Hazardous Materials

On April 6, 2024, at 9:30 a.m., a 72-year-old employee of a farm supply wholesaler was working on an anhydrous ammonia tank trailer on the south side of the shop. The employee was located near the tank’s valves and hose. While working on the tank, anhydrous ammonia was released. The employee died from asphyxiation from…...

If we spend enough time in chemical plants, we will encounter a widespread, albeit severe, human failure regarding a “safety-critical instrument.”  I am referring to the IMPROPER placement of personal gas monitors.  Nine times out of 10, where do we find these personal gas monitors on the worker’s body?  I am betting your experiences are…...

This was another WRONG CHEMICAL—WRONG TANK incident at a resort. It was an unloading accident, and “human error” was said to have caused it. The chemical leak is believed to have resulted from hydrochloric acid being accidentally poured into a chlorine tank during a delivery. The incident, attributed to human error, is under thorough investigation…...

I have been sharing this battle in my social media groups; but now the PHMSA has gotten pulled into the battle and was quick to respond to a request for an interpretation.   Response Publish Date: 05/28/2024 Company Name: Individual Name: Mr. Fred Storer Location State: OK Country: US Response text:… Membership Required You must...

Valves that must be operated during an emergency shall be examined periodically and partially operated at least once a year to provide safe and proper operating conditions.  Routine valve maintenance procedures shall include, but not be limited to, the following:… Membership Required You must be a member to access this content.View Membership LevelsAlready a member?...

High-hazard Group H occupancy includes, among other things, the use of a building or structure, or a portion thereof, that involves the manufacturing, processing, generation, or storage of materials that constitute a physical or health hazard. Hazardous occupancies are classified in Groups H-1, H-2, H-3, H-4 and H-5. High-hazard Group H-1 buildings and structures that…...

Eight people, including five (5) contract workers and three (3) fire service personnel, were admitted to the hospital after they inhaled chlorine gas following a leakage at a water treatment plant…. Membership Required You must be a member to access this content.View Membership LevelsAlready a member? Log in here...

I will again reference my 30 years of teaching emergency response courses and the surprising lack of hazard awareness so many “certified technicians” lack.  The one that get a lot of attention is the relationship between TOXIC and PHYSICAL hazards when the HAZMAT is both toxic and flammable.  I have shared many tips over the…...

There are two (2) types of Asphyxiants: Simple Chemical also known as Systemic These different types of asphyxiants behave differently and cause harm differently…. Membership Required You must be a member to access this content.View Membership LevelsAlready a member? Log in here...