Two explosions, two hours apart, sent two (2) workers of a storage tank sales and servicing company to the hospital, one with severe burns. The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries is fining the Des Moines, Wash. business $166,423 for ignoring rules that keep workers safe. A resort on the Kitsap Peninsula hired the…...
If at first you do not fail, try-try again! Read More »
On March 4, 2005, Employee #1 (leadman) performed a hydrostatic pressure test on a large stainless steel pressure vessel at a plant manufacturing pressure vessels. The tank was cylindrical, about 14 in. diameter and 24 in. long. The tank was pressurized to 150 number for the test. Upon completing the test, he was draining the…...
Vessel Pressure Testing Fatality (Hydrostatic and Pneumatic) Read More »
On December 24, 2008, natural gas leaking from a gas distribution pipeline resulted in an explosion and fire at 10708 Pauite Way, Rancho Cordova, California. One person died, and others were injured. The National Transportation Safety Board (“NTSB”) immediately began to investigate the accident. The NTSB concluded its investigation on May 18, 2010, with the…...
ASME B31.9 requires that utility piping be leak tested BEFORE initial operation. Hydrostatic testing shall be employed when possible. Pneumatic testing may be used instead of hydrostatic testing only under the limitations provided in para. 937.4…. Membership Required You must be a member to access this content.View Membership LevelsAlready a member? Log in here...
ASME B31.9 Utility Piping Pressure/Leak Testing Read More »
ASME B31.9 covers “utility piping.” The Code DEFINES and QUANTIFIES the phrase “utility piping.” We use this code for utilities associated with our PSM/RMP-covered processes WHEN the utility either PREVENTS, PROTECTS, or MITIGATES an event. Specifically, the code applies to the following services, except as excluded in para. 900.1.3:… Membership Required You must be a...
ASME B31.9 Utility Piping Scope Read More »
We have discussed all the requirements for transferring flammable liquids and gases (i.e., NFPA Flammable “4”); however, I have not mentioned the requirements for transferring TOXIC and HIGHLY TOXIC LIQUIDS that have an NFPA 704 Health Rating of 3 or 4. We see these issues in our Chlorine work where Cl2 is a “utility” to…...
Transferring liquids having a hazard ranking of 3 or 4 per NFPA 704 Read More »
Early Warning of Natural Gas Leaks Can Prevent Deaths and Injuries The Problem Source: https://www.ntsb.gov/advocacy/safety-alerts/Pages/SA-098.aspx… Membership Required You must be a member to access this content.View Membership LevelsAlready a member? Log in here...
Natural Gas Alarms Save Lives (NTSB Alert) Read More »
Today #NTSB released the final report of the March 24, 2023, natural gas-fueled explosion and fire at the R.M. Palmer candy factory in West Reading, Pennsylvania. The NTSB issued 18 new safety recommendations, 1 reiterated safety recommendation, and published a Safety Alert to the public about the importance of installing natural gas alarms in businesses…...
NTSB releases final report on NG explosion at candy manufacturer Read More »
During my PHAs and Audits, I typically find businesses that are not focused on the UNLOADING risks associated with their hazardous materials. I tend to get a lot of pushback about how Unloading is a DOT function and somehow not related to process safety. The risks associated with unloading 7,000 gallons of an HHC/EHS through…...
Truck unloading hose(s) inspection frequency Read More »
In 2021, I wrote an article regarding OSHA’s Permit-Required Confined Space standard and reclassifying PRCSs to a Non-PRCS status. This article centered on the keyword “potential” when discussing a hazardous atmosphere. The intent of that article (Defining and Quantifying “potential hazardous atmosphere”) was to clarify when/how a POTENTIAL was present to create a Hazardous Atmosphere…....
The question was asked… If the underground piping is protected by a cathodic protection system, does this system need to be turned OFF and Locked Out before workers begin working on the pipe?… Membership Required You must be a member to access this content.View Membership LevelsAlready a member? Log in here...
Cathodic Protection on Piping and Line Breaking Read More »
On May 3, 2006, Employee #1 was in a trench (approximately 37″ deep and 44 to 46″ wide), digging dirt from around a 10″ diameter PVC water pipeline to locate a water leak. The pipeline was pressurized to approximately 125-130 psi with compressed air…. Membership Required You must be a member to access this content.View...
The power and hazards of pneumatic pressure testing (PVC water pipe) Read More »
