Chemical Process Safety (PSM/RMP)

OSHA has cited a fertilizer producer with 40 safety and health violations following the deaths of two workers in separate incidents.  On May 22, an operator attempting to start up a steam turbine in sulfuric acid plant No. 2 was struck by flying metal debris when the turbine housing ruptured due to apparent overpressurization. In a […]

There are several codes and standards that call for the use of Hydrostatic Relief Valves (HRV) and often times the implementing organization fails to meet these requirements fully.  As for propane systems, both OSHA and NFPA, require the installation of HRVs EVERYWHERE there is a chance that liquid propane can be trapped, but as this

ASME Section VIII, Division 1 has special design and construction requirements for vessels that will be used in “Lethal Service.”  Sounds logical and easy.  Logical – yes, Easy – not so much!  Section VIII mentions the term “lethal service” dozens of times. Still, it is Subsection B – Requirements pertaining to Methods of Fabrication of Pressure

The IIAR is proposing a new standard to specify the minimum criteria for developing operating procedures for closed-circuit ammonia mechanical refrigerating systems. IIAR has designated the proposed standard as BSR/IIAR 7-200X. Upon approval by the ANSI Board of Standards Review, the standard will receive a different name that reflects this approval.  The 45-day public review

A sixth public review of draft standard IIAR 5-201x, Start-up and Commissioning of Closed-Circuit Ammonia Mechanical Refrigerating Systems is now open for public review of the substantive changes resulting from the fifth public review. The International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration (IIAR) invites you to make comments on the substantive changes of the draft standard. Substantive changes resulting

Internal combustion engines present an ignition hazard when used in facilities processing flammable liquids and gases. If flammable vapors or gases are released in these facilities, an internal combustion engine could ignite the flammable materials with catastrophic consequences. Investigations by OSHA and the U.S. Chemical Safety Board (CSB) document a history of fires and explosions

On the morning of June 27, 2011, human error resulted in the mixing of an acidic solution of Fresh FX, an antimicrobial used in poultry processing, with a sodium hypochlorite solution. This mixing of chemicals caused a release of chlorine gas into the plant. About 600 employees who were at work at the time of

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