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:
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.
