Workers Performing Hot Work Face Risk of Fires From Leaks of Flammable Gases

Where possible, avoid doing hot work in the company premises. Have it done offsite to control the environment and manage it with necessary safety precautions.

Care should also be taken that hot work is performed in a space that does not have flammable substances. Wearing personal protective equipment will reduce the possibility of injuries for those performing hot work.

Brittney Cornillaud said in a recent article:

“According to OSHA, hot work is any work that involves burning, welding, using fire- or spark-producing tools or that produces a source of ignition. Workers performing hot work such as welding, cutting, brazing, soldering and grinding are exposed to the risk of fires from ignition of flammable or combustible materials in the space and from leaks of flammable gas into the space from hot-work equipment.”

OSHA Recommends Monitoring The Hot Work Area With A Gas Detector

Workplace fires can lead to loss of property, equipment and life. It can lead to millions in loss for the company. The danger about workplace fires if they go unnoticed is that they can get out of control and lead to costly lawsuits. Getting a Certificate of Insurance will help cover your expenses, in case of a fire.

OSHA recommends setting up a gas detector in the area where hot work is performed. It will alert workers if the level of a particular flammable or combustible gas exceeds 10 percent of its lower explosive limit(LEL). This will provide workers with sufficient time to evacuate and ventilate the area before resuming hot work.

As shared in a recent article on safetyandhealthmagazine,

“…make sure appropriate fire-extinguishing equipment is on hand in the event of an emergency, and assign someone to watch as a guard when hot work is occurring. Because workers can suffer burns resulting from the accumulation of flammable gases, OSHA recommends monitoring the hot work area with a gas detector. Stop work immediately if a flammable or combustible gas exceeds 10 percent of its lower explosive limit.”

Having gas monitoring systems will alert you when the concentration of gas increases to levels that can be dangerous to perform hot work.

Ideally, hot work should be performed under supervision. The fire-watcher should be trained in fire safety hazards and be trained in the use of fire extinguishers and fire alarm activation.

After hot work is performed, the area should be monitored for any signs of fire for atleast four hours by the fire-safety supervisor. These simple measures will help protect workers who are required to perform hot work.

The PID Can Detect Low Levels of VOC

The PID can offer real-time readings of VOC levels, making it invaluable in an emergency leak situation to gauge the status. Since VOCs are combustible and toxic even at very low concentrations, any industrial facility that uses organic materials should have a photo-ionization detector set up. Examples of organic materials include propane, kerosene, gasoline, paint thinner, diesel, nail polish remover and jet fuel.

Brian Crimmins said in a recent article:

“The benefits of the PID are its low cost, ease of operation, and near-instantaneous results. Another benefit is the PID’s ability to measure low levels of VOCs. As stated above, VOCs are typically toxic or flammable at low concentrations. Therefore, it is important to measure these gases and vapors at the parts-per-million (ppm) level.”

Unless the PID is used along with another detection system like the multi-gas meter, it should not be used for the detection of natural gas. A flame-ionizing detector is the recommended solution for the detection of methane.

A PID Used In A VOC Meter Can Prevent Major Mishaps

If the calibration gas used is different from the gas present on location, it is likely that the results will be inaccurate. In addition, the PID on its own cannot determine which VOC is present. But it will tell you about the volume of VOCs present. It needs to be used along with another detection technology to pinpoint the chemical name of VOC present. Using wireless gas monitoring systems along with PID is the best option for better safety in industrial facilities and chemical plants.

Chase Williams said in a recent article:

“When air enters the end of a VOC meter, a UV light interacts with the molecules in the air. Organic compounds release positively charged ions when they pass through the light, which are then captured by a negatively charged plate producing a measurable electrical current. The current is measured by the PID device, which is then used by the VOC sensor to determine the type and quantity of the detected VOCs. The higher the electrical current, the more pollutants in the air, and the UV lamp used by the manufacturer of the VOC meter determines what contaminants can be detected by the VOC sensor.”

The photoionization detector needs to bump-tested and calibrated at regular intervals. This will ensure accurate readings and make sure that the sensors and connected alarms are working.

