The latest International Mechanical Code (IMC) has gotten more particular in how our exhaust systems get their make-up air. 510.5.5 Makeup air is a new section that clarifies what we have discussed in the “design basis” of our ventilation systems… (emphasis by me)
Image Source The infamous LPG Cylinder Exchange “Cage”. Pull into any convenience mart/gas station these days and you will most likely see one of these cages. I have always claimed that these cages require Vehicular Barrier Protection (VBP) where they are in the path of vehicles and I still stand behind my position. But NFPA
Most adults have seen Sky Lanterns in movies, and some of you may have even participated in their release. They are very popular at weddings, festivals, and memorials. But these devices pose serious fire hazards and are being banned by many local Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). They are essentially a paper hot air balloon with
Safe storage, handling, and transfer of hazardous materials is key to reducing chemical accidents and dangerous mixtures of incompatible materials. Close storage of incompatible chemicals could create a risk of fire, explosion, or release of toxic gases and fumes. Storage locations should be according to the fire code, have proper fire protection, and are structurally
For my adult life, smoke detectors have been the “safety norm” in homes and residential occupancies such as hotels, motels, dormitories, etc. Even now, we are moving towards these structures having CO detectors. In fact, many brands make a CO/Smoke Detector as one unit. With the rise in home explosions from natural gas leaks, I
A fine example of how the safety profession has drifted from science is the vast misunderstanding of hazardous gases. From their hazards to their behaviors, we have a lot of myths and misconceptions about hazardous gases. Sadly, the fact that OSHA does not have a “flammable gas” standard plays a role in this situation –
Two employees attempted to remove a flow meter at 11:30 a.m. on February 21, 2022. As the employees began to loosen the pipe, peracetic acid sprayed out onto the employees. The employees were hospitalized to treat chemical burns to the head and neck.
At 7:45 p.m. on December 1, 2020, Employee #1, a production lead supervisor, entered the chill/production room. She observed a cloud generating in the immediate area of the freezer tunnel. She investigated the cause of the cloud and was killed by asphyxiation. Approximately one hour later, Employee #2, a production supervisor, entered the chill/production room.
At 9:00 a.m. on January 31, 2022, an employee who worked as a General Laborer fo r an Industrial Nursery was filling propane cylinders from a bulk propane tank. As the employee was finishing filling a cylinder, he began to remove the filling hose before shutting off the propane. As a result, the gas escaped
On May 14, 2022, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) conducted a full-scale shell impact test (Test 13) of a DOT-113C120W9 (also identified as DOT-113) specification tank car at the Transportation Technology Center (TTC) in Pueblo, CO. This test was the final impact test in a planned series of four. A DOT-113 is a double-walled tank
Below is a video of a tragic accident that occurred today in Jordan’s Aqaba shipping port. A 25-Ton ISO Container of Chlorine (Cl2) (like the image to the left) was being lifted off a truck and onto a ship when somehow the container was dropped (too early to know the cause). The video shows the
On November 25, 2020, an explosion and fire occurred at an industrial facility in Houston BC. The facility utilizes a system incorporating a large natural gas-fired air heater to dry wood fiber material for the purpose of wood pellet production. The facility had recently been experiencing issues with operating conditions with the dryer system. The
