Safety Info Posts

Is N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) solvent considered a “Toxic” under the International Fire Code

Under the International Fire Code (IFC), N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) is not classified as a “Toxic” or “Highly Toxic” material. While NMP is legally classified as a toxic substance under environmental and labor laws (such as the EPA’s TSCA and OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard) due to its health effects, the IFC uses a very specific, narrow definition…...

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Grand Rapids, MI Flammable Liquid Code (.ppt)

I’m in Grand Rapids this week working with a client on a flammable liquids process that is under the PSM TQ, but over the Maximum Allowable Quantity for “outside”. The city began adopting the IFC in 2006 and is now using the 2021 edition. I am sharing the PPT file for the management presentation/training, if…...

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Can I do QLFT on a full-face APR?

The short answer is NO, but if we do, there’s a significant catch regarding its protection rating. Under OSHA standards (29 CFR 1910.134), you are technically allowed to perform a Qualitative Fit Test (QLFT) on a full-face respirator, but doing so limits its Assigned Protection Factor (APF) to 10. Here is the breakdown of why…...

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If I do RT examinations of 100% of my pipe welds, do I get any exemptions for pressure/leak testing?

The short answer is no. Radiographic Testing (RT) and pressure testing (Hydrostatic or Pneumatic) serve two (2) fundamentally different purposes in piping integrity. While it might seem like “over-testing,” they are not interchangeable in ASME B31.3 (Process Piping) or ASME B31.1 (Power Piping). Here is the breakdown of why 100% RT does not exempt you…...

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EPA RMP Program 2 citations @ fertilizer distribution business (NH3 & $119K)

Respondent owns and operates two (2) anhydrous ammonia distributing facilities. EPA Region 7 conducted inspections at the one (1) facility in August 2023 and at the other facility in December 2024 to determine compliance with Section 112(r) of the CAA and 40 C.F.R. Part 68. Information gathered during the EPA inspections revealed that Respondent hadcgreater…...

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Two sanitation workers die cleaning a sewer in Nuh, one critical (1 entrant, 1 Would-be Rescuers)

Two (2) sanitation workers were killed, and a third was hospitalized in critical condition after they inhaled toxic fumes while cleaning a sewer line. The incident took place around 10.30 pm. The workers were employees of the local Municipality. “Preliminary investigation revealed that the first worker entered the sewer and failed to come out for a…...

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Training that matters (Dwight Schrute Fire Drill)

This is hands down the best comedic scene for safety pros! Dwight revolts against the office personnel for not paying attention to his PowerPoint training on Fire Drill. So he took matters into his own hands…… Membership Required You must be a member to access this content.View Membership LevelsAlready a member? Log in here...

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How much toluene does it take to make a room 40’X40’X8′ to achieve its LEL%?

My SDS list toluene’s lower explosive limit (LEL) as 1.2% by volume, often given as:… Membership Required You must be a member to access this content.View Membership LevelsAlready a member? Log in here...

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AI is not the answer to all of our safety questions!

I was playing around with Google Gemini and wondered about its limitations and accuracy. One of the problems in my HAZMAT courses is showing just how small an amount of Cl2 it takes to achieve an IDLH concentration in a given space. So I asked it.. How many pounds of Chlorine Gas will it take…...

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So I asked Google Gemini… Can a human hold up a wall that is 20′ long and 8′ tall when 1.0 PSIG is applied to it?

When I explain this to a group, I always get a challenge from some engineer that what I am saying is not accurate. And after all, they are the “engineers.” So today I asked Google Gemini to explain it to me… Q: Can a human hold up a wall that is 20′ long and 8’…...

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Auditing in terms of a SMS function and Continuous Improvement

We have a long-time client for whom we have now completed OSH and/or PSM/RMP audits at all of their North American facilities over the past 8 years. And this last audit was a “deal breaker” for many clients, as they were fit to be tied after the audit. Seems the facility had run its Safety/PS…...

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Vacuum is an ENERGY SOURCE (video)

I share this, as many may not recognize the power of a vacuum as a form of hazardous energy. ZERO = 0 and a vacuum is NOT zero, its actually LESS THAN ZERO! I added this video to the library this weekend. It demonstrates the power of a vacuum and why ALL energy sources MUST…...

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