There were no reports of evacuations due to the Chevron El Segundo fire, but shelter-in-place measures were taken. Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly Mitchell told reporters from KCAL-TV that the fire had been largely contained by 22:30 hours. Thankfully, there were no reports of any casualties and all personnel working the refinery have been accounted for.

Here’s a video from the site posted on YouTube.

The cause of the Chevron Refinery Fire El Segundo incident is not clear. Perhaps OSHA and the US Chemical Safety Board might investigate the incident, since it has happened in a large refinery.

Hydrogen sulfide, also spelled Hydrogen Sulphide, (molecular formula H2S) is a colorless, flammable gas that has a distinct odor of rotten eggs at low concentrations. At higher concentrations however, it deadens the olfactory nerves in human noses and hence cannot be smelled.

It is a highly toxic gas, that can be fatal in high concentrations. H2S gas is commonly found in the oil and gas industry, wastewater treatment plants, and other industries that deal with organic matter as well as in many chemical plants where it is a byproduct. There have been several H2S fatal accidents, like this one that resulted due to a lack of awareness.

Due to its toxic properties, it is crucial for workers to undergo H2S training to be aware of the hazards and learn how to handle H2S safely.

In this comprehensive guide, we will understand what is  H2S training, including online and in-person courses, H2S awareness, H2S certification, and related information. We will cover the various aspects of H2S training, including the requirements, cost, validity, and certification. So, whether you are a worker in an industry that deals with H2S or a concerned individual looking for information on H2S training, this guide is for you.

H2S Training: An Overview

H2S training is designed to provide workers with the knowledge and skills needed to safely work in an environment with H2S gas. The training covers topics such as H2S properties, hazards, detection, prevention, and response. Workers who undergo H2S training will be able to identify H2S hazards, take necessary precautions, and respond appropriately in case of an H2S emergency.

H2S Training Requirements

The training requirements vary depending on the industry and the location. Some industries have specific training requirements that workers must comply with. For instance, the oil and gas industry in Canada and the US mandates this training for workers who work in areas with potential H2S exposure.

In general, the requirements may include a certain number of hours of training, passing an H2S test, and obtaining an H2S certificate. The H2S certificate is proof that a worker has undergone the required training and has met the competency standards.

H2S Training Options

There are several options including online and in-person courses. The choice of the training option selected depends on factors such as the worker’s location, schedule, and preferences.

In-person H2S Training

In-person training involves attending a classroom-based training session led by an H2S instructor. This training option provides an opportunity for interactive learning and allows workers to ask questions and get immediate feedback. In-person H2S training may be a requirement in some industries.

Online H2S Training

Online H2S training is becoming increasingly popular due to its convenience and accessibility. Workers can take the training at their own pace, and from any location with internet access. These type of courses cover the same topics as in-person training and are often interactive, with videos, quizzes, and simulations.

H2S Awareness Training

H2S awareness training is a shorter version that provides workers with basic knowledge of H2S hazards and how to avoid them. This training is suitable for workers who do not work in areas with potential H2S exposure but may encounter H2S hazards.

H2S Certification

Showing an H2S training certificate is proof that a worker has undergone the required H2S training and has met the competency standards. The H2S certificate may be required by the worker’s employer or the industry regulator. The validity of the H2S certificate may vary depending on the industry and location. Some industries require annual H2S training, while others may require biennial or triennial training. This is not just an H2S refresher training, most organizations require you to undergo the complete training course again.

So, why is H2S training important? Let’s find out.

Why is H2S Training Important?

H2S is a highly toxic gas that can cause serious harm or even death if not handled properly. The gas is commonly found in the oil and gas industry, where workers are at high risk of exposure. H2S training teaches workers how to identify the gas, assess the risk, and take necessary precautions to prevent exposure.

H2S training is not only important for the safety of workers but also for the protection of the environment. Accidental release of H2S can have serious consequences for the surrounding community and ecosystem. Proper H2S training can help prevent such incidents.

Moreover, many regulatory bodies require workers in the oil and gas industry to have H2S training and certification. Workers who have completed H2S training and hold a certificate are more likely to be hired and have better job opportunities.

Now that we understand the importance of H2S training let’s look at some of the different types of H2S training available.

