Yes, absolutely. A BLEVE is not restricted to materials that are gases at standard temperature and pressure (STP), such as propane, butane, or anhydrous ammonia. Any liquid—even non-flammable ones like water, as seen in catastrophic boiler explosions—can BLEVE if the right thermodynamic conditions are met prior to vessel failure.
A refrigeration warehousing company, which refrigerates various food products and citrus extract/oils and employs approximately 200 workers was cited for 13 safety violations, including one willful violation, for failing to follow the industry recognized and generally accepted good engineering practices for insulation removal and for failing to test the ammonia refrigeration system piping and pressure
Workers look for familiar patterns and apply well-tried solutions to a problem. There is the temptation to settle for satisfactory solutions rather than continue seeking a better solutions. The mental biases, or shortcuts, often used to reduce mental effort and expedite decision-making include:
Back by popular request… Coverage: National Period: 30 days, 6/10/15 to 7/10/15 New Inspections: Opened in the last 30 days = 4,553 Closed Inspections: Closed in the last 30 days = 4,319 Ongoing Inspections: Opened prior to 30 day reporting period and still not closed = 118,209 Inspections with Violations = 150 Inspections with no
A recent fatality at an ammonia refrigeration process in Canada points to a potential weakness in “contractor safety” at facilities with active process safety management systems in place. PSM/RMP facilities regularly get “safety information and data” from their contractors; this information is usually the contractor’s OSHA injury/illness rates, experience modification rate, etc. But many PSM/RMP
A fire at the Chevron refinery in Richmond in August 2012 raised public concern about refinery safety and emergency response in California. Following a directive from the Governor’s February 2014 report on “Improving Public and Worker Safety at Oil Refineries,” CalEPA formed the Interagency Refinery Task Force (IRTF). The IRTF membership includes ten state agencies,
Folks I know it is hot this time of year (for those in the Northern Hemisphere), but our heat protection programs can NOT triumph basic machine guarding! This is just unreal…
WARNING! This video contains GRAPHIC CONTENT, viewer discretion is advised. The video shows a grinder wheel coming apart and striking the worker in the face (it is NOT real, but a very good recreation).
DOL/OSHA RIN: 1218-AB80 Publication ID: Spring 2015 Title: Walking Working Surfaces and Personal Fall Protection Systems (Slips, Trips, and Fall Prevention) Abstract: In 1990, OSHA published a proposed rule (55 FR 13360) addressing slip, trip, and fall hazards and establishing requirements for personal fall protection systems. Slips, trips, and falls are among the leading causes
In November 2014, a worker was overcome at the chemical manufacturing facility when a supply line unexpectedly released more than 20,000 lbs. of methyl mercaptan, a deadly chemical. Three co-workers came to the worker’s aid in an attempted rescue, but all four were asphyxiated fatally by the colorless, flammable, and highly toxic gas. After the
2015 Fatality Tracker Electrical 24 (2014 =55) (2013 = 32) (2012 = 68) Forklift/Aerial 24 (2014 = 60) (2013=62) (2012 = 52) Mining* 17 (2014 = 401) (2013=87*) (2012 = 92*) *ONLY developed nations and legal mines Explosions 110 (2014 = 157) (2013=194) (2012 = 241) Cranes 25 (2014 = 20) (2013=51) (2012 = 52)
OSHA has announced a 60-day temporary enforcement policy of its Confined Spaces in Construction standard, which becomes effective Aug. 3, 2015. The agency is postponing full enforcement of the new standard to Oct. 2, 2015, in response to requests for additional time to train and acquire the equipment necessary to comply with the new standard.
