Safety Info Posts

EPA RMP/EPCRA citations @ Refinery (HF & $270K)

Respondent operated a facility (the “Facility”) that refines petroleum products using a hydrofluoric acid alkylation process. On June 2-3, 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, and CAA Section 112(r). Based upon the information gathered during…...

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EPA RMP/EPCRA citations @ ethanol manufacturing facility (Flammables & $169K)

Respondent is the owner and operator of an ethanol manufacturing facility handling a mixture of hydrocarbon liquids, butane, isopentane, and pentane. Pursuant to 40 C.F.R. § 68.115(b)(2)(i), the entire weight of the mixture shall be treated as the regulated substance when the concentration of each of the regulated substances is 1% or greater by weight…...

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EPA RMP/EPCRA citations @ food facility (NH3 & $262K)

Respondent operated a facility that utilizes anhydrous ammonia to provide cooling capabilities to package, refrigerate, store, and ship cherries and grapes.On September 16, 2021, EPA performed an inspection of the Facility to evaluate compliance with the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act Section 103, EPCRA Sections 304-312, and CAA Section 112(r). Based upon the…...

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What drives the need for Hydrostatic Relief Valves on piping?

Yes, I am still on this horse! As I discussed last month, there are a number of chemicals that specifically REQUIRE HRVs on liquid piping. Those are chemicals like NH3, Cl2, and LPG, to name the top three (3). But I have recently read a root cause analysis in which a flammable-liquid piping flange leaked,…...

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Chemical hoses aren’t the only hoses needing annual inspection and pressure testing!

I have written over a dozen posts explaining the code requirements for annual inspection/testing of our chemical hoses. But in the world of PSM/RMP, there is another hose that requires annual inspection and testing… The primary standard requiring fire hose to be service-tested annually is NFPA 1962, Standard for the Care, Use, Inspection, Service Testing,…...

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Another graphic depicting ZES = 0, not 0.1 psig

I have been having fun using AI to help me create training images. I love doing LOTO training, and I am always challenged on just how little energy it takes to be “hazardous” and how even 0.1 psig can be lethal. (as shown below)… Membership Required You must be a member to access this content.View...

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The math of a “Small” Vacuum

A couple of years ago, in a PHA, I came across a scenario where a “capture device” had quite “the pull” on several small tanks that were NOT rated for a vacuum. As usual, my inquiry was met with the old “this is the way all the other plants were built and they have not…...

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NTSB Updates NaOH Truck Explosoin (5/8/26)

On April 7, 2026, about 7:15 a.m. local time, a DOT 407 AL (aluminum) cargo tank, owned and operated by Brenntag, carrying about 1,100 gallons of Sodium Hydroxide Solution (UN1824), exploded at a facility in Mooresville, North Carolina. The driver of the semi-tractor-trailer to which the cargo tank was attached was killed in the explosion…....

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A FREE TOOL/Resource every safety pro should have in their toolbox – CGA Handbook of Compressed Gases

Did you know? The Compressed Gas Association’s Handbook of Compressed Gases is now available online — completely FREE and publicly accessible. Access it here:  https://handbook.cganet.com For decades, the Handbook has served as a trusted reference for professionals across the industrial, medical, food, beverage, specialty gas, and hydrogen sectors.  Now, CGA has transformed this essential resource into…...

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Line Break gone bad (H2S – pulling blind)

Shenyang Petrochemical Company “The Big Poisoning Accident“ The gas sub-device of Shenyang Paraffin Chemical Company suffered a poisoning accident during the maintenance and construction process, resulting in three (3) Deaths. The immediate causes of the accident were: When the operator carried out the blind plate swapping operation at the pump relief blind plate, the operator…...

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History of Chemical Accidents in China during the month of May

This is an interesting “press release” from the Chinese Government regarding the country’s accident history in May. History: Hazardous chemical accidents in May Petrochemicals… Membership Required You must be a member to access this content.View Membership LevelsAlready a member? Log in here...

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