Propane Cylinders – Important Pressure Relief Valve Information
Because the safety relief valve performs such a vital role in protecting the propane tank, it should be maintained and repaired by licensed propane professionals only.
Storing forklift propane cylinders PROPERLY
I have been swamped with calls for my propane cylinder compliance booklet I have put together over the years. On a forum in Keller’s on-line site, I answered questions and one of the more popular one was regarding storing these cylinders. The fact that got many people’s attention and request for the booklet was the
Acetylene Cylinder Safety
Many people do not know that acetylene cylinders are constructed differently than regular compressed gas cylinders. They contain a porous material and acetone, in which the gas dissolves and becomes practically stable. The porous filler absorbs the acetone and eliminates large voids in which decomposition might occur. Store and use these cylinders in an upright
FRA Safety Advisory – 2003-02 (Excess Flow Valves)
Federal Railroad Administration Notice of Safety Advisory AGENCY: Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of FRA Safety Advisory 2003-02. SUMMARY: FRA is issuing Safety Advisory 2003-02 advising all persons involved in loading and unloading products from railroad tank cars that they cannot rely on internal excess flow valves to stop the flow of product
Bollards, how they are built and where they belong
Bollards are those post we see protecting items such as natural gas meters, gasoline pumps, electrical boxes, etc. They are usually painted yellow, although that is NOT part of their requirements. We continue to see vehicles striking gas mains, hazardous materials containers and piping, leading to serious accidents and loss of lives. This posts is
The fundamentals of chemical piping flange assembly
Many facilities believe putting a flange together is far easier than paying for a “certified weld” joinment. They see this as a low-risk, cost-saving solution, believing any “maintenance mechanic” can put a flange together. Hence, most LOPC events I have had in my time were due to a flange that was NOT assembled per ASME
Verifying my “ground” has less than 10 ohms resistance
Verifying that grounding and bonding systems meet a specific resistance threshold—such as the common 10 ohms target for flammable liquid processes—requires a systematic approach to ensure both accuracy and technician safety. The following procedure outlines the steps for performing a static ground-resistance test using a dedicated ground-resistance tester (Ohmmeter). This procedure applies to the periodic
Nurse Tank Safety and Compliance Advisory letter (2008 Reminder)
Based on eight (8) recent enforcement investigations, conducted by the U.S. Department of Transportation, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), Office of Hazardous Materials Enforcement (OHME), this letter is intended to notify the industry of serious safety problems and non-compliance issues regarding the maintenance, filling, transport and use of nurse tanks in anhydrous
What chemicals require hydrostatic relief valves on piping?
While virtually any liquid trapped in a “blocked-in” section of pipe can cause a rupture due to thermal expansion, specific chemicals are strictly regulated by OSHA 1910.119 (PSM) and NFPA 30 because of their volatility or toxicity. The requirement for a hydrostatic relief valve (HRV) is generally triggered by the chemical’s physical state (liquefied under
BLEVE Hazad Zones
Immediate Lethal Zone — Fireball Radius Typical range: 160–820 ft Hazards: Used for: absolute exclusion zone. Severe Burn Zone — High Thermal Radiation Typical range: 820–1,300 ft Thermal radiation: ~12.5–37.5 kW/m² Effects: Used for: firefighter withdrawal line unless cooling operations are effective. Moderate Burn Zone — Pain/Blistering Typical range: 1,300–2,600 ft Thermal radiation: ~5–12.5 kW/m²
The roles of Visual Inspector & Examiner in B31.3 piping
To understand what certification is needed for the visual examination of welds under ASME B31.3, it is critical to distinguish between the two (2) distinct roles defined by the Code:1) the Examiner and2) the Inspector While in fact, B31.3 requires 100% visual examination of fabrication (341.4.1), the “certification” depends on which of these two roles
Is “grounding” or “bonding” or BOTH “grounding & bonding” to safely transfer flammable liquids?
I am sure this article will ruffle a few feathers, but honestly, I am surprised and disappointed by that. But I do a lot of work in flammable liquid processing, and this topic always comes up during audits, PHAs, and accident investigations. Some folks will swear that only grounding is “required.” They get this from