RMP Program Level Determination Flowchart (LA-DEQ)
The science behind OSHA’s PSM Thresholds
In determining threshold quantities for toxic chemicals, OSHA used the Gaussian dispersion model. OSHA made the following assumptions:
What is an acceptable “rejection rate” for Radiographic Testing (RT)
I encountered something new this week; well, new to me, as I have never seen an RT Rejection rate of 26%. So I knew that was crazy high, as the normal rate is around 2-3%. So I had to go back to my ASME B31 Course and research an acceptable rate:
5,700-gallon hydrochloric acid (HCl) storage tank ruptured during filling
On Tuesday, April 8, 1997, at approximately 8:59 a.m., a 5,700-gallon hydrochloric acid (HCl) storage tank ruptured during filling. The failure of the HCl tank caused a significant portion of its liquid contents (which totaled about 4,800 gallons of 31% HCl) to suddenly surge over the secondary containment. The force of the liquid also caused
EPA’s Risk Management Plan (RMP) and Transportation Containers
This is one of the most commonly misunderstood RMP/PSM compliance issues for facilities that use rail cars as storage tanks and or use “tube trailers” as storage tanks. EPA has been clear since 1998 on how these rail cars that are hooked up to the process and those that are “stored on spurs” are to
OSHA Q&A on PSM Compliance (CPL02-02-045, 1994)
Clarifications and Interpretations of the PSM Standard The guidance contained in this appendix is provided for compliance assistance. This appendix contains clarifications agreed to in a settlement agreement dated April 5, 1993, between OSHA, the United Steelworkers of America, the Oil, Chemical and Atomic Workers International Union, and the Building and Construction Trades Department of
Controlling Static by managing flow rates
Managing static electricity during the transfer of flammable liquids is based on the fluid’s conductivity, measured in picosiemens per meter (pS/m). High-conductivity liquids dissipate charge quickly, while low-conductivity liquids (static accumulators) hold onto the charge, creating a spark hazard. The following table summarizes the maximum flow velocities recommended by NFPA 77 and API 2003 to
Process Safety Management Meer Decision (OSHRC)
Meer Corporation (Meer) was cited on January 9, 1995, for serious and non-serious violations of numerous safety requirements for managing hazards associated with processes using highly hazardous chemicals. The standard prescribing the multiple procedures is referred to as process safety management (PSM). The serious citation also includes an item alleging violation of the machine guarding