The Department of Energy has a little-known database that is a goldmine for emergency planners and responders. This database is called the Protective Action Criteria for Chemicals (PACs), and it uses a hierarchy-based system of the three (3) exposure guideline systems: Acute Exposure Guideline Levels (AEGLs) Emergency Response Planning Guidelines (ERPGs), and Temporary Emergency Exposure…...
From the WorkSafeBC annual report… In 2017, following work-related deaths at an ice rink, we utilized the Risk Analysis Unit’s research on ammonia exposure to launch a three-phased province-wide inspection initiative focusing on ammonia exposure to ensure that owners and employers of facilities using ammonia are correctly managing the risks associated with the toxic gas…....
Have you ever wondered what a “No. 54 drill-size Opening” is? This is a phrase used in OSHA’s 1910.111, Storage and handling of anhydrous ammonia. In simple terms, OSHA has established that if the potential leak is through an opening of No. 54 drill-size or smaller then, the opening need not be protected by an excess-flow valve. …...
This is a topic that is near and dear to me, as it is one I learned very early on in my career as a means to safely perform PRD work on an RV or RD that is connected to a header/manifold. Although this design MUST be adequately done AND must be managed very tightly,…...
Regulators in Missouri are cautioning aboveground storage tank (AST) owners and managers everywhere to beware of icy weather conditions that could affect the safe operation of vents. Investigators are examining whether two frozen vents could have led to a bulk-plant fire in Marshall, Mo. about 80 miles (129 kilometers) east of Kansas City as a…...
OSHA has cited a Chemical Manufacturer after an employee died due to lack of oxygen while cleaning the inside of a railcar. A second employee who tried to rescue the co-worker was also overcome but survived. OSHA has proposed $64,857 in penalties. The facility was cited for failing to provide respiratory protection; properly ventilate a confined…...
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This is a great example of “know your surroundings”! LNG is INVISIBLE, even on the most humid of days, when its at its LEL – meaning, although there is no “cloud” there is a good chance you may be in a flammable atmosphere if your around an accident. These people had no way of knowing…...
Respondent is the owner or operator of an egg production facility which employs a refrigeration process using anhydrous ammonia in its egg production system. Pursuant to Section 112(r)(1) of the CAA, also known as the General Duty Clause, the owners and operators of stationary sources producing, processing, handling or storing substances listed pursuant to Section…...
This case is being posted, even though the citation was under $10,000 because it is a GDC case and involved improper storage of materials that would react to create an extremely hazardous substance. EPA used both NFPA 30, 2015 and the IFC, 2015; as well as NFPA 704 in their assessment. The respondent has owned…...
This is a classic. Details matter, contrary to what many want to claim about safety plans, programs, practices, and operating and maintenance procedures. The fact is, there MUST be a balance between details and length and complexity. Some jobs will need a 10-page procedure, and some will need a half-page. The idea that shorter is…...
Over the years, I have encountered some great learning opportunities, many occurring during my VPP assessments. In one such evaluation in Alabama, the CSHO pointed out that our PRCS Labels were on the actual coverings over the entry portals (e.g., manways). As he explained, in that set-up, OSHA would not require the space to be…...
