Hazardous Materials

One of the reasons I use the International Fire Code (IFC) for my hazardous materials code over OSHA standards is that the IFC gets updated every three (3) years.  God only knows when OSHA may address lithium-ion and lithium-metal batteries.  Also, the IFC and NFPA tend to be closely aligned in their design and practices…...

The 2024 International Mechanical Code (IMC) has a new Pressure Releif Valve (PRV) discharge requirement that is an interesting desing requirement.  The code has required the PRV “Discharge to a termination point that is readily visible and observable by the building occupants” for many years.  But now, the 2024 edition requires… (emphasis by me)… Membership...

We see this from time to time: someone drills a hole in the flammable liquids storage cabinet (a major no-no) and runs a power cord inside the cabinet (another no-no), and this electrical device can pose as an ignition source.  So, the 2024 IFC added the following requirement.  NOTE:  This requirement should NEVER be needed,…...

As we have discussed, the 2024 IFC is more friendly towards these “flammable refrigerants.”  One such way the code is friendly towards these flammable gases is in 5003.8.3.5.4 Flammable gas… (emphasis by me)… Membership Required You must be a member to access this content.View Membership LevelsAlready a member? Log in here...

The 2024 International Fire Code (IFC) has a new requirement in Section 608 – Mechanical Refrigeration.  An “operational permit” is now required for “mechanical refrigeration systems.” The code does not specify which refrigerants are covered, it just requires the permit to operate a mechanical refrigeration unit or system…… Membership Required You must be a member...

I have asked for a formal response regarding this change, which was NOT noted in the 2021 edition as a change; however, it is a change in text and application. In the 2018 edition, Chapter 50 stated: Piping, tubing, valves, and fittings conveying hazardous materials shall be designed and installed in accordance with ASME B31…...

In the world of hazardous materials, evacuating them from their primary (and secondary) containment system plays a KEY role in performing maintenance/servicing on the system SAFELY.  For example, opening a process/system that contains hazardous materials FIRST has to be evacuated of that hazardous material, and this evacuation to a “safe place” should be done through…...

While wrapping up a 2023 project, I was saddened to see the image below while in the OSHA incident database.  Several things come to mind regarding these H2S incidents: 1) no other chemical in the database has this deadly percentage over the past three (3) years 2) Hydrogen Sulfide has GREAT warning properties (odor threshold…...

High-hazard Group H occupancies are characterized by an unusually high degree of explosion, fire, or health hazard compared to typical commercial and industrial uses.  There is one common feature about Group H occupancies—they are designated as Group H based on excessive quantities of hazardous materials within the facility/building. Where the quantities of hazardous material stored…...

I have been writing about it since 2022, when OSHA said they wanted to revise its HAZCOM standard (1910.1200) to align with Revision 7 of the GHS standard.  Remember, the current HAZCOM standard is based on Rev. 3 of the GHS.  Now the 2024 International Fire Code (IFC) will recognize the new Categories of Flammable…...

HIGHER FLAMMABILITY   A3 R-50, R-170, R-290 R-600a, R-441a, R-1270 B3 R-1140 LOWER FLAMMABILITY   A2 R-142b, R-152a B2 R-30, R-40, R-611, R-717     A2L HFO-1234yf, HFO-1234ze NO FLAME PROPAGATION   A1 R-11 – R-14, R-22, R-113, R-114, R-115, R-134A, R-410A, R-449B, R-1234zd B1 R-10, R-21, R-123, R-764   LOWER TOXICITY HIGHER TOXICITY  …...