HAZCOM standard to align with UN’s GHS 7th revision

We knew this was coming; I have been writing about it for several years and what we should expect with this revision.  SAFTENG members can read what this HAZCOM revision could do to the PSM standard and Flammable Liquids standard. If OSHA adopts Part 2 of the UN’s GHS, what will Flammable Gases look like? ……...

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WRONG CHEMICAL – WRONG CONTAINER Fatality @ Water Treatment Plant (Sodium Hypochlorite (bleach) into Hydrofluorosilicic Acid)

    The photograph shows the fill line hookups at TCWTP. All connections and fittings were identical, and the hoses used by ADC could be hooked up to any of the fill lines pictured. There was also no color coding of the lines or prominent labeling other than plain black text on a white background…....

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Damaged electrical wire inside cabinet causes electrocution OUTSIDE of cabinet

We should NEVER accept damaged electrical wires – EVEN when they are inside an electrical cabinet!  Case in point… A 30-year-old male employee was troubleshooting an issue with an injection molding machine and apparently was electrocuted when he contacted the frame of the loading conveyor. The company is a manufacturer of injection-molded, polyvinyl chloride (PVC)…...

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