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Amplify Your Process Safety

127 episodes - English - Latest episode: 2 days ago - ★★★★★ - 21 ratings

Join industry professionals as they share insight into the world of process safety, including news related to updated codes and standards, recent incidents and what you can learn from them, and their take on all elements of process safety. With decades of combined experience in real, practical implementation, they aren’t just advisors, they practice what they preach. Whether you’re new to process safety, in a role where you interact with aspects of process safety, or an experienced process safety professional, this is the podcast for you.

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Episodes

Episode 106 - EPA's National Enforcement and Compliance Initiatives with Guest Mathew Todaro

July 12, 2024 23:01 - 28 minutes - 23.1 MB

In this episode, Rob sits down with Mat Todaro of Verrill Law, who listeners may remember from his previous guest appearances on the show related to EPA's Risk Management Program and General Duty Clause. Today Rob and Mat discuss EPA's National Enforcement and Compliance Initiatives (NECI) for 2024, including what they are and which initiatives are new, modified, and continued, what is different about how NECI will be managed this time around, what this means for RMP facilities who have ammo...

Episode 105 - Incident Breakdown: 2022 Fatal Naphtha Release and Fire at BP-Husky Toledo Refinery in Ohio

June 28, 2024 21:14 - 23 minutes - 18.9 MB

In this episode Magi and Jo team up to cover a recent CSB final report. In this incident breakdown, they cover the 2022 accidental release of naphtha that resulted in a fire, two worker fatalities, and significant property damage at the BP-Husky refinery in Oregon, Ohio, including what happened leading up to the event, contributing factors, recommendations the CSB made in their final report, and what companies can learn from this incident. Find the CSB's final report for this incident here. ...

Episode 104 - "Hazardous Lies" with Author Stephen J. Wallace

June 14, 2024 18:53 - 38 minutes - 35.4 MB

In today's episode, Molly sits down with Stephen J. Wallace, the author of a newly released process safety thriller titled "Hazardous Lies". Although his book is a work of fiction, Stephen discusses how his book relates to real aspects of process safety and how it was informed by his real career experience in the process safety field, how he came up with the idea for the novel, his leap from technical writing in his career to creative writing, and how he made technical topics in the book acc...

Episode 103 - Quantitative and Qualitative Natural Disaster Preparation with Guest Mike Washington

May 31, 2024 18:19 - 26 minutes - 21.5 MB

In this episode, Rob is joined again by guest Mike Washington, who is the Director of Industrial Safety at Arkema Inc., The Americas. Mike recently gave a talk at the AIChE Global Congress on Process Safety in New Orleans in March 2023 titled, “Quantitative Natural Disaster Assessment and Scorecard for Chemical Plants," and today discusses some of what he covered in that talk. Rob and Mike cover his motivation for presenting at the AIChE Global Congress on Process Safety, the basic approach ...

Episode 102 - Conversations with the CSB - Part 2

May 17, 2024 21:01 - 49 minutes - 37.7 MB

In this episode, we sit down for another conversation with the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB). This time, Molly and Jo talk with Supervisory Chemical Incident Investigator Lauren Johnson, Chemical Incident Investigator Melike Yersiz, P.E., and Video Producer and Public Affairs Specialist Shauna Lawhorne. We discuss how each CSB employee ended up at the agency, what a company can expect when the CSB comes to investigate an incident, some examples of how and when sub...

Episode 101 - Conversations with the CSB - Part 1

May 03, 2024 17:20 - 46 minutes - 38 MB

In this episode, Molly and Magi sit down with two U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) chemical incident investigators, Lauren Grim, P.E., CFEI and Drew Sahli. Lauren and Drew detail how each of their career paths led them to their current roles, what their jobs as chemical incident investigators are like, and, for those interested in also working at the CSB, the type of background and experience best suited for the job. Next, Molly and Magi ask about the size of the CSB...

Episode 100 - The Past, Present, & Future of Our Show

April 19, 2024 13:00 - 1 hour - 54.8 MB

We've made it to episode 100, can you believe it? We invite you to celebrate this milestone with us in today's very special episode. Join the current Amplify team members as well as two former team members in reminiscing about the early days of the podcast, hear some fun facts about our audience, episodes, and past guests, learn which of our episodes made the top 10 most popular list, our goals for the future of the show, and more. Be sure to stick around to the end for some funny clips that...

