A few weeks ago, I gave a sneak peek at what was coming: Manufacturer’s Limitations of Sulphur Sticks. Today, it arrived in the form of an OSHA LOI.
A sulfur stick is a tool used to find ammonia gas leaks. Sulfur sticks, when burned, react with ammonia gas to make a visible smoke and are generally used near process equipment and piping to detect leaks. The company has an established procedure that covers the hazards, how to use, and how to extinguish the sulfur stick.
Question: Given that the company has an established procedure for the use of sulfur sticks, is the use of failsafe lighters and sulfur sticks subject to the requirements for hot work in Section 1910.119(k)?
Response: …
NOTE: SAFTENG Members have access to my 2012 article, where analyzed the risk associated with using these leak detection devices:
- The use of a sulfur stick to find a CAT 2 Flammable Gas Leak comes with some inherent hazards (Video)
- Sulfur sticks and ammonia leaks… are you in compliance when using these leak detection devices?