If you spend any time around Anhydrous Ammonia, you know how easy it is to detect its presence; however, if you have ever tried to find the leak causing the issue, it can be extremely difficult. One method that is by far the most common, most simple, and one of the easiest and cheapest methods is the use of sulfur (or sulfur) sticks. These things have been around facilities handling ammonia for generations,...

A LPG Carrier was on a ballast voyage 120 nautical miles off coast of India when it was reported to the Master that six officers/crew members, including the Chief Officer and the Gas Engineer, had been overcome in the compressor room while working there. On learning about the incident, vessel operator immediately alerted the Navy and Indian Coast Guard for relief and rescue operations. Additionally...

UPDATED FM Data regarding Contractors and Hotwork… 3.1.8 Outside Contractors Many hot work operations are performed by outside contractors, these include cutting, welding, joint soldering, paint removal, reroofing, etc. The tendency is to relax rigid procedures for contractors assuming they know their jobs. However, this practice has produced a discouraging loss history. Hot work by...

    Many THANKS to my newest and RENEWING Corporate Partners in Safety… since 2007 since 2012 since 2012 since 2012 2012 Fatality Tracker Electrical 67 (2011 = 81) (2010 = 90) (2009 = 100) Forklift/Manlift Mobile Equipment 52 (2011 = 84) (2010 = 110) (2009 = 88) Mining 68 (2011 = 248) (2010 = 480) (2009 = 586) Explosions 239 (2011 = 218) (2010 = 246) (2009 = 302) Cranes 46 (2011 = 50)...

 

WARNING!  This video may be upsetting to some.  It is CCTV footage of a drum exploding as a worker begins to cut into it with a torch.  The worker does NOT die and the video is NOT graphic; it just shows the truth of consequences when this act is performed and how fast it happens. … HomeRead More »

Not many know this dirty little secret about overpressure protection on ASME-coded vessels (formerly called “code case 2211”), but I will let the cat out of the bag… Not all ASME pressure vessels have to have a pressure relief device, and I am not talking about those very small vessels, but any size vessel. No, I am not crazy, it is a fact. Since 1996 ASME has allowed this practice...

A fruit Company failed to meet risk management requirements under the Clean Air Act, according a settlement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The plant failed to submit their RMP in 2004 when they exceeded the 10,000-pound threshold for Anhydrous Ammonia, used as a refrigerant at the plant. As part of the settlement, the company will pay a penalty of $33,964 and upgrade its safety...

    Many THANKS to my newest and RENEWING Corporate Partners in Safety… since 2007 since 2012 since 2012 since 2012   2012 Fatality Tracker Electrical 67 (2011 = 81) (2010 = 90) (2009 = 100) Forklift/Manlift Mobile Equipment 51 (2011 = 84) (2010 = 110) (2009 = 88) Mining 66 (2011 = 248) (2010 = 480) (2009 = 586) Explosions 239 (2011 = 218) (2010 = 246) (2009 = 302) Cranes 46 (2011...

OSHA has cited a chemical company for 47 violations following a chemical release and proposes $545,000 in fines AND the company was also placed in the Severe Violator Enforcement Program (SVEP). The 47 violations include four willful – violations after an unexpected release of hazardous materials led to the temporary shutdown of the plant and an adjacent highway in May. Although no injuries were reported...

Those of you working in a PSM/RMP facility should have heard of the term “line break” and many have most likely participated in a “line break”.  Although the term “line break” implies it only applies to opening a line/pipe, it is intended to cover ALL non-routine process openings.  This task is one of the higher risk tasks for workers in a covered process;...

NONMANDATORY APPENDIX S – DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS FOR BOLTED FLANGE CONNECTIONS S-1 BOLTING The primary purpose of the rules for bolted flange connections in Appendices 2 and Y is to ensure safety, but there are certain practical matters to be taken into consideration in order to obtain a serviceable design. One of the most important of these is the proportioning of the bolting (i.e., determining...