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Pneumatic Pressure Testing gone bad (20″ NG line)

On March 3, 2009, at approximately 1:29 p.m., Employees #1 and #2 were conducting a gas line pressure test on a 20-inch gas line. The test involved pressurizing the line to 100 psi and holding this pressure for one (1) hour. This test was conducted to determine whether the gas line being tested could be…...

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Medical evaluations for Respirator use is a critical path in their safe use

On May 18, 2023, at 7:45 p.m. an employee, 45, working for a paint and coating manufacturer was wearing a 3M half-face respirator while spray coating MacroPoxy 646 Fast Cure Epoxy on parts. The employee was spraying the last parts of the day when he began feeling chest pain. The employee used his inhaler twice…...

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Not all flammable solutions require us to establish HAZLOCs

Without question, the #1 question we receive regarding Hazardous Locations is… When do I need one?  With flammable liquids (e.g., FP<100F) it is easy to perform the evaluation.  But what if my flammable solution is a CAT 3 or 4 (i.e., Class IIIA or IIIB)?  As the title says, not all flammable solutions require us…...

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OSHA issues REPEAT PRCS Citations @ Tank Truck Cleaning facility ($810K)

A tank cleaning company again chose to disregard federal safety standards that may have protected their employees from hazardous working conditions and prevented another employee from suffering a fatal injury. In December 2023, just two days before Christmas, the wife and son of an employee at the company grew concerned when he didn’t return after…...

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Building a culture of safety is like raising a child

Any safety pro who is also a parent will know exactly what I am discussing with this week’s rant. As parents who are leaders in safety, we have all seen it and experienced it firsthand throughout our careers. Every child will be different (even within the same family and home environment), as will every facility…...

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Let’s talk about Leak Testing our piping using the Bubble Testing method

I have written a lot about leak testing and pressure testing our piping systems and those articles all mention using the “bubble test” method.  Now lets talk about the actual requirements of this test method. ASME B31.3, 345.8 Sensitive Leak Test refers us to ASME BPVC, Section V, Article 10, Mandatory Appendix I, for how…...

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Videos of the LPG Tanker BLEVE in Pará, Brazil (7/3/2024)

This BLEVE occurred on the BR-010 highway in Paragominas, northeast of Pará, Brazil, on July 3, 2024. At least six people were injured, including firefighters and a news crew (July 3, 2024). The news crew suffered second-degree burns but received medical attention at a Regional Hospital and are expected to make full recoveries. The news…...

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Who can tell me what these different pipe labels tell us?

Both labels meet ASME A13.1 – Scheme for the Identification of Piping Systems.    Who can tell me…  What does the top label, and what does the bottom label tell us?   This is a NEW requirement from ASME A13.1-2020…. Membership Required You must be a member to access this content.View Membership LevelsAlready a member?...

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Updates to ASME A13.1 – Scheme for the Identification of Piping Systems

Our #1 RAGAGEP for labeling/marking piping that contains a hazardous material, ASME A13.1, saw a significant updates in 2020 and 2023.  The major revisions include: revising the Scope, updating each of the definitions, expanding the Legend section, and revising both the Color section and Table 4.2-1, Designation of Colors adding a new paragraph to address…...

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EPA EPCRA citations @ paper mill for failing to report 4 Cl2 releases (Cl2 & $322K)

Respondent was the owner or operator of a pulp and paperboard manufacturing facility. At all times relevant to this Consent Agreement, Respondent was in charge of the Facility. At all times relevant to this Consent Agreement, Respondent produced, used, or stored chlorine at the Facility. Chlorine is a “hazardous substance” listed in 40 C.F.R. Part…...

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EPA RMP citations @ chicken processing plant (NH3 & $10K w/ $37K SEP)

This case reflects a common issue in ammonia refrigeration: Lack of or Poor Lockout/Tagout Practices. This 1,600-pound release was caused by an existing ammonia compressor that was started up on an ammonia line that was meant to be “TAGGED OUT” of service (however, the tag had fallen off) while in the process of tying the…...

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