Posts Tagged ‘ unsafe condition ’

An Introduction to Spill Containment Pallets

Dike is designed to contain chemical spills or leaks from tanks. Dike capacity is usually design for holding 110% of the largest tank. Then, how do we contain chemical leaks or spills from drums?

Drums are not designed as leak-proof and that’s why chemical inside the drums can leak or spill. Leaks and spills problem are potentially occur during chemical filling, storing, shipping and unloading.

Spill Containment Pallet

Because drums are put on pallets, the best way to contain chemical leaks or spills is by designing the pallets to be able to contain the leaks or spills. That special pallet is commonly called by spill containment pallets. (more…)

Tags: unsafe condition, Oil spills, Spill pallet, physical and chemical strength, high density polyethylene, chemical leaks, containment pallets strength

Potential Hazards in Chemical Industries

The Most Common Potential Hazards in Chemical Industries

By Lukman Nulhakiem

If we talk about potential hazards in chemical industries, there will be long discussion about that matter. Although one chemical plant has similar nature with one another, but each plant comes with its unique hazards.

In this article, I will write about potential hazards in chemical industries in general which is in turn it can be used as inputs for preparing hazard identification work for your own plant site. This is very important mainly for companies which have not determined hazards list within their plant sites yet.

As a reminder, I recommend you to read my previous article about hazard identification study as well as hazard control methods if you have never experienced in making hazard list for your plant. (more…)

Tags: Electrical hazard, Toxic atmosphere, Most common hazards, physical hazard, hazard level, Dangerous goods, Thermal hazards

Safety Slogans for Cleaning

A Quick Guide to Safety Slogans for Cleaning

by Lukman Nulhakiem

A swing shift operator slipped on floor and got injured. Two hours before that incident, a day shift operator leaved oil spill on the floor. It caused the floor became oily. This is just a simple example which shows us why keeping the cleaning is very vital for safety.

Keeping workplace cleaning can be achieved through different actions. We can include keep cleaning into working procedures or standard operating procedures. It is usually included at the end of the working procedures.

Another option is to remind workers the importance of cleaning and enhance their awareness by utilizing safety slogans for cleaning at the workplace. (more…)

Tags: Lukman Nulhakiem, swing shift operator, Safety Slogan, shift operator, cheapest way, different actions, standard operating

Learn From High-Pressure Refrigerant Accident

t2-plant-explosion Last June 20, 2009, a maintenance worker was killed when a high-pressure refrigerant line ruptured and four other employees were injured, at a poultry processing plant in Lumberton, U.S (fayobserver.com). The refrigerant was ammonia. The Department of Labor then found some safety violations that lead to the accident.

At least 20 serious safety violations were found. These findings made the states to fine the company by penalties of $73,325. (more…)

Tags: unsafe condition, ammonia leakage, department of labor, chemical plant explosion, Dangerous goods

Simple Design of Power Cable Rack Removes Flammable Liquid Hazard

combustible-material-on-power-cable I took this picture when I was walking through the plant site for safety patrol. The picture shows lubrication oil dropped on compressor’s power cable. Then, what’s wrong with this picture?

Lubrication oil is a combustible liquid, and inside power cable is electricity, a source of ignition, spark and heat. Imagine if the lubrication oil is a flammable process fluid and power cable leaks. Image if the process liquid is not compatible with power cable material, then what will happen? (more…)

Tags: unsafe condition, combustible material, flammable liquid, Power Cable Rack, Disaster Accident

Chemical Plant Accident Record in June 2009

chemical-plant-accident-statistic Since June 2009, I have collected news about accident (incident) related to chemical plant operation and chemical manufacturing. My intention to post about this chemical plant accident statistic is to remind all of us that accident could happen anywhere in plant site due to variety of reasons. So don’t underestimate any unsafe conditions and safety findings that you may find in your workplaces.

Surely, I cannot bring all the accidents news in front of you. And the accidents are written only in the form of title, but of course it still contains the main accident information as well as links to the complete news sources. Thus, you can read more about the accident news.

Here are some accidents that happened in last June 2009.

Fire Destroys a Fertilizer Plant in North Carolina

Chemical Spills at a Detergent Plant in south Wales

Methyl Acetate Leaked at Evergreen Packaging (Iowa)

Toxic Fumes (Hydrogen Sulfide) Caused 3 Workers Died at Waste Plant

An employee Suffered Severe Chemical Burn at Invista Polymer Plant

Chemical Plant Blaze in Herefordshire

Formaldehyde Odor Forced Evacuation

Chemical Plant Blast at Waste Water Treatment Tank in Evonik Lynchem Co China

Tags: news sources, methyl acetate, Plant An employee, chemical manufacturing, unsafe condition