As we have discussed many times in the SAFTENG social media groups, there seems to be an increase in catastrophic fires associated with large-scale construction.  The IFC is attempting to address these devastating losses through some new code requirements in CHAPTER 33 FIRE SAFETY DURING CONSTRUCTION AND DEMOLITION.  The code requires a site safety plan with 13 specific topics to cover and...

The plans and procedures required in Sections 2203.5 Housekeeping, 2203.6 Standard Operational Procedures, and 2203.7 Emergency Response Plan (ERP) shall be reviewed annually and updated as process changes require. Initial and annual refresher training shall be provided to employees involved in operating, maintaining, and supervising facilities that handle combustible dust. Initial and annual...

A written emergency response plan (ERP) shall be developed for preventing, preparing for, and responding to work-related emergencies involving combustible dusts, including but not limited to fire and explosion. The following information shall be developed into the ERP: … HomeRead More »

Dust-producing equipment and all associated equipment, including dust-collection equipment, shall be maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and specifications and applicable codes. The inspection, testing, and maintenance program shall include the following, as applicable: … HomeRead More »

Hot work and similar spark-producing operations shall not be conducted in or adjacent to combustible dust-producing areas unless precautions have been taken to provide safety. Hot work shall be permitted only in safe, designated areas in accordance with Chapter 35. Hot work is prohibited on equipment that is operating. Conspicuous signs with the following warning shall be posted in the vicinity of...

Flexible hose shall be permitted if designed and installed in accordance with the following requirements: … HomeRead More »

Dust-producing equipment and dust-handling equipment, including but not limited to vacuums, dust collection systems, dryers, mixers, blenders, separators, conveyors, storage containers, silos, or other similar devices, shall be listed and shall be maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommended standards. 2203.2.1 Signages and markings Signages and markings shall be provided in accordance...

A lot work has been done in the past twenty years to raise awareness and understanding of the risks associated with combustible dusts.  Between NFPA and the IFC, we have some excellent resources to design, operate and maintain areas where combustible dusts may be present.  In the 2021 IFC, the “Critical Depth Layer” was re-defined/quantified… … HomeRead More &raq...

To improve safety performance, coherent action is required in three (3) areas: 1) technical aspects, 2) safety management, and 3) human and organizational factors These different “pillars” all influence the safety culture. It should be emphasized that, in any given company, safety priorities have undergone several phases of chronological development, with each new area of concern being added to the...

On November 28, 1999, a blockage occurred in the South Teal Unit. The blockage or plug occurred somewhere in the recycle waste line on the second level of South Teal. This line brings crude Teal with excess aluminum to T-103, which feeds back to the reactors. During the night shift, they were able to blow the line from T-105 to the control valve, which left the blockage within about 20 feet of T-103....

A recent Coast Guard investigation involving a fire and subsequent loss of propulsion on board an inspected vessel serves as a reminder of safety issues caused by condensate forming in airlines. During the investigation, an underlying issue was discovered that caused condensate to form in airlines that supplied compressed air to the vessel’s air-operated engine throttle and clutch control systems....

If you’re an EHS pro, you have certainly seen these devices.  They can add a level of safety for that loss of primary containment (LOPC) incidents or, in some cases, overfill events. image source: eagle manufacturing But these “Containment Pallets” come with some environmental limitations that are required for their safe use… … HomeRead More »