Episode 99 - Rethinking (Process) Safety Culture with Guest Blaine J. Hoffmann

April 05, 2024 11:00 - 52 minutes - 29.9 MB

In today's episode, Rob sits down with Blaine J. Hoffmann, from The SafetyPro Podcast, to discuss his new book, titled "Rethinking SAFETY Culture". Blaine details why he was motivated to write the book, how he defines safety culture, and discusses ways to implement the ideas he presents in "Rethinking SAFETY Culture". He also talks about his recommendations for digital safety management systems, how KPIs can be used to improve safety cultures, and more. Find Blaine on LinkedIn here, find "...

Episode 98 - Introducing Magi

March 22, 2024 22:13 - 20 minutes - 16.4 MB

In this episode, Rob is joined by the newest member of the Amplify Process Safety team, Magi Riech. Rob sits down with Magi to talk about her background and her journey into process safety throughout her career, and what fuels her passion for PSM/RMP. Welcome to the A Team, Magi! To connect with Magi, find her on LinkedIn here or email her at [email protected]. To learn more about the rest of our team, visit www.amplifyconsultants.com/about or check out our other intro e...

Episode 97 - Incident Breakdown: 2020 Fatal Oil and Gas Well Blowout in Burleson County, Texas

March 08, 2024 23:26 - 23 minutes - 19.9 MB

In this episode, Molly is joined by the newest member of the A Team, Magi Riech, to discuss the CSB's final investigation report on the 2020 fatal oil and gas well blowout in Burleson County, Texas. The incident occurred on January 29, 2020, and the CSB released their final investigation report on this incident on December 26, 2023. On the day of the incident, oil and gas escaped the well during workover operations, and found an ignition source, ultimately leading to a flash fire that burned ...

Episode 96 - Educating the Next Generation of Process Safety Experts with Guest Mike Washington

February 23, 2024 07:00 - 24 minutes - 19.6 MB

In this very special episode, Rob and Molly sit down with Mike Washington, who is the Director of Industrial Safety at Arkema Inc,. The Americas, and also an adjunct lecturer at Prairie View A&M University and the University of Houston. They discuss the challenges of educating the next generation of engineers and managers on process safety, and touch on what current gaps they see, best practices to fill those gaps, and their hopes for the future, including how higher education can help to be...

Episode 95 - Incident Breakdown: 2019 Fatal Explosion and Fire at KMCO in Crosby, TX

February 09, 2024 19:57 - 43 minutes - 33.8 MB

On April 2, 2019, the KMCO production facility in Crosby, TX, was producing sulfurized isobutylene as a lubrication additive, when they experienced a leak from a fracture in a segment of piping. The leaking material formed a vapor cloud and then found an ignition source, resulting in the death of one employee and serious injuries to two other employees. In this episode, Rob and Molly discuss what happened in detail, cover the contributing factors, and finally touch on the key learnings that ...

Episode 94 - Incident Breakdown: 2021 Fatal Liquid Nitrogen Release at Foundation Food Group Facility in Georgia

January 26, 2024 15:06 - 45 minutes - 39 MB

On January 28, 2021, the Foundation Food Group facility in Gainesville, Georgia, experienced a liquid nitrogen release that ultimately resulted in six employee fatalities. The U.S. Chemical Safety Board (CSB) released their final investigation report into this incident on December 11, 2023, and today Molly and Jo are here to cover all of the report's highlights. We'll walk you through details regarding the day of the incident, the hazards of liquid nitrogen, the root cause of the incident an...

Episode 93 - Incident Breakdown: 2017 Fatal Dust Explosion and Fire at Didion Milling Facility in Cambria, WI

January 12, 2024 22:56 - 44 minutes - 34.8 MB

On December 6, 2023, the US Chemical Safety Board (CSB) released its final report into the 2017 fatal dust explosion and fire at the Didion Milling Facility in Cambria, WI. In today's episode, Rob and Jo give you an overview of the CSB's findings, covering what happened, the causes, the recommendations CSB made, what types of companies could be at risk from incidents like this one, and key lessons for the industry. Find the resources we mention in this week's episode at the links below: C...

