Hazardous Materials

The NPRM proposes enhanced tank car standards, a classification and testing program for mined gases and liquids and new operational requirements for high-hazard flammable trains (HHFT) that include braking controls and speed restrictions. Specifically, within two years, it proposes the phase out of the use of older DOT 111 tank cars for the shipment of…...

I have written a number of articles on the “Limitations of Combustible Gas Indicator, especially about the limitations of the LEL sensors and the “correction calculations”. I thought this piece in OSHA’s Technical Manual was well written and explains the limitation well. So if you did not believe me or understand what I was trying…...

An interesting look at what it takes to commission a bulk LNG storage tank!  The numbers are mind boggling for field erection leak testing. Unique vision of LNG tank test from QGC – A BG Group business on Vimeo…. Membership Required You must be a member to access this content.View Membership LevelsAlready a member? Log...

PHMSA is closing their rulemaking having reconsidered their proposal for additional regulations associated with cargo tank motor vehicle (CTMV) loading or unloading operations. This action is based on the findings of the regulatory assessment, comments to docket of this rulemaking, and completion of a supplementary policy analysis on how best to address the safety risks…...

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) is issuing this SAFETY ALERT (pdf) to notify the general public, emergency responders and shippers and carriers that recent derailments and resulting fires indicate that the type of crude oil being transported from the Bakken region may be more flammable than traditional heavy crude oil…. Membership Required You must...

PHMSA is proposing to amend the Hazardous Materials Regulations applicable to the design, construction, certification, recertification and maintenance of cargo tank motor vehicles, cryogenic portable tanks and multi-unit tank car tanks (ton tanks) in response to petitions for rulemaking from the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel…...

A facility that produces ultra pasteurized milk products failed to immediately notify federal and state emergency authorities of a chlorine gas release in 2012 at a milk facility in Portland, Oregon. By law, facilities are required to report hazardous releases to state and federal emergency response authorities in a timely manner. Eight employees, a truck…...

IBC Table 307.1(1)—Maximum Allowable Quantity per Control Area of Hazardous Materials Posing a Physical Hazard sets forth maximum allowable quantities for physical hazard materials. All three (3) situations (storage, use-closed, and use-open) are considered. For the specific case of gases, maximum allowable amounts are all listed under storage and use-closed because the definition of “Use”…...

The IFC and IBC are written based on the Maximum Allowable Quantity (MAQ) of the hazardous materials involved.  Many will look at the tables and find their MAQ; however, the footnotes contain a lot of liberties that could quadruple the MAQs if certain designs are in place. Given this basic understanding of maximum allowable quantities…...