The CSB issues safety recommendations to prevent the recurrence or reduce the likelihood or consequences of similar incidents or hazards in the future. Recommendations are issued to a variety of parties, including government entities, safety organizations, trade unions, trade associations, corporations, emergency response organizations, educational institutions, and public interest groups. Recommendations are published in CSB reports and are closed only by vote of the Board. The CSB tracks all recommendations and communicates regularly with recommendations recipients to ensure that the recommended corrective actions are implemented. For more information, see Frequently Asked Questions about CSB recommendations.
2021-03-I-GA-9
Develop a comprehensive standard for the safe storage, handling, and use of liquid nitrogen in stationary applications, comparable to the guidance presented in CGA G-6.5 Standard for Small Stationary Insulated Carbon Dioxide Systems. At a minimum, the standard should include: a) requirements for and guidance on the location, the maintenance, and the functional testing of atmospheric monitoring devices; b) requirements for visible and audible alarm indication distinct from the building’s fire alarm system and at a continuously attended location; c) guidance on the design, function, periodic maintenance and testing, and location of room and emergency ventilation systems; and, d) requirements for and guidance on the location of emergency shutdown devices including E-stops. Status: Open - Awaiting Response or Evaluation/Approval of Response
Develop a comprehensive standard for the safe storage, handling, and use of liquid nitrogen in stationary applications, comparable to the guidance presented in CGA G-6.5 Standard for Small Stationary Insulated Carbon Dioxide Systems. At a minimum, the standard should include:
a) requirements for and guidance on the location, the maintenance, and the functional testing of atmospheric monitoring devices;
b) requirements for visible and audible alarm indication distinct from the building’s fire alarm system and at a continuously attended location;
c) guidance on the design, function, periodic maintenance and testing, and location of room and emergency ventilation systems; and,
d) requirements for and guidance on the location of emergency shutdown devices including E-stops.
2021-03-I-GA-10
Update P-76 Hazards of Oxygen-Deficient Atmospheres. At a minimum, the updated standard should: a) require that atmospheric monitoring systems shall be utilized with processes, equipment, and piping systems capable of producing oxygen-deficient atmospheres; b) require that atmospheric monitoring systems provide both visible and audible alarm indication distinct from a building’s fire alarm system and at a continuously attended location; c) require that processes, equipment, and piping systems capable of producing oxygen-deficient atmospheres shall be equipped with remotely operated emergency isolation valves (ROEIVs); and d) include guidance on the adequate safe location of emergency stop devices. At a minimum this guidance should be harmonized with the requirements of ISO 13850 Safety of machinery – Emergency stop function – Principles for design. As necessary, augment the general guidance of ISO 13850 with guidance specific to processes, equipment, and piping using cryogenic asphyxiants and inert gases. Status: Open - Awaiting Response or Evaluation/Approval of Response
Update P-76 Hazards of Oxygen-Deficient Atmospheres. At a minimum, the updated standard should:
a) require that atmospheric monitoring systems shall be utilized with processes, equipment, and piping systems capable of producing oxygen-deficient atmospheres;
b) require that atmospheric monitoring systems provide both visible and audible alarm indication distinct from a building’s fire alarm system and at a continuously attended location;
c) require that processes, equipment, and piping systems capable of producing oxygen-deficient atmospheres shall be equipped with remotely operated emergency isolation valves (ROEIVs); and
d) include guidance on the adequate safe location of emergency stop devices. At a minimum this guidance should be harmonized with the requirements of ISO 13850 Safety of machinery – Emergency stop function – Principles for design. As necessary, augment the general guidance of ISO 13850 with guidance specific to processes, equipment, and piping using cryogenic asphyxiants and inert gases.
2021-03-I-GA-1
Include in the emergency action program provisions for proactively interacting with and informing local emergency response resources of all emergencies at the former FFG Plant 4 facility to which Gold Creek expects them to respond. At a minimum, Gold Creek should: a) inform local emergency responders of the existence, nature, and location of hazardous substances at its facilities, including liquid nitrogen; b) inform local emergency responders of the location of emergency-critical equipment such as bulk storage tanks, points of use, isolation valves, E-stop switches, and any other emergency equipment or systems with which emergency responders may need to interact; and, c) provide local emergency responders with information, such as facility plot plans, engineering drawings, or other information needed to mount an effective emergency response. Status: Open - Acceptable Response or Alternate Response
Include in the emergency action program provisions for proactively interacting with and informing local emergency response resources of all emergencies at the former FFG Plant 4 facility to which Gold Creek expects them to respond. At a minimum, Gold Creek should:
a) inform local emergency responders of the existence, nature, and location of hazardous substances at its facilities, including liquid nitrogen;
b) inform local emergency responders of the location of emergency-critical equipment such as bulk storage tanks, points of use, isolation valves, E-stop switches, and any other emergency equipment or systems with which emergency responders may need to interact; and,
c) provide local emergency responders with information, such as facility plot plans, engineering drawings, or other information needed to mount an effective emergency response.
