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Structural failure leads to NH3 LOPC event and 16 employees treated and 3 hospitalized
At 4:45 a.m. on July 29, 2018, 16 employees were operating vegetable packaging equipment and performing material handling activities at a vegetable processing facility that used ammonia refrigeration. A fan unit for an evaporative condenser unit fell onto the condenser coil due to the structural failure of a motor bracket. While falling, the fan cut into the coils causing ammonia to be released inside,...
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OSHRC rules on Unguarded Gear Box Bushing and COM DUST @ grain handling facility
Pursuant to a local emphasis program (“LEP”) targeting grain handling facilities, Complainant initiated a programmed inspection of Respondent’s corn mill. During her inspection, Compliance Safety and Health Officer (“CSHO”) Joan Behrend observed an unguarded shaft bushing on a gear box and accumulations of grain dust around the exterior of the facility. Based on her observations, CSHO Behrend recommended,...
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Fiasco @ the Fuel Pumps (2020, Unbelievable Hotwork practices)
There are solid reasons why OSHA and most other governments have established MINIMUM safety standards for performing Hot Work.  This is not the first crazy act we have witnessed at fuel pumps, so I am starting my series… Fiasco @ the fuel pumps.  You may want to sit down for this one, at least try not to drool on your keyboard as I know your mouth will fall open… … HomeRead...
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Why Hydrostatic Pressure testing is the preferred method - over pneumatic methods
This video is exactly why the ASME B31 piping RAGAGEPs prefer hydrostatic pressure testing vs. pneumatic methods.  When we take piping up to 400 psi and higher we are creating a serious hazard; thus the code(s) have built-in administrative controls to ensure personnel are NOT near the piping when the test pressure is achieved and LOWERED to the normal operating pressure when welds/flanges are...
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BLEVE 1 2020 screenshot
BLEVE #1 (2020)
This video was shared with me from outside the USA.  The audience certainly does not understand what they are witnessing or they would not be watching so closely.  Although we can not see the fire impinging on the vessel, we can see the RV discharge has ignited.  Then after a few moments, I’m told this BLEVE occurred rather quickly after the initial fire, we see the failure. ...
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We have Hotwork Compliance Standards around the world because of these two workers!
There is just so much to take in from this video!  God help us if the “gas can” the attending is using contains actual gasoline!!  Of course, he or his partner ensured these “used gas cans” were cleaned thoroughly before filling with water and be used to wet the pavement during the hotwork – BUT WHY in the H_LL would you even use any resemblance of a “gas...
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EPA RMP citations @ food transfer and storage facility (NH3 & $52K)
Respondent is the owner of a food transfer and storage facility and according to their risk management plan for the Facility, Respondent uses approximately 25,225 pounds of anhydrous ammonia in its closed-loop industrial ammonia refrigeration system.  On October 2, 2018, EPA conducted an inspection of the Facility to determine whether Respondent was in compliance with Section 112(r) of the CAA,...
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Pressure testing for individual piping system components (an official interp)
This is NOT my personal interpretation of this ASME B31.3 “leak testing” requirement(s), but it is the official position of the Alberta Canada pressure equipment safety authority.  I share this as another “official” explanation of what ASME B31.3 requires in terms of pressure/leak testing and this regulatory agency’s interpretation of how they read this critical RAGAGEP. ...
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Have you granted your local Fire Department access to your Ammonia Machinery Room on a 24/7/365 basis?
This little matter always leads to an energetic discussion during our Emergency Response assessments/planning exercises.  But most states have a state code that will read something like this… Access to refrigeration systems having a refrigerant circuit containing more than 220 pounds (100 kg) of Group A1 or 30 pounds (14 kg) of any other group refrigerant shall be provided for the fire department...
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Never has an OSHA "Note" ever been so overlooked (1910.146)
There is a “Note” in OSHA’s Permit-Required Confined Space (PRCS) Standard(s) that seems to be overlooked by many who read the standard.  This “Note” is maybe the most important “Note” I have come across over my nearly 30 years in safety, so I am at a loss as to why so many misunderstand or overlook the “Note”.  The “Note”...
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OSHA clarifies the Walking-Working Surfaces final rule load capacity ratings in buildings?
Does the final rule require that employers post load capacity ratings in buildings? … HomeRead More »
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OSHA issues update to the Walking-Working Surfaces and Personal Fall Protection Systems Final Rule Frequently Asked Questions
A number of revisions were made to the existing general industry standards. Changes and new requirements include: (emphasis by me) … HomeRead More »
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