Drums containing regulated substances (listed in 40 CFR §68.130) are stored in several separate locations at a stationary source and there is no possibility that an accidental release in any of the individual storage areas would impact any of the other storage areas. Must the overall amount of the regulated substance present at the stationary […]
PLEASE ensure your “life safety” contractor inspector for Exits, Fire Extinguishers, EW/SSs, etc., is FULLY trained on the hazards of the area(s) they will be working in. This year, we have found two (2) national companies that provide these inspection services using electronic devices NOT rated for the hazardous areas where they are working. We
In an industrial and occupational safety context, a line break accident occurs when workers open pipes, valves, flanges, or vessels containing hazardous materials—such as toxic chemicals, flammable liquids, high-pressure gases, or high-temperature steam—and an unintended release occurs. Because these accidents can result in severe chemical burns, toxic inhalation, explosions, or physical trauma from pressure blasts,
Sinopec Yangzi Petrochemical (May 29, 2026): Four workers died during shutdown maintenance at an ethylene plant in China. The flash fire occurred while operations personnel were disassembling a cracking valve. Early investigations point to incomplete emptying and purging of the pipe, which left residual cracking gases (ethylene, propylene, and butadiene) inside. The suspected ignition source
Citation 2 Item 34 Type of Violation: Willful-Serious29 CFR 1910.119(m)(1): The employer did not investigate each incident which resulted in, or could reasonably have resulted in a catastrophic release of highly hazardous chemicals in the workplace:
Many in safety may not recognize that the “burst pressure” of piping is NOT the same as the Maximum Allowable Working Pressure (MAWP). ASME B31.3 requires the facility to identify and work within the MAWP. For those who may not know the difference and why it matters…
July 10, 2026, marks the 50th anniversary of the Seveso chemical disaster in Italy. The European Commission has reaffirmed its commitment to the Seveso Directive, which serves as a global benchmark for industrial safety, while emphasizing the need to adapt to emerging risks like cybersecurity and the energy transition.
First, I am as guilty as anyone for using these terms interchangeably, but this week I was in a deep discussion on PRCS Isolation and those on the other end of the phone were getting confused as I was using these terms interchangeably. So I am setting the record straight on this topic, as it
While the terms “Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)” and “Non-Destructive Examination (NDE)” are often used interchangeably in casual professional conversation, they have distinct technical nuances based on the depth of the process and the intended outcome.
How do companies follow the emergency response element requirements? To comply with the regulations, a facility needs to develop an emergency program or procedures. These are often contained in one of two types of RMP emergency plans: one for responding facilities and one for non-responding facilities.
This fact sheet summarizes the exercise requirements of the Emergency Response portion of a facility’s Program. It provides guidance for how a facility can comply with existing regulations and what emergency responders can expect from a facility.