2021-03-I-GA-12
Update the International Fire Code to: a) require the use of atmospheric monitoring with cryogenic asphyxiants in accordance with industry guidance such as is contained in CGA P-76 Hazards of Oxygen-Deficient Atmospheres and CGA P-12 Safe Handling of Cryogenic Liquids in addition to CGA P-18 Standard for Bulk Inert Gas Systems; and, b) include guidance on the adequate safe location of manual shutoff valves and devices such as emergency push buttons used to activate remotely operated emergency isolation valves (ROEIVs) in cryogenic fluid service. At a minimum this guidance should be harmonized with the requirements of ISO 13850 Safety of machinery – Emergency stop function – Principles for design. Status: Open - Awaiting Response or Evaluation/Approval of Response
Update the International Fire Code to:
a) require the use of atmospheric monitoring with cryogenic asphyxiants in accordance with industry guidance such as is contained in CGA P-76 Hazards of Oxygen-Deficient Atmospheres and CGA P-12 Safe Handling of Cryogenic Liquids in addition to CGA P-18 Standard for Bulk Inert Gas Systems; and,
b) include guidance on the adequate safe location of manual shutoff valves and devices such as emergency push buttons used to activate remotely operated emergency isolation valves (ROEIVs) in cryogenic fluid service. At a minimum this guidance should be harmonized with the requirements of ISO 13850 Safety of machinery – Emergency stop function – Principles for design.
2021-03-I-GA-2
Update the company product stewardship policy to: a) include participation by Messer in customers’ process hazard analyses (PHAs). The policy should require that these PHAs be conducted in a manner which conforms with CCPS Guidelines for Hazard Evaluation Procedures prior to the startup of a cryogenic freezing process; b) require verification that proper signage, in accordance with CGA P-76 Hazards of Oxygen-Deficient Atmospheres, is displayed on and/or near equipment; and, c) require a facility and/or equipment siting review to ensure that emergency shutoff devices, including E-stops, are located such that they can be safely actuated during a release of liquid nitrogen. Status: Open - Awaiting Response or Evaluation/Approval of Response
Update the company product stewardship policy to:
a) include participation by Messer in customers’ process hazard analyses (PHAs). The policy should require that these PHAs be conducted in a manner which conforms with CCPS Guidelines for Hazard Evaluation Procedures prior to the startup of a cryogenic freezing process;
b) require verification that proper signage, in accordance with CGA P-76 Hazards of Oxygen-Deficient Atmospheres, is displayed on and/or near equipment; and,
c) require a facility and/or equipment siting review to ensure that emergency shutoff devices, including E-stops, are located such that they can be safely actuated during a release of liquid nitrogen.
2021-03-I-GA-3
Create an informational product that provides Messer customers with information on the safety issues described in this report. In this informational product, recommend that Messer customers develop and implement effective safety management systems to control asphyxiation hazards from inert gases based on the guidance published in CGA P-86 Guideline for Process Safety Management, CGA P-12 Guideline for Safe Handling of Cryogenic and Refrigerated Liquids, CGA P-18 Standard for Bulk Inert Gas Systems, and CGA P-76 Hazards of Oxygen-Deficient Atmospheres. Status: Open - Awaiting Response or Evaluation/Approval of Response
Create an informational product that provides Messer customers with information on the safety issues described in this report. In this informational product, recommend that Messer customers develop and implement effective safety management systems to control asphyxiation hazards from inert gases based on the guidance published in CGA P-86 Guideline for Process Safety Management, CGA P-12 Guideline for Safe Handling of Cryogenic and Refrigerated Liquids, CGA P-18 Standard for Bulk Inert Gas Systems, and CGA P-76 Hazards of Oxygen-Deficient Atmospheres.
2021-03-I-GA-11
Update NFPA 55 Compressed Gases and Cryogenic Fluids Code to: a) require the use of atmospheric monitoring with cryogenic asphyxiants in accordance with industry guidance such as is contained in CGA P-76 Hazards of Oxygen-Deficient Atmospheres and CGA P-12 Safe Handling of Cryogenic Liquids in addition to CGA P-18 Standard for Bulk Inert Gas Systems; and, b) include guidance on the adequate safe location of manual shutoff valves and devices such as emergency push buttons used to activate remotely operated emergency isolation valves (ROEIVs). At a minimum this guidance should be harmonized with the requirements of ISO 13850 Safety of machinery – Emergency stop function – Principles for design. Status: Open - Awaiting Response or Evaluation/Approval of Response
Update NFPA 55 Compressed Gases and Cryogenic Fluids Code to:
b) include guidance on the adequate safe location of manual shutoff valves and devices such as emergency push buttons used to activate remotely operated emergency isolation valves (ROEIVs). At a minimum this guidance should be harmonized with the requirements of ISO 13850 Safety of machinery – Emergency stop function – Principles for design.
