Safety Info Posts

2019/2020 Edition of my ESRWP Training material (.ppt)

I would love any comments, suggestions, corrections on this presentation.  A lot of updates based on the latest NFPA 70E requirements.  SAFTENG members can log into the member’s area and download the pdf version.  Once we get it just right I will share the final .ppt file with those who helped with this review.  If […]

Structural failure leads to NH3 LOPC event and 16 employees treated and 3 hospitalized

At 4:45 a.m. on July 29, 2018, 16 employees were operating vegetable packaging equipment and performing material handling activities at a vegetable processing facility that used ammonia refrigeration. A fan unit for an evaporative condenser unit fell onto the condenser coil due to the structural failure of a motor bracket. While falling, the fan cut

OSHRC rules on Unguarded Gear Box Bushing and COM DUST @ grain handling facility

Pursuant to a local emphasis program (“LEP”) targeting grain handling facilities, Complainant initiated a programmed inspection of Respondent’s corn mill. During her inspection, Compliance Safety and Health Officer (“CSHO”) Joan Behrend observed an unguarded shaft bushing on a gear box and accumulations of grain dust around the exterior of the facility. Based on her observations,

BLEVE #1 (2020)

This video was shared with me from outside the USA.  The audience certainly does not understand what they are witnessing or they would not be watching so closely.  Although we can not see the fire impinging on the vessel, we can see the RV discharge has ignited.  Then after a few moments, I’m told this

EPA RMP citations @ food transfer and storage facility (NH3 & $52K)

Respondent is the owner of a food transfer and storage facility and according to their risk management plan for the Facility, Respondent uses approximately 25,225 pounds of anhydrous ammonia in its closed-loop industrial ammonia refrigeration system.  On October 2, 2018, EPA conducted an inspection of the Facility to determine whether Respondent was in compliance with

Pressure testing for individual piping system components (an official interp)

This is NOT my personal interpretation of this ASME B31.3 “leak testing” requirement(s), but it is the official position of the Alberta Canada pressure equipment safety authority.  I share this as another “official” explanation of what ASME B31.3 requires in terms of pressure/leak testing and this regulatory agency’s interpretation of how they read this critical

Have you granted your local Fire Department access to your Ammonia Machinery Room on a 24/7/365 basis?

This little matter always leads to an energetic discussion during our Emergency Response assessments/planning exercises.  But most states have a state code that will read something like this… Access to refrigeration systems having a refrigerant circuit containing more than 220 pounds (100 kg) of Group A1 or 30 pounds (14 kg) of any other group

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