Vibration-induced fatigue on process pipework
What happened? During a recent inspection at a facility, an NOPSEMA inspector observed vibration-induced fatigue cracking and evidence of rectification work carried out on several small-bore connections on seawater cooling pipes. On further investigation, it was discovered that there had also been a recent fatigue failure on the hydrocarbon test separator header. Fortunately, the operator
Are we “dumbing” down RAGAGEPs to make OSHA’s job harder?
Early last year I wrote about some trade organizations that were “revising” their codes/practices, which in turn were making them “more flexible”. I stated it then and I will state it again, this time along with the US Chemical Safety Board… this is a REALLY BAD idea. Both OSHA and EPA wrote “performance oriented” standards
API provides OPEN/FREE access to many of their codes/practices
Ever wanted to know what an American Petroleum Institute (API) code or practice said? Well now you may be in luck; as API is providing online public access to many of their key industry standards, including a broad range of safety standards, most of which were previously only available by purchase. These standards will be
How rigorous is your contractor safety evaluation(s)?
Recently the SAFTENG team was hired to provide some safety services during a turn-around/shutdown at a PSM/RMP facility . While out and about we came across a very interesting find… a speciality contractor with facial hair. Now this was not just any speciality contractor and the reason we were so surprised was the facility had,
Capital Safety PRODUCT NOTICE — SNAPHOOKS
Capital Safety is aware of an assembly issue with snaphooks manufactured by a supplier. These snaphooks are widely used components in fall protection products. The issue concerns missing or improperly installed rivets (see photograph below). The manufacturer symbol is a stamped “Y” as shown in the photograph.
(UPDATED on 2/16) 2014 Photo of the Week #04 (Process Safety)
Can you spot the “compliance issue” in OSHA’s Ammonia PSM photo? I had this photo presented to me as evidence that OSHA does not require “something”, can you spot what is missing in this photo? Can you cite the RAGAGEP that this photo violates? CLICK HERE for a hint. CORRECT ANSWER is that the vessel nor
Discharging Pressure Vessel RVs back into process
PLEASE NOTE: this posting is about pressure vessel RVs discharing back into the process and not Hydrostatic RVs or pump RVs. Scenario: Process is shutdown using the emergency stop (e-stop) systems because the building is on fire. On the roof of the building/plant sit a number of vessels that have a “flooded system” which contains
OSHA cites concrete company after temporary worker fatality inside PRCS (Failure to LOTO and $303,900)
This case is especially sad (or disgusting)… the company was cited a Willful in 2012 regarding a failed rescue attempt when a 37-year-old supervisor was nearly buried alive in a 25-foot silo containing 50,000 pounds of sand. Plant employees allegedly attempted to rescue the supervisor after he became engulfed in a sand bin and suffered
INTERIM CHEMICAL ACCIDENT PREVENTION ADVISORY – Design of LPG Installations at Natural Gas Processing Plants
US EPA is concerned that some natural gas processing plants that store and process liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) may not be designed in accordance with applicable industry standards and codes. When undertaking compliance monitoring activities at such natural gas processing plants, EPA considers whether facilities are designed in accordance with recognized and generally accepted good