1. Overview of Process Safety Biodiesel

1. Overview of Process SafetyBiodiesel

Process Safety Management for Biofuels

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 Location DescriptionOct., 2009 Savannah, GA “Significant damage”; one

worker hospitalized with a broken leg.

Sept., 2009 Osceola County, FL Facility completely destroyedJuly, 2009 Burbank, WA Facility had to be demolishedMay, 2009 Brewster, MN “Substantial loss” to the plant

Fires in the biodiesel industry

Date Location DescriptionJuly 7, 2006 New Plymouth, Idaho Blue Sky Biodiesel – Son of

owner was killed after welding torch caused tank to explodeFeb., 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. Process Hazard Analysis2. Compliance with fire prevention standards.3. Standard Operating Procedures4. Safe work Procedures5. Mechanical Integrity6. Management of Change7. Auditing Process Safety systems8. Emergency response procedures