At 11:05 a.m. on August 5, 2022, an employee, 59, was pressure testing a pressure vessel for leaks with compressed air when the air pressure became too high within the vessel. The lid of the vessel flew open and struck the employee in the arm, abdomen, chest, and head. The employee was taken to the…...
Leak Test Gone Bad Read More »
At 4:00 p.m. on April 14, 2023, an employee, 23, working for a structural sheet metal manufacturer, was performing hydrostatic testing on an air-conditioned heat exchanger. A plug failed under pressure, striking the employee. The employee was killed after being impaled in the chest by the plug…. Membership Required You must be a member to...
Pressure Test Gone Bad (air-cooled heat exchanger) Read More »
In 1981, workers at LANL were about to fill hydrogen (H2) cylinders from a large, H2-filled tube trailer. They used a manifold containing residual oxygen (O2), which was also connected to a tube trailer of O2 with only one valve separating these incompatible gases. When the mix ignited, the workers attempted to purge O2 from…...
Fatal Hydrogen Tube-Trailer Accident Read More »
A 25,000-gallon tank used to store nitrogen or carbon dioxide at 250 psig needed maintenance that required the removal of a four-foot diameter, 500 lb manhole cover. The tank was evacuated to 0 psig using the manually operated relief valve. Once the workers no longer heard air flowing through the valve, they released the stick…...
Zero equals Zero, not 0.27 psig Read More »
There are numerous units used to measure pressure…… Membership Required You must be a member to access this content.View Membership LevelsAlready a member? Log in here...
Understanding common pressure units Read More »
A contractor boilermakerlost consciousness following the inhalation of nitrogen supplied through an air-line helmet respirator. Recommendations Source: https://www.rshq.qld.gov.au/safety-notices/mines/coal-mine-worker-loses-consciousness-following-the-inhalation-of-nitrogen-supplied-through-an-air-line-helmet-respirator… Membership Required You must be a member to access this content.View Membership LevelsAlready a member? Log in here...
A contractor boilermaker loses consciousness (N2 with air-line helmet respirator) Read More »
Respondent operated a facility that utilizes anhydrous ammonia to provide cooling capabilities to processing, shipping, cooler areas, silos, and chillers for its beef and meat products. On March 30, 2022, EPA performed an inspection of the Facility to evaluate compliance with the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (“CERCLA”) Section 103, EPCRA Sections 304-312,…...
EPA RMP & EPCRA Citations @ Food Plant (NH3 & $210K Read More »
The standard applies…… Membership Required You must be a member to access this content.View Membership LevelsAlready a member? Log in here...
When do I need a Fire Prevention Plan (1910.39) Read More »
Flammable liquids shall be drawn from or transferred into vessels, containers, or portable tanks within a building: Transferring by means of air pressure on the container or portable tanks shall be prohibited. So what is approved self-closing valve?… Membership Required You must be a member to access this content.View Membership LevelsAlready a member? Log in...
Handling liquids at the point of final use (1910.106(e)(2) Read More »
How dare OSHA even mention “torque” as part of a PSM QA program…… Membership Required You must be a member to access this content.View Membership LevelsAlready a member? Log in here...
Mechanical Integrity Quality Assurance Read More »
This was published 30+ years ago, but it makes so much sense I thought it was fitting to share far and wide again. Each employer must address what actions employees are to take when there is an unwanted release of highly hazardous chemicals. Emergency preparedness or the employer’s tertiary (third) lines of defense are those…...
PSM – Emergency Preparedness (Preamble) Read More »
It is being said that the fatal explosion that killed a 35-year-old battalion chief while operating at a tractor-trailer fire was a “smoke explosion.” The investigation continues, looking at other fuel sources, such as the foam insulation in the trailer. They have ruled out a BLEVE. A sample of rigid foam insulation from the trailer…...
