Process Safety Management for Biofuels

1. Overview of Process Safety Biodiesel

This material was produced under grant SH-19479-09-60-F-36 from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor. It does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U.S. Department of Labor, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.

PSM DEFINITION a management system prevention of preparedness for mitigation of response to restoration from

PSM DEFINITION

catastrophic releases of
chemicals or energy

Release of Toxic Chemicals

Fires in the biodiesel industry

Date Oct., 2009 Location Savannah, GA Description Significant damage; one worker hospitalized with a broken leg. Osceola County, FL Facility completely destroyed Burbank, WA Facility had to be demolished Brewster, MN Substantial loss to the plant

Sept., 2009 July, 2009 May, 2009

Fires in the biodiesel industry

Date Location Description July 7, 2006 New Plymouth, Idaho Blue Sky Biodiesel Son of owner was killed after welding torch caused tank to explode Feb., 2006 Bakersfield, CA American Biofuels' plant was demolished after a methanol tote fell off a forklift.

Bakersfield, CA Methanol Fire

Methanol is one of the most dangerous chemicals handled at a biodiesel facility. It is very flammable with a flashpoint of 52 F. It is also necessary since it transforms fats or oils into the fuel and liberates triglycerides as a marketable coproduct. A one gallon spill of methanol led to the Bakersfield fire.

Methanol Toxicity
Methanol, also known as methyl alcohol, wood alcohol, wood naphtha or wood spirits, is highly toxic. Drinking 10 ml (1/3 fluid ounce) can cause blindness, and as little as 100 ml (3-1/2 fluid ounces) can cause death.

Methanol Toxicity
Methanol exposures can cause blindness or even death. These severe effects can be caused by ingestion, inhalation, and also through skin absorption. Know the health effects of methanol and the precautions to take! READ THE Material Safety Data Sheet!

Methanol Toxicity
Methanol exposures can cause blindness or even death. These severe effects can be caused by ingestion, inhalation, and also through skin absorption. Know the health effects of methanol and the precautions to take! READ THE Material Safety Data Sheet!

Sodium hydroxide
Sodium hydroxide, also called caustic soda and lye, can be fatal if swallowed. It is HARMFUL IF INHALED. It can CAUSE BURNS TO ANY AREA OF CONTACT. It CAN CAUSE BLINDNESS. It REACTS WITH WATER, ACIDS AND OTHER MATERIALS.

Remaining Course Material

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Process Hazard Analysis Compliance with fire prevention standards. Standard Operating Procedures Safe work Procedures Mechanical Integrity Management of Change Auditing Process Safety systems Emergency response procedures