Chemical Process Safety (PSM/RMP)

We have discussed the hazards of pneumatic pressure testing many times.  Pneumatic pressure testing should be a “last resort” for pressure testing process equipment.  But for those who question the degree of hazard this REQUIRED test brings about, here is something to consider.  Take a look at the following comparisons between the stored energy in…...

EPA and OSHA put out an Alert in 2007 regarding the use of Excess Flow Valves (EFV) as a “safeguard”.  Although that alert has been “archived” the failures we see today align with what that alert warned us about 16 years ago!  While excess flow valves (EFV) are in extensive service and have prevented numerous…...

One of my all time favorite RAGAGEPs is the Compressed Gas Association’s (CGA) 2.1 for those who handle anhydrous ammonia.  This year, they published the 7th Edition, and they made it even better.  Unlike so many RAGAGEPs, the CGA embraced the practice of “Continuous improvement” and really did a nice job with their additional explanations…...

This material is from the United States Coast Guard (USCG) and is an EXCELLENT explanation of the required electrical markings/labels on tools/equipment used within a Hazardous Location. Simply put, if the tool/equipment is NOT marked/labeled for use in the specific HAZLOC, it can NOT be brought into the HAZLOC…. Membership Required You must be a...

On May 15, 2021, an incident resulted in the fatality of an offshore worker when two production personnel were pressure testing a 16-inch well surface casing and anexplosion occurred. The explosion entailed a high-pressure release with no signs of ignition.  Information obtained by BSEE during the subsequent investigation determined that personnel were using a high-pressure…...

NOTE: this was NOT a PSM covered process. OSHA determined the employee — on the job just two months — opened an air intake valve to inspect a noise coming from a barium sulfide wash cone with a steam line that was left open the day before. A rush of cold air in the steam…...

From “facility siting” in a PHA to establishing emergency “assemble areas,” the methodology we use matters.  Many of us use a RAGAGEP from The European Industrial Gases Association (EIGA) titled Methodology for Determination of Safety and Separation Distances.  The “safety distance” is to provide a minimum separation that will mitigate the effect of any foreseeable…...

Today the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) released its final report on a flammable vapor explosion and fire at the Yenkin-Majestic facility in Columbus, OH, on April 8, 2021. One employee died during the incident, and eight other workers were injured. The CSB’s final report makes several important safety recommendations to Yenkin-Majestics,…...

The Risk Management Program emergency response coordination activities require the owner and operator of a stationary source to provide to the local emergency planning and response organizations: the stationary source’s emergency response plan if one exists; emergency action plan; updated emergency contact information; and any other information that local emergency planning and response organizations identify…...