Episode 92 - 2023 Incident Recap & Process Safety Resolutions for 2024

December 29, 2023 21:34 - 28 minutes - 23.1 MB

In this extra special episode, the whole Amplify crew is here to talk about how 2023 unfolded in terms of process safety. They cover an overview of CSB accidental release events as well as other process safety events they tracked across multiple countries and industries throughout the year, and what their big takeaways are from looking at all the data available for these incidents. In the second half of the episode, they share six process safety related New Years' resolutions you can adopt a...

Episode 91 - Process Safety for Large Capital Projects with Guest Brad Bazargani

December 15, 2023 18:03 - 38 minutes - 27.7 MB

In this episode, Molly is joined by Brad Bazargani, who listeners may recognize as one of the process safety professionals who participated in Episode 84. Today, Molly and Brad discuss how to integrate process safety into large capital projects, including when PHAs should be conducted and which methodology should be used, managing changes, considerations for facility siting, development of operator training and procedures, establishment of MI programs, conducting PSSRs, and handling a large ...

Episode 90 - Incident Breakdown: 2021 Fatal Vapor Explosion and Fire at Yenkin-Majestic Facility in Columbus, OH

December 08, 2023 23:39 - 42 minutes - 33.9 MB

In this episode, Rob and Molly cover the latest CSB final report on the 2021 fatal vapor explosion and fire at the Yenkin-Majestic facility in Columbus, OH. On April 8, 2021, a mixture of flammable naphtha solvent vapors and resin liquid escaped through the seal of a closed manway of an operating kettle and created a flammable vapor cloud, which quickly found an ignition source. The resulting explosion and fire led to the death of one employee, injuries to eight others, and over $90 millio...

Episode 89 - Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS)

November 11, 2023 00:23 - 37 minutes - 30.7 MB

In this episode, Rob and Jo talk about CMMS, or computerized maintenance managements systems. You'll learn how to make the best CMMS platform selection for your facility, important considerations you should make when it comes to the set up of your CMMS platform, and how to ensure your CMMS gets updated as changes are made in your facility. They'll also talk customization options, mobile apps, permissions, contractor involvement, recordkeeping, reporting/dashboards, and more. If you're consid...

Episode 88 - Why Senior Management Should Care About Process Safety

October 28, 2023 02:35 - 36 minutes - 21.1 MB

In today's episode Rob and Molly answer two important questions when it comes to senior management and process safety: 1) Why is it important for senior management to understand process safety, and 2) how can senior management lead the company to ensure that process safety is a high priority? They cover historic catastrophic impacts when process safety has not been prioritized, the Business Case for Process Safety (CCSP whitepaper), what "good" looks like when prioritizing process safety, ...

Episode 87 - Chemical Reactivity Concerns with Guest Tom Kuechler

October 13, 2023 15:54 - 35 minutes - 19.7 MB

In this episode, Molly is joined by guest Tom Kuechler. Tom (Ph.D., inorganic chemistry) has over 35 years of experience in the water treatment industry (pool/spas, drinking water, and cooling towers), chiefly with chlorinated isocyanurates, including 15 years at Occidental Chemical Corporation’s trichloroisocyanuric acid plant. His responsibilities have included product and application research, field trials, technical service, manufacturing support, and regulatory support. Today, Molly ...

Episode 86 - Operator Training - Part 2: Refresher Training

September 29, 2023 22:33 - 20 minutes - 17.4 MB

Molly and Rob are back with Part 2 of Operator Training in this companion episode to Episode 77 - Operator Training - Part 1: Initial Training. Today they're talking operator refresher training; what's required by PSM & RMP, what's considered a best practice, and some training considerations for facilities with infrequent turnarounds. If you haven't already, be sure to also check out Episode 31 -Effective Operator Training.

