Property Damage (Fire / Explosion)
- A release of hazardous material during a line or equipment opening can cause property damage if released materials are flammable. Depending on the surrounding area, the released material may find an ignition source and cause a fire or an explosion.
Personal Injury (Safety / Human Health)
- Line or Equipment Opening, if not done properly, can lead to release of hazardous materials and personnel exposure with serious injuries or fatalities
- Exposure to corrosive materials (i.e. acids or caustic) causing chemical burns
- Exposure to corrosive materials (i.e. acids or caustic) causing chemical burns
- Exposure to toxic materials (i.e. benzene, hydrogen sulfide, phenol)
- Exposure to hot materials (i.e. steam) causing thermal burns
- Release of material under pressure causing an injury
- If these materials are flammable the release may find an ignition source leading to a fire or an explosion.
Chemical Release / Environmental Impact (On-Site)
In addition to the Property Damage and Personal Injury consequences stated above, facilities must also consider the potential for escalation that could result in environmental damage or additional personal injuries occurring on-site.
- Environmental damage due to releases to the air, soil, or bodies of water resulting from line or equipment opening hazardous material releases
- Personnel injuries outside of the immediate area due the release of toxic materials from line or equipment opening activities
- Personal injuries outside of the immediate area due to fire or explosions resulting from possible ignition of flammable materials released during line or equipment opening.
Chemical Release / Environmental Impact (Off-Site)
In addition to the Property Damage and Personal Injury consequences stated above, facilities must also consider the potential for escalation that could result in environmental damage or additional personal injuries occurring off-site.
- Environmental damage due to releases to the air, soil, or bodies of water resulting from line or equipment opening hazardous material releases
- Personnel injuries outside of the plant boundaries due the release of toxic materials from line or equipment opening activities
- Personal injuries outside of the plant boundaries due to fire or explosions resulting from possible ignition of flammable materials released during line or equipment opening.