I think this is NEW, but the only thing I deal with from EPA is RMP and EPCRA so this may have been around and I did not know about it; however, it just popped up on my radar as a “new” addition to EPA.gov. And it is a NICE tool! Substance Registry Services (SRS)…...
EPA’s Substance Registry Services (SRS) Database Read More »
On February 11, 2018, about 1:15 p.m. a module of 25 horizontally mounted high-pressure gas cylinders loaded with 240 kilograms (kg) of compressed hydrogen, UN1049, caught fire while being transported. The incident occurred on Golden Springs Drive, near South Brea Canyon Road, in Diamond Bar, California. About 120 kg of the hydrogen was released from…...
The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) recently conducted a review of the latest compliance and incident data to identify safety trends throughout the Gulf of Mexico. The analysis pointed to a potential risk associated with gas releases. During the timeframe reviewed, thirty-one gas release incidents were reported to BSEE by fourteen unique operators…....
Safety Alert No. 328: Gas Release Hazards Identified by BSEE Read More »
Those who practice “process safety” are all too familiar with “Line/Equipment Opening” safe work practices. Although there is NO formal OSHA standard, nor even a RAGAGEP on this extremely hazardous task, we should consider implementing a “permit” of some type to manage the risks associated with opening any pipe, line, hose, equipment that handles a…...
Line Break gone bad (Natural Gas) Read More »
Well, since I am writing about it, you have probably already know the correct answer. But where does this requirement originate? OSHA Standard(s), OSHA’s General Duty Clause, EPA standards, or… Yep, you guessed it – the International Fire Code (IFC). Granted, the IFC is not heavily enforced BEFORE accidents, but most states have adopted the…...
Are safety cans actually required for dirty (i.e. oily/solvent laden) rags? Read More »
If you work in a state/county/town/township that has a “fire code” inspector, how would your facility measure up to these Top Citations for Group H Occupancies? By the way, here is an excellent summary of the five sub-groups in Group H: High-hazard Group H-1 buildings and structures which contain materials that pose a detonation (explosion)…...
How well would your facility measure up to an AHJ Fire Inspection? Read More »
On 3/28/2016, for reasons unknown, the EPA withdrew its notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) at the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) regarding possible modifications to reportable quantities. The NPRM was submitted on 3/6/2018. … Membership Required You must be a member to access this content.View Membership LevelsAlready a member? Log in here...
EPA withdraws it’s Reportable Quantity Modifications NPRM Read More »
In my line of work, I come across a lot of areas that have a “ventilation system” that intends to reduce exposure and control flammable gases/vapors. The vast majority of these systems are “sized” properly, meaning they move enough air to meet the code/standard they were built to; however, one aspect of the system we…...
Hazardous Area Ventilation “make-up air” Read More »
To quote the IFC committee, “the purpose of performance-based design criteria is to promote innovative, flexible and responsive solutions that optimize the expenditure and consumption of resources while preserving social and economic value.” Section 5001.3 Performance-based design alternative is intended to be compatible with EPA’s RMP and OSHA’s PSM requirements, so it would reduce the burden…...
State Fire Codes Performance-based Design Alternative (PSM/RMP Model) Read More »
This recent event is an excellent example of why vessels have Minimum Design Metal Temperatures (MDMT) and what can happen when they are exceeded. It also is a nice example of how API RP 579-1 / ASME FFS-1, Fitness-For-Service standard can be used to ensure a vessel is fit for continued service. On January 22, 2018,…...
The French National Institute for Industrial Environment and Risks (INERIS) conducted a study to examine how anhydrous ammonia would behave under a number of different release sceanrios. The main aims of this study were: to analyse the risks represented by facilities using quantities of ammonia of up to a few dozen tonnes to complete knowledge on the…...
Ammonia release study from INERIS Read More »
I am not quite sure why they did this, but the ICC decided that the requirements for “leak detection” and “emergency shutoff” for high hazard gases and liquids ONLY apply when the “maximum allowable quantity per control” area is exceeded. This was done by moving these requirements from Section 5003 where they applied to any quantity…...
