This past week we got a “Factual Update” from the CSB on the Storage Tank Fire at Intercontinental Terminals Company (ITC) Terminal. After reading this update I was puzzled as to why the facts as we know them to date did not drive OSHA to open a NEP PSM inspection of the facility. Granted their…...
One means of controlling ignition sources in Hazardous Locations (HAZLOC) is to “pressurize” the enclosure/cabinet. This is not usually a primary means of protection but is a fallback when a facility realizes that an electrical enclosure/cabinet is sitting in their newly recognized Class 1, Div 2 HAZLOC. So I get a panic e-mail about this…...
One means of controlling ignition sources in Hazardous Locations (HAZLOC) is to “pressurize” the enclosure/cabinet. This is not usually a primary means of protection but is a fallback when a facility realizes that an electrical enclosure/cabinet is sitting in their newly recognized Class 1, Div 2 HAZLOC. So I get a panic e-mail about this…...
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UPWARDS and UNOBSTRUCTED – say it again! UPWARDS and UNOBSTRUCTED. Two simple and very clear terms that so many struggle with when it comes to Relief System Designs. Here is a horizontal discharge of a relief valve on an NH3 vessel. The discharge height is ~20′ but we can see how the gas is dispersing. …...
UPWARDS and UNOBSTRUCTED – say it again! UPWARDS and UNOBSTRUCTED. Two simple and very clear terms that so many struggle with when it comes to Relief System Designs. Here is a horizontal discharge of a relief valve on an NH3 vessel. The discharge height is ~20′ but we can see how the gas is dispersing. …...
This past week a small ice plant in São Luís – State of Maranhão, Brazil experienced what can only be described at a “catastrophic failure” of a pressure vessel. Details of what/how this happened are sketchy at best; however, the video shows us what anhydrous ammonia can do when it is “blocked-in”. I am assuming this…...
This past week a small ice plant in São Luís – State of Maranhão, Brazil experienced what can only be described at a “catastrophic failure” of a pressure vessel. Details of what/how this happened are sketchy at best; however, the video shows us what anhydrous ammonia can do when it is “blocked-in”. I am assuming this…...
This is an excellent video that takes us through the progression of an ammonia (CAT 2 Flammable Gas) explosion. A contractor working in the engine room reported the smell of ammonia @ 6:04 a.m. A maintenance worker entered the engine room at 6:24 a.m. and did not smell/see/notice anything unusual!!! I am guessing they did…...
One of the biggest flaws in the OSHA’s and EPA’s process safety standards is their expectations of how contractors are to be evaluated. Yes, of course, hiring contractors with good safety programs and good safety performance is CRITICAL, but way too many facilities are only looking at the safety numbers and programs. And that is…...
Following the August 2012 fire and chemical release at a San Fransico Bay Area refinery, the Governor of CA formed the Interagency Working Group on Refinery Safety to examine ways to improve public and worker safety through enhanced oversight of refineries, and to strengthen emergency preparedness in anticipation of any future incident. The Interagency Working…...
