Chemical Process Safety (PSM/RMP)

I think someone has awakened the giant within the USA Government Safety Agencies!  Below is a SUMMARY of the document request from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to a business wanting to build a Gas Liquefaction Plant in Corpus Christi, TX.  For those involved in Process Safety, the list will be recognizable; but ask yourself… Would…...

This article is meant to provide some guidance to mechanical refrigeration operators (e.g. ammonia refrigeration processes) as to when a “pressure test” is required and when a “leak test” is required and what are the specifics that have to be met in order to comply.  Not having performed a “pressure test” on field erected piping…...

The video discusses the four main components of inherently safer design as identified by the NAS study. They are substitute, minimize, moderate and simplify and are described as: 1) Substitute: replacing one material with another that is less hazardous; 2) Minimize: reducing the amount of hazardous material in the process; 3) Moderate: using less hazardous process conditions such…...

Earlier this year, the US EPA cited a company for not having trained staff on-site at all times the Extremely Hazardous Substance (EHS) or Highly Hazardous Chemical (HHC) is on-site in quantities that exceed the Risk Management Plan threshold.  The case (Click Here for my summary of the case) involved an ammonia distributor.  The only…...

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...