Different H2S Training courses available

There are different types of H2S training available, depending on the industry and job requirements. Some of the most common types of H2S training include:

1. Abhisam H2S Training: This is a free online H2S training that can be taken by anybody. It consists of four modules that need to be completed before you can take the associated H2S test. On passing the test, you are eligible to receive a certificate. The H2S certificate is however not free and has to be ordered online. The H2S certificate validity is 2 years from date of issue. The Abhisam H2S certificate is very popular in the Oil and Gas industry in Canada, United States, Saudi Arabia and other countries. It is not just an H2S awareness training, it is very comprehensive and includes H2S handling,  use of Personal Protective Equipment, effects of H2S on humans, emergency measures, use of H2S scrubbers, etc

2. H2S Awareness Training: This is a generic H2S training offered by many providers and is designed for workers who work in an environment where there is a potential for H2S exposure. It covers the basics of H2S safety, including how to recognize H2S, the effects of exposure, and the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

3. H2S Alive Course: This is a H2S safety course that covers everything from the properties of H2S to emergency response procedures. It includes both theoretical and practical training and is designed for workers who may be exposed to H2S in the course of their work.
4. H2S Clear Training: This training is designed for workers who may be exposed to H2S in a low-risk environment. It covers the basics of H2S safety, including how to recognize H2S, the effects of exposure, and the proper use of PPE.
5. H2S Safety Course: This course covers the basics of H2S safety and is designed for workers who work in industries where there is a potential for H2S exposure. It covers the properties of H2S, the effects of exposure, and the proper use of PPE.

Recommendation

Take the Abhisam H2S course as it is completely free upfront. If you need a certificate, the cost is just $30 US and is valid for 2 years. It is accepted worldwide.

Now that we know about the different types of H2S training let’s look at how to get H2S certification.

How to Get H2S Certification

Now we will understand how to get H2S training certification.

All of these courses will have a test at the end of the course. Only on passing the test, will you be eligible for getting a certificate. The validity of the certificate depends on the provider, some are valid for 1 year, some for 2 years and some for 3 years.

H2S Training Costs

The cost of H2S training varies depending on the provider, location, and type of the training.

H2S Online Training Courses

Online courses are generally more affordable than in-person courses, and they allow learners to work at their own pace and on their own schedule.

H2S Online Training Course Fees

The fees for H2S online training courses vary depending on the provider and the length of the course. The Abhisam H2S training course is available for free, while others can cost several hundred dollars. However, it is important to note that the cost of the course should not be the only factor considered when selecting a course. It is crucial to ensure that the course meets the necessary safety requirements and provides adequate training to prevent H2S-related accidents.

H2S Certificate Validity

The validity of H2S certificates varies depending on the jurisdiction and the requirements of the employer. Generally, H2S certificates are valid for one to three years. However, some employers may require re-certification more frequently, especially for workers in high-risk industries.

How to Get H2S Certification

To obtain H2S certification, individuals must complete an H2S training course and pass an examination. The training courses can be completed in-person or online and cover topics such as the properties and hazards of H2S gas, personal protective equipment, and emergency response procedures. Once the course is completed, individuals must pass a final exam to receive their certification.

H2S Training Near Me

If you prefer in-person training or need to attend a course for your job, it is important to find an H2S training provider near you. A quick online search or consultation with your employer can help you find H2S training options in your area.

However the Abhisam H2S training is always near you, since all you need to take it is an internet connected device such as a PC or a laptop or a Macbook or ipad or smartphone. You can access the course from any device and complete it, without leaving your home.

Conclusion

H2S gas is a dangerous and potentially lethal gas that poses a significant risk to workers in various industries. H2S training is necessary to ensure the safety of workers who may encounter the gas on the job. There are various options available for H2S training, including in-person and online courses. It is important to select a course that meets the necessary safety requirements and provides adequate training to prevent H2S-related accidents. By obtaining H2S certification and staying up-to-date with training, workers can protect themselves and others from the dangers of H2S gas.

The mine was an open pit coal mine in the province of Inner Mongolia. Meanwhile, the accident has prompted mine safety checks at several other mines in China and not just coal mines but also rare earth mines such as Lithium mines.

Reportedly over 200 workers have been killed in the year 2022 itself in mining accidents in China.

The latest accident has resulted in a jump in coal prices, which are now about Yuan 1168 (approx $ 168) per ton. The latest spot inspections may result in more closures and coal prices may rise even further.

On Feb 03, 2023 freight train 32N, operated by Norfolk Southern and carrying a mix of hazardous and non hazardous material, derailed near East Palestine Ohio.

This led to a fire and damage to the rail cars that contained Vinyl Chloride. To avoid an uncontrolled explosion of Vinyl Chloride, the authorities decided to release it and trigger a controlled explosion and burn. This led to a huge chemical cloud over the area.

Ohio Train derailment Root Cause

We had correctly speculated on this blog here that the root cause of the Ohio train derailment seemed to be an overheated bearing. This Ohio train derailment cause has now been confirmed by the NTSB report here.

The hazardous material in the derailed rail cars, included Vinyl Chloride, a highly toxic material that decomposes violently when exposed to air or water and releases noxious gases such as Hydrogen Chloride and Phosgene (which is extemely toxic to all living beings and was actually used as chemical weapon in World War I).

According to the NTSB report, Train 32N comprised 2 head-end locomotives, 149 railcars, and 1 distributed power locomotive located between railcars 109 and 110. They included 20
placarded hazardous materials tank cars, transporting combustible liquids, flammable
liquids, and flammable gas, including vinyl chloride.

