Hazardous Materials

Since the train derailment in Palestine, OH, on February 3, many have heard the statistic… More than 99.98% of rail hazmat shipments reach their destination without a release caused by a train accident. Source: https://www.aar.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/AAR-Hazmat-Fact-Sheet.pdf That statistic may very well be accurate; however, without understanding the definitions used, there could be some padding in the…...

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…...

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 –…...