On January 13, 2022, workers inside the company’s fabrication shop performed a “wet test” on a newly built tank truck to check for leakage. This entailed running diesel test fuel through different tank compartments and other truck components. This was a routine operation at the workplace. Workers knew never to use gasoline, and the company…...
I have written several articles on the topic of when we store our flammable liquids BELOW their flash points with the aid of refrigeration and how that makes our “refrigeration/chiller” a critical utility if we wish to take credit for storing the flammable below its FP. I have also discussed processing a Class IIIB/Cat 4…...
Operating above the solution’s Flash Point Read More »
Are “safety cans” created equally? Nope, and which UL standard they meet will dictate how much “safety they provide.” OSHA’s 1910.106 defines a “safety can” as Safety can shall mean an approved container, of not more than 5 gallons capacity, having a spring-closing lid and spout cover and so designed that it will safely relieve…...
Safety Cans… did you know? Read More »
Have you ever walked up to a atmopsheric storage tank and seen the paint bubbling and the hazard signs/placards faded/peeling off? Look up and you will most likely see the atmopsheric vent line on that side of the tank. What are these indicators of? The tank being over filled, which is a serious event and…...
“Over-Fill” requirements for Flammable Liquid Storage Tanks Read More »
Although it is done often, most state Fire Codes PROHIBIT the use of DOT tank vehicles and tank cars as “Flammable Liquid Storage Tanks.” We call this “dropping trailers,” and my 2014 Article “Dropping Trailers of Flammable Liquids” got quite the debate going. But trust me, there are sound engineering reasons why we can not…...
This is another opportunity for facility sitting to apply specific metrics to the exercise. Just as the distances for Tank Truck and Rail Car Unloading/Loading facilities are intended to protect our bulk storage tanks, this is intended to prevent BLEVE(s) that could impact the above-ground storage tank. (emphasis by me) 1910.106(b)(2)(ii)(f) The MINIMUM SEPARATION between…...
Facility Siting – LPG Containers and Flammable Liquid Tanks (OSHA & NFPA) Read More »
In some cases, we can actually put specific measurements in our “facility siting” analysis. Take, for example, an old but often missed distance between the tank truck/railcar and the closest aboveground tank. (emphasis by me) 1910.106(e)(4) Tank vehicle and tank car loading and unloading. 1910.106(e)(4)(i) Tank vehicle and tank car loading or unloading facilities shall…...
Facility Siting – Tank vehicle and tank car loading and unloading (OSHA & NFPA) Read More »
A common question we get regarding flammable liquids is: Do we have to ground and bond non-conductive containers smaller than 5 gallons? The proper question should be… what do we need to do to SAFELY transfer flammable liquids into non-conductive containers that are 5 gallons and smaller? The British Columbian Worker’s Compensation Board…...
Did the 2024 edition of NFPA 77, Recommended Practice on Static Electricity establish a norm for “relaxation time”? In six (6) different sections across five (5) chapters, the recommended practice cites “30 seconds” as a “suitable precaution.” (emphasis by me)… Membership Required You must be a member to access this content.View Membership LevelsAlready a member?...
Did NFPA make “30 seconds” the norm for “relaxation time”? Read More »
Major changes in the 2024 edition include:… Membership Required You must be a member to access this content.View Membership LevelsAlready a member? Log in here...
NFPA 30, 2024 updates/revisions Read More »
The protection provided by the 2021 IFC is to prevent flammable and combustible liquids from becoming ignited. This is accomplished by one or more of the following layers of protection:… Membership Required You must be a member to access this content.View Membership LevelsAlready a member? Log in here...
Layers of Protection for Flammable Liquids Read More »
I was asked to participate in a serious flash fire accident cause and origin investigation earlier this year. The worker received severe injuries from the flash fire; they survived with life-altering injuries to their lower extremities. The flash fire involved Acetone vapors from a manufacturing cell, an office chair, and a plastic chair mat. Can…...
