A Process Hazard(s) Analysis is a thorough, orderly, and systematic approach for identifying, evaluating, and controlling the hazards of processes involving highly hazardous chemicals. The facility shall perform a process hazard analysis on all processes covered by EPA’s RMP rule and/or OSHA’s PSM standard. The process hazard analysis methodology selected must be appropriate to the […]
Are there any recordkeeping requirements specified in the risk management program (RMP) regulations in 40 CFR Part 68? The owner or operator of a stationary source that is subject to the RMP regulations must maintain records supporting the implementation of Part 68 for five years (§68.200).
This series is intended to bring attention to failures in the “coded welding” practices. From not using certified welders, to failures in visual and NDE, and failures in Pressure/Leak testing. This first incident was caused by a decision NOT to perform Post-Weld Heat Treatment on a repaired pressure vessel.
While virtually any liquid trapped in a “blocked-in” section of pipe can cause a rupture due to thermal expansion, specific chemicals are strictly regulated by OSHA 1910.119 (PSM) and NFPA 30 because of their volatility or toxicity. The requirement for a hydrostatic relief valve (HRV) is generally triggered by the chemical’s physical state (liquefied under
Immediate Lethal Zone — Fireball Radius Typical range: 160–820 ft Hazards: Used for: absolute exclusion zone. Severe Burn Zone — High Thermal Radiation Typical range: 820–1,300 ft Thermal radiation: ~12.5–37.5 kW/m² Effects: Used for: firefighter withdrawal line unless cooling operations are effective. Moderate Burn Zone — Pain/Blistering Typical range: 1,300–2,600 ft Thermal radiation: ~5–12.5 kW/m²
To understand what certification is needed for the visual examination of welds under ASME B31.3, it is critical to distinguish between the two (2) distinct roles defined by the Code:1) the Examiner and2) the Inspector While in fact, B31.3 requires 100% visual examination of fabrication (341.4.1), the “certification” depends on which of these two roles
In many processes, the use of a rupture disc (RD) between the vessel being protected and the Relief Valve (RV) is a fairly common practice. This is ALWAYS done for design necessities and not just “because”. Some processes could be corrosive to the RV internals, at least this is the most common reason for this
Some specialized literature regarding the maintenance of safety relief valves (SRVs) is available, but it is best to always consult the manufacturer’s detailed installation and maintenance manuals on the subject, as some type of valves might require special attention. It is highly recommended to always use genuine manufacturer’s spare parts. In some parts of the
Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Director has asked the Illinois Attorney General’s office to proceed with enforcement action against Ellinor Trucking and River Rock Logistics, operated out of Lanark. The Illinois EPA alleges an inadequate transfer hose was used when an Ellinor employee prepared to offload anhydrous ammonia to an above-ground storage tank, which resulted in
Following the guidance of OSHA and EPA, the industry has attempted to simplify what type of change requires the initiation of the Management of Change system and which type of change is a “replacement in kind” (RIK). Oddly enough, both OSHA and EPA chose not to define the meaning of “change”; instead, they have officially
On January 26, 2006, a factory in Brazil witnessed a significant accident during a pneumatic pressure test involving a tank and pipework. The incident occurred because blind flanges were not used to isolate the pipework connected to the tank. Instead, only the valves were closed. This oversight led to the possibility that one or more
Comparison of Pressure Vessel Inspection Requirements in the Refrigeration Industry Code Type of Inspection Component Description Inspection Remediation Inspection Frequency IIAR 109 (1997) All pressure vessels If signs of more than mild corrosion should inspect further by a professional engineer or ASME inspector (4.3.5) None listed – Annual ammonia safety check (5.2) – Thorough inspection every 5 years (5.3) IIAR 110 (1993) Including
