Webinars

Managing Ignition Sources: An Introduction to Electrical Classification, Electrostatics, and MEIRA

When: Weds., February 19, 2020 at 2:00pm EST.

Investigations of explosions and flash fire incidents often involve trying to identify the ignition source that caused the event. Often, the ignition is caused by energy sources from electrical circuits & equipment, electrostatic spark discharges, and energy associated with moving mechanical equipment. These energy sources are virtually everywhere and can have enough energy to ignite the full spectrum of flammable gases, vapors, and dusts.

Join us for Managing Ignition Sources: An Introduction to Hazardous Area Classification, Electrostatics, and MEIRA

During this complimentary webinar we will discuss:

• Important material properties as they pertain to ignition
• Important material properties as they pertain to electrostatic charge creation
• Foundational approaches to managing hazards associated with electrical ignition sources
• Electrical (Hazardous Area) Classification per NFPA 70
• Electrical (Hazardous Area) Classification documentation per NFPA 497 and NFPA 499
• Basic concepts of classified area electrical equipment and wiring methods
• Electrostatic charge generation and spark discharge fundamentals
• Principals of bonding and grounding, including common practices
• How to perform a Mechanical and Electrical Ignition Risk Assessment (MEIRA)
• Pragmatic ideas on how to conduct assessments (team approach), leverage process safety information, document results, and manage change

Beyond Compliance: Risk Based Process Safety Applications

When: Weds., March 11, 2020 at 2:00pm EST.

After several high-profile accidents in the 1980s, OSHA and EPA issued the PSM Standard and Risk Management Plan rule, respectively. These regulations have changed little over the decades, and it is becoming increasingly clear that the risk of catastrophic fires, explosions, and chemical releases is not limited to the chemical & refinery industry sectors.

Increasing number of organizations are recognizing the need to adopt process safety management systems and apply them beyond the limited scope of OSHA & EPA Process Safety regulatory requirements. An example of this is increased focus within numerous industry segments concerning the explosive hazards of combustible dust, and the inclusion of process safety management systems within NFPA 652 (2019), Standard on the Fundamentals of Combustible Dust.

This presentation will provide:

• An overview of the CCPS Risk Based Process Safety model,
• Introduce practical approaches to apply process safety outside of traditional chemical industry segments, and
• Describe ways to improve an organization’s risk management effectiveness.

Several case studies from outside traditional chemical industry sectors will be offered to demonstrate how a holistic, risk-based approach to applying process safety principles can improve any organization trying to manage potentially catastrophic risk.

NFPA 30 (2020); Practical Viewpoints to Ensure Flammable Liquid Safety

When: Weds., May 6, 2020 at 2:00pm EDT

This presentation will overview the fundamental principles required to establish a basis of safety for proper handling and storage of liquids. Changes proposed for the 2020 edition of NFPA 30 will be highlighted, along with discussing their implications to flammable and combustible liquid safety practices. Practical tips for the Process Safety Professional to navigate the many older versions of NFPA 30 that are adopted into present regulatory requirements will also be shared.

The educational objectives of this presentation include:

• Learn to identify hazards associated flammable and combustible liquids.
• Be able to apply practical strategies for establishing a Basis of Safety for operations involving flammable and combustible liquids.
• Become aware of common and practical methods for safe storage and handling of flammable liquids.
• Understand how to navigate through Flammable Liquid Code Requirements presented by legacy and modern versions of NFPA 30.
• Identify and understand key changes made to the 2020 edition of NFPA 30.

An Overview of Emergency Relief System Design Using DIERS Methodology

When: Weds., June 10, 2020 at 2:00 pm EDT.

The emergency relief system (ERS) design of a vessel is an important safeguard that provides protection against various overpressure scenarios. A common overpressure scenario is a runaway reaction which can be caused by an upset condition for a reactive chemical operation. The Design Institute for Emergency Relief Systems (DIERS) has identified accepted methodologies to characterize two-phase flow venting for reactive chemical systems where runaway reactions can occur.

This webinar will review the relevant codes, standards and design practices that are applicable for ERS design. Equipment used for ERS design will be reviewed with advantages and limitations for each. Concepts such as low-phi factor calorimetry data, system types and effluent handling considerations will be covered. More detailed information will be provided regarding using low phi factor calorimetry to evaluate the 3 types of systems: vapor, hybrid and gassy. This webinar is intended to provide an overview of ERS design and relevant DIERS methodology for reactive chemical systems.

Classification of Hazardous Materials for Transport: UN/DOT Requirements and How It Impacts Your Organization

When: Weds., July 15, 2020 at 2:00pm EDT.

In today’s global economy goods and materials are shipped all over the world via various modes of transportation. Proper classification of hazardous materials is important to prevent potentially catastrophic incidents and to ensure the safety of those knowingly or unknowingly traveling alongside those materials. The United Nations’ Global Harmonized System provides a way to easily classify many different types of hazards and the UN/DOT enforces these classifications by requiring proper documentation, packaging, and external labeling to ensure clear hazard communication and safe transportation. Failure to adhere to these requirements can result in significant fines.

This webinar will summarize UN/DOT requirements for the classification of hazardous materials, the differences between hazard classes, how they might impact shipping requirements, and the test methods that can be employed to prove whether a material is considered hazardous for transportation.