For the purpose of analyzing the worst-case release scenario required as part of the hazard assessment at 40 CFR Part 68, Subpart B, the worst-case release quantity is identified as the greatest amount held in a single vessel or pipe, taking into account administrative controls that limit the maximum quantity (40 CFR §68.25(b)). Why did […]
The accident occurred in the hexane-based rapeseed oil extraction process. After grinding the seed and obtaining meal that is then steam-cooked (100°C), pressing in a continuous screw press is used to obtain 2/3 crude oil and flakes containing 1/3 oil. This oil is extracted from the flakes in the extraction process: the flakes are transported
Chlorine, CAS No. 7782-50-5, is an extremely hazardous substance regulated and listed in 40 C.F.R. § 68.130. As the owner and operator of a stationary source, with respect to the use and storage of ferric chloride and sodium hypochlorite, Respondent has a duty under the General Duty Clause, Section 112(r)(1) of the CAA, to design
I like to explain the documentation for our pressure vessels much in the same context as our birth certificates. For every pressure vessel in service today, we must have that vessel’s U-1 Form. And please don’t tell me about the OSHRC decision stating otherwise. I really don’t care what a group of lawyers think about
In the USA we use ASME Section VIII, Appendix M-5, and the National Board’s Part 4 when we need to install a block valve before or after a relief valve (RV). In Saskatchewan, Canada their safety authority has a program titled “Pressure Relief Path Stop Valve Control Program“. It is a really nice start to
These little safety devices cause such big troubles because of pure ignorance. I continue to have silly debates with very smart people about meeting the absolute bare minimums from so many different recognized and generally accepted good engineering practices (RAGAGEPs). As of today, I have written about Hydrostatic Relief Valves 84 times. This week, I
This question is one that gets a lot of attention, and the debate can become heated. OSHA’s minimum standard, written in 1974, requires the fire watch to be maintained for 30-minutes after completion of welding or cutting operations. But in the past decade, many insurers and more up-to-date standards now require that fire watches be
A sealed, unclassified electrical control enclosure, part of a listed and certified force-ventilated commercial hydrogen processing unit enclosure, exploded when the equipment manufacturer’s technician pressed the machine stop switch to complete the factory commissioning procedure. The technician was forcefully hit by the flying metal panel holding the switch and sustained serious injuries requiring lengthy hospitalization
At 2:00 p.m. on May 27, 2019, an employee, 19, was preparing to transfer anhydrous ammonia (NH3) from a bulk storage container to a customer-owned double nurse tank. The employee, who was NOT wearing any PPE, opened a valve on the nurse tank before attaching the transfer hoses, causing pressurized NH3 to be released directly
WA-OSHA standards were revised a number of years ago, so they are in “plain English.” These are a GREAT SOURCE of information for anyone looking for a straight forward explanation of OSHA standard requirements. One particular standard that I found helpful was its Hazardous Location (HAZLOC) explanations. These hazardous locations are classified as follows:
At 4:30 p.m. on November 11, 2020, two (2) employees were in the process of producing batches of a chlorine dioxide generator inside a newly purchased mixer. Emplo yee #1 was killed in an explosion after closing the lid on the mixer to complete the mixing operations. Employee #2 was injured during the rescue attempt.
OSHA has issued its supplemental VPP assessment questions for 2022. The questions focus on: Leading Indicators & Mechanical Integrity PSM Metrics/Other MOC & PHA Resident Contractors Ammonia Processes and Refrigeration
