Hazardous Materials

At a brewery in 1997, an operator confused filling nozzles for two commonly used acid cleaning agents and transferred nitric acid into a tank with P3, a proprietary phosphoric acid based cleaner that also contained 5-15 percent isopropanol. 10-15 minutes later the mixture exploded violently. The stainless steel tank disintegrated with such force that fragments…...

Recent investigations conducted by the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) on USDOT specification cargo tank testing and repair facilities have resulted in a consistent pattern of non-compliance regarding bench testing of Pressure Relief Devices (PRD). Specifically, cargo tank testing and repair facilities are either failing to bench test PRDs or…...

One of my favorite hazardous materials to work with is Chlorine (Cl2).  And yes I know and no I have not been taking my meds!  “Like” is probably a poor choice of words to us – Respect is probably more fitting in describing my relationship with Cl2.  I have been working with this hazardous material…...

Repair work for liquefied carbon dioxide at a low-temperature storage tank (CE) in a steel mill was carried out. At the time, the main block valve below the safety valves was closed, while liquid CO2 remained in the tank. In addition, the heat source from the tank heater was still active. Therefore, in the tank,…...

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) is seeking to update requirements covering the use of excess flow valves in natural gas distribution pipelines.  In its November 30, 2015 Federal Register notice, PHMSA announced its Gas Pipeline Advisory Committee will meet to consider and vote on a rulemaking proposal that expands requirements for excess…...

Reports are that workers were in the process of evacuating the process area due to a small fire.  As they were in their muster stations, the explosion occured and was captured on several cell phones.  This is the best video that I have seen.  Fire burned for 24 hours and no damage estimate as of…...

An updated version of the video Handling Hydrochloric Acid Safely is now available for free streaming, free download, and purchase (for physical copies). Additionally, you can download resources to accompany the video, including a student assessment, training presentation, Wall Charts, NIOSH Pocket Guide and related pamphlets.  Major changes to this latest edition include updating MSDSs…...

An updated version of the video Handling Sodium Hypochlorite Safely is now available for free streaming, free download, and purchase (for physical copies). Additionally, you can download resources to accompany the video, including a student assessment, training presentation, Wall Charts, NIOSH Pocket Guide and related pamphlets.  Major changes to this edition include updating MSDSs to…...

DOT has issued a “special permit” for some nurse tanks.  The tanks were NOT built to ASME Section VIII, Division 1 and are to be removed from service August 17, 2017.   CLICK HERE for the notice…. Membership Required You must be a member to access this content.View Membership LevelsAlready a member? Log in here...