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 […]
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 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
The 2008 revisions to the LOTO Compliance Directive (CPL 02-00-147) did a great service in advancing a 30+ year-old standard in an area that badly needed clarification: Periodic Inspections under 1910.147(c)(6). I am sure there will be folks who will dissect this, looking for every “out” they can find to not do these safety-critical audits,
Forklift battery charging areas are NOT automatically classified as Hazardous (Classified) Locations, but they can easily become one if ventilation is inadequate. And I have seen more charging areas without engineered ventilation than I have with the proper ventilation. The hazardous classification hinges entirely on the facility’s ability to prevent the accumulation of hydrogen gas.
This series is intended to bring attention to failures in the “coded welding” practices. From not using certified welders, to failures in visual and NDE, and failures in Pressure/Leak testing. This first incident was caused by a decision NOT to perform Post-Weld Heat Treatment on a repaired pressure vessel.
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
This is not the first time I have addressed this matter. Still, somehow, somewhere, a dirty little lie has been circulating among ammonia design and installation contractors that somehow an engine room handling less than 10,000 pounds of anhydrous ammonia (NH3) is incapable of presenting an explosion hazard, thus no need for any engineered ventilation.
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
Imagine taking a snowball and rolling it down the side of Mount Everest. As the ball rolls down the mountain, it gets bigger and faster. If we can stop it early in its travel down the mountain, BEFORE it gets to BIG and FAST, we can save the town at the base of the moutain.
Generating static electricity in flammable liquids involves charge separation that occurs whenever the liquid moves relative to a surface. The process follows a specific sequence:
In the world of flammable liquids processing, we have two (2) types of flammable liquids: Members can read all my articles on how these flammable liquids get classified as “conductive” vs. “non-conductive. This post is to explain HOW and WHY the traditional “bonding and grounding” used in the transfer of flammable liquids may be inadequate
