ASME B31.3 makes it clear that hydrostatic leak testing is PREFERRED
One of the most often overlooked requirements for piping installations is the proper leak/pressure testing of the piping BEFORE it is placed into service. The next major issue found, when piping is tested, is the manner in which it was tested. The 2014 and 2016 editions of ASME B31.3 makes it clear that hydrostatic testing
2017 Video of the Week #14 (A History Lesson on Facility Siting)
Not only is this a lesson in “facility siting”, we also seem to have not learned that welding/cutting on flammable containers is not a good idea!
EPA RMP Amendments proposed delay until February 19, 2019
This week EPA’s Administrator signed a proposed rule to further delay the effective date of the RMP rule amendments for 20 months until February 19, 2019. This action will allow EPA to consider several petitions for reconsideration of the RMP rule amendments and take further regulatory action. EPA will hold a public hearing regarding the
OSHA once AGAIN states their position on respirators and facial hair!
For those of us that are parents, we know the game of “keeping asking mom and dad in the hopes they’ll change their minds” and sometimes I think our profession acts like teenagers and OSHA has to play the role of “mom and dad”. Case in point, this OSHA LOI which was posted @ OSHA’s
OSHA renews it REP for Safety Hazards in Auto Parts Industry – NAICS 3363XX (Motor Vehicle Parts Manufacturing)
The purpose of this instruction is to continue a Regional Emphasis Program to reduce workplace exposures to safety hazards associated in the Auto Parts Supplier Industry. The Notice applies to Atlanta East, Atlanta West, Birmingham, Jackson, and Mobile Area Offices. During FY-16, Region IV conducted 46 inspections coded under the REP. One hundred and forty-three
EPA RMP citations @ ice plant and cold storage (NH3 & $49K)
Respondent owns an ice production operation and two refrigerated warehousing storage operations which consist of two separate ammonia closed-loop refrigeration system processes. Both processes have refrigerated and frozen storage space using industry standard mechanical refrigeration designs including multiple cooling coils (evaporators), heat rejection towers (condensers), rotary screw compressors, and ammonia service pressure vessels. At the single
PHMSA NOTICE REGARDING THE REQUALIFICATION PERIOD FOR DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (DOT) SPECIFICATION CYLINDERS
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has been made aware of concerns regarding newly adopted requirements in Section 180.209(e) of the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR; 49 CFR Parts 171-180). Prior to a January 21, 2016 Final Rule [Docket No. PHMSA-2013-0042 (HM-233F)], the requalification period corresponding to volumetric expansion testing
Development of a Confined Space Risk Analysis and Work Categorization Tool (IRSST – Canadian)
The IRSST (Canada) just published a new research report to contribute to confined space accident prevention by helping companies apply existing regulations. Researchers wanted to gain a better understanding of confined space risk management and identify issues based on the literature and field observations, and develop a confined space risk analysis and work categorization tool
EPA RMP citations @ refinery (HF & $ under negotiations)
On November 1, 2016 through November 4, 2016, representatives from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region IX conducted an inspection of a refinery to determine compliance with the Risk Management Program (RMP). The preliminary findings of the inspection and additional information request were sent to the refinery and several agencies on March 27, 2017.
Severe Injury Reports from 1/1/2015 through 9/30/2016 (OSHA)
Here is an EXCEL spreadsheet with the “Severe Injuries” reported to OSHA from 1/1/2015 through 9/30/2016. These reports make great content for safety discussions and awareness efforts. You can sort by Hospitalized, Amputation, Injury Nature, Part of Body, Source, Secondary Source. You can also download the full data sheet from OSHA. CLICK HERE (.xls) to download my revised spreadsheet.