How much toluene does it take to make a room 40’X40’X8′ to achieve its LEL%?
My SDS list toluene’s lower explosive limit (LEL) as 1.2% by volume, often given as:
AI is not the answer to all of our safety questions!
I was playing around with Google Gemini and wondered about its limitations and accuracy. One of the problems in my HAZMAT courses is showing just how small an amount of Cl2 it takes to achieve an IDLH concentration in a given space. So I asked it.. How many pounds of Chlorine Gas will it take
So I asked Google Gemini… Can a human hold up a wall that is 20′ long and 8′ tall when 1.0 PSIG is applied to it?
When I explain this to a group, I always get a challenge from some engineer that what I am saying is not accurate. And after all, they are the “engineers.” So today I asked Google Gemini to explain it to me… Q: Can a human hold up a wall that is 20′ long and 8′
Auditing in terms of a SMS function and Continuous Improvement
We have a long-time client for whom we have now completed OSH and/or PSM/RMP audits at all of their North American facilities over the past 8 years. And this last audit was a “deal breaker” for many clients, as they were fit to be tied after the audit. Seems the facility had run its Safety/PS
Vacuum is an ENERGY SOURCE (video)
I share this, as many may not recognize the power of a vacuum as a form of hazardous energy. ZERO = 0 and a vacuum is NOT zero, its actually LESS THAN ZERO! I added this video to the library this weekend. It demonstrates the power of a vacuum and why ALL energy sources MUST
Unguarded_Shaft/Pipe_GRAPHIC (video)
I added this video to the library this weekend. This is a FATALITY video, so it is labeled GRAPHIC; however, it’s not gory. I share these videos with members because sometimes showing what an accident looks like can get people’s attention. Just understand, we can NOT scare workers into working safely. This is a GUARDING
Another simple asphyxiant event where WARNING Signs and Oxygen Sensors could have saved a life
This event involved argon, a simple asphyxiant gas. The facility stored its Argon cylinders inside the 47,000 sq ft building, approximately 55 ft from where the workers were overcome. The Technical Sales representative from National Welders responded to the scene and tested for oxygen deficiency. He tested the system line at 100 psi, which revealed
Process Safety introduced the MOC to many, but it did NOT create the MOC
One of my most debated topics at SAFTENG is my writings/ramblings about the critical role that a Management of Change (MOC) plays in ALL of safety, not just PSM. I’ve been involved in numerous non-PSM/RMP accidents that can be traced to poor or non-existent change management. One fatal event last year involved simply moving a
Don’t we wish safety was simply about “conversations”
Don’t get me wrong, managers out in the plant wearing all the PPE and talking safety with their teams is a HUGE boost to safety (when it’s done consistently and well). I learned about “safety contacts” while at Great Lakes Chemicals in the mid-90s and used them at all my sites afterward. They have had
JLG strikes NH3 pipe leading to a fatality
Workers were weatherproofing the outer layer of a large ammonia storage tank when contractor-operated equipment struck a bleed pipe, causing an unplanned release of ammonia. Two (2) workers were exposed to ammonia, one worker suffering fatal injury and the other worker suffering minor injuries. NOTE: Another case of an EEBA not working because it was
Stove switch hit while moving mattress leads to LPG explosion
While moving a mattress, employees accidentally bumped a stove knob, turning on the gas, which was left on overnight. This allowed gas to accumulate inside the camper. When the supervisor entered the unit, fresh air mixed with the propane, creating a flammable concentration. Once the power for lighting was restored, the ignition occurred, resulting in
Catastrophic Failure of 60-pound LPG cylinder
An error in “requalification” of the 60-pound cylinder and an “overfilling event” led to the spectacular catastrophic failure of the 60-pound cylinder. The 60-pound propane cylinder split open instantly, releasing all of its contents. The force of the explosion ripped the metal cylinder cage door off its hinges, dented and deformed other propane cylinders in