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…...
Get to know your STKY chemicals (H2S) Read More »
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…...
What does it mean when our facaility is a “High-hazard Group H occupancy” Read More »
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…...
2024 IFC will recognize the GHS for flammable gases Read More »
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 …...
A2L Flammable Refrigerants are coming (IFC Code) Read More »
Today, we get a glimpse of the key changes to the 2024 International Fire Code (IFC):… Membership Required You must be a member to access this content.View Membership LevelsAlready a member? Log in here...
Key changes to the 2024 IFC Read More »
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…...
The State of OH updates it’s “Battery Storage” Code Read More »
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…...
Managing Risks from trichloroethylene (TCE) Read More »
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 )… Membership Required You must be a member to access this content.View Membership LevelsAlready a member? Log in here...
Lithium Ion Batteries and 2024 International Building Code / International Fire Code Read More »
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… Membership Required You must be a member to access this content.View Membership LevelsAlready a member? Log...
Argon asphyxiates two autoclave operators Read More »
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…...
Another H2S fatality in a “well shack” Read More »
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,…...