2021-03-I-GA-4
Update the Region 4 Poultry Processing Facilities Regional Emphasis Program to explicitly cover liquid nitrogen freezing processes. At a minimum, the update should encourage practices applicable to managing the hazards of using liquid nitrogen and other cryogenic asphyxiants, including process safety management practices, atmospheric monitoring, employee training and hazard awareness, and emergency preparedness and response. Status: Open - Awaiting Response or Evaluation/Approval of Response
Update the Region 4 Poultry Processing Facilities Regional Emphasis Program to explicitly cover liquid nitrogen freezing processes. At a minimum, the update should encourage practices applicable to managing the hazards of using liquid nitrogen and other cryogenic asphyxiants, including process safety management practices, atmospheric monitoring, employee training and hazard awareness, and emergency preparedness and response.
2021-03-I-GA-5
Update the Region 5 Regional Emphasis Program for Food Manufacturing Industry to explicitly cover liquid nitrogen freezing processes. At a minimum, the update should encourage practices applicable to managing the hazards of using liquid nitrogen and other cryogenic asphyxiants, including process safety management practices, atmospheric monitoring, employee training and hazard awareness, and emergency preparedness and response. Status: Open - Awaiting Response or Evaluation/Approval of Response
Update the Region 5 Regional Emphasis Program for Food Manufacturing Industry to explicitly cover liquid nitrogen freezing processes. At a minimum, the update should encourage practices applicable to managing the hazards of using liquid nitrogen and other cryogenic asphyxiants, including process safety management practices, atmospheric monitoring, employee training and hazard awareness, and emergency preparedness and response.
2021-03-I-GA-6
Update the Region 6 Poultry Processing Facilities Regional Emphasis Program to explicitly cover liquid nitrogen freezing processes. At a minimum, the update should encourage practices applicable to managing the hazards of using liquid nitrogen and other cryogenic asphyxiants, including process safety management practices, atmospheric monitoring, employee training and hazard awareness, and emergency preparedness and response. Status: Open - Awaiting Response or Evaluation/Approval of Response
Update the Region 6 Poultry Processing Facilities Regional Emphasis Program to explicitly cover liquid nitrogen freezing processes. At a minimum, the update should encourage practices applicable to managing the hazards of using liquid nitrogen and other cryogenic asphyxiants, including process safety management practices, atmospheric monitoring, employee training and hazard awareness, and emergency preparedness and response.
2021-03-I-GA-7
Promulgate a standard specific to cryogenic asphyxiants. The purpose of this standard shall be the prevention and/or mitigation of hazards arising from the storage, use, and/or handling of these substances. The new standard shall reference applicable national consensus standards such as those published by the Compressed Gas Association and others, as appropriate. At a minimum the new standard shall: a) Address requirements for the design, construction, and installation of process equipment storing or using cryogenic asphyxiants; b) Require atmospheric monitoring where equipment storing or using cryogenic asphyxiants is located indoors; c) Require emergency shutdown systems such that equipment storing or using cryogenic asphyxiants may be isolated during a release without endangerment; d) Address requirements for employee training and hazard awareness specific to cryogenic asphyxiants; e) Require an emergency action plan in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.38; and, f) Address requirements for the use of process safety management elements such as process hazard analysis, management of change, procedures, and others deemed necessary through the rulemaking process to prevent and/or mitigate these hazards. Status: Open - Awaiting Response or Evaluation/Approval of Response
Promulgate a standard specific to cryogenic asphyxiants. The purpose of this standard shall be the prevention and/or mitigation of hazards arising from the storage, use, and/or handling of these substances. The new standard shall reference applicable national consensus standards such as those published by the Compressed Gas Association and others, as appropriate. At a minimum the new standard shall:
a) Address requirements for the design, construction, and installation of process equipment storing or using cryogenic asphyxiants;
b) Require atmospheric monitoring where equipment storing or using cryogenic asphyxiants is located indoors;
c) Require emergency shutdown systems such that equipment storing or using cryogenic asphyxiants may be isolated during a release without endangerment;
d) Address requirements for employee training and hazard awareness specific to cryogenic asphyxiants;
e) Require an emergency action plan in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.38; and,
f) Address requirements for the use of process safety management elements such as process hazard analysis, management of change, procedures, and others deemed necessary through the rulemaking process to prevent and/or mitigate these hazards.
2021-03-I-GA-8
Develop and publish a Guidance Document (similar to OSHA 3912-03 Process Safety Management for Explosives and Pyrotechnics Manufacturing) for process safety management practices applicable to processes handling compressed gases and cryogenic asphyxiants, including (at a minimum) the practices highlighted in this report. Status: Open - Awaiting Response or Evaluation/Approval of Response
Develop and publish a Guidance Document (similar to OSHA 3912-03 Process Safety Management for Explosives and Pyrotechnics Manufacturing) for process safety management practices applicable to processes handling compressed gases and cryogenic asphyxiants, including (at a minimum) the practices highlighted in this report.