PHMSA is issuing an Advisory Bulletin to alert all pipeline operators of a T.D. Williamson, Inc. (TDW) Leak Repair Clamp (LRC) recall issued by TDW on June 17, 2013. The recall covers all TDW LRCs of any pressure class and any size. The LRCs may develop a dangerous leak due to a defective seal. Hazardous liquid and natural gas pipeline operators should verify if they have any TDW LRCs subject to the...

“Now there’s something you don’t see every day” is the quote I will never forget when the OSHA CSHO began looking over the PHA. When we asked what sparked his comment, he showed us… … HomeRead More »

  2013 Fatality Tracker Electrical 24 (2012 = 68) (2011 = 81) (2010 = 90) (2009 = 100) Forklift/Manlift 48 (2012 = 52) (2011 = 84) (2010 = 110) (2009 = 88) Mining* 42 (2012 = 92*) (2011 = 248) (2010 = 480) (2009 = 586) *no longer includes China accidents Explosions 130 (2012 = 241) (2011 = 218) (2010 = 246) (2009 = 302) Cranes 34 (2012 = 52) (2011 = 50) (2010 = 50) (2009 = 82) Falls 65 (2012 =...

Respondent is the owner and operator of the natural gas compressor stations. The Facilities receive natural gas from well sites, separate out liquids from the natural gas and route the natural gas liquids to aboveground storage tanks at the Facilities. The natural gas is compressed and then sent via pipeline to gas plants for further processing. Pipeline quality gas is discharged via pipeline to natural...

A hotwork fire at a natural gas processing plant occurred while installing the 4 inch weld-a-let. Sweet dehydrated natural gas was released and ignited, causing a flash fire that lasted for approximately one second. As a result of the flash fire, hot gases and radiant heat were released through the 4 inch hole, burning the welder’s assistant on the neck and face. The welder’s assistant...

It is imperative to properly follow the Hazardous Materials Regulations. Improperly shipped hazardous materials can sometimes end with a catastrophic failure. In this case, a corrosive material was placed in an incompatible aluminum cargo tank for shipment.  More than 4,000 gallons of hazardous waste with a pH of 13 was being transported from Chicago to Canada with a stop in Sawyer, Michigan,...

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) (“we”) are issuing this advisory as part of an ongoing federal effort to improve chemical risk management, and to advance safety and protect human health and the environment. This advisory contains information on recent and...

Over the last several years we have come across several facilities that handle anhydrous ammonia and have a dangerous misunderstanding of “hazardous locations”. It seems that somewhere/someone had informed them that their engine room(s) did not need proper ventilation since they were below the 10,000 pound PSM/RMP threshold. They were badly misinformed and here’s why… …...

The NFPA Standards Council has approved the preliminary draft of NFPA 350, and is now open for public input. With non-mandatory language, this guide incorporates the best practices that organizations and confined space professionals have utilized to comply with regulations and standards for the past 20 years since the initial publication of OSHA’s final rule. It also draws on NFPA’s experience with...

A nationwide ice maker has been cited by OSHA for 9 serious and 3 repeat workplace safety violations for $147,000 at it’s Fairport, NY, plant. The inspection was conducted under OSHA’s Site-Specific Targeting Program that directs enforcement resources to high-hazard workplaces where the highest rates of injuries and illnesses occur. OSHA inspectors found workers exposed to recurring hazards...