Episode 85 - Participating in Your First PHA

September 16, 2023 01:00 - 31 minutes - 25.6 MB

So it's your first time on a Process Hazard Analysis (PHA) team, and you don't know what exactly to expect. Start with this episode! In this episode, Rob and Molly discuss everything you need to know as a first-time PHA team member. They cover the goals of a PHA, the basics of the most common PHA methodologies, PHA team members and requirements, ground rules for the study sessions, how the experience is valuable, what to expect after the study sessions end, and more. If you are an operator, ...

Episode 84 - Why Process Safety Should Matter to You

September 01, 2023 20:27 - 54 minutes - 45.8 MB

Today's episode is an extra special one. We know we say that a lot, but we really mean it. In this episode, we bring you a collection of 11 stories from folks who share with us why process safety matters to them, and why you should care too. If you're new to the world of process safety, we hope this will inspire you, and if you're an experienced process safety professional, we think you'll enjoy these passionate stories that are sure to echo your own. A huge thank you to everyone who parti...

Episode 83 - Incident Breakdown: 2019 Tank Farm Fire at Intercontinental Terminals Company, LLC (ITC) in Deer Park, TX

August 18, 2023 23:56 - 23 minutes - 20.1 MB

In this episode, Rob and Jo team up to cover another CSB final report. In this incident breakdown, they cover the 2019 tank farm fire at the Intercontinental Terminals Company, LLC (ITC) bulk liquid storage terminal in Deer Park, Texas. On March 17, 2019, a circulation pump failure led to the release of a butane-enriched naptha product from a large aboveground storage tank, and the flammable vapors eventually ignited. The resulting fire spread to the other 14 nearby tanks and then burned for ...

Episode 83 - Incident Breakdown - 2019 Tank Farm Fire at Intercontinental Terminals Company, LLC (ITC) in Deer Park, TX

August 18, 2023 23:56 - 23 minutes - 20.1 MB

In this episode, Rob and Jo team up to cover another CSB final report. In this incident breakdown, they cover the 2019 tank farm fire at the Intercontinental Terminals Company, LLC (ITC) bulk liquid storage terminal in Deer Park, Texas. On March 17, 2019, a circulation pump failure led to the release of a butane-enriched naptha product from a large aboveground storage tank, and the flammable vapors eventually ignited. The resulting fire spread to the other 14 nearby tanks and then burned for ...

Episode 82 - Incident Breakdown: 2020 Fatal Explosion at Optima Belle Facility

August 04, 2023 21:14 - 35 minutes - 30 MB

In this episode, Molly and Jo are back with another incident breakdown, covering the CSB's final report on the 2020 fatal explosion at the Optima Belle Facility in Belle, WV. On December 8, 2020, workers were drying CDB-56 in a press-rated rotary double cone dryer, when the material began to decompose and generate significant amounts of toxic gases, leading to an overpressure of the dryer and subsequent rupture, fire, and toxic chlorine release. In this episode, Molly and Jo cover the materi...

Episode 81 - Incident Breakdown: 2020 Fatal Explosion and Fire at Watson Grinding Facility

July 21, 2023 22:09 - 41 minutes - 24.9 MB

In this episode, Molly and Jo discuss the CSB's final investigation report on the 2020 fatal explosion and fire at the Watson Grinding facility in Houston, Texas. On January 24, 2020, a propylene release in a coating booth at the facility resulted in a fire and explosion that killed two workers and one nearby resident, injured two workers, and damaged over 450 nearby structures. Today, Molly and Jo provide some background information on the facility, including previous incidents, precautions...

Episode 80 - Incident Breakdown: 2020 Fatal Chemical Release at Wacker Polysilicon Facility in Tennessee

July 08, 2023 00:10 - 43 minutes - 36.5 MB

In this episode, Molly and Jo discuss the CSB's final investigation report on the 2020 fatal chemical release at Wacker Polysilicon facility in Charleston, Tennessee. On November 13, 2020, a contractor on the fifth level of an operating platform tightened the bolts on a graphite heat exchanger to an incorrect torque setting, cracking the exchanger, which released gaseous HCl and obscured two contractor groups' access down the 70-foot platform's only staircase. Three of the contractors attemp...

