Chemical Process Safety (PSM/RMP)

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…...

Before I begin, nothing I am going to say in this article is required by OSHA or EPA; however, keep in mind that OSHA and EPA process safety requirements are the BOTTOM OF THE BARREL when it comes to true process safety.  So with that said, let’s discuss PHA scenario likelihoods.  Regardless of methodology used,…...

As most, sadly not all, safety professionals will attest to, there is a hierachy of four (4) controls we use to manage risks: 1) Substitution/Elimination, 2) Engineering Controls, 3) Administrative Controls, and 4) Personal Protective Equipment.  In process safety environments, the hazards are often times so great that ALL FOUR layers may be needed.  What…...