A lot of folks are angry that they have been forced from their homes, especially over a holiday weekend when families travel to visit families. I understand their anger, and I applaud the OCFA for their communication efforts to explain their decisions. So, for those of you who do not live and work in the…...
We keep hearing all these different temps from the media and OCFA. I am pretty sure they are both using Farenheit and Celsuis interchangably in their remarks and this can be confusing as heck. I just heard a media update state that “50 degrees is the happy place” for MMA. 50°F is the Flash Point…...
An uncontrolled polymerization event in a Methyl Methacrylate (MMA) storage tank is a classic, catastrophic thermal runaway scenario. When the monomer begins linking into polymer chains, the system enters a self-accelerating feedback loop that can rapidly overwhelm the vessel’s pressure-relief systems, leading to a violent rupture that often resembles a Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion…...
OSHA’s regional emphasis programs continue to prioritize the programmatic elements of 1910.134. Citations in 2026 are frequently tied to “paperwork and protocol” failures rather than hardware failures:… Membership Required You must be a member to access this content.View Membership LevelsAlready a member? Log in here...
The most significant friction point involves PHMSA and SCBA Fully Wrapped Carbon-Fiber Reinforced (CFFC) aluminum-lined cylinders on Special Permit 16320 and the use of Modal Acoustic Emission (MAE) testing to extend the life of composite cylinders. Fully Wrapped Carbon-Fiber Reinforced (CFFC) aluminum-lined cylinders have a 15-year service life. PHMSA has investigated and granted limited special…...
In today’s workplaces, it’s hard to find a large business that does not require Hi-Vis Vest/Workwear. What is not hard to find is a business with HAZLOCs where workers are required to wear FRC but are wearing nylon Hi-Vis vests OVER their FRC. I am all for making workers more visible to powered industrial trucks…...
The amount of breathing air consumed during a monthly SCBA functional test (often referred to as the “monthly inspection” or “flow test”) varies slightly by manufacturer and the specific depth of your inspection/testing SOP. However, for a standard 30-minute/45-cubic-foot cylinder, you can estimate the usage based on the required NFPA 1852 checks…. Membership Required You...
A question I have asked for years, starting back in the late 1980’s when I began wearing SCBAs. I have asked this question to dozens, maybe hundreds of people, way smarter than me, and everyone was stumped. So today I had a lengthy discussion on SCBAs and the question was asked of me again. So…...
I have written over a dozen posts explaining the code requirements for annual inspection/testing of our chemical hoses. But in the world of PSM/RMP, there is another hose that requires annual inspection and testing… The primary standard requiring fire hose to be service-tested annually is NFPA 1962, Standard for the Care, Use, Inspection, Service Testing,…...
Did you know? The Compressed Gas Association’s Handbook of Compressed Gases is now available online — completely FREE and publicly accessible. Access it here: https://handbook.cganet.com For decades, the Handbook has served as a trusted reference for professionals across the industrial, medical, food, beverage, specialty gas, and hydrogen sectors. Now, CGA has transformed this essential resource into…...
I get it, it’s a 19-second video, and it will probably stir more questions than responses, but this topic is one that needs MUCH discussion. I have made this page FREE for anyone who wishes to chime in. A couple of items to consider: So what say you? We can discuss this in the comments…...
Throughout my career, I have been taught that to safely “scrub” 1 pound of NH3, 1 gallon of water is required. I have firsthand experience in this ratio working. So I decided to ask Google Gemini+ to explain this ratio. Looking back at IIAR-2, when we sized a Diffusion Tank for PSV discharge(s), it was…...
