The state of OH is in the process of updating it’s fire code to the 2015 International Fire Code (IFC). In doing so, the state is upgrading its Mechanical Refrigeration requirements and one of the upgrades may have an impact on future Ammonia Refrigeration processes that have over 6.6 pounds (3 kg) of ammonia refrigerant, which would include almost…...
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The debate rages on in process safety circles as to how one can “pressure test” their piping that was installed using ASME B31 series of RAGAGEPs. It has always been “the rule” that we use the hydrostatic method UNLESS this method would cause a hazard or purity concern; however, as with most practices we have…...
This year the OH Fire code is undergoing revisions to bring it up to the 2015 IFC requirements. In this process, there is a comment period in which anyone with interest can make comments on the proposed revisions or ask questions. One such question was asked about the revisions to 5704.2.7.3.2. Vent Line Flame Arresters…...
Those of you that follow me know my love for the International Fire Code and Mechanical Code, as well as how each state utilizes these codes. I use these codes daily in my process safety and fire safety work as I truly believe they provide us an excellent baseline in our risk reduction efforts. This year…...
In the past several weeks I have received inquiries regarding NFPA 704, 4.2.3.2 so I figured I should put it in writing so that others can understand this single clause which apparently has become a “whipping boy” for a particular hazardous material. The quick answer is YES, but apparently, there is some confusion on why…...
OSHA has cited a Nebraska grain-handling cooperative for failing to protect workers from grain bin entrapment and engulfment hazards. The company faces $373,911 in proposed penalties. On May 4, 2017, OSHA responded to reports of a worker partially entrapped in a grain bin. Investigators found the worker had entered the bin to clear clumps of…...
This is another example of how a “process” can be classified as a Program 2, based NOT on the hazards but merely because it is a public utility in a Federal OSHA state. Had this process been in a private business, it would have been a RMP Program 3 as it would have been a…...
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 10, has reached a settlement with a seafood cold storage facility in Unalaska, Alaska, for violations related to a 125-pound ammonia release on December 3, 2016 that seriously injured one of the facility’s workers. The facility’s failure to provide timely information about the ammonia release also put first responders at…...
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On May 4, 2015, OSHA issued a new standard for construction work in confined spaces, which became effective August 3, 2015. And now that we are two (2) years into this new Confined Space standard I thought a follow-up on how it is to be applied in GENERAL INDUSTRY workplaces might be helpful. We are…...
