Hazardous Materials

Today, we get a glimpse of the key changes to the 2024 International Fire Code (IFC):

A useful baseline for any business that is in the charging and storage of batteries.   Storage Batteries Ohio Administrative Code (4123:1) Effective: September 1, 2023 (A) Battery charging areas will be designated for that purpose. (B) Employees will be instructed that: (1) When charging batteries, acid will be poured into water; water will not

In October 2023, EPA proposed to ban the manufacture (including import), processing, and distribution in commerce of TCE for all uses, with longer compliance timeframes and workplace controls (including an exposure limit) for some processing and industrial and commercial uses until the prohibitions come into effect. The rule would protect consumers, workers, occupational non-users and

Q3. You ask whether the recertification (i.e., the requalification) requirements in 49 CFR Part 180 are applicable to stationary cylinder systems installed in a building and refilled by a third party. A3. The answer is yes if the cylinders are represented as meeting the requirements of the HMR. Section 180.3(a) states no person may represent

This is one of the best summaries of what we can expect to see in the 2024 IFC regarding Lithium Ion Batteries.  CLICK HERE (Source: Fire Inspectors Association of Indiana )

At 5:00 p.m. on January 30, 2023, two employees, 24 and 48, were performing operations pertaining to an autoclave. The atmosphere was oxygen deficient due to the presence of argon gas. The employees were asphyxiated and killed. Source: https://www.osha.gov/ords/imis/accidentsearch.accident_detail?id=153529.015

At approximately 12:00 p.m. on February 24, 2023, an employee, 35, was performing “well site pumping operations” for an oil and gas producer. A coworker had been trying to contact the employee unsuccessfully, so he went to the oil and gas well site where the employee was working to check on him. The coworker found

1101.1 Scope. This chapter shall govern the design, installation, construction, and repair of refrigeration systems. Permanently installed refrigerant storage systems and other components shall be considered as part of the refrigeration system to which they are attached. 1101.1.1 Refrigerants other than ammonia. Refrigeration systems using a refrigerant other than ammonia shall comply with this chapter,

I am not a big fan of government intervention, but in the safety envelope, they play a role in validating that minimum standards are being met.  The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) audits service providers who inspect HAZMAT transportation containers.  Beginning in June 2023, during an investigation at a manufacturer in Fresno, California, FMCSA

We don’t see this often, but the number of facilities that do not know of this fundamental OSHA/IFC/NFPA requirement for their fixed LPG storage tank(s) is sad.  How one defines “high water table or flood conditions” is open for discussion as no one has reallty DEFINED or QUANTIFIED the phrase as of yet.  The video

Did you know that sulfuric acid (H2SO4) based batteries produce Hydrogen (H2) when charging? This is why OSHA requires ventilation (1910.178(g)(2) and “NO SMOKING” signs (1910.178(g)(10) in charging areas. And FYI… H2 is 16X’s lighter than air, so the exhaust needs to be in the roof- not even high up on the wall near the

The state of NY is removing its code requirements for Ammonia Refrigeration processes and simply requiring the use of IIAR standards…