This is a nice video of workers demonstrating a “day in the life of an ammonia refrigeration technician”. They spend their 17 minutes searching for an NH3 leak and isolating the system feeding the leak. There are quite a few learning opportunities, but their actions are fairly common in this industry. We have a ways…...
We have been using OSHA’s HAZWOPER standard since the 1980’s to establish the absolute minimum training for personnel who would discover and/or respond to uncontrolled releases of hazardous materials. This HAZMAT training was intended to be a “Step-Progression” style of training, meaning that you would have the baseline level (e.g. Awareness) and then get the…...
Recently there have been several incidents involving improperly installed or poorly maintained carbonated beverage systems that have created hazardous concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO2) in enclosed areas causing restaurant patrons, employees, and first responders to get sick or die. Carbon dioxide in the gaseous state is colorless and odorless and not easily detectable. Carbon dioxide…...
As of January 1, 2021, hazmat shippers will no longer be able to use the ORM-D Consumer Commodity marking on packages containing limited quantities of low-risk hazardous materials. Packages must be marked with the Limited Quantity marking in accordance with the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 49, Section 173.156. PHMSA published a final rule in…...
The City of Henderson, NV has upped their game when it comes to their adoption of the 2018 International Fire Code in order to address “remote tank filling”. The new item addresses requirements for tank filling operation connections preventing unwanted filling into the wrong tanks where properties have both acids and bases, which has occurred…...
We came across this space while performing other safety and health work for a client. The client we were working for is not the owner of the equipment, but a recent near-miss occurred and the host and client wanted to ask us about this space and the near-miss. This piece of equipment is very large…...
UPDATED on 3/3/2021 with the official 3M/Scott Response… SAFETY ALERT Scott AV-3000 HT Facepiece Issued February 24, 2021… Membership Required You must be a member to access this content.View Membership LevelsAlready a member? Log in here...
The 2021 NBIC Draft Edition is currently under review for final acceptance by the NBIC Committee. The list of major changes found below are subject to final approval by the NBIC Committee. This final approval vote will take place after the full Public Review process has been completed. The 2021 edition of the NBIC will be…...
The purpose of this Enforcement Alert is to highlight the importance of accident prevention efforts during startup periods and other times of non-routine operations. Chemical accidents can occur at any time, but there are times when facilities are more prone to accidents. The startup is a particularly vulnerable time. The Chemical Safety Board (CSB) noted…...
During a recent audit of a facility’s emergency response programs, we came across an interesting “manufacturer requirement” regarding the use of their Emergency Escape Breathing apparatus/device (EEBA or EEBD). This client is one who wants every single layer of mitigation efforts reviewed and validated, so we reviewed their efforts surrounding these EEBA’s, especially since the…...
Three (3) Elk Grove Village Fire Department investigators along with one from the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF) established that a faulty 1/4″ drain valve on a vessel level controller system caused the liquid ammonia leak at the food processing plant in Elk Grove Village, IL. The leak led to an explosion…...
Under 2019’s ESHB 1817, owners of petroleum refining or petrochemical manufacturing must ensure their contractors and subcontractors use a skilled and trained workforce to perform all on-site construction, alteration, demolition, installation, repair, or maintenance work. The new law is under Chapter 49.80 RCW. A “skilled and trained workforce” means a workforce where all the workers…...
