Today, the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) released a new safety video on its investigation into the deadly January 28, 2021, liquid nitrogen release at the Foundation Food Group (FFG) poultry processing plant in Gainesville, Georgia, that killed six people and seriously injured three others. The release occurred when the bubbler tube,…...
This is another very common question for those getting into PSM/RMP, where their RAGAGEP requires the piping to be protected from a “blocked-in liquid” scenario, such as Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). Many realize the dilemma only after installing their HRVs/TRVs; unfortunately, they have to go back and remove these relief valves to perform the “Pressure…...
Yes. Under ASME B31.3, hydrostatic leak testing is the default and universally preferred method for verifying the integrity of a piping system. The code mandates it as the primary option, and alternative methods are permitted only when the owner explicitly deems hydrostatic testing “impracticable.”… Membership Required You must be a member to access this content.View...
Neither NFPA 30 nor NFPA 77 specifies a 25-ohm resistance threshold for metal-to-metal bonding and grounding circuits, and neither document has a history of endorsing 25 ohms for equipment and piping bonds. Instead, the confusion regarding “25 ohms” typically stems from a crossover with a completely different code:… Membership Required You must be a member...
Does your facility require a “leak test” of piping/equipment that is opened for maintenance BEFORE it is returned to service? Historically, the code allowed previously leak-tested flanged joints, instrument threaded joints, and tubing joints to be pulled apart and reassembled without a re-test. The updated provisions significantly expanded this. The code now broadly permits all…...
This is an EXCELLENT resource for those looking to strengthen their Hot Work program, specifically the role of the Fire Watch within that program! Keep in mind this was written for the state of NY, but most of it is still relatable. Fire watch is a temporary but critical safety measure used in various industries…...
This construction safety toolbox talk explains common confined-space hazards, such as manholes, crawl spaces, and tunnels. It includes a real incident involving methane gas exposure, steps workers should take to stay safe, and reminders about training, communication, monitoring, and emergency planning. The back side of the talk includes an illustration of the hazard and solution,…...
The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) has published this Serious Injury and Fatality (SIF) guide. The guide establishes criteria for recording occupational injuries and illnesses to aid in continuously improving management systems; identifying and preventing serious injuries, illnesses, and fatalities (SIF); measuring safety performance; evaluating safety programs; and ensuring consistency in international comparisons…...
DISCLAIMER: I am not an attorney and would not even play one on TV, but I have stayed at a Holiday Inn Express! I was shocked to hear that a Harris County jury has returned a $61.5 million verdict against 3M for families devastated by the 2020 Watson Grinding explosion in West Houston. The explosion…...
If no one can be near the piping during the pressure test, how does one soap each joint in the piping? Of course, I make it clear that there are actually TWO (2) different phases of the “leak test” (the phrase the code uses): Pressure Test and then the Leak Test… Membership Required You must...
The introduction of Clause 7.14: Deferral of Inspection Repair Recommendation Due Dates in API 570 (2024) formalized the process for delaying required piping and PRD inspections and maintenance. Prior to this standardization, extending an inspection or repair date was often a loosely managed site-specific practice. This lack of rigor sometimes allowed equipment to run past…...
API 570 (2024) introduced new, formalized clauses specifically addressing the As-Received Condition, Testing, and Actions for relief valves. When a Pressure Relief Device (PRD) is pulled for its scheduled interval, the shop must now strictly document its “as-received” condition and perform an initial POP test before any cleaning, disassembly, or maintenance occurs…. Membership Required You...
