How often do the operators within your PSM/RMP covered process(s) actually use their operating procedures? Hourly, Daily, Weekly, Monthly, every three years during refresher training? How often do we think they should be using their operating procedures? How many times have you pulled the SOP binder off the shelf to find it covered in dust…...
What is the Assigned Protection Factor (APF) for a Powered Air-Purifying Respirator (PAPR)? Most people will claim 1,000 and with that, we are already off the rails!!! SAFTENG members can refer back to my 2015 article (What is the ACTUAL assigned protection factor for Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPR) WITHOUT a tight-fitting facepiece?) where I…...
Have you ever seen the Wizard of Oz? It is a classic and I highly recommend it, even as an adult first-time viewer. But the theme of the movie can relate to the safety profession. During my internship in the summer of 1992, I worked with a great safety professional, Garth Newman. Garth was preparing…...
OSHA titled the standard, “Mini Respiratory Protection Program“, but when we read it we see that it could very easily be applied to “voluntary use” NOT associated with COVID 19. So I ask, could this “emergency standard” become permanent and have 1910.134(c)(2) refer to this “standard”? OSHA has made it VERY clear that at this…...
NIOSH is recommending a new standard in face masks for workplaces, called Workplace Performance and Workplace Performance Plus masks Manufacturing masks that comply with the new NIOSH criteria can help protect people in the workplace from SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. These masks CANNOT be used as a replacement for respiratory protection when it…...
In the 2021 revisions to the National Board Part 4 – Pressure Relief Devices, the code formally recognizes the need for an “intervening valve” on the discharge side of a relief valve. The code, section 2.5.6 allows this in the following manner:… Membership Required You must be a member to access this content.View Membership LevelsAlready...
The 2021 NBIC Draft Edition has been officially approved by the NBIC Committee. The list of major changes found below will appear in the 2021 NBIC. The four-part set: Part 1- Installation (162 Pages) Part 2- Inspection (402 Pages) Part 3- Repairs and Alterations (312 Pages) Part 4- Pressure Relief Devices (144 Pages) will cost…...
Much like The National Board did, ASME is now splitting out its relief systems into a new section. The NB created Part 4 – Pressure Relief Devices in 2017 and now ASME is following suit and has created Section XIII, Rules for Overpressure Protection (available 7/31/21). This new section in the 2021 edition of the…...
For 20 years now, when teaching any of my process safety courses I make the student repeat this three times: UPWARDS and UNOBSTRUCTED, UPWARDS and UNOBSTRUCTED, UPWARDS and UNOBSTRUCTED. We do this when we get to the Relief System design basis. The vents to the atmosphere almost will always be required to be UPWARDS and…...
A few years ago I was asked to participate in a hazard assessment for a manufacturer who wanted to review the procedure for hydrogen-powered vehicles to be freed of hydrogen gas. I got the feeling very early into this hazard assessment that those in the room knew about an event of some type, but wanted…...
This is an EXCELLENT 1-page Alert on the hazards of “Splash filling” non-conductive flammable liquids. SPEED MATTERS, as does process design! To read more on handling non-conductive flammable liquids CLICK HERE… Membership Required You must be a member to access this content.View Membership LevelsAlready a member? Log in here...
On January 17, 2020, EPA performed an inspection of the Facility pursuant to Section 112(r) of the CAA, Sections 304-312 of EPCRA, and Section 103 of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act. Based upon the information gathered during this inspection and subsequent investigation, EPA asserts that Respondent violated certain provisions of the CAA…...
