Safety Info Posts

PRCS Fatality on ship (1 entrant; O2 deficiency)

   An Emergency Escape Breathing Apparatus (EEBA) is NOT an SCBA and is ONLY permitted to be used to EVACUATE a hazardous atmosphere – NEVER to enter one, especially one within a Permit-Required Confined Space! On 1 April 2022, after completing the loading of coal cargo, the Singapore registered bulk carrier, Nozomi, was anchored at…...

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Are we safety professionals/engineers or Wizards?

What management thinks we are… Reality as to what we really are When it comes to creating a safety culture, most management teams think the safety leader has some kind of magic wand that they can wave and create the culture they want.  When in reality, we are NOT culture builders!  Culture comes from senior…...

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Changes to “Make-Up Air” for hazardous exhaust systems

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...

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Ever wondered where fire extinguishers may be required above and beyond the typical locations?

Another reason I like using the IFC over OSHA standards is that they take a lot of guesswork out of the safety equation!  Take, for example, the following list of 42 specific locations where a fire extinguisher is required based on the hazard…… Membership Required You must be a member to access this content.View Membership...

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Is IFC 2021 Performance-Based Design Alternative better than OSHA’s PSM and EPA’s RMP?

For several editions, the IFC has incorporated a “Performance-Based Design Alternative” to comply with the requirements of Part V—Hazardous Materials (Chapters 50-67).  This was initially added so that facilities already doing PSM/RMP could show compliance with the state fire code without any additional work. In the 2021 edition of the IFC, this alternative has been…...

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LPG Cylinder Exchange “Cage” and Vehicular Barrier Protection (VBP)

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…...

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“Sky Lanterns” are slowly being banned by local AHJs (IFC)

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…...

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EPA RMP Citations @ (NH3 & Cl2 & Compliance Plan)

Respondent is the owner and/or operator of a facility that uses, handles, and/or stores more than a threshold quantity of ammonia (anhydrous), ammonia (concentration 20% or greater), and chlorine, which are regulated substances, as specified at 40 C.F.R. §§ 68.115 and 68.130. During the inspection, the EPA representative observed alleged violations of section 112(r) of…...

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EPA RMP Citations @ idled refinery (LPG, NH3 & removal agreement)

Respondent is an owner and operator of a petroleum refinery. Refining operations at the Facility are currently idled. EPA conducted an inspection of the Facility on September 20 – 26, 2022, to assess compliance with Section 112(r) of the CAA (the “Inspection”). During the Inspection, and in a letter dated October 13, 2022, EPA informed…...

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EPA’s 2022 RMP Activity

In FY 2022, the agency continued its efforts to reduce risks of accidental releases at industrial and chemical facilities, such as: Concluded three (3) judicial actions, 145 administrative penalty actions, and 18 administrative compliance orders In FY 2022, EPA renewed its presence in the field and increased its on-site inspections by more than 150% compared to…...

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OSHA’s position on Flammable Gases and GHS Rev. 7 Adoption

As we have discussed at length, OSHA is in the process of updating the HAZCOM Standard (1910.1200) to reflect GHS Rev. 7.  The most significant change in this adoption will be how Flammable Gases are categorized in 1910.1200 Appendix B, and this will also impact the PSM standard (1910.119) application.  Here is OSHA’s official justification…...

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