Chemical Process Safety (PSM/RMP)

ASME VIII, M-11 INSTALLATION OF SAFETY AND SAFETY RELIEF VALVES Spring loaded safety and safety relief valves normally should be installed in the upright position with the spindle vertical. Where space or piping configuration preclude such an installation, the valve may be installed in other than the vertical position provided that: (a) the valve design…...

Many THANKS to John Newquist, Assistant Regional Administrator at OSHA, Region V for sharing this data with us!  In fiscal year 2012, Region V leads OSHA Regions in conducting Local Emphasis Program (LEP) involving PSM and ammonia seems to be a common theme with several anhydrous ammonia releases that have been investigated. I wanted to focus on…...

This is a PERFECT EXAMPLE of how a “non-covered” chemical within a PSM Covered Process can impact that PSM/RMP covered process.  This can happen to any type of covered process; just not in a refinery!  I have personally experienced a single acid line (not covered in the PSM program) leak over another pipe in a…...

This DOSH Directive implements OSHA’s National Emphasis Program (NEP) for Chemical Facility Process Safety Management in the State of Washington. The purpose of the NEP is to reduce or eliminate workplace hazards associated with the catastrophic release of highly hazardous chemicals. Effective 5/2/2012.  Statewide, a minimum of three inspections per year will be completed using…...

Loss of Primary Containment (LOPC) is a term used to describe an event where a pipe or vessel leaks or fails, releasing its contents.  No Process Hazards Analysis should be considered complete until each circuit of pipe/hose and vessel(s) has been reviewed for LOPC…. Membership Required You must be a member to access this content.View...

Town did not immediately notify the NRC as required following an incident when about 106 pounds of chlorine were released into the atmosphere. In addition, the town did not notify the state and did not provide the state or LEPC with written follow-up reports about the incident. EPA also identified other environmental violations during a…...

The OSHA offices in NY state have been very busy this year!  This is about the fifth or sixth significant PSM case from that state in 2012.  The others were Ammonia refrigeration; this one involved flammable liquids and gases.  Items that OSHA took issue with include:… Membership Required You must be a member to access...

A Process Hazards Analysis (PHA) may very well be the best tool that has come along to the safety profession since the fire extinguisher!  I am kidding of course, well sort of, as the PHA methodologies (and there are many) can be used in so many situations that it is used outside of PSM/RMP as…...

This overview outlines key elements of the ISA84 committee on process sector functional safety, including scope, purpose, history, and technical issues. It also provides a preview of the forthcoming 2nd edition of ANSI/ISA-84.00.01 (IEC 61511 Mod)…. Membership Required You must be a member to access this content.View Membership LevelsAlready a member? Log in here...

Q: A facility subject to the risk management program requirements in 40 CFR Part 68 must specify its latitude and longitude coordinates in Section 1.5 of the risk management plan (RMP). What tools are available to accurately determine a facility’s latitude and longitude?… Membership Required You must be a member to access this content.View Membership...