Firefighters and Hazmat teams should be made aware that ventilation in closed spaces where VOCs leaks are detected is the way to go. Evacuation of workers from the facility should be initiated immediately.

Having a PID in combination with other detection systems will ensure better safety for your facility. The PID can be used to detect every low levels of VOC and avert industrial disasters.

New Regulation Mandates Having A Four Gas Detector Onboard Ships On International Voyages

Ship operators will need to comply with this regulation, which comes into force on July 1^st of this year. This is one positive step towards ensuring safety of those sailing in ships that undertake international voyages.

According to a recent article:

“The new regulation, coming into force on 1 July 2016, requires all ships engaged in international voyages to have at least one unit capable of detecting the presence of oxygen, flammable gases or vapours, carbon monoxide and hydrogen sulphide.”

It is also important to remember that the batteries and sensor need to be replaced after a period of 30 months to maintain smooth functioning. It is a good idea for operators to work closely with a gas detection company to comply with the regulations, as they are bound to change. With a growing emphasis on safety, regulatory bodies will likely review the safety guidelines and keep issuing new rules to prevent casualties.

Detection Units Need To Be Bump Tested Before Using Them In Enclosed Spaces

It is important to note that installation of gas detection systems is not sufficient to ensure safety of crew on ship. The detection units need to be bump tested to ensure they are working properly and can detect gases in time.

Care must be taken to establish a routine of inspection, testing and maintenance. The usage of gas detection units should be made mandatory for those entering enclosed spaces in ships. This will help in preventing the ship crew from getting overcome by toxic gases and raise an alarm if the presence of a toxic gas has exceeded the normal limits. The ship crew will be able to escape to safety and do their work safely.

According to a recent news article:

“Most importantly of all, Sheriff notes, the detection units have to be used by individuals entering enclosed spaces or tanks, not forgotten in a drawer. Next, they must be visually inspected regularly, the batteries charged, and the units ‘bump tested’ before use. So, an on-board routine needs to be established whereby the crew satisfy these demands.”

This article explains in detail about the new SOLAS regulation issued by the IMO for ship operators. The safety concerns onboard ships need to be addressed to prevent casualties due to the accumulation of toxic gases in enclosed spaces.

Emission-Control Technologies Are Found To Be Effective

Researchers have discovered that emission-control technologies are effective in identifying methane leaks. It is time for the oil and gas industry to demonstrate their commitment towards a safer environment by investing in these proven emission-control technologies. The pressure to adopt a safety protocol by citizens and environmental activists should provide the needed push for safer operations.

Matt Watson and David Lyon said in a recent article:

“Researchers found that emission control technologies do work most of the time. These cost-effective tools and practices are critical to helping industry keep gas out of the air and in the supply chain. It’s when they fail – often because of mechanical malfunctions or other design problems – that the impacts can be most severe.”

It is important to understand that methane emissions can occur at various stages of the natural gas supply chain. Methane emissions can go undetected at the extraction stage, or occur at the storage stage or happen during the transmission of the gas. Methane emissions can be attributed to either human error or failure of equipment. Faulty or old valves, compressors, hatches and fittings are just some of the many sources of methane leakage.

Fixing Methane Leaks Require Good Detection Methods

The reason why it is a challenging task to detect methane gas leakage in an oil pipeline is the inability to identify the source of leakage. Using a methane sensor could solve the problem, but only to an extent. The pipelines are spread over several thousand kilometres, making it a challenge to identify the source of leakage. Plugging the leakage can involve simple steps like tightening a valve or closing a hatch. It is as simple as that. However, the timely detection of methane leakage can make all the difference.

Leah Messinger said in a recent article:

“In many cases, fixing a methane leak is as simple as tightening a valve or closing a hatch; the trick is simply knowing which valve or hatch requires such attention. Colorado State’s Zimmerle likened the process to a game of “Whac-A-Mole.” “This type of failure is almost impossible to prevent entirely and so good detection methods followed by good repair practices would be an effective way to control this,” he said.”

Regular scheduled monitoring can help in early detection of methane leakage and prevent gas emissions in the atmosphere. It takes a firm resolve and planning to detect and prevent further methane emissions from the oil and gas industry.

