Bollards… they are more than sticks in the ground! In fact, there is an actual code design basis for bollards (i.e. posts). There are six (6) CRITICAL METRICS for bollards, of which five (5) we can see and one (when done properly) is invisible to those of us who inhabit the surface of the earth. So what can we see…...
On October 4, 2005, Employee #1 was working as a refrigeration mechanic. An ammonia system valve in freezer Number 7 was being turned, when the bonnet came loose with the wheel, releasing approximately 100 to 200 lbs of ammonia. Employee #1 was 35 feet up without fall protection, and he had to slide down racking…...
As I have written about numerous times… PRESSURE TESTING a process is not only a “good idea” – it is REQUIRED for those of us in the process safety world. It is a critical path in process safety, ensuring our “primary containment” system (e.g. piping) was installed properly and can withstand process pressures. But with…...
Here is a look at OSHA’s Emergency Action Plan (1910.38) compliance activity in 2018 (October 2017 – September 2018). As you can see, OSHA issued 80 citations from 66 inspections for a total of $155,698 in fines. Here is a quick breakdown of activity: 49311 / General Warehousing and Storage with 4 citations totaling $21,878 32221 / Paperboard Container…...
Here is a look at OSHA’s Employee Emergency Alarm (1910.165) compliance activity in 2018 (October 2017 – September 2018). As you can see, OSHA found issues with complying with this standard on 10 inspections and issued 10 citations for a total of $17,147 in fines. Here is a quick breakdown of activity: 49111 / Postal Service with 2 citations…...
On May 31, 2012, Employees #1 through #6 were working when an evaporator that had been deactivated was mistakenly activated by a worker. Approximately 68.5 pounds (31 kilograms) of ammonia were released on an overhead catwalk. Employees #1 through #6 inhaled the fumes, and they were transported to a hospital. Employee #1 was not hospitalized,…...
In our daily work as safety professionals, we are guided by a lot of codes, standards, regulations, and rules that are intended to establish a baseline, albeit a minimum level of risk control. These codes, standards, regulations, and rules can be confusing to many who tried to read or interpret what the agency/group intends with their requirements. …...
An MC331 tanker truck arrives at your facility and is placard with the following placard: And you have three (3) storage tanks that are labeled with NFPA 704 Diamonds, which tank do you think is the best fit for this material if you had to make the decision: In order to decide, you…...
With all the chatter these past few weeks about flammable gases and their NFPA 704 Diamond “Degree of Hazard”, it was suggested by several SAFTENG members that I write an article explaining what a “flammable gas” actually is, as some of our group text indicate some may not fully understand the true hazard of working…...
This has been a fun week with all the dialogue I have had with so many SAFTENG members; I only wish more were comfortable having these discussions online, but the fear of being traced back to an employer or being trolled by a lawyer I guess is a legitimate fear in our technical/risk profession. One of the…...
At 11:30 a.m. on January 23, 2018, an employee was moving product in a freezer with a forklift. The forklift struck UNPROTECTED refrigeration piping, breaking a valve and releasing anhydrous ammonia. The employee’s face, eyes, and chest were exposed to the anhydrous ammonia and the employee was hospitalized…. Membership Required You must be a member...
The NFPA 704 Diamond still reigns supreme as the labeling system for bulk tanks in the chemical industry and recently I posted an article about a Category 1 Flammable Gas and it’s “Degree of Hazard”. It is my professional opinion that a CAT 1 Flammable Gas is a “4” in the NFPA Flammability Hazard; however,…...
