MultiVapor™ has been updated to resolve the errors users experienced with a missing MSSTDFMT.DLL file, and other minor typographical errors. MultiVapor™ is a computer tool for estimating breakthrough times and service life of air-purifying respirator cartridges manufactured to remove toxic organic vapors (OV) from breathed air. It can also be used for larger filters and for carbon beds of any size...

On May 2, 2023, an employee working for a gas station and convenience store arrived to talk to a coworker (the employer) about payment for the building he leases. The employee asked the coworker if he could help him apply a fuel tank liner. The employee climbed inside the tank and plugged in his own light into an extension cord. … HomeRead More »

Respondents owned and operated a seafood processing and cold storage warehouse facility. The Facility is one building that consists of two separate spaces on either side of a dividing wall. One side of the Facility is used for seafood processing and packaging. The other side of the Facility is a cold storage warehouse used to store the packaged seafood. The Facility is located alongside Gloucester’s...

If you want a spirited process safety debate, simply mention the practice of having “intervening valve(s)” before or after a Pressure-Relieving Device (PRD).  There are some who swear that it is not allowed, but in fact, it is.  This is how I learned about the “Car-Seal” program early in my career.  ASME B31.12 is one of those RAGAGEPs that allows this practice...

I have written many articles relating to ASME B31.3 and the QA/QC requirements each weld/flange must meet.  However, in B31.12, Table IP-10.4.2-1 Required Nondestructive Examinations, the code requires 100% VT (Visual examination).  The code goes on to require a more extensive examination sampling of 5-10% joints using with Liquid Penetrant (PT) or Magnetic Particle (MT).  Even the...

Valves that must be operated during an emergency shall be examined periodically and partially operated at least once a year to provide safe and proper operating conditions.  Routine valve maintenance procedures shall include, but not be limited to, the following: … HomeRead More »

Each operating company shall establish written procedures to minimize the hazard of an emergency. The procedures shall provide instructions to operating and maintenance personnel. The procedures shall describe the following: a process for prompt and adequate handling of all calls that concern emergencies, whether they are from customers, the public, employees, or other sources, and for classifying...

As I dig deeper into ASME B31.12, Hydrogen Piping, I continue to find nuggets of best practices for HAZMAT piping.  ASME B31.12 requires each operating company having industrial piping, pipeline, and commercial and residential systems to have Operational, Maintenance, and Emergency Plan(s) that include the following: … HomeRead More »

On April 24, 2024, the department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration presented the draft rule’s initial regulatory framework at a meeting of the Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health. The committee, which advises the agency on safety and health standards and policy matters, unanimously recommended OSHA move forward expeditiously on the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking....

I have been working with several clients who are on a Hydrogen Fuel journey. It is fun to get deep into process safety protection schemes regarding NFPA 2 and ASME B31.12 and see the similarities and extra code requirements when dealing with large H2 gas systems. One of the interesting items regarding H2 piping is a “Leakage Survey,” which applies to “Industrial Plants.” There...

Occasionally, we see some pipe labeling requirements that exceed those found in ASME A13.1.  NFPA 2, 2023 has a few: (emphasis by me) … HomeRead More »

Hazardous chemicals which are carried on transportation vehicles, including rail cars, can be subject to EPCRA reporting when they are not under active shipping papers and have reached the consignee identified on the shipping papers. See House Report No. 99-962 (Committee of Conference), October 3, 1986. 99 Cong. Conf. H. Report 962, at 311, which clarifies that the exemption under Section 327 relating...