Many folks recognize Nitrogen (N2) as a confined space hazard, and rightfully so; however, as OSHA’s data points out – N2 can kill OUTSIDE of a confined space just as quickly. Here are the 22 deaths caused by N2 exposure and the links to the OSHA case files from 2020 thru 2023. Fifteen (15) of […]
A private hospital company has been fined £160,000 for breaching health and safety regulations after three (3) people were injured during a chlorine leak. The company pleaded guilty to two (2) charges of failing to discharge general health, safety, and welfare duty in relation to an incident on March 11, 2021, when a chemical reaction
A “Hazardous liquid” means, for the purpose of this regulation, a chemical or mixture of chemicals that is toxic, an irritant, corrosive, a strong oxidizer, a strong sensitizer,combustible, flammable, extremely flammable, dangerously reactive or pressure generating or which otherwise may cause substantial personal injury or substantial illness during, or as a direct result of any
Can a PSM/RMP facility be “compliant” with its piping RAGAGEPs (B31 series) if the facility does not have a piping “inspector”? When many hear the phrase “piping inspector,” they immediately think of the Mechanical Integrity element; however, the ASME B31 series also uses the phrase, and it refers to the installation of piping per the
Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBC) have become very popular in various industries. They have also become a major pain in the _ss for many safety and process safety professionals as they have become a “catch-all” type of container. This week, we encountered an IBC permanently implemented as a “process vessel” within a PSM/RMP-covered process. And as
I have said this many times… one of the most hazardous tasks that can take place on industrial property is the loading/unloading of hazardous materials. So many things can go wrong and with the quantities being handled, hazards can get out of control quickly. So DOT has seen fit to require a “qualified attendant” during
Since the train derailment in Palestine, OH, on February 3, many have heard the statistic… More than 99.98% of rail hazmat shipments reach their destination without a release caused by a train accident. Source: https://www.aar.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/AAR-Hazmat-Fact-Sheet.pdf That statistic may very well be accurate; however, without understanding the definitions used, there could be some padding in the
At approximately 8:45 a.m. on March 4, 1986, Employee #1, at a cannery, attempted to remove chlorine gas cylinders from a distribution point located beneath a stairwell. Eight of the cylinders were mostly full and simply in storage. The system had not been used for five (5) years. One 150-lb cylinder was still connected to
In the retort area of the cannery, Employee #2 watched as Employee #1 took a 150-pound chlorine cylinder out of service. Employee #1 failed to follow posted instructions to ensure that the cylinder valve was fully closed. When the vacuum regulator was removed, chlorine gas began escaping. Employees #1 and #2 left the area. Employee
In the 2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC), the International Association of Ammonia Refrigeration (IIAR) was successful in simplifying the code requirements for refrigeration systems using Anhydrous Ammonia (NH3). The code now reads: 1101.1.2 Ammonia refrigerant Refrigeration systems using ammonia as the refrigerant shall comply with IIAR 2, IIAR 3, IIAR 4, and IIAR 5 and
A new type of factory-built combination exhaust and intake air fitting is introduced that does not require separation between the two openings. Although this has been approved for the 2021 IBC, it is ONLY for dwelling or sleeping unit mechanical ventilation systems. It is NOT ALLOWED for HAZARDOUS MATERIALS Exhaust Ventilation systems
The 2021 International Building Code (IBC) has revised how firewalls can be used to establish “control areas” within a structure. Section 414.2.3 Number states:
