Hazardous Materials

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…...

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)… Membership Required You must be a member to access this content.View Membership...

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…...

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…. Membership Required You must be a member to access this content.View Membership...

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…...