The most common RAGAGEP for pipe labeling is ASME A13.1, Scheme for the Identification of Piping Systems.  It is referenced in dozens of hazardous material codes, from ICC to NFPA.  In the ICC codes, specifically the International Fire Code (IFC), there is an interesting twist to the requirements for “Compressed Gases (Chapter 53).  ASME is mentioned as the RAGAGEP of choice to...

One of the reasons I use the International Fire Code (IFC) for my hazardous materials code over OSHA standards is that the IFC gets updated every three (3) years.  God only knows when OSHA may address lithium-ion and lithium-metal batteries.  Also, the IFC and NFPA tend to be closely aligned in their design and practices expectations.  Chapter 3, Section 320 is new in 2024, and it covers:...

This weekend, we witnessed football helmets failing upon impact due to the frigid temperatures.  Sadly, these failures were accepted, and play continued!  But this brings about the logical question: How cold can it get before my hard hat (HH) fails when struck by a falling object? Most HH manufacturers will advertise the maximum temperature at which their HH will provide protection, but they...

Safe and reliable performance is a process to be guided, not an outcome to be managed. Safety is wisdom. We create safety, or more importantly, we co-create safety in the RELATIONSHIP between workers, planners, managers, and the tasks being accomplished in real-time. None of those components mentioned above involves the scoring and tracking of work outcomes. What matters are the RELATIONSHIPS each...

The 2024 International Mechanical Code (IMC) has a new Pressure Releif Valve (PRV) discharge requirement that is an interesting desing requirement.  The code has required the PRV “Discharge to a termination point that is readily visible and observable by the building occupants” for many years.  But now, the 2024 edition requires… (emphasis by me) … HomeRead More...

We see this from time to time: someone drills a hole in the flammable liquids storage cabinet (a major no-no) and runs a power cord inside the cabinet (another no-no), and this electrical device can pose as an ignition source.  So, the 2024 IFC added the following requirement.  NOTE:  This requirement should NEVER be needed, as we should NEVER drill into our UL/FM-approved cabinet, much...

As we have discussed, the 2024 IFC is more friendly towards these “flammable refrigerants.”  One such way the code is friendly towards these flammable gases is in 5003.8.3.5.4 Flammable gas… (emphasis by me) … HomeRead More »

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,...