ASME PCC-3 guides the preparation and implementation of a risk-based inspection plan. Flaws identified during inspection plan implementation are then evaluated, when appropriate, using the procedures provided in API 579-1/ASME FFS-1, Fitness-for-Service. If it is determined that repairs are required, guidance on repair procedures is provided in ASME PCC-2, Repair of Pressure Equipment and Piping.
A fatal accident occurred in a laboratory in Australia, resulting in the death of a technician. A standard geology technique, which involved dissolving sedimentary rock with mineral acids (hydrochloric and hydrofluoric), was being undertaken in a fume hood. The technician involved was believed to be seated when he knocked over a small quantity (between 100
This debate seems never to die, and I keep adding more examples to make my point crystal clear… When pressure- and leak-testing piping, we are to use the Hydrostatic Method rather than the Pneumatic Method. ASME provides three (3) specific situations in which we can use Pneumatic Testing instead of Hydrostatic Testing. And these exceptions
A plant worker died following an exposure to hydrofluoric acid at a chemical plant in St. Gabriel. Two workers with burns were taken from the plant to a hospital where one of them died during surgery. company statement: (scrubbed by me)
I am not a fan of “government”, but I am a fan of so many of the workers within our government. They can do some fantastic work. Take this latest and greatest tool for Chemical Safety, for example. This is just too “cool,” and if you are into HAZMATs or Chemical Safety, this is a
Anhydrous ammonia bulk storage plants shall not be installed within the limits of any municipality unless such anhydrous ammonia bulk storage plant is located within an industrial park or an industrial area serviced by a municipal fire department. The installation of any such bulk storage plant within the limits of a municipality, the construction of
The following policy applies to anhydrous ammonia storage tanks (tanks) in Kansas.
In 2019, the state of IL passed some revisions to its NH3 Fertilizer codes. On 12/31/2025, ALL NH3 storage tanks that are old Railcars converted to a storage MUST be removed from service.
In all my Process Safety courses, we discuss the key RAGAGEPs for Primary Containment (ASME B31.3, ASME Section VIII, etc.). I am always taken aback by how many safety professionals tasked with managing PSM/RMP-covered processes know so little about these critical standards. I am not teaching them to be piping or pressure vessel SME’s; but
ASTM F2786 is an excellent source for reliable information on how to “Leak Test” Polyethylene (PE) piping systems. The practice provides information on apparatus, safety, pre-test preparation, and procedures for conducting field tests of polyethylene pressure piping systems after installation using gaseous testing media such as unodorized inert non-toxic gas or air, and applying pressure
A question I get not nearly enough, and when I do, the party that asked it is usually not happy with my answer. But when we pressure test our piping pneumatically, we MUST establish a “safe distance”. And simply stated, the distances START @
Here is a nice flowchart to help establish the “Pipe Category” per ASME B31.
