We have discussed this numerous times over the years, but we rarely have a first-hand account of a “bleed” within a DB&B causing an LOPC event. But because CALARP now has a Program 4 Incident Reporting trigger, we get to see firsthand how a 3/4″ bleeder on a 14″ pipe handling a HHC/EHS can cause a serious incident.
On October 5, 2018, a contract employee was conducting Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) checks at the plant plot limit of a Hydrogen Recovery unit (20 plant). The individual’s personal four (4) gas monitors alarmed
and displayed instantaneous readings of
- 200 ppm H2S,
- 61 ppm CO,
- 9% LEL, and
- 20.8 O2
The individual took several steps and then lost consciousness. The individual was assisted by a coworker, regained consciousness and was transported to the forward-deployed clinic for evaluation.