Episode 79 - What is OperAid? with Guest Neil Beekie

June 23, 2023 15:06 - 23 minutes - 19.4 MB

In this episode, Rob is joined by guest Neil Beekie, CEO and co-founder of OperAid. Neil discusses his background in plant operations, and details how a significant event he experienced as a lead operator led him to the eventual development of OperAid, a software tool that assists operators with real-time verification of manual tasks. Operators and non-operators alike will be sure to find value in this episode. To learn more about OperAid, visit https://operaidsoft.com/. To connect with Ne...

Episode 78 - Incident Breakdown: 2021 Fatal Acid Release at LyondellBasell La Porte Complex

June 09, 2023 11:00 - 21 minutes - 13.5 MB

In this episode, Molly and Jo discuss the CSB's final investigation report on the 2021 fatal acid release at LyondellBasell La Port Complex in La Porte, Texas. On July 27, 2021, contractors inadvertently removed pressure retaining components of a valve, releasing 164,000 pounds of acetic acid mixture, which fatally injured two contract workers. Today, Molly and Jo provide some background information on LyondellBasell and the substances involved in the release, talk about what exactly happene...

Episode 77 - Operator Training - Part 1: Initial Training

May 26, 2023 15:12 - 30 minutes - 18.1 MB

In this episode, Rob and Molly discuss the PSM requirements for initial operator training. They cover all of the requirements for content to cover in training, as well as their additional content suggestions, and talk about the different methodologies that can be used to perform verification and documentation of training. Stay tuned for Part 2 in which Rob and Molly discuss refresher training for existing operators and other miscellaneous training topics. If you haven't already, be sure ...

Episode 76 - Incident Breakdown: 2020 Toxic Gas Release and Chemical Fire at Bio-Lab Facility

May 12, 2023 11:30 - 25 minutes - 15.7 MB

In this episode, Rob and Jo discuss the CSB's investigation report on the 2020 toxic gas release and chemical fire at Bio-Lab Facility in Westlake, Louisiana. On August 27, 2020, strong winds from Hurricane Laura damaged buildings at the facility, causing rainwater to come into contact with the trichloroisocyanuric acid (TCCA) that was stored inside. A chemical reaction began, and the TCCA began to decompose, releasing heat that started a fire, while also releasing a large amount of hazardou...

Episode 75 - Mechanical Integrity (MI) Inspection Requirements with Guest William McBride

April 28, 2023 19:17 - 35 minutes - 20.8 MB

In this episode, Molly is joined by our show's very first podcast guest, William McBride, who first joined us all the way back in Episode 7. Today, Will and Molly discuss the types of inspections that are required for process vessels and tanks. They'll cover what's involved in inspecting ASME pressure vessels and atmospheric storage tanks, and how equipment that doesn't fit ASME VIII or API 2000 is handled when it comes to inspections, including open-top mixing vessels, "equipment" fabricate...

Episode 74 - The Challenges of Engineering in a High Hazard Plant with Guest Doug McMahon

April 14, 2023 23:00 - 23 minutes - 13.4 MB

In this episode, Rob is joined by guest Doug McMahon, who is a chemical engineer with 15 years of experience in the industry. Doug is currently the process technology manager at a site that produces organic peroxides, so he knows firsthand about the challenges of engineering in a high hazard plant. Today, Rob and Doug cover five of these challenges - which include choosing the right thing to do, making the right choices for how you will do it, managing details throughout the entire process, ...

Episode 73 - Incident Breakdown: 2019 Explosions and Fires at TPC Group (TPC) Port Neches Operations (PNO) Facility

April 01, 2023 01:00 - 27 minutes - 16.4 MB

In this episode, Rob and Molly discuss the CSB's investigation report on the 2019 popcorn polymer accumulation, pipe rupture, explosions, and fires at the TPC Group (TPC) Port Neches Operations (PNO) facility in Port Neches, Texas. On November 27, 2019, a pump that had been taken out of service for 114 days created a deadleg where butadiene polymer developed. The polymer filled the pipe and developed enough pressure to rupture the piping, releasing flammable butadiene which then ignited, res...

