Recent Blog Posts

OSHA’s Clarification on RAGAGEP

September 15th, 2015

In an industry laden with acronyms, RAGAGEP is probably the most important to understand when implementing a process safety management program. Simply put, RAGAGEP is “recognized and generally accepted good engineering practice”. The PSM regulation, 29 CFR §1910.119 and Title 8 CCR §5189, directly references or implies the use of RAGAGEP in three provisions: Process Safety Information – (d)(3)(ii): Employers […]

Ammonia Week in Review | September 11, 2015

September 11th, 2015

New ammonia policies prompt legal action in this week’s edition of the Ammonia Week in Review….. Goehring: N.D. Prepared to Sue OSHA to Stop Policy Aaffecting Anhydrous Ammonia Retailers – North Dakota is prepared to take legal action to block a change in federal policy that would force more than 280 retailers of anhydrous ammonia to comply with the same […]

Ammonia Week in Review | July 17, 2015

July 17th, 2015

Ammonia trips minor alarms in this week’s edition of the Ammonia Week in Review….. Ammonia Leak at Stayton NORPAC Prompts Emergency Response – An ammonia leak that took place at NORPAC Foods Incorporation processing plant in Stayton Thursday evening prompted many area residents to close all windows and doors. […keep reading] OSHA PSM Citations @ Refrigeration Warehousing Company (NH3 & $116K, […]

1982 Uniform Mechanical Code and “Adjoining Ground Level”

July 7th, 2015

Anyone who operates an “older” ammonia refrigeration system in California should be familiar with the requirements of the 1982 Uniform Mechanical Code. Cal/OSHA regulation Title 8 CCR §3248(a) requires the following: “Mechanical refrigeration systems placed in service before March 13, 1999, shall be designed, installed, tested, and maintained in accordance with Chapters 4, 15, and 16 […]

Ammonia Week in Review | March 20, 2015

March 20th, 2015

EPA and OSHA tighten up enforcement in this week’s edition of the Ammonia Week in Review…… Meat Plant Closed by Ammonia Leak – A meat worker was taken to hospital after ammonia leaked at an Invercargill meat works last night. […keep reading] DuPont Workers Sprayed with Liquid Ammonia Taken to Hospital – Two DuPont employees have been transported to the hospital after a […]