Data is derived from NIOSH’s Emergency Response Safety and Health Database METHANOL (UN 1230) CAS #: 67-56-1 RTECS #: PC1400000 UN #: 1230 (Guide 131) Common Names: Carbinol Methyl alcohol Wood alcohol Agent Characteristics APPEARANCE: Colorless watery liquid. DESCRIPTION: Methanol is a toxic alcohol that is used industrially as a solvent, pesticide, and alternative fuel source. It also occurs...

Data is derived from NIOSH’s Emergency Response Safety and Health Database HYDROGEN FLUORIDE/ HYDROFLUORIC ACID (UN 1052)  CAS #: 7664-39-3 RTECS #: MW7875000 UN #: 1052 (hydrogen fluoride, anhydrous) (Guide 125) 1790 (hydrofluoric acid) (Guide 157) Common Names: Fluoric acid HF Fluorhydric acid Agent Characteristics APPEARANCE: Hydrogen fluoride is a colorless fuming liquid below 67°F (19.4°C),...

Data is derived from NIOSH’s Emergency Response Safety and Health Database CHLORINE (UN 1017) CAS #: 7782-50-5 RTECS #: FO2100000 UN #: 1017 (Guide 124) Common Names: Molecular chlorine Agent Characteristics APPEARANCE: Greenish-yellow gas at room temperature; clear, amber-colored liquid under increased pressure or at temperatures below -30°F (-34°C). DESCRIPTION: Chlorine is a toxic gas with...

Data is derived from NIOSH’s Emergency Response Safety and Health Database AMMONIA SOLUTION (UN 3318); AMMONIA, ANHYDROUS (UN 1005) CAS #: 7664-41-7 RTECS #: BO0875000 UN #: 3318 and 1005 (Guide 125) Common Names: Nitro-Sil AM-Fol Agent Characteristics APPEARANCE: Clear, colorless, gas. Clear, colorless liquid under pressure. DESCRIPTION: For the purposes of this card, ammonia refers...

A few weeks ago I had the privilege of attending a training course and working with the world famous Garden City Ammonia Program in Garden City, KS. While I was out there Jeremy Williams asked if I would participate in a podcast discussing the difference in an “emergency response” and an “incidental response” as it would apply to a release of Anhydrous Ammonia from a refrigeration...

This is a harsh REMINDER of how dangerous a plit second can be when driving at speeds of 70 mph!

MANY THANKS to my NEW & RENEWING “Partners in Safety”for their support! since 2012 since 2007 Since 2010 since 2006 2012 Fatality Tracker Electrical 24 (2011 = 81) (2010 = 90) (2009 = 100) Forklift/Manlift Mobile Equipment 14 (2011 = 84) (2010 = 110) (2009 = 88) Mining 26 (2011 = 248) (2010 = 480) (2009 = 586) Explosions 39 (2011 = 218) (2010 = 246) (2009 = 302) Cranes 11 (2011 = 50)...

 

In July 2007, a fan in the rear freezer room of a meat works factory in Victoria dislodged and fell.  The fan dislodged a pipeline supplying liquid ammonia to an evaporator unit in the property’s refrigeration plant, causing 2000 litres (~530 gallons) of liquid ammonia to spill onto the freezer floor.  The ammonia quickly spread under stacked pallets of meat, placing what was believed to...

An EXCELLENT source of info for emergency responder responding to an Ammonia release.  The ASTDR document provides decon advice, as well as means to protect EMS personnel treating any personnel exposed to the chemical.  Click Here to download the document.

An interesting comparison to OSHA NEP results for the Ammonia refrigeration industry.  From July 2009 to June 2011, Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ) conducted an audit and inspection program at 102 facilities using anhydrous ammonia-based industrial refrigeration systems. Facilities included a range of food processors (meat, dairy, processed foods), cold stores, and ice works. The...

A “Partner in Safety” with SAFTENG has produced several EXCELLENT videos on the topic of electrical safe work practices.  The videos are from different perspectives and are though provoking.  Here is the video from the “safety professional’s” perspective.  The safety professional has a responsibility to provide adequate electrical safety training and a safe...