HAZCOM Classification and Labeling Table
This may be helpful to some. Use in your training or written program.
Example of “Highly Toxic” and the fatal event (OSHA)
The term “Highly Toxic” has been codified in the IFC as: A material which produces a lethal dose or lethal concentration which falls within any of the following categories: 1. A chemical that has a median lethal dose (LD50) of 50 milligrams or less per kilogram of body weight when administered orally to albino rats
Fatal Hydrogen Tube-Trailer Accident
In 1981, workers at LANL were about to fill hydrogen (H2) cylinders from a large, H2-filled tube trailer. They used a manifold containing residual oxygen (O2), which was also connected to a tube trailer of O2 with only one valve separating these incompatible gases. When the mix ignited, the workers attempted to purge O2 from
Reading labels on equipment rated for HAZLOCs
For those new to working in Hazardous Locations (HAZLOCs), the very best resource for the “lay person” is from the US Coast Guard “Drill Down” series. They published eight (8) documents that explains:
Nitrogen Cryo Therapy claims another life
I have written many times about this “therapy” and the hazards I have seen in these spas related to the storage and handling of Liquid Nitrogen (LN2). This week, we saw another fatality and several people hospitalized from an overexposure to N2. A customer was undergoing a session when a N2 leak killed a spa
Power and Gas company pays $20M to settle failures it made related to gas piping specifications and failure to perform pressure testing
On December 24, 2008, natural gas leaking from a gas distribution pipeline resulted in an explosion and fire at 10708 Pauite Way, Rancho Cordova, California. One person died, and others were injured. The National Transportation Safety Board (“NTSB”) immediately began to investigate the accident. The NTSB concluded its investigation on May 18, 2010, with the
Transferring liquids having a hazard ranking of 3 or 4 per NFPA 704
We have discussed all the requirements for transferring flammable liquids and gases (i.e., NFPA Flammable “4”); however, I have not mentioned the requirements for transferring TOXIC and HIGHLY TOXIC LIQUIDS that have an NFPA 704 Health Rating of 3 or 4. We see these issues in our Chlorine work where Cl2 is a “utility” to
Natural Gas Alarms Save Lives (NTSB Alert)
Early Warning of Natural Gas Leaks Can Prevent Deaths and Injuries The Problem Source: https://www.ntsb.gov/advocacy/safety-alerts/Pages/SA-098.aspx
NTSB releases final report on NG explosion at candy manufacturer
Today #NTSB released the final report of the March 24, 2023, natural gas-fueled explosion and fire at the R.M. Palmer candy factory in West Reading, Pennsylvania. The NTSB issued 18 new safety recommendations, 1 reiterated safety recommendation, and published a Safety Alert to the public about the importance of installing natural gas alarms in businesses
Truck unloading hose(s) inspection frequency
During my PHAs and Audits, I typically find businesses that are not focused on the UNLOADING risks associated with their hazardous materials. I tend to get a lot of pushback about how Unloading is a DOT function and somehow not related to process safety. The risks associated with unloading 7,000 gallons of an HHC/EHS through
Toulene vapors are HEAVIER than air
I normally do not share construction accidents, as I am not a construction safety professional. I would not even attempt to play one on TV! However, this case is an excellent example for the general industry and those who work with hazardous chemicals. One of the reasons why my HAZCOM training is 2+ hours is