Episode 72 - Incident Breakdown: 2018 Ethylene Release and Fire at Kuraray America, Inc. with Guest Chris Paskach

March 17, 2023 13:00 - 30 minutes - 26 MB

In this episode, Molly is joined a second time by guest Chris Paskach, who is currently the Flare Master at the Phillips 66 Wood River Refinery in Roxana, Illinois. Molly and Chris discuss the CSB's investigation report on the 2018 ethylene release and fire at the Kuraray America, Inc. EVAL facility in Pasadena, Texas. During the event on May 19, 2018, 2,347 pounds of ethylene were released in approximately three minutes, after high pressure conditions inside the reactor resulted in the use ...

Episode 71 - Incident Breakdown: 2018 Explosion and Asphalt Fire at Husky Superior Refinery

March 03, 2023 22:24 - 36 minutes - 21.9 MB

In this episode, Jo and Molly discuss the CSB's final investigation report on the 2018 explosion and asphalt fire at the Husky Superior Refinery in Superior, Wisconsin. During a shutdown on April 26, 2018, flammable material got into a section of equipment which contained oxygen and ignited, causing two vessels to explode into fragments, one of which punctured a nearby asphalt storage tank. The resulting asphalt spill spread through several production units and then caught fire. Fortunately ...

Episode 70 - Improving Process Safety Culture with Guest Peter Hereña

February 17, 2023 16:53 - 33 minutes - 19.6 MB

In today's episode, Rob is joined by Peter Hereña, who currently serves as the process safety manager at CF Industries. Rob and Peter start their discussion by defining what process safety culture is, and what a good process safety culture looks like. Then Peter shares how his company organized a process safety week last October, and all of the components, planning, and branding that went into the event. Peter ends the episode by offering his advice to others who might also want to try a pro...

Episode 69 - Incident Breakdown: 2019 Explosion and Fire at AB Specialty Silicones

February 04, 2023 00:59 - 30 minutes - 25.2 MB

In this episode, Rob and Jo discuss the CSB's investigation report on the 2019 explosion and fire at AB Specialty Silicones in Waukegan, Illinois. On May 3, 2019, operators were performing a batch operation when two incompatible chemicals were added to the same tank, which produced hydrogen gas, and eventually led to a massive explosion and fire that killed four employees. The CSB released its final report on the incident on 9/24/2021 and then an incompatible chemicals video about the incide...

Episode 68 - Incident Breakdown: 2019 Refinery Fire and Explosions at Philadelphia Energy Solutions (PES) with Guest Tim Murphy

January 20, 2023 20:48 - 33 minutes - 19.3 MB

In this episode, Rob and Molly are joined by previous podcast guest, Tim Murphy, to discuss the 2019 fire and explosions at Philadelphia Energy Solutions (PES). In a previous role many years ago, Tim served as a process safety coordinator for the refinery, and although he was not employed there later when the incident occurred, he is able to provide additional context surrounding the incident due to this former role. In this episode, you'll learn a brief history of the facility, hear what ha...

Episode 67 - Incident Breakdown: 2016 Flash Fire at Sunoco Logistics Partners

January 06, 2023 23:03 - 20 minutes - 11.7 MB

On September 28, 2022, the US Chemical Safety Board (CSB) released its final report on the 2016 flash fire incident that injured 7 workers at Sunoco Logistics Partners in Nederland, TX. In today's episode, Rob and John provide context related to the hot work activities that were taking place at the time of the incident, go through the CSB's findings and recommendations, and then provide their thoughts on the hazards related to hot work and the use of contractors.  Find the resources we ment...

Episode 66 - Tornadoes, Natural Hazards, and Emergency Planning

December 09, 2022 21:43 - 26 minutes - 21.9 MB

In this episode, our midwestern colleagues take the podcast by storm (pun intended). John and Molly talk about how tornadoes and other natural hazards can be accounted for in both emergency planning and as part of a robust Process Hazard Analysis (PHA). They'll cover routine drills, evacuation, and shelter in place practices, muster points and emergency response, and their opinions on complacency towards repeated drills. Whether you too, find yourself in Tornado Alley, or if you're located e...

