I recently worked with a client on their emergency response efforts, and we continue to find businesses that do not understand the different requirements of qualifying a worker to use a respirator under CONTROLLED workplace exposures vs. UNCONTROLLED emergency response exposures. So, I wanted to write this article to make it as straightforward as possible……...
When analyzing barriers, investigators should first consider how the hazard and target could come together and what was in place or was required to keep them apart. Obvious physical barriers are those placed directly on the hazard (e.g., a guard on a grinding wheel); those placed between a hazard and target (e.g., a railing on…...
Retail facilities are exempted from PSM requirements. At first glance, it appears this is a pretty broad exemption, as the standard just states. This section does not apply to:1910.119(a)(2)(i) Retail facilities; But as I wrote about last month, not all retail facilities selling a PSM Highly Hazardous Chemical (HHC) in the USA are exempt. In…...
As we have discussed before, the EPA broke down its RMP rule into three (3) programs, and each program has criteria that will place the process in one of the three. However, the one criterion that confuses some businesses is how the EPA used the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) to qualify a process…...
The proper installation of bonding and grounding systems is important in the protection of personnel and property. At the time of installation, a resistance test is needed to confirm electrical continuity to ground. Evaluating the maintenance requirements, the bonding and grounding system can be divided into three categories:… Membership Required You must be a member...
Jan 26, 2006 – An accident occurred in a factory in Brazil during pneumatic pressure testing with air from pipework around a tank. There were no blind flanges placed to isolate the pipework to the tank; only the valves were closed. Probably one or more valves failed or were not closed as the tank underwent…...
In the world of process safety, this is a no-brainer; but in normal manufacturing facilities, the answer can be quite confusing. Bottom line… if your facility has a PSM-covered process (even an RMP Program 2 or 3 process) we are REQUIRED to have an EAP that complies with 1910.38. But when we are not a…...
Imagine taking a snowball and rolling it down the side of Mount Everest. As the ball rolls down the mountain, it gets bigger and faster. If we can stop it early in its travel down the mountain, BEFORE it gets to BIG and FAST, we can save the town at the base of the moutain…....
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Who at your place of business calls the National Response Center after your business has experienced a chemical incident. Not many people have ever had to call this center (luckily!) but if your business ever does have a “reportable release” a call just like this one MUST BE MADE within 30 minutes after you have…...
Generating static electricity in flammable liquids involves charge separation that occurs whenever the liquid moves relative to a surface. The process follows a specific sequence:… Membership Required You must be a member to access this content.View Membership LevelsAlready a member? Log in here...
I could have sworn I had already written about this hazard, but I’m guessing it was inside one of my social media groups. So BUCKLE UP, Buttercup, as this is going to make a lot of folks unhappy. Question: Do I have to isolate my fixed fire suppression system protecting my PRCS?… Membership Required You...
