As many of you know, I stopped using 1910.106, OSHA’s flammable liquid standard, nearly 20 years ago. Instead, I use the Internation Fire Code for all my Hazardous Materials, especially flammable liquids and gases. This code provides some excellent design/requirements for unloading flammable liquids, which can be one of the HIGHEST RISKS on a plant site. Emphasis by me … HomeRead More...

Since 2012, the IFC has required special signage at each Flammable Liquid Truck/Railcar unloading station. This signage is intended to reduce “tank overflow” events (e.g., Loss of Primary Containment (LOPC) events). Here are the requirements: … HomeRead More »

As these flammable refrigerants take hold around the globe, the IFC, in its 2024 edition, has specified storage quantities in Group M occupancy, in an outdoor control area or stored in a single control area of a Group S occupancy. … HomeRead More »

The respondent was the owner or operator of a cheese production facility that used anhydrous ammonia in its refrigeration processes. Respondent was required to have a material safety data sheet for anhydrous ammonia under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 and its associated regulations. Respondent produced, processed, handled, or stored a regulated substance and was therefore subject to...

Many of us have struggled to understand the differences between OSHA’s Hazard Categories and the other codes that still use Hazard Classes. Here is a helpful table that can help clarify things. … HomeRead More »

This is an “R” rated post. It is for adults only. It’s a joke, people. When you see it…

“Police told media outlets that the leak happened late Saturday night at Vanguard Culinary Group. Crews had a hard time reaching valves that were attached to three tanks, each of which holds up to 500 gallons of ammonia. Officials say the leak was caused by a failure in the plant mechanical system. No evacuations were ordered, and no injuries were reported. Authorities said that streets were...

Not everyone seemed comfortable turning over NH3 Refrigeration Codes and Standards to the IIAR. In November, Wisconsin updated its State Code on Mechanical Refrigeration. One of the requirements that caught my eye is the INSTALLATION INSPECTION documentation the state will require before issuing the operating permit: (2) INSTALLATION INSPECTION. … the following documents shall be made available...

Many facilities utilize golf carts as a means of transportation while traveling on-site. Some are used indoors as well, which, in my professional opinion, increases risks in their use. Unfortunately, many workplaces do not view the use of golf carts as a hazard, much less a serious hazard, and therefore, they fail to control the hazards these devices pose. I have seen my share of accidents and near...

The Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) Program identified and regulated the security of high-risk chemical facilities using a risk-based approach. Pursuant to section 5 of the Protecting and Securing Chemical Facilities from Terrorist Attacks Act of 2014. Authorization had been granted for CFATS until July 27, 2023. Congress did not act to reauthorize the program in time and, as such,...