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…...
Flammable gases/vapors, expandable polystyrene, and static electricity (Video) Read More »
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%…...
Technical Tip Tuesday… Nitrogen is NOT heavier than air – its actually slightly lighter! Read More »
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…....
Official Fire Investigation Report on NY Cosmetic Plant Fatal Fire Read More »
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Classifying flammable liquids and their pictograms (GHS Flowchart) Read More »
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As I have said many times, OSHA’s 1910.106 is badly outdated, so for those who are looking for that extra edge to improve flammable liquids process safety (not just OSHA PSM/EPA RMP compliance, but real process safety),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…...
Does my flammable liquid storage/processing require “explosion venting” design? Read More »
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…...
Flammable Liquids and Piping Design (IFC 2018) Read More »
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…...
Flammable Liquids and “low-melting-point materials” Read More »
Signs your weak-seam welded roof on your atmospheric storage tank worked as designed! Interesting video, but it shows how things are supposed to work when an atmospheric flammable storage tank is exposed to a fire. Firefighters need to understand how weak-seam welded roofs work so that can stay clear. You can see the roof of…...
When your weak-seam welded roof relieves as designed Read More »
Filmed under controlled conditions, this video demonstrates the explosive power of igniting a drum containing flammable vapors. This drum is manually ignited to simulate what can happen when a used drum is cut or welded. … Membership Required You must be a member to access this content.View Membership LevelsAlready a member? Log in here...
What happens when a drum containing flammable vapor explodes (SafeWork NSW) Read More »
Almost all of the recognized codes and standards related to the storage of flammable liquids will reference an Underwriters’ Laboratories construction standard, No. 142, Standard for Steel Aboveground Tanks for Flammable and Combustible Liquids. Those recognized codes and standards include OSHA’s 1910.106, Flammable liquids and the International Fire Code (IFC). The IFC does not directly…...
Aboveground flammable liquid storage tanks and UL 142 Read More »
A worker was pressure washing and vacuuming solids from a hydrocarbon storage tank when an explosion occurred within the container. The blast tore off the tank’s roof and forcibly threw the worker away from the tank. The worker was seriously injured. Static electricity may have ignited flammable gases and vapors. CLICK HERE for this Safety…...
Hydrocarbon storage tank explosions and static electricity (WorkSafe BC) Read More »
