Have you seen the latest meme claiming that if masks work then why do we need social distance and if social distancing works then why do we need to wear masks? This lame logic is taking hold in the world of social media so I thought I would provide a way for folks to better…...
So OSHA made some serious improvements in their latest Construction Standard, 1926.1201-.1213, for confined spaces. But there is another option to “upgrade” our efforts for entry safety practices and that is NFPA 326 – Standard for the Safeguarding of Tanks and Containers for Entry, Cleaning, or Repair. … Membership Required You must be a member to...
NFPA 497, Table 4.4.2. has become my “go-to” source for chemical-physical property data for my flammables (along with the SDS). Although they use Celsius rather than Fahrenheit, and this drives me crazy just because I am “old school”, this table is instrumental for understanding the “Group” your flammable gas/vapors belong to! In the 2021 edition…...
Enclosed processing areas (vs. outside and open processing areas) that are handling/using the following, shall be ventilated at a rate sufficient to maintain the concentration of flammable vapors within the area at or below 25% of their lower flammable limit (LFL). Class I flammable liquids or as OSHA calls them Category 1/2 flammable liquids, Class II…...
Liquid storage areas where dispensing is conducted must have either a gravity ventilation system or a continuous mechanical exhaust ventilation system. If the dispensing involves Class I liquids (e.g. Category 1 & 2 liquids per OSHA terminology) mechanical ventilation is the ONLY acceptable option. Regardless of the type used there are some FUNDAMENTAL requirements that…...
For the 2021 edition of NFPA 30, the committee introduced a sweeping change in the classification scheme for liquids. The term ignitible liquid has been introduced to initiate a process whereby the terms flammable liquid and combustible liquid are no longer used. This causes the requirements in NFPA 30 and other codes and standards to…...
The 2021 International Fire Code (IFC) contains regulations to safeguard life and property from fires and explosion hazards. Topics include general precautions, emergency planning, and preparedness, fire department access and water supplies, automatic sprinkler systems, fire alarm systems, special hazards, and the storage and use of hazardous materials. Key changes to the 2021 IFC include:…...
All new or modified chlorine piping systems must undergo pressure testing to verify the integrity of the piping (see section 11.4 for leak testing). ASME B31.3 (13.2.8 ), Process Piping testing requirements, should be applied as a minimum standard. There are three (3) types of acceptable testing methods: hydrostatic testing, pneumatic testing, and the alternate…...
Liquid chlorine has a very high coefficient of thermal expansion. Relatively small increases in liquid chlorine temperature can create enough pressure to cause a blocked-in section of piping to rupture or leak at the connections. A temperature rise from 14°F (-10°C) to 32°F (0°C), will expand liquid chlorine by 2%. However, in a contained volume,…...
Leak testing should be done once the piping system is completely assembled. The purpose of a leak test is to ensure all connections and components will not leak chlorine when pressurized. Leak testing is not a substitute for pressure testing. If the system was not disassembled and reassembled as part of the pressure testing and…...
The Chlorine Institute has revised its piping RAGAGEP and it is FREE for anyone who wants it. Pamphlet 6 – Piping Systems for Dry Chlorine, Edition 17 contains major revisions to the following sections, in addition to minor clarifying changes throughout the pamphlet:… Membership Required You must be a member to access this content.View Membership...
PHMSA provides written clarification regarding the pipeline safety regulations found at 49 CFR parts 190–199 in the form of FAQs and other guidance materials. PHMSA is requesting public comment on a set of DRAFT FAQs that were developed by the Working Group that was established by the Gas Pipeline Advisory Committee (GPAC) and the Technical…...
