The 2024 International Fire Code (IFC) has a new requirement in Section 608 – Mechanical Refrigeration.  An “operational permit” is now required for “mechanical refrigeration systems.” The code does not specify which refrigerants are covered, it just requires the permit to operate a mechanical refrigeration unit or system… … HomeRead More »

Respondent formerly operated an ammonia refrigeration process at a distribution center and warehouse, maintaining a maximum inventory of the regulated toxic substance anhydrous ammonia at the facility exceeding the threshold of 10,000 pounds. At the Facility, the respondent operated a process, as defined in 40 C.F.R. § 68.3, that includes the use, storage, handling, and on-site movement of anhydrous...

I have asked for a formal response regarding this change, which was NOT noted in the 2021 edition as a change; however, it is a change in text and application. In the 2018 edition, Chapter 50 stated: Piping, tubing, valves, and fittings conveying hazardous materials shall be designed and installed in accordance with ASME B31 or other approved standards, and shall be in accordance with Sections 5003.2.2.1...

If you are a regular visitor to this site, you know I love to use the International Fire Code, which many states adopt in full or in some “revised” langauge as their “state fire/hazmat code”.  One particular item that garners a lot of questions and comments is the IFC’s requirement that ALL hazardous materials (those with toxic or physical hazards) be in piping constructed...

This is another example of entrants not recognizing the space they are entering is a CONFINED SPACE and the actions/work they did turned the confined space into a PERMIT-REQUIRED CONFINED SPACE.  Both entrants died and two (2) volunteer FF’s were injured in their attempts to perform rescues at this residential incident. On May 26, 2010, @ approximately 8:15 pm, worker #1, a licensed plumber,...

On May 11, 2023, @ 8:04 a.m., an employee working for an oil and gas support services company was found dead. On May 10th, the night before, the employee had instructed his coworkers from other contractors to go home, and he would finish the job. This was the last time anyone had spoken to the employee until he was found deceased. The employee had been pressure testing a pipe with nitrogen. …...

This fatal incident displays the CRITICAL role of having procedures for responding to leaks, even “small releases.”  1910.119(n) Emergency planning and response The employer shall establish and implement an emergency action plan for the entire plant in accordance with the provisions of 29 CFR 1910.38. In addition, the emergency action plan shall include procedures for handling...

Many organizations had a great 2023 in terms of their safety performance.  And while I am a huge advocate for celebrating our successes in safety, my support is contingent on one factor… KNOW HOW we achieved our success.  Celebrating blind luck is dangerous! Organizations often celebrate sheer luck in safety performance, which sends the wrong message to everyone.  To ensure it...

OR-OSHA has fined a Portland environmental and emergency services company $118,800 for violating job safety standards designed to protect workers from the potentially deadly hazards of confined spaces. The division cited the employer following an inspection of an incident reported by Portland Fire & Rescue. Oregon OSHA’s July 14, 2023 incident inspection found that two members of a four-person...

Having spent my entire career in Flame Retardant Clothing, I learned that improper laundering could render the PPE useless, maybe even hazardous to wear.  In my time, we always had a contractor launder and maintain our FRC.  It was not cheap, but it was necessary to ensure the PPE worked as intended when we needed it most.  Today, we see a lot of “cost-saving” trends involving...

To simplify this, the Maximum Allowable Working Pressure (MAWP) is the maximum pressure at which the hose can operate routinely.  Although, I strongly suggest the “operating ranges” be far less than the MAWP.  However, achieving the MAWP does NOT mean the hose will necessarily fail.  Where the hose will fail is called the “Burst Pressure.”  Usually, the safety...

I know this can be a sensitive topic, even though I am not a fan of the “Zero Harm” approach, but when it was presented like this, I have to say I support all seven (7) of these functions within a Safety Management System (SMS). VISION ZERO – 7 Golden Rules – for zero accidents and healthy work A guide for employers and managers … HomeRead More »