Tag Archives: EPA

EPA RMP update “Delay” rule vacated by DC District Court

EPA retains authority under Section 7412(r)(7) to substantively amend the programmatic requirements of the Chemical Disaster Rule, and pursuant to that authority, revise its effective and compliance dates, subject to arbitrary and capricious review. . . . the agency must … Continue reading

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What can we learn from the Fernie Ammonia fatalities?

The October 17th, 2017 Ammonia release in Fernie, BC resulted in three fatalities: On October 16, 2017, the curling brine chiller at the Fernie Memorial Arena was put back into operation after a seasonal shutdown. During the shutdown and seasonal … Continue reading

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Is a condenser change a Replacement in Kind?

The Question: Imagine a project where you are going to replace an existing condenser with a newer model. Does this “change” trigger the MOC element or does it fall into the Replacement in Kind exemption to the MOC requirement? This … Continue reading

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Yet another update on the RMP Updates!

Today, EPA’s Administrator, E. Scott Pruitt, signed a new proposed rule, further changing the Obama-era EPA’s proposed changes and the EPA is submitting that for publication in the Federal Register (FR). Basically, it outlines two proposals for the Obama-era EPA’s … Continue reading

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General Duty vs. PSM/RMP: Is there a benefit to dropping below the 10,000lb threshold?

Several times a year I get a phone call or an email from a client that wants to lower the NH3 inventory below the federal 10,000lb threshold so they are no longer subject to the PSM/RMP rules. It’s a conversation … Continue reading

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RAGAGEP Hierarchy in Application – A worked example

RAGAGEP (Recognized and Generally Accepted Good Engineering Practices/Principles) is extremely important to our Process Safety programs as it helps define the boundaries of what is (and isn’t) acceptable in our processes and our management of them. There seems to be … Continue reading

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What training does my refrigeration operator need?

Note: this article focuses only on the PSM/RMP training burden that is unique to PSM/RMP. Furthermore, it does not address the requirements of training documentation. Understanding the requirements of PSM/RMP training for Operators The Training element in PSM (1910.119(g)) and … Continue reading

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Updated RMP Rule likely delayed until at least 2019!

I’ve delayed updating the templates that reflect the proposed EPA RMP changes for several reasons. Our patience has been well-rewarded: The EPA has proposed to further delay the effective date to February 19, 2019. This action would allow the Agency time … Continue reading

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Why OSHA’s Statute of Limitations doesn’t really matter in PSM/RMP

You may have recently heard a headline that OSHA is losing their right to cite you for something that happened more than six months ago. I’ve heard a disturbing amount of people tell me that this means that many PSM issues … Continue reading

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Why does my PSM program make me review the PHA during any equipment/facility MOC?

Nearly two years ago, I changed the Management of Change Written Plan template in my PSM programs to make a few changes: Removed the “minor change” and “major change” categories. Explicitly require a Process Hazard Analysis review during all equipment/facility … Continue reading

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