Chemical Process Safety (PSM/RMP)

Most PSSR forms we encounter simply regurgitate OSHA’s 1910.119(i)(2). If the user is thoroughly knowledgeable of what each of these four (4) line items entails, we may be able to execute the PSSR appropriately. Let’s look at these four line items, especially the first line. 1910.119(i)(2) The pre-startup safety review shall confirm that prior to…...

The two (2) terms sound similar and will conjure up similar images when we hear them, but they are used in the ASME B31 piping standards in very different ways and apply to different groups. To state it very simply, the EXAMINATION is what the owner/operator does to pass the INSPECTION, which is what the…...

This is me doing a Process Hazards Analysis (PHA) with my non-American clients who use the metric system!Go ahead and laugh – but know the struggle is real.? ?  … Membership Required You must be a member to access this content.View Membership LevelsAlready a member? Log in here...

Not all “simple asphyxiants” are created equal; thus, not all make for good purging or blanketing.  Would you believe me if I told you that one very common simple asphyxiant gas should NEVER be used for purging or blanketing flammable atmospheres? Many folks view Nitrogen (N2) and Carbon Dioxide (CO2) as very similar.  This is…...

Some of the more eye-opening revisions: Outlining STOP-WORK procedures in Program 3 employee participation plans A justification in the risk management plan is required when: hazard evaluation recommendations are NOT adopted facility-siting hazard recommendations are NOT adopted Safer Technology Alternatives Analysis (STAA) recommendations are NOT adopted third-party compliance audit recommendations are NOT adopted  A formal…...

At 7:30 p.m. on July 2, 2021, Employee #1, Employee #2, and Employee #3 performed two maintenance tasks in the M2 crude rectification section on the ground and second levels at tower M2-T250 and vessel V-207. On July 2, 2021, during the night shift, three (3) gas monomer chemical operators were exposed to toxic fluorocarbons…...

A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation into a gasoline overfill of a carbon adsorption vapor recovery unit (VRU) revealed concerns with the VRU’s design. The overfill prevention system was NOT INDEPENDENT of the basic process control system (BPCS).  When the BPCS failed, the overfill prevention system also failed. This resulted in loss of containment,…...

On October 19, 2019, @ 07:15 a.m., a contractor employee was standing on a scissor lift and replacing insulation on the pipes in the engine room of Building 3. As the employee lowered the scissor lift, the walking platform of the scissor lift where a technician was standing struck the service drain valve (3ML 3064)…...