In the 2018 edition of the International Fire Code (IFC), which is the code, most of the states revise and adopt in some format. As I have said for nearly 20 years now, this fire code is an EXCELLENT resource for those looking to improve their design and construction of their processes that handle hazardous […]
This video is an excellent demonstration of the power within a compressed gas cylinder. This was an ammonia cylinder; actually, one of the more tamer compressed gases (as far as energy goes) of HAZMATs in cylinders. But look at the damage to the side of this shipping container – peeled open like someone used a
I think this is NEW, but the only thing I deal with from EPA is RMP and EPCRA so this may have been around and I did not know about it; however, it just popped up on my radar as a “new” addition to EPA.gov. And it is a NICE tool! Substance Registry Services (SRS)
On February 11, 2018, about 1:15 p.m. a module of 25 horizontally mounted high-pressure gas cylinders loaded with 240 kilograms (kg) of compressed hydrogen, UN1049, caught fire while being transported. The incident occurred on Golden Springs Drive, near South Brea Canyon Road, in Diamond Bar, California. About 120 kg of the hydrogen was released from
The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) recently conducted a review of the latest compliance and incident data to identify safety trends throughout the Gulf of Mexico. The analysis pointed to a potential risk associated with gas releases. During the timeframe reviewed, thirty-one gas release incidents were reported to BSEE by fourteen unique operators.
Those who practice “process safety” are all too familiar with “Line/Equipment Opening” safe work practices. Although there is NO formal OSHA standard, nor even a RAGAGEP on this extremely hazardous task, we should consider implementing a “permit” of some type to manage the risks associated with opening any pipe, line, hose, equipment that handles a
Well, since I am writing about it, you have probably already know the correct answer. But where does this requirement originate? OSHA Standard(s), OSHA’s General Duty Clause, EPA standards, or… Yep, you guessed it – the International Fire Code (IFC). Granted, the IFC is not heavily enforced BEFORE accidents, but most states have adopted the
If you work in a state/county/town/township that has a “fire code” inspector, how would your facility measure up to these Top Citations for Group H Occupancies? By the way, here is an excellent summary of the five sub-groups in Group H: High-hazard Group H-1 buildings and structures which contain materials that pose a detonation (explosion)
On 3/28/2016, for reasons unknown, the EPA withdrew its notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) at the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) regarding possible modifications to reportable quantities. The NPRM was submitted on 3/6/2018.
In my line of work, I come across a lot of areas that have a “ventilation system” that intends to reduce exposure and control flammable gases/vapors. The vast majority of these systems are “sized” properly, meaning they move enough air to meet the code/standard they were built to; however, one aspect of the system we
To quote the IFC committee, “the purpose of performance-based design criteria is to promote innovative, flexible and responsive solutions that optimize the expenditure and consumption of resources while preserving social and economic value.” Section 5001.3 Performance-based design alternative is intended to be compatible with EPA’s RMP and OSHA’s PSM requirements, so it would reduce the burden
We visit this topic again and again, the short answer is NO! According to ASME Section VIII, Division 1 (UG-135) and API RP 520, Pressure Safety Valves (PSVs) must be installed in a vertical position with the spindle (stem) oriented upright. Installing a valve horizontally is considered a significant deviation from engineering standards and can
