In early March 2017, the ARIA database identified 349 events involving fittings and seals/gaskets. These elements are often encountered on pipe flanges and are also essential sealing components for valves or other equipment. Insufficiently tightened flange bolts and deficient leak inspections on seals/gaskets are often the cause of an accident. Equipment involved, the location of seals/gaskets: flanges (ARIA […]
A chemical plant for the production of fertilizer was built in 1969 and located over 7 miles from the town of Jonova which had a population of 40,000. The plant employed 5,000 people and was positioned inside a military zone with controlled access. The ammonia tank involved in the accident was a cryogenic storage vessel with a capacity
As many continue the debate around energy isolation methods associated with entry into a Permit-Required Confined Space, I offer another example of why getting the energy isolation plan RIGHT is SO IMPORTANT. I know there are safety professionals out there who feel strongly that single valve isolation or the use of an “automated valve” being
In my travels around the world, I find that many still view Anhydrous Ammonia as a “chemical that changed the world.” From the fertilizer industry I hear how Anhydrous Ammonia has saved billions from starvation as it works its magic as a fertilizer; from the refrigeration industry, I head how it is the lowest global warming
This year’s active hurricane and fire seasons highlight the importance of working together before, during, and after disasters of all types and sizes. The National Incident Management System (NIMS) provides a standard, nationwide approach to enable the whole community to work together to manage all threats and hazards. FEMA has released the refreshed NIMS to
Recently we came across a project where questions arose concerning the welders on the job. The Welding Procedure Specification (WPS) was well written and listed the welders who would be making the welds on the piping being installed. But when asked to see the welders “certification records,” those records were older than six (6) months.
There may come a day when one of our pressure relief valves will need some type of work done on it and when that day comes we need to ensure the contractor/shop doing the work holds an “VR Stamp” from The National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors. The “VR” stands for “valve repair” and
There may come a day when one of our pressure vessels will need some work done on it, and when that day comes, we need to ensure the contractor doing the work holds an “R Stamp” from The National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors. The “R” stands for “repair” and anyone who makes
The National Board Inspection Code (NBIC) is issued every two years and this year’s edition (2017) is now organized into four (4) parts. It is developed to maintain the integrity of pressure-retaining items by providing rules for installation (Part 1), and after the items have been placed into service, by providing standards for inspection (Part
Respondent owns a stationary source where anhydrous ammonia was present in a process above the 10,000 pound TQ from at least June 1, 2014. Therefore, Respondent was required to submit and have in place an RMP for the facility. Respondent submitted an RMP to EPA on April 9, 2015. Respondent has a Program 3 covered
I may have been quick to “pat myself on my back” last week with my post titled “It took two (2) years, but HFO-1234yf is now a NFPA Flammable “4”, as this morning I learned from another client dealing with this refrigerant that their manufacturer also updated their SDS and guess what… that manufacturer went
