CO2 as solid particles can cause electrostatic discharge! In September 1953, an aircraft fuel storage farm was taken into use in Niederstedem, Germany. The automatic fire extinguishing system, which used CO2, was demonstrated to visitors on the roof of the storage tank. The tank containing an explosive mixture suddenly ignited and exploded. 29 people lost […]
I have updated (4/3/26) the presentation with the NFPA direction/requirements for using the Diamond on small containers. Yes, NFPA provides specific guidance on using the Diamond on containers smaller than 1 gallon. 4/3/26 – I added the explanation as to why Bulk HAZMAT containers (Tanker Trucks & Railcars) are exempt from OSHA’s “shipped containers” requirements
DISCLAIMER: I am NOT suggesting we do this; just asking the group for their thoughts on a challenge I got this week. In all the discussions about using NFPA 704 Diamonds on Secondary Containers, from laboratory squirt bottles to bulk storage tanks, today I was asked if DOT Placards could be used to label STATIONARY
I guess we are never too old to learn new tricks! This week, I came across a practice that I was 100% certain I was being “punked.” The practice is called “welding,” but it’s done on a Polyethylene Plastic tank! Technically, it meets the definition of “welding”… Welding is a fabrication process that joins materials—typically
Too many safety personnel are not sufficiently familiar with the critical role Vapor Pressure (VP) plays in managing hazardous materials. From our PPE Hazard Assessments, Respiratory Protection, to how we respond to these hazardous materials when there is a LOPC event involving them. But VP also plays a major role in how we DESIGN our
Over the past decade, we have received dozens of requests from both current and new clients seeking to move to 19% Aqua Ammonia, so the process is NO LONGER RMP-covered. (NOTE: OSHA only covers 44% or higher Aqua Ammonia; EPA begins its coverage at 20%). This is taking the “inherently safe” approach to process safety.
HIGHLY TOXIC – A material which produces a lethal dose or lethal concentration that falls within any of the following categories:A chemical that has a median lethal dose (LD50) of 50 milligrams or less per kilogram of body weight when administered orally to albino rats weighing between 200 and 300 grams each.A chemical that has
Some clients have their processes/storage in the middle of a neighborhood, and I mean in the middle of a neighborhood, as we see on TV and postcards. Beautiful tree-lined streets with kids riding their bikes and moms pushing their baby strollers. Of course, the facility came first, in the 1950’s, and then the encroachment. As
Recently, we were involved in a serious incident in which a group of contractors was overcome by a “highly toxic gas” (as defined by the state’s Fire Code) that escaped from a compressed-gas cylinder. This container, along with 42 other containers with various hazardous materials, was stored outside in an unmarked area. The contractors had
HSE works with international partners to provide evidence for risk assessment of new technologies, keeping the UK at the forefront of scientific and engineering advances, while ensuring worker safety. Liquid hydrogen is of interest in transport applications such as aeroplanes. ELVHYS is an EU project designed to enhance the safety and efficiency of liquid hydrogen
A chemical company experienced two major uncontrolled releases of highly corrosive acids. In January 2020, approximately 300,000 litres (8,000 gallons) of hydrochloric acid leaked from the site, releasing toxic gases that forced the closure of local businesses and schools and caused residents to evacuate their homes. A second incident in August saw 87,000 litres (23,000
A lot has been said on LinkedIn about secondary container labeling, and at least seven (7) posts were absolutely wrong. Those posts have been shared more than 400 times; I wish I knew how many views. Many people agreed with the original posters that secondary containers had to be labeled the same as shipped containers.
