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:… Membership Required You must be a member to access this content.View Membership LevelsAlready a member? Log in here...
When you see it… (Bollards) Read More »
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…...
Pneumatic Pressure Testing gone bad (Wrong Hose used for N2) Read More »
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…...
Li Ion Battery Manufacturing is a PSM covered process Read More »
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…...
Pressure and Leak Testing Fuel Gas Piping (IFGC) Read More »
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…...
Pneumatic Pressure Testing gone bad (20″ NG line) Read More »
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…...
Let’s talk about Leak Testing our piping using the Bubble Testing method Read More »
335 ASSEMBLY AND ERECTION 335.1 Alignment …… Membership Required You must be a member to access this content.View Membership LevelsAlready a member? Log in here...
ASME B31.3 – 335 ASSEMBLY AND ERECTION of FLANGED Joints Read More »
Both labels meet ASME A13.1 – Scheme for the Identification of Piping Systems. Who can tell me… What does the top label, and what does the bottom label tell us? This is a NEW requirement from ASME A13.1-2020…. Membership Required You must be a member to access this content.View Membership LevelsAlready a member?...
Who can tell me what these different pipe labels tell us? Read More »
Our #1 RAGAGEP for labeling/marking piping that contains a hazardous material, ASME A13.1, saw a significant updates in 2020 and 2023. The major revisions include: revising the Scope, updating each of the definitions, expanding the Legend section, and revising both the Color section and Table 4.2-1, Designation of Colors adding a new paragraph to address…...
Updates to ASME A13.1 – Scheme for the Identification of Piping Systems Read More »
Respondent was the owner or operator of a pulp and paperboard manufacturing facility. At all times relevant to this Consent Agreement, Respondent was in charge of the Facility. At all times relevant to this Consent Agreement, Respondent produced, used, or stored chlorine at the Facility. Chlorine is a “hazardous substance” listed in 40 C.F.R. Part…...
EPA EPCRA citations @ paper mill for failing to report 4 Cl2 releases (Cl2 & $322K) Read More »