Digoxin
This substance originates from the purified extract from a foxglove plant. In signifiant dosages, digoxin has the capacity to enhance the efficiency of a human’s heart. At the same time, digoxin can become lethal with overexposure as it induces conditions mirroring atrial fibrillation with exaggerated ventricular reactions. This ultimately can lead to heart failure. Historically speaking, the nurse Charles Cullen, also referred to as the “angel of death” utilized the substance to end the life of over 40 patients.

Ethylene Glycol
Traditionally, ethylene glycol is employed as a raw substance in the creation of polyester fibers and fabrics as well as resins utilized in bottling services. The substance is also found as antifreeze in vehicles, this substance features a seemingly innocuous toxicity level. At the same time, in higher dosages and exposures, ethylene glycol can be metabolized into a more virulent form of oxalic acid.

Hydrogen Peroxide
This substance often found in bathrooms and utility rooms features a concentration of only 3 to 6 percent. However, at higher concentration levels, hydrogen peroxide can morph into a rocket propellant. The substance is quite volatile with the slightest disruption potentially resulting in an explosion in your commercial or industrial space, as most industrial forms of the product feature a concentration of greater than 70 percent. In 2005, terrorists in London, England, employed a highly concentrated form of the substance as an incendiary device that ended up taking the life of 52 people in the subway system there.

Strychnine
Traditionally, this substance has been employed in industrial usages as a pesticide to eradicate vermin and unwanted creatures such as rodents. When the substance is inhaled or consumers through the human mouth or eyes, it precipitates a toxic state causing convulsions of the muscular system and subsequent death via asphyxia. Easy to conceal, some have speculated that conspirators employed strychnine to precipitate the death of blues music legend Robert Johnson and historical figures like Alexander the Great.

Sodium Cyanide
Utilized often as an industrial reactant in the mining industry to extract precious metals such as silver and gold, this compound can be fatal when improperly exposed. Typically, victims smell the scent of almonds before fatally succumbing to the compound within a few seconds. Chemically, the cyanide binds to the cytochrome c oxidase, which is a protein in the mitochondria of the human cell. This binding precludes the cells from accessing oxygen to maintain their healthy function.

As workers, it is important to know how to use ammonia safely. With regular exposure to the chemical in the work environment, it is possible to become desensitized to the irritating effects that it can cause, which makes it more difficult to recognize when the concentration is at a dangerous level. Workers should not use smell for the sole warning; it is extremely important to have ammonia detection systems installed wherever the chemical is present.

Safely Working with Ammonia

All employees must follow several precautions and standard safe practices that apply within the facility:

• Employees working with hazardous chemicals must wear protective equipment. For ammonia, this includes skin, face and eye protection. Additional respiratory protection is necessary with gaseous ammonia.

• Take precautions whenever performing hot work in areas containing ammonia. If containers, vessels or piping have contained ammonia and are to be cut, drilled, welded or soldered, be sure to fully purge the ammonia first.

• Never use ammonia in an area without proper ventilation. Always be sure that there is enough ventilation and that it will not spark or explode.

• Always keep ammonia away from chemicals that are not compatible with it. Store this chemical away from sources of ignition or heat.

• Know the correct course of action in the event of a leak or a spill. Working with ammonia requires knowing the location of emergency respirators; don one of these and immediately evacuate the area, reporting the spill such that it can be properly controlled.

• Understand how to treat splashes. Liquid ammonia burns the eyes, so know how to find and use the emergency eyewash in the area.

Treating Ammonia Exposure

After being exposed to a high amount of ammonia, it is important to seek immediate medical attention. Until then, there are some steps to take as you wait for medical help.

• Ammonia in the eyes: Immediately proceed to the eyewashing station and flush the eyes completely, lifting the eyelids as necessary.

• Ammonia exposure on the skin: If there is irritation, blot away the chemical and immediately flush the skin with clean water. If any clothing is affected, remove the article and wash away the area of skin with water.

Ammonia breathed in: Immediately head to fresh air. If the worker isn’t breathing, initiate artificial respiration immediately. Be sure the worker is warm until medical assistance arrives to take over treatment.