Respondent operates a facility that transports and stores anhydrous ammonia and at its stationary source, the Respondent has one RMProgram level 3 covered process, which stores or otherwise uses ammonia in an amount exceeding its applicable threshold of 10,000 pounds. On August 13, 2014, the EPA conducted an onsite inspection of the RMProgram related records […]
Respondent owns and operates a food oil products manufacturing and distribution facility which is engaged in packaging margarine, liquid oil and shortenings. Respondent operates a closed loop refrigeration system which utilizes or utilized anhydrous ammonia at the Facility. Respondent uses and stores 13,800 lbs. of anhydrous ammonia in the refrigeration system. The Facility is subject
As we know “human factors” are specifically called in the OSHA’s PSM standard and EPA’s Risk Management Plan and even more specifically they are part of our Process Hazards Analysis (PHA). However, many do not understand what “human factors” are all about, so I thought I would share another picture I captured in my travels to
The multiple-fatality explosion on October 17, 2016 explosion and subsequent fires at the german facility has been determined to be caused by a contractor cutting into an incorrect line/pipe containing flammable raffinate. Two employees of the on-site fire department and an employee of a tanker which was anchored in the harbor died in the accident.
One of the most often overlooked requirements for piping installations is the proper leak/pressure testing of the piping BEFORE it is placed into service. The next major issue found, when piping is tested, is the manner in which it was tested. The 2014 and 2016 editions of ASME B31.3 makes it clear that hydrostatic testing
Not only is this a lesson in “facility siting”, we also seem to have not learned that welding/cutting on flammable containers is not a good idea!
This week EPA’s Administrator signed a proposed rule to further delay the effective date of the RMP rule amendments for 20 months until February 19, 2019. This action will allow EPA to consider several petitions for reconsideration of the RMP rule amendments and take further regulatory action. EPA will hold a public hearing regarding the
For those of us that are parents, we know the game of “keeping asking mom and dad in the hopes they’ll change their minds” and sometimes I think our profession acts like teenagers and OSHA has to play the role of “mom and dad”. Case in point, this OSHA LOI which was posted @ OSHA’s
The purpose of this instruction is to continue a Regional Emphasis Program to reduce workplace exposures to safety hazards associated in the Auto Parts Supplier Industry. The Notice applies to Atlanta East, Atlanta West, Birmingham, Jackson, and Mobile Area Offices. During FY-16, Region IV conducted 46 inspections coded under the REP. One hundred and forty-three
Respondent owns an ice production operation and two refrigerated warehousing storage operations which consist of two separate ammonia closed-loop refrigeration system processes. Both processes have refrigerated and frozen storage space using industry standard mechanical refrigeration designs including multiple cooling coils (evaporators), heat rejection towers (condensers), rotary screw compressors, and ammonia service pressure vessels. At the single
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has been made aware of concerns regarding newly adopted requirements in Section 180.209(e) of the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR; 49 CFR Parts 171-180). Prior to a January 21, 2016 Final Rule [Docket No. PHMSA-2013-0042 (HM-233F)], the requalification period corresponding to volumetric expansion testing
