This letter constitutes OSHA’s interpretation only of the requirements referenced below and may not be applicable to any question not included in your original correspondence. You inquire about OSHA’s standard for Process Safety Management of Highly Hazardous Chemicals (PSM), 29 CFR 1910.119. Specifically, you ask about for mechanics repairing and/or testing pressure relief devices. We...

IBC Table 307.1(1)—Maximum Allowable Quantity per Control Area of Hazardous Materials Posing a Physical Hazard sets forth maximum allowable quantities for physical hazard materials. All three (3) situations (storage, use-closed, and use-open) are considered. For the specific case of gases, maximum allowable amounts are all listed under storage and use-closed because the definition of “Use” includes...

The IFC and IBC are written based on the Maximum Allowable Quantity (MAQ) of the hazardous materials involved.  Many will look at the tables and find their MAQ; however, the footnotes contain a lot of liberties that could quadruple the MAQs if certain designs are in place. Given this basic understanding of maximum allowable quantities and control areas, the various options in the code for increasing...

The Logistics Section Chief (LSC), a member of the General Staff, is responsible for providing facilities, services and materials in support of the incident. The LSC participates in development and implementation of the Incident Action Plan (IAP), activates and supervises assigned Branches/Units, and is responsible for the safety and welfare of Logistics Section personnel. … HomeRead More &...

Here is a look at the 12 things OSHA wants to revise with regards to the PSM standard and its enforcement: Clarifying the PSM Exemption for Atmospheric Storage Tanks Expanding PSM Coverage and Requirements for Reactivity Hazards Updating the List of Highly Hazardous Chemicals in Appendix A of the PSM Standard Revising the PSM Standard To Require Additional Management-System Elements Amending Paragraph...

On July 17, 2013, EPA conducted a compliance inspection of the Respondent’s facility to determine compliance with the Risk Management Plan (RMP) regulations promulgated at 40 C.F.R. Part 68 under Section 112(r) of the CAA. The EPA found that the Respondent had violated regulations implementing Section 112(r) of the CAA by failing to comply with the regulations as noted on the enclosed Risk Management...

On January 15 and 16, 2013, EPA conducted a compliance inspection of the Respondent’s facility to determine compliance with the Risk Management Plan (RMP) regulations promulgated at 40 C.F.R. Part 68 under Section 112(r) of the CAA. The EPA found that the Respondent had violated regulations implementing Section 112(r) of the CAA by failing to comply with the regulations as noted on the enclosed...

Here is the actual accident.  Watch the cylinders go flying.  I always said my worst response was to a compressed gas cylinder truck accident and this is why. … HomeRead More »

A 50-year-old mechanic was killed when a sight glass at an oil refinery ruptured and engulfed him in hydrofluoric acid.  The incident occurred in an alkylation unit where the acid, a highly hazardous, toxic and corrosive chemical, is used as a catalyst in the process.  The process uses the catalyst to produce higher octane gasoline.  The victim was assigned to observe and verify that...

OSHA Safety and Health Information Bulletin (SHIB 09-30-2013) was issued on 9/30/2013.  The information in this Safety and Health Information Bulletin (SHIB) provides workers and employers guidance on calibrating and testing direct-reading portable gas monitors (hereafter, “DRPGMs” or “instruments”). These instruments protect workers from unseen workplace gas hazards....

Please click here to download the CSB follow-up letter to DOT regarding emergency shutdown systems for chlorine railcars.  After investigating two incidents involving uncontrolled releases from chlorine railcars, the CSB issued a safety bulletin, Emergency Shutdown Systems for Chlorine Transfer, in June 2007. At that time, the Board also recommended that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)...