Train 32N was operating with a dynamic brake application as the train passed a
wayside defect detector on the east side of Palestine, Ohio, at milepost (MP) 49.81.4
The wayside defect detector, or hot bearing detector (HBD), transmitted a critical audible alarm message instructing the crew to slow and stop the train to inspect a hot axle. The train engineer increased the dynamic brake application to further slow and stop the train. During this deceleration, an automatic emergency brake application initiated, and train 32N came to a stop.

Hot Box Detector

What exactly is a Hot Box Detector (HBD for short)?

According to Wikipedia ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hot_box)

A hot box is the term used when an axle bearing overheats on a piece of railway rolling stock. The term is derived from the journal-bearing trucks used before the mid-20th century. The axle bearings were housed in a box that used oil-soaked rags or cotton (collectively called “packing”) to reduce the friction of the axle against the truck frame. When the oil leaked or dried out, the bearings overheated, often starting a fire that could destroy the entire railroad car (and cars coupled to it) if not detected early enough.

Pic Credit: https://commons.wikimedia.org/

The packing and bearing had to be regularly inspected by yard crews, and packing was often added at major stops. The journal bearing was replaceable, but if neglected, it would heat to a temperature where the babbitt bearing alloy would melt away, leaving the brass carrier riding on the steel axle, and result in a “taper journal”. This would eventually lead to the axle fracturing and the car above falling onto the wheel, or failure of the taper journal, causing the side frame and journal box to fall below the level of the rails, either of which could cause a major derailment of the train.

So this is a well known cause of train derailments, fires and other incidents for many decades. It is not something that is newly discovered.

High Temperature Alarms ignored?

Before the emergency stop and derailment, Train 32N passed three HBD systems on its trip before the derailment.

At MP 79.9, the suspect bearing from the 23rd car had a recorded temperature of 38°F above ambient temperature.The train crew should have taken some sort of an action at this point of time, if one assumes that the HBD alarm did reach them.

When train 32N passed the next HBD, at MP 69.01, the bearing’s recorded temperature was 103°F above ambient. After two such alarms, the train crew should have definitely stopped the train and corrected the situation. This of course assumes that they were alerted (the alarm did sound in the locomotive cabin or caboose).

The third HBD, at MP 49.81, recorded the suspect bearing’s temperature at 253°F above ambient. NS has established the following HBD alarm thresholds (above ambient temperature) and criteria for bearings:

• Between 170°F and 200°F, warm bearing (non-critical); stop and inspect
• A difference between bearings on the same axle greater than or equal
to 115°F (non-critical); stop and inspect
• Greater than 200°F (critical); set out railcar.

Although the NTSB report does not say this specifically, but if the earlier alarms had been acted upon, probably the bearing and axle would not have overheated to the point where they caught fire.

That they did catch fire was observed on CCTV surveillance footage from a camera mounted on the perimeter of a large industrial plant near the tracks, before the train derailed.

Conclusion

Although this is a preliminary report, it does appear that the root cause of the accident was overheated or defective bearings. Maintenance does play an important role in preventing accidents. Secondly, the staff should be trained to take action on maintenance alarms to prevent such incident. This of course assumes that the HBD alarm signals did reach the train crew.

Periodic proof testing of such systems is essential to know about failures as soon as it happens and prevent accidents.

What caused the metal plant explosion?

It is not clear what caused this massive explosion that could be viewed from afar.

Here’s a video of the explosion as it occurred via Upward News on Twitter.

?Explosion – Bedford, Ohio. https://t.co/uznDr6Swta

— Upward News (@UpwardNewsHQ) February 20, 2023

The incident is being reported as a mass casualty event, although the exact number of casualties is not yet clear. It is also not clear what caused the explosion.

Meanwhile, the following statement has been issued by the company that owns the plant.

An explosion of unknown origin struck our Bedford, Ohio facility today resulting in injuries to employees and significant damage to the facility.

Our efforts now are focused on supporting the first responders who came on scene quickly to help our employees.

The safety and health of our employees is our top priority and we commit to ensuring they receive the medical care they need.

We will work alongside investigators in their search for answers as part of our commitment to Northeast Ohio where we have been operating for more than 100 years.

Our thoughts and prayers are with our team members and their families at this difficult time.

After the recent Ohio train derailment accident that led to the Ohio chemical cloud, this is the next big accident to happen in the state.

Dust Explosions in metal processing plants

Explosions can happen in manufacturing plants due to several reasons, the most common being due to the presence of dust clouds. Contrary to what many people think, although a pile of metal shavings and dust on the floor is not flammable or explosive, a swirling cloud of metal dust can easily explode.

Thus it is very important for plant managers and safety professionals to prevent the formation of dust clouds in their plants and facilities. In the past there have been several incidents of dust explosions in metal processing plants. The US Chemical Safety Board has released a video about Dust Explosion hazards.