Author Archives: Brian Chapin

About Brian Chapin

PSM / RMP Compliance Consultant

Tanner agrees to install $345,000 in ammonia leak detection systems

Posted on July 20, 2011 by Brian Chapin

“While Tanner did take some actions to address the risks of an accidental release of ammonia at its facility in Rhode Island, Tanner failed to address the risk associated with the fact that its facility is not staffed except when … Continue reading →

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Chicago Jewel’s Citation on Operating Procedures and PSI

Posted on July 12, 2011 by Brian Chapin

The U.S. Labor Department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration inspectors noted 10 serious violations among 13 total violations at the Franklin Park facility, according to a release from OSHA. They included one repeat violation for failing to develop and implement … Continue reading →

Posted in Compliance, Good Engineering Practices, SOP Development | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

A site update and a few interesting links

Posted on July 9, 2011 by Brian Chapin

I apologize for not posting in a while – I’ve recently accepted a position as an instructor at Garden City Ammonia Program in Garden City, Kansas. GCAP is the best ammonia training school for Operators and ammonia refrigeration PSM practitioners in the … Continue reading →

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Nikkiso Pumps at NEPA RETA

Posted on May 27, 2011 by Brian Chapin

Tonight’s NEPA RETA meeting was graced with a pump teardown demonstration by John Lumpkin of Nikkiso Pumps. They look impressive and got some good feedback from the members who had them running in their facilities. We did a complete teardown … Continue reading →

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The Five Stages of PSM Grief

Posted on May 10, 2011 by Brian Chapin

How many times have you as a PSM manager had to present to operators or management some new understanding of the requirements of PSM only to face gnashing of teeth and rending of garments? Individuals don’t like to change. Organizations … Continue reading →

Posted in Compliance, General Information, Oddities | Tagged | 1 Comment

Dairy SPCC exemption, Under-Ride Hazards

Posted on April 22, 2011 by Brian Chapin

These two items are not PSM related but they are of interest to those of us who work in Dairies and Cold Storage distribution warehouses and they are important enough that they merit wider discussion. EPA Exempts Milk From Spill … Continue reading →

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Do I need to train this contractor?

Posted on April 18, 2011 by Brian Chapin

PSM require us to train all contractors “who could affect or be affected by” the ammonia refrigeration process. Here’s a good reminder why we train contractors working in a PSM facility to be aware of ammonia: “Fire officials say a … Continue reading →

Posted in Community Involvement, Compliance, Contractors | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Ice Buildup: The worst case scenario

Posted on April 6, 2011 by Brian Chapin

Got some ice buildup on piping, air units or the structure itself? OSHA has been cracking down on this lately. This news story from Australia is a good illustration as to why… A 30-year-old Taiwanese national died when part of … Continue reading →

Posted in Compliance, Good Engineering Practices, Incidents, Mechanical Integrity, Oddities | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Mycom / Mayekawa

Posted on March 19, 2011 by Brian Chapin

A few weeks ago at our local RETA meeting the guest speaker was Dave Johnson, Service Business Manager-East Industrial Refrigeration Division from MYCOM U.S.A. He stripped down a Mayekawa compressor for us, which was a good experience for operators who … Continue reading →

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Welding Slag Destroys Valves!

Posted on March 6, 2011 by Brian Chapin

“Wire drawing” is when the valve seat wears out at one area from operating with significant pressure differential near but not completely closed. This can be caused by not closing the valve all the way, such as using a control … Continue reading →

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