Process Safety Incident Alert: Fatal Fire at Industrial Trading Company in China

November 29, 2022 16:15 - 5 minutes - 3.56 MB

On Monday, November 21, 2022, hot work activities at an industrial trading company in China led to a fatal fire when cotton cloth located near the welding activities went up in flames. The fire killed 38, injured 2, and took over 4 hours to extinguish. In this episode, Rob and Molly bring you the latest information about the incident, and offer a reminder about the role that a robust hot work program plays in preventing loss of life.  Read more about the incident here and here.  View the C...

Episode 65 - Chemical Reactivity Testing with Guest Michelle Murphy

November 11, 2022 23:24 - 20 minutes - 12.8 MB

In Episode 65, guest Michelle Murphy is back again with Molly - this time to talk about chemical reactivity testing. Molly and Michelle cover the basics of chemical reactivity testing, including who should consider this type of testing, where to start, what can be learned from testing, information about the samples needed, and much, much, more.  Listen to our previous episode with Michelle Murphy, Episode 51 - Combustible Dust Testing with Guest Michelle Murphy, here. To contact Michelle, s...

Episode 64 - Top 10 Talk: What the PSM All-Stars Are Doing

October 28, 2022 10:01 - 23 minutes - 13.5 MB

In Episode 62, we covered PSM practices that we considered to be red flags indicating the potential for a weak process safety program. In today's episode, we tackle just the opposite - the PSM All-Stars. What can we learn from the best of the best, and what exactly are these All-Stars doing that makes their process safety programs so great? John and Molly break it down for you in today's episode, and cover the top 10 best practices they've seen from the most impressive PSM champions across i...

Episode 63 - Relief Device Documentation with Guest Chris Paskach

October 14, 2022 12:02 - 26 minutes - 15.7 MB

In this episode, Molly is joined by Chris Paskach, who is currently the Flare Master at the Phillips 66 Wood River Refinery in Roxana, Illinois. Although there are only a few short references to relief devices in the PSM standard, the amount of documentation that is required is quite expansive, so Molly and Chris break down the basics for you in this episode. They'll cover the relief system design and design basis information required for PSI, reference information needed to support a proces...

Episode 62 - Top 10 Talk: Process Safety Red Flags

October 05, 2022 18:35 - 29 minutes - 17 MB

In today's episode, we bring you another Top 10 Talk, this time on practices we deem to be "process safety red flags". In this episode, John and Rob cover what they consider to be red flags pointing to the potential for systemic issues in a facility's process safety program. They'll cover management's attitude, prioritization, and resource allocation, approaches to documentation, including reliance on paper-based systems, lack of attention to detail and poor operational discipline, lack of u...

Process Safety Incident Alert - Fatalities at BP-Husky Refinery in Oregon, OH

September 27, 2022 18:22 - 16 minutes - 14.4 MB

On Tuesday, September 20, 2022, an accidental release event occurred at the BP-Husky Toledo refinery in Oregon, OH, which ultimately resulted in two employee fatalities, the release of sulfur dioxide and hydrogen sulfide, and significant property damage. In this episode, John and Rob bring you the latest information about the incident, and offer a reminder about the role that PHAs, operating procedures, MOCs, and PSSRs play when it comes to shutdown/turnaround operations and safety.  CSB De...

Process Safety Incident Alert: Fatalities at BP-Husky Refinery in Oregon, OH

September 27, 2022 18:22 - 16 minutes - 14.4 MB

On Tuesday, September 20, 2022, an accidental release event occurred at the BP-Husky Toledo refinery in Oregon, OH, which ultimately resulted in two employee fatalities, the release of sulfur dioxide and hydrogen sulfide, and significant property damage. In this episode, John and Rob bring you the latest information about the incident, and offer a reminder about the role that PHAs, operating procedures, MOCs, and PSSRs play when it comes to shutdown/turnaround operations and safety.  CSB De...

Episode 61 - Combustible Dust Management Systems

September 16, 2022 21:39 - 27 minutes - 15.8 MB

In this episode, Rob and Molly compare the requirements of combustible dust management systems with the requirements of the PSM standard. They walk through each similar element and then point out the three largest differences between the PSM standard and the NFPA combustible dust standard. Whether your facility is already PSM-covered, or isn't, you'll want to catch this episode if you handle combustible dusts. We also recommend that you check out Episode 16 - Combustible Dusts & DHAs and Epi...