This $50 device is priceless in validating that the ventilation system is functioning as designed Verifying that a mechanical exhaust system provides sufficient airflow is critical for preventing the accumulation of flammable vapors. The use of a Vaneometer™ is ideal for monitoring low-velocity air currents (typically 25 to 400 feet per minute) at the face […]
This week I posted the requirement for transferring a flammable liquid using “gravity”. This requirement comes from OSHA’s flammable liquid standard… 1910.106(e)(2)(iv)(d) flammable liquids shall be drawn from or transferred into vessels, containers, or portable tanks within a building only through a closed piping system, from safety cans, by means of a device drawing through
There is a sound reason why OSHA’s Flammable Liquid Standard has required a deadman valve for over 40 years and it is the same reason why I have written about their use for 20 years… When things go bad and you need to get the heck out of dodge quickly, you can do so AND
SAFTENG NOTE: Please do NOT misunderstand what is being said here. This study was in NO WAY an endorsement that cell phones are safe for hazardous locations. What is being said, is that cell phones do not cause gasoline fueling fires; which we have debunked that myth here for over a decade. Static electricity generated
This video is about as picture-perfect as we can get to show us how static is an ignition source. The plastic rolls (commonly called expandable polystyrene or EPS for short is made with Pentane, a highly flammable CAT 1 gas that is heavier than air and has a Minimum Ignition Energy of just 0.22 mJ. When
Technical Tip Tuesday… nitrogen is NOT heavier than air! In fact, pure Nitrogen gas is LIGHTER (~3% lighter) than the Oxygen and Argon (with the Nitrogen) that make up our atmosphere. It is perfectly mixed in the air. Hence the air we are breathing right now (assuming you’re on the surface of the earth) is 78%
On 11/20/207 a cosmetic plant in NY suffered a fatal fire. The explosion and subsequent fire was caused by static electricity and Flammable liquids. I need to point out that the fatality was from smoke inhalation and was an employee who was not involved in the handling of the flammable liquids in the initial event.
A fairly common debate I have with folks is the “normal venting” and “emergency venting” requirements for “Inside Flammable Liquid Storage Tanks.” The bottom line…These tanks MUST be vented outside the building for normal and emergency venting, except for Class IIIB liquids. Tanks Inside Buildings (TINBIDS) requirements in Chapter 57 of the IFC become applicable
As I have said many times, OSHA’s 1910.106 is badly outdated, so for those who are looking for that extra edge to improve flammable liquids process safety (not just OSHA PSM/EPA RMP compliance, but real process safety), we should consider utilizing the 2018 International Fire Code (IFC). I should also point out that a fair
The 2018 IFC has some great design requirements for flammable liquids (as does NFPA 30). Abiding by this 2018 IFC, Chapter 57 would provide a much higher degree of safety as compared to meeting OSHA’s 1910.106. So I have broken down and discussed these IFC requirements for those looking to improve their flammable liquid piping
Here we sit in the year 2018 and here I sit posting about the use of “low-melting-point materials” for use in flammable liquids and flammable gases piping systems – oh the insanity, but this debate seems to happen far too often these days! I have been working with Hazardous Materials, most notably Flammable Liquids and
