Chemical Process Safety (PSM/RMP)

A sixth public review of draft standard IIAR 5-201x, Start-up and Commissioning of Closed-Circuit Ammonia Mechanical Refrigerating Systems is now open for public review of the substantive changes resulting from the fifth public review. The International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration (IIAR) invites you to make comments on the substantive changes of the draft standard. Substantive changes resulting…...

Internal combustion engines present an ignition hazard when used in facilities processing flammable liquids and gases. If flammable vapors or gases are released in these facilities, an internal combustion engine could ignite the flammable materials with catastrophic consequences. Investigations by OSHA and the U.S. Chemical Safety Board (CSB) document a history of fires and explosions…...

On the morning of June 27, 2011, human error resulted in the mixing of an acidic solution of Fresh FX, an antimicrobial used in poultry processing, with a sodium hypochlorite solution. This mixing of chemicals caused a release of chlorine gas into the plant. About 600 employees who were at work at the time of…...

Executive Summary (40 CFR 68.155) Mustbriefly describe the following elements Accidental release prevention and emergency response policies at your facility Your facility and the regulated substances handled General accidental release prevention program and chemical-specific prevention steps Five-year accident history Emergency response program Planned changes to improve safety (common deficiency) Be specific! (a general statement on…...

A facility buys anhydrous ammonia in railcar quantities, which the Railroad delivers the ammonia to its site, after which it is off-loaded either into “bulk trucks” for delivery, or to stationary ammonia storage tanks. The anhydrous ammonia eventually is sold as both a refrigerant and fertilizer. The company filed a “Tier II Report” identifying its…...

The title is NOT a type-o!  Yes, the EPA Office of Inspector General will audit the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board’s (CSB’s) investigation process.  The EPA OIG’s objective is to determine if CSB has an effective system for managing its investigative process. The OIG plans to conduct its work at CSB headquarters and Denver…...

An interesting look at OSHA’s perspective on the written documents needed for comply with PSM!  The information is used by employers to ensure that processes using highly hazardous chemicals with the potential of a catastrophic release are operated as safely as possible. The employer must thoroughly consider all facets of a process, as well as the…...

This is another great process safety report that is FULL of learning opportunities; a MUST READ for process safety professionals and those involved in their facility’s process safety efforts.  The last article discussed the famous 1974 Flixborough Explosion in the UK.  This catastrophe was a bit closer to home in Pasadena, TX and is considered to…...

On August 23, 2010, at a refrigeration plant in Alabama, approximately 32,000 pounds of anhydrous ammonia was unexpectedly released into the atmosphere from a cracked pipe on the suction header on the plant’s roof and a broken evaporator coil in Freezer #5.  The plant was evacuated and an inspection was initiated by OSHA.  On February…...