Bryan Haywood

Understanding the Maximum Allowable Quantities (MAQs)

The IFC and IBC are written based on the Maximum Allowable Quantity (MAQ) of the hazardous materials involved.  Many will look at the tables and find their MAQ; however, the footnotes contain a lot of liberties that could quadruple the MAQs if certain designs are in place. Given this basic understanding of maximum allowable quantities […]

Characteristics of the Incident Command System: Part 5 (USFA)

The Logistics Section Chief (LSC), a member of the General Staff, is responsible for providing facilities, services and materials in support of the incident. The LSC participates in development and implementation of the Incident Action Plan (IAP), activates and supervises assigned Branches/Units, and is responsible for the safety and welfare of Logistics Section personnel.

Hydrofluoric Acid (HF) Fatality (TNOSHA)

A 50-year-old mechanic was killed when a sight glass at an oil refinery ruptured and engulfed him in hydrofluoric acid.  The incident occurred in an alkylation unit where the acid, a highly hazardous, toxic and corrosive chemical, is used as a catalyst in the process.  The process uses the catalyst to produce higher octane gasoline.

Calibrating and Testing Direct-Reading Portable Gas Monitors (OSHA Bulletin)

OSHA Safety and Health Information Bulletin (SHIB 09-30-2013) was issued on 9/30/2013.  The information in this Safety and Health Information Bulletin (SHIB) provides workers and employers guidance on calibrating and testing direct-reading portable gas monitors (hereafter, “DRPGMs” or “instruments”). These instruments protect workers from unseen workplace gas hazards. Proper maintenance and calibration of the instruments ensures

CSB follow-up letter to DOT regarding emergency shutdown systems for chlorine railcars

Please click here to download the CSB follow-up letter to DOT regarding emergency shutdown systems for chlorine railcars.  After investigating two incidents involving uncontrolled releases from chlorine railcars, the CSB issued a safety bulletin, Emergency Shutdown Systems for Chlorine Transfer, in June 2007. At that time, the Board also recommended that the U.S. Department of

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