For many of us, it will be coming! Most states in the USA adopt the International Fire Code (IFC) as their Fire Code and HAZMAT Code; although most adopt a “revised” version of the IFC and most states run anywhere from 5-15 years behind the actual IFC. For example, my home state of OH just […]
When I was growing up in the profession, PSM was the king standard we lived by. Everything we did revolved around our Process Safety Management System. One thing that I continue to find is facility personnel not assigned to the process and contractors working within the covered process “battery limits” and never knowing what they
UPDATED on 7/21/2018 For SAFTENG Members – On Scene News Report Video from ABC13 Houston
As you know, I love using some of the State OSHA Plan standards as they can be more protective and offer some explanations as to their requirements. The state of Michigan just renewed its 1910.151 standard as it relates to Eyewash/Shower Equipment and in doing so has offered some excellent insight into their revisions. Whereas
EPA has begun limiting the use of refrigerants that have high global warming-potential properties. The refrigerant manufacturing industry has responded by developing a number of replacement refrigerants. One of the characteristics of most of these products is that they are minimally flammable as compared to other flammable refrigerants. Different protection schemes exist for lesser risk
In the 2018 edition of the International Fire Code (IFC), which is the code, most of the states revise and adopt in some format. As I have said for nearly 20 years now, this fire code is an EXCELLENT resource for those looking to improve their design and construction of their processes that handle hazardous
This video is an excellent demonstration of the power within a compressed gas cylinder. This was an ammonia cylinder; actually, one of the more tamer compressed gases (as far as energy goes) of HAZMATs in cylinders. But look at the damage to the side of this shipping container – peeled open like someone used a
At 11:00 a.m. on July 7, 2017, Employee #1was attempting to dislodge a 24-inch rubber plug from a 2foot diameter sewer pipe located inside a 24foot deep wet well. The workers were outside the well pulling on a 1/4-inch nylon rope that was attached to the 24-inch diameter plug. The plug was lodged inside a
At 9:00 a.m. on December 15, 2017, an employee was cleaning the excess oil from the bottom of a tanker rail car following a previous application of oil to prevent corrosion. The employee collapsed due to a 98% atmosphere of nitrogen being present inside the tank car. The employee was killed due to asphyxiation.
At 5:15 p.m. on May 16, 2017, an employee was preparing to paint a car. The employee hooked up his airline respirator to a nitrogen hose instead of to the compressed air hose, resulting in the employee suffering asphyxiation.
