Of 2,415 reported releases of hazardous substances, 107 (4.4%) involved ammonia. Of the 814 people injured during releases of hazardous substances, 61 (7.5%) were injured following ammonia events. Equipment failure caused 58% of the ammonia releases and injured 38 people. Most ammonia releases involved piping (44%). 44% of injured people were employees, 41% were members…...
Ammonia Incidents in NY State Read More »
On Monday August 14, 1989, high liquid level alarms sounded several times throughout the day in the Engine Room of XXXXXXXX indicating high amounts of liquid ammonia returning from the production area to the engine room. Mr. XXXXXXXX began his shift at 4 pm between 5 pm and 5:15 pm hammering was heard in the “No. 2 XXXX Compressor” (1962)…...
Ammonia Refrigeration FATALITY – Compressor Pump Out Valve Read More »
Two chemical plant operators, 40 and 50, died after suffering burns to their bodies when a runaway reaction caused an explosion of flammable liquids. The two victims were working in a building which contained several tanks of chemicals. An employee in an adjacent area reported an ammonia odor coming from the building. The two victims…...
Runaway reaction fatality explosion (TNOSHA) Read More »
A boiler maker, 36, suffered fatal burns after an explosion occurred at a refinery. The victim and two injured co-workers were employed by a contractor at the facility. The three were hospitalized as a result of the explosion. The victim died four days later from burns over approximately 90% of his body. The events occurred…...
Line Break Fatality @ Refinery (TNOSHA) Read More »
To view the customized summary reports, click on the following “OSHA Incidents” links. 2002 OSHA Incidents 2003 OSHA Incidents 2004 OSHA Incidents 2005 OSHA Incidents 2006 OSHA Incidents 2007 OSHA Incidents The Incident Report statistics will be updated annually based on new data from OSHA. To learn more about the new Incident Report, click here to access…...
Boiler & Pressure Vessel accidents by year (from NBIC) Read More »
As with any safety effort, there are varying degrees of what all of us would consider being compliant vs. world-class safety. When we enter the PSM/RMP realm, this line gets even blurrier since these are “performance-oriented” standards. But a PSM/RMP audit SHOULD be much more than looking at just 1910.119 and Part 68! There are…...
What differentiates a GREAT PSM/RMP audit from a “so-so” audit? Read More »
With the recent catstrophe/tragedy in West, TX the politicians have been none stop in calling for more regulations to stop another such accident. I have become senical in my aging process and have just about come to the conclusion that NO LAW can fully prevent another such tragedy; especially one written by lawyers in Washington,…...
What is LUP & PADHI and what does it have to do with West Fertilizer? Read More »
Today I was quoted in an article related to the catastrophe in West, TX and how a business like that one can become a Program 2 RMP and be exempted from OSHA’s PSM standard. I had written an article two weeks ago explaining how this happens (How could the TX fertilizer plant be a Program 2…...
How many Program 2 RMPs like West Fertilizer are out here? Read More »
Before the dust settles and the funerals are complete, the politicians and the media are already clamoring for more regulations in order to prevent another catastrophe like the one in West, TX. However, like in many occasions, it is not the regulatory framework that is the problem; it is the “retail” exemption and its improper…...
West, TX Fertilizer… a lesson in “process safety” and the “retail facility” exemption? Read More »
April 2013 Dear Drinking Water or Wastewater Treatment Facility Operator: Does your drinking water or wastewater treatment plant use large quantities of chlorine gas? If so, you may be required to comply with federal requirements to ensure that the chlorine is managed safely. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has visited numerous drinking water…...
EPA Region 1 Letter to Drinking Water and WWTPs regarding Chlorine Read More »
ANOTHER WELL DONE video by the CSB! Some facts that never got reported in the media…. Membership Required You must be a member to access this content.View Membership LevelsAlready a member? Log in here...
Animation of Fire at Chevron’s Richmond Refinery, August 6, 2012 Read More »
I have received numerous calls and e-mails asking how this fetilizer facility with reportedly 52,000 pounds of NH3 was only a Program 2 RMP under EPA’s RMP rule. Here is the answer…… Membership Required You must be a member to access this content.View Membership LevelsAlready a member? Log in here...
How could the TX fertilizer plant be a Program 2 RMP? Read More »
