The Hydrant and PIV must be protected, so we installed two (2) “lazy bollards.” The post are correct, their installation is NOT to code. Had they been installed in the parking lot with a 15” diameter footing and at a height of 4’ AND 4’ away from the PIV, then all would be OK. But […]
In 2012, I discussed the use of sulfur sticks and asked a question: Sulfur sticks and ammonia leaks… are you in compliance when using these leak detection devices? In 2014, IIAR updated its edition of ANSI/IIAR 2 – Standard for Safe Design of Closed-Circuit Ammonia Refrigeration Systems, which PROHIBITS their use when charging is being
In almost every PHA I have done since 2000, we find safety critical valves or instrumentation with a built-in bypass around them. I understand the need for a bypass WHEN IT IS FOR MAINTENANCE of the device, but in no sane world do we put a bypass around a safety-critical device so that the process
The operators of a global ink and coatings manufacturing company could have prevented an employee from suffering burn injuries from a flash fire that erupted in an industrial mixing vessel containing flammable liquids and vapors by following federal regulations for handling of highly hazardous chemicals. An OSHA investigation determined a flash fire sparked in the
How many code/RAGAGEP violations can you identify? Tip: Code(s) and RAGAGEPs require equipment to be protected against contact with mobile equipment when that contact could lead to an LOPC event involving a hazardous material. Answer(s) below:
While anhydrous ammonia has many environmental and operational benefits, it is also an extremely hazardous substance that, if accidentally released, presents a significant health hazard because it is corrosive to the skin, eyes, and lungs. Ammonia is also flammable at certain concentrations in air. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) would like to work with facilities
During a recent offshore inspection, a BSEE inspector observed operator personnel installing a 100-foot high-pressure hose, with a Maximum Working Pressure (MWP) of 5000 psi, to test pressure safety valves on pipeline pumps. The hose used was designed for hydraulic fluid and not suitable for high-pressure nitrogen; when nitrogen gas at 2500 psi was injected
Lithium-ion battery manufacturing has garnered a lot of news lately, both good and bad news. Although these batteries are being manufactured in the name of being “environmentally friendly,” as is the case in many PSM/RMP-covered processes, the raw materials used in their manufacturing are anything but “friendly.” The PSM process in this manufacturing process involves
We have discussed pressure and leak testing piping in our hazardous materials processes, specifically in our PSM/RMP-covered processes. The International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) has some great specifics on how we test natural gas piping. Interestingly enough, the IFGC code defines “pressure test” as… (emphasis by me) An operation performed to verify the gas-tight integrity
On March 3, 2009, at approximately 1:29 p.m., Employees #1 and #2 were conducting a gas line pressure test on a 20-inch gas line. The test involved pressurizing the line to 100 psi and holding this pressure for one (1) hour. This test was conducted to determine whether the gas line being tested could be
I have written a lot about leak testing and pressure testing our piping systems and those articles all mention using the “bubble test” method. Now lets talk about the actual requirements of this test method. ASME B31.3, 345.8 Sensitive Leak Test refers us to ASME BPVC, Section V, Article 10, Mandatory Appendix I, for how
335 ASSEMBLY AND ERECTION 335.1 Alignment …
