Have you ever walked up to a atmopsheric storage tank and seen the paint bubbling and the hazard signs/placards faded/peeling off? Look up and you will most likely see the atmopsheric vent line on that side of the tank. What are these indicators of? The tank being over filled, which is a serious event and…...
“Over-Fill” requirements for Flammable Liquid Storage Tanks Read More »
Although it is done often, most state Fire Codes PROHIBIT the use of DOT tank vehicles and tank cars as “Flammable Liquid Storage Tanks.” We call this “dropping trailers,” and my 2014 Article “Dropping Trailers of Flammable Liquids” got quite the debate going. But trust me, there are sound engineering reasons why we can not…...
Recently, a facility experienced firsthand why the IFC and its state fire code PROHIBIT the movement of hazardous materials via the facility’s “tunnel system.” The code does not prohibit the use of the tunnel system or even in enclosed corridors. Still, the design requirements for these tunnel systems or enclosed corridors to move HAZMATs are…...
Facility “tunnels/corridors” are NOT for HAZMAT movement Read More »
Respondent owns and operates a cheese manufacturing facility. On March 22, 2022, EPA inspected the Facility to evaluate compliance with CERCLA Section 103, EPCRA Sections 304-312, and the GDC of CAA Section 112(r). Based upon the information gathered during the Inspection and subsequent investigation, EPA determined that Respondent violated certain provisions of CERCLA, EPCRA, and…...
EPA RMP citations @ cheese manufacturing facility (NH3 & $229K w/ $179K SEP) Read More »
On March 28, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published its Final Rule: Clean Water Act Hazardous Substance Facility Response Plans (Final Rule), requiring certain facilities to develop Facility Response Plans (FRP) for a worst-case discharge of Clean Water Act (CWA) hazardous substances, or threat of such a discharge. A worst-case discharge is the…...
EPA’s Clean Water Act Hazardous Substance Facility Response Plans Read More »
“Most adverse events have their origin in two places: the systems we design around the humans and the choices of humans within those systems The resulting harm and the human errors (slips, lapses, and mistakes) that may have caused it are really two forms of outcome—outcomes to be monitored, studied, and perhaps grieved. Systems and…...
Goodhart’s law says… “When a measure becomes a target, it ceases to be a good measure.” This “law” is often used when denouncing poorly devised safety metrics and/or incentive programs. In most situations where there is a weak/immature Safety Process/SMS, the “law” makes sense; however, this is because, without strong leadership and a functioning Safety Process/SMS,…...
Is “Goodhart’s Law” a reality in safety metrics? Read More »
Yesterday, I went to my local mechanic to have my oil changed and my tires rotated. It took me 20 years to find this shop, and they hit a home run every time. But yesterday was quite entertaining, and I could not help but think, “We are not alone” after what I witnessed. A gentleman…...
Line Break is commonly associated with OSHA’s Highly Hazardous Chemicals in its PSM standard and EPA’s Extremely Hazardous Substances in its RMP rule. But SAFTENG members know I use Line Break Safe Work Practice (SWP) outside the PSM/RMP process battery limits. I apply this SWP to energy sources such as steam and even water when…...
Line Break gone bad (Water Truck) Read More »
How times have changed in 30 years regarding “materials of construction” in hazardous materials processes. I grew up in process safety, seeing nothing but metallic piping systems; today, I bet I see piping systems made from non-metallic products upwards of 25% of the time. This is becoming increasingly acceptable in one specific process I do…...
Examination and Testing of NON-metalic piping systems (ASME B31) Read More »
This article applies to BOTH facilities practicing process safety and basic OSH. Many of the facilities will declare they have and utilize a Safety Management System (SMS) in their efforts to manage hazards and risks those hazards pose to workers, the environment, and the business. However, I have developed five (5) simple tests to determine…...
Top 5 signs your not managing safety via a SMS Read More »
In the social media “safety sphere,” it is literally impossible to spend five minutes and not be bombarded by all the new approaches to “safety.” In many of these new approaches, they will almost unilaterally denounce the traditional approach to safety management and provide case studies to prove their point. Maybe I am just an…...
[My] Weekly Thought on Safety… give a SMS a chance Read More »
