Steaming railcars and tanker trucks is a very common practice in many industries; however, the hazards of doing so it not widely known nor understood. Much like we cover “TOO MUCH TEMP” in our process hazards analysis, a similar analysis may be called for to analyze the practice of applying a heat source (e.g. steam […]
Earlier this year I wrote about the risks in using “truck drivers” as your HAZMAT Attendant, as well as using the carrier’s hose for your loading/unloading activities. I have also posted several “Safety advisiories” from state and federal agencies regarding the mis-use of transfer hoses. Many of you appreciated my bluntness and brining the concerns
Earlier this year I wrote about the EPA Safety Alert regarding having high expectations of an Excess Flow Valve being a reliable safeguard to stop an uncontrolled flow of a HHC/EHS. This article is another example of how these valves should NOT be considered a safeguard and most certainly should NOT be the sole layer
In processes handling flammable liquids, “flange jumpers” (also known as “bonding jumpers”) are critical safety components designed to maintain electrical continuity across piping joints. Since piping systems are often coated, gasketed, or subject to corrosion, a standard flanged connection may not provide a sufficiently low-resistance path to ground.
My hi level interlock just tripped on my vessel – can I count this trip as the scheduled quarterly/annual PM test? This question is maybe in the top 10 questions we get from PSM/RMP clients and friends and without a doubt one of the top 5 MI questions of all time. There is no argument
12/13/12 – I uploaded the full video (1:45) to my YOUTUBE account rather than the members’ area. This full version includes a 2nd view from a different camera and shows the full impact and size of the explosion and the tank fires resulting from the blast. WARNING! This video will be UPSETTING to many, especially the
If you spend any time around Anhydrous Ammonia, you know how easy it is to detect its presence; however, if you have ever tried to find the leak causing the issue, it can be extremely difficult. One of the most common, simplest, and cheapest methods is using sulfur (or sulfur) sticks. These have been around
UPDATED FM Data regarding Contractors and Hotwork… 3.1.8 Outside Contractors Many hot work operations are performed by outside contractors, these include cutting, welding, joint soldering, paint removal, reroofing, etc. The tendency is to relax rigid procedures for contractors assuming they know their jobs. However, this practice has produced a discouraging loss history. Hot work by itself is
Not many know this dirty little secret about overpressure protection on ASME-coded vessels (formerly called “code case 2211”), but I will let the cat out of the bag… Not all ASME pressure vessels have to have a pressure relief device, and I am not talking about those very small vessels, but any size vessel. No,
Those of you working in a PSM/RMP facility should have heard of the term “line break” and many have most likely participated in a “line break”. Although the term “line break” implies it only applies to opening a line/pipe, it is intended to cover ALL non-routine process openings. This task is one of the higher
NONMANDATORY APPENDIX S – DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS FOR BOLTED FLANGE CONNECTIONS S-1 BOLTING The primary purpose of the rules for bolted flange connections in Appendices 2 and Y is to ensure safety, but there are certain practical matters to be taken into consideration in order to obtain a serviceable design. One of the most important of
OSHA has cited a specialty chemical manufacturer for 20 safety violations following a plant explosion that resulted in the hospitalization of approximately 40 employees of other companies, working in the surrounding area, for decontamination. The May explosion was caused by a runaway reaction from an overheated reactor. During the production of a compound used in water
