Employee #1 was mixing an automobile cleaning solution, which required that several chemicals to be added to a mixing tank. He would first weigh out the appropriate amount of a chemical and then use a chemical transfer pump to move it into an empty drum until the desired amount (by weight) was obtained. This task […]
We have discussed the pros and cons of pressure testing/leak testing piping. Code requires the test to be Hydrostatic Test; but if there is a legitmate issue with doing a hydrostatic test, then we can use the pneumatic test method. But we MUST realize the catastrophic/fatal hazard of pneumatic testing. For example,
ASME PCC-3 guides the preparation and implementation of a risk-based inspection plan. Flaws identified during inspection plan implementation are then evaluated, when appropriate, using the procedures provided in API 579-1/ASME FFS-1, Fitness-for-Service. If it is determined that repairs are required, guidance on repair procedures is provided in ASME PCC-2, Repair of Pressure Equipment and Piping.
On January 30, 2025, Employee #1, 27, was working at a trailer truck wash business and had been subcontracted to clean out a trailer tank using a water hose. The business specialized in washing out livestock haulers. Employee #1 entered the tank to continue cleaning. A coworker noticed Employee #1 lying on his side at
At 8:15 a.m. on January 30, 2025, Employee #1, 51, was replacing burst panels on the bucket conveyor when a flash fire occurred as the top burst panel was removed. Employee #1 was struck by the flash fire and died from the injuries sustained by the flash fire. OSHA issued a 5(a)(1) citation for using
This debate seems never to die, and I keep adding more examples to make my point crystal clear… When pressure- and leak-testing piping, we are to use the Hydrostatic Method rather than the Pneumatic Method. ASME provides three (3) specific situations in which we can use Pneumatic Testing instead of Hydrostatic Testing. And these exceptions
A plant worker died following an exposure to hydrofluoric acid at a chemical plant in St. Gabriel. Two workers with burns were taken from the plant to a hospital where one of them died during surgery. company statement: (scrubbed by me)
North Carolina is an OSHA-approved State Plan that covers both private and state and local government workers. With certain exceptions, the N.C. Department of Labor (NCDOL) adopts federal OSHA standards verbatim. Standards information and activity provides the status of the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Division’s adoption of federal standards and compliance dates. When OSH
Anhydrous ammonia bulk storage plants shall not be installed within the limits of any municipality unless such anhydrous ammonia bulk storage plant is located within an industrial park or an industrial area serviced by a municipal fire department. The installation of any such bulk storage plant within the limits of a municipality, the construction of
The following policy applies to anhydrous ammonia storage tanks (tanks) in Kansas.
In 2019, the state of IL passed some revisions to its NH3 Fertilizer codes. On 12/31/2025, ALL NH3 storage tanks that are old Railcars converted to a storage MUST be removed from service.
In all my Process Safety courses, we discuss the key RAGAGEPs for Primary Containment (ASME B31.3, ASME Section VIII, etc.). I am always taken aback by how many safety professionals tasked with managing PSM/RMP-covered processes know so little about these critical standards. I am not teaching them to be piping or pressure vessel SME’s; but
