On December 24, 2008, natural gas leaking from a gas distribution pipeline resulted in an explosion and fire at 10708 Pauite Way, Rancho Cordova, California. One person died, and others were injured. The National Transportation Safety Board (“NTSB”) immediately began to investigate the accident. The NTSB concluded its investigation on May 18, 2010, with the…...
We have discussed all the requirements for transferring flammable liquids and gases (i.e., NFPA Flammable “4”); however, I have not mentioned the requirements for transferring TOXIC and HIGHLY TOXIC LIQUIDS that have an NFPA 704 Health Rating of 3 or 4. We see these issues in our Chlorine work where Cl2 is a “utility” to…...
Transferring liquids having a hazard ranking of 3 or 4 per NFPA 704 Read More »
Early Warning of Natural Gas Leaks Can Prevent Deaths and Injuries The Problem Source: https://www.ntsb.gov/advocacy/safety-alerts/Pages/SA-098.aspx… Membership Required You must be a member to access this content.View Membership LevelsAlready a member? Log in here...
Natural Gas Alarms Save Lives (NTSB Alert) Read More »
Today #NTSB released the final report of the March 24, 2023, natural gas-fueled explosion and fire at the R.M. Palmer candy factory in West Reading, Pennsylvania. The NTSB issued 18 new safety recommendations, 1 reiterated safety recommendation, and published a Safety Alert to the public about the importance of installing natural gas alarms in businesses…...
NTSB releases final report on NG explosion at candy manufacturer Read More »
During my PHAs and Audits, I typically find businesses that are not focused on the UNLOADING risks associated with their hazardous materials. I tend to get a lot of pushback about how Unloading is a DOT function and somehow not related to process safety. The risks associated with unloading 7,000 gallons of an HHC/EHS through…...
Truck unloading hose(s) inspection frequency Read More »
I normally do not share construction accidents, as I am not a construction safety professional. I would not even attempt to play one on TV! However, this case is an excellent example for the general industry and those who work with hazardous chemicals. One of the reasons why my HAZCOM training is 2+ hours is…...
Toulene vapors are HEAVIER than air Read More »
This video is a great example of two failures: 1) Hazardous Communications and 2) Emergency Response recognition. There is no way he should have walked into the spill, much less into the spray to stop the leak. That was gasoline—NOT diesel; even if it had been diesel, his actions were still out of line. We…...
Someone needs some HAZCOM and ER training Read More »
When you think you’ve seen it all, someone comes along and proves you WRONG!… Membership Required You must be a member to access this content.View Membership LevelsAlready a member? Log in here...
Fuel Pump Foolishness Read More »
We have discussed these safety-critical valves extensively here at SAFTENG. I am a huge proponent of these valves, and they are required by most State Fire Codes and RAGAGEPs. Yet, we still find far too many processes handling Highly Hazardous Chemicals/Extremely Hazardous Chemicals that are missing this critical safety feature. As we have also discussed,…...
Inspection and Maintenance of Remote Emergency Shutoff Valves Read More »
Most of us have seen a gate valve installed in piping, and 99% of the time, we want to see the valve handle in the VERTICAL-UPWARD position. However, when we need to install an “intervening valve” in the relief path, which ASME allows, we may/should see the valve handle(s) in the Horizontal or below Horizontal…...
Gate Valves and their installation in “relief path” Read More »
This case is a classic example of how Latent Organizational Failures INFLUENCE the decision-making of workers (and middle managers). At the end of this press release, the DOJ admits that “Company management had informed some of its employees that if operations came to a halt, the company would suffer serious financial harm, potentially including dissolution.”…...
A total of seven people were taken to the hospital after a chlorine gas leak was reported. The cause of the leak was a truck driver who delivered a chemical to a Water Plant and “unintentionally mixed two chemical compounds in a holding tank.” This then released the chlorine gas “from the tank vent.” The…...
Wrong Chemical – Wrong Tank (Cl2) Read More »
