Digest
What’s an Acceptable LEL Detector Reading? — Process Safety Beacon, August 2022
What’s an Acceptable LEL Detector Reading? — Process Safety Beacon, August 2022
- CCPS
- Digest
- Process Safety Beacon August 2022
- Confined SpaceHot Work and FireHydrocarbon ReleaseProcess Safety
- Confined space hazardsExplosionStatic electricity
- Fluid transfer
- Gas detectorHoseStorage tanks
- Atmospheric gas testingIgnition source controlPermit to workStop-work authority
Summary
This bulletin examines a fatal tank explosion during emptying by vacuum truck, where work continued after a reading of 67% of the lower explosive limit. It explains vapour accumulation and sludge hazards, emphasising calibrated gas testing, compliance with testing limits, bonding and grounding, and recognised tank-cleaning practices.
Classifications: Confined space hazards; confined-space hazards.
Classifications: Explosion; explosive atmospheres.
Classifications: Static electricity; electrostatic discharge.
Classifications: Fluid transfer; fluid loading; fluid offloading.
Classifications: Gas detector; gas monitor; gas detection instrument.
Classifications: Hose; flexible hose.
Classifications: Storage tanks; atmospheric tanks.
Classifications: Atmospheric gas testing; gas testing; atmosphere testing.
Classifications: Ignition source control; ignition prevention.
Classifications: Permit to work; PTW; work permit.
Classifications: Stop-work authority; stop work; stop-work intervention.
Summary
One-page Beacon on interpreting LEL gas detector readings and what level is acceptable before work.
Process Safety Beacon August 2022. Themes: confined space, hot work and fire, hydrocarbon release, process safety.