HHS’ Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) today released a condensed version of a 2007 mass medical care planning guide that contains updated resources and new information specific to H1N1. Mass Medical Care With Scarce Resources: The Essentials is a resource for community planners to prepare for public health emergencies, such as pandemic flu, when demand for medical resources outweighs supply. The 70-page guide sets out a framework of basic steps that planners may take to prepare for a mass casualty event. It addresses key questions that each community should ask to properly plan for a well coordinated operational response. The Essentials guide addresses ethical and legal issues and provides tips on preparing for the provision of services to address: pre-hospital, acute hospital care, alternative care sites, and palliative care during disaster conditions. To illustrate how to apply these basic principles, the Essentials guide also includes a special section on influenza pandemic preparedness. This new resource is an abbreviated version of AHRQ’s Mass Medical Care With Scarce Resources: a Community Planning Guide.
Mass Medical Care With Scarce Resources: The Essentials (http://www.ahrq.gov/prep/mmcessentials/) was prepared by Sally J. Phillips, R.N., Ph.D., and Kelly J. Johnson, MPH, of AHRQ and Ann Knebel, R.N., DNSc, of the HHS Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response. It is available online or can be ordered from the AHRQ Clearinghouse by calling 1-800-358-9295 or e-mailing AHRQPubs@.... Ask for AHRQ Pub. No. 09-0016. For more AHRQ resources on public health emergency preparedness, please visit: http://www.ahrq.gov/prep/.
Friday, September 25, 2009
The Combating Terrorism Center at West Point September edition of CT Message List
The Combating Terrorism Center at West Point is pleased to announce the
release of the September edition of the CTC Sentinel. It may be found
on our website at
http://www.ctc.usma.edu/sentinel/CTCSentinel-Vol2Iss9.pdf.
The contents of this month's CTC Sentinel are:
Are the Afghan Taliban Involved in International Terrorism? By Anne
Stenersen
The Insurgent-Narcotic Nexus in Helmand Province, By Captain Michael
Erwin, U.S. Army
The Expansion Strategy of Al-Qa`ida in the Arabian Peninsula, By Gregory
D. Johnsen
A Profile of Pakistan's Lashkar-i-Jhangvi, By Arif Jamal
The Failure of Salafi-Jihadi Insurgent Movements in the Levant, By Bilal
Y. Saab
The Dangerous Ideas of the Neo-Zarqawist Movement, By Murad Batal
al-Shishani
The July 17 Jkarta Suicide Attacks and the Death of Noordin Top, By
Noor Huda Ismail
Recent Highlights in Terrorist Activity
release of the September edition of the CTC Sentinel. It may be found
on our website at
http://www.ctc.usma.edu/sentinel/CTCSentinel-Vol2Iss9.pdf.
The contents of this month's CTC Sentinel are:
Are the Afghan Taliban Involved in International Terrorism? By Anne
Stenersen
The Insurgent-Narcotic Nexus in Helmand Province, By Captain Michael
Erwin, U.S. Army
The Expansion Strategy of Al-Qa`ida in the Arabian Peninsula, By Gregory
D. Johnsen
A Profile of Pakistan's Lashkar-i-Jhangvi, By Arif Jamal
The Failure of Salafi-Jihadi Insurgent Movements in the Levant, By Bilal
Y. Saab
The Dangerous Ideas of the Neo-Zarqawist Movement, By Murad Batal
al-Shishani
The July 17 Jkarta Suicide Attacks and the Death of Noordin Top, By
Noor Huda Ismail
Recent Highlights in Terrorist Activity
Thursday, September 24, 2009
ARIA To Build Fire Stations
American Recovery & Reinvestment Act (ARRA)
Program Overview
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), signed into law by President Obama on Feb. 19, is designed to jumpstart the U.S. economy, create or save millions of jobs and address national needs-while supporting unprecedented levels of transparency, oversight and accountability.
In awarding ARRA funds, DHS prioritizes shovel-ready projects that infuse resources into local economies quickly while meeting critical security needs. DHS grant programs funded under ARRA will further strengthen the nation's ability to protect critical infrastructure facilities and transit systems and assist fire departments in improving their response capability/capacity and strengthening firefighter safety.
ARRA Transit Security Grant Program (TSGP)
ARRA Port Security Grant Program (PSGP)
ARRA Fire Station Construction Grants (SCG)
Together, the ARRA TSGP, ARRA PSGP, and ARRA SCG fund a range of preparedness activities centered around capital projects, Operational Packages, equipment acquisition, and new and upgraded fire stations.
Fire Station Construction Grant (SCG) Program
Purpose
The ARRA is an economic stimulus package that was designed to jumpstart the U.S. economy, create or save millions of jobs, and put a down payment on addressing long-neglected challenges nationally. Funds received under this Act are intended to support these goals, and unprecedented levels of transparency, oversight, and accountability are required of the expenditure of Act dollars.
The purpose of the FY 2009 ARRA SCG is to create or save jobs in recession-hit areas and achieve other purposes stated in ARRA, and achieve AFG goals of firefighter safety and improved response capability/capacity based on need through the construction, renovation or modification of fire stations.
Eligibility and Funding
Total Funding Available: $210,000,000
Non-Federal Fire Departments and state and local governments that fund/operate fire departments are eligible for SCG.
For more informatiom go to www.fema.gov/
Program Overview
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), signed into law by President Obama on Feb. 19, is designed to jumpstart the U.S. economy, create or save millions of jobs and address national needs-while supporting unprecedented levels of transparency, oversight and accountability.
In awarding ARRA funds, DHS prioritizes shovel-ready projects that infuse resources into local economies quickly while meeting critical security needs. DHS grant programs funded under ARRA will further strengthen the nation's ability to protect critical infrastructure facilities and transit systems and assist fire departments in improving their response capability/capacity and strengthening firefighter safety.
ARRA Transit Security Grant Program (TSGP)
ARRA Port Security Grant Program (PSGP)
ARRA Fire Station Construction Grants (SCG)
Together, the ARRA TSGP, ARRA PSGP, and ARRA SCG fund a range of preparedness activities centered around capital projects, Operational Packages, equipment acquisition, and new and upgraded fire stations.
Fire Station Construction Grant (SCG) Program
Purpose
The ARRA is an economic stimulus package that was designed to jumpstart the U.S. economy, create or save millions of jobs, and put a down payment on addressing long-neglected challenges nationally. Funds received under this Act are intended to support these goals, and unprecedented levels of transparency, oversight, and accountability are required of the expenditure of Act dollars.
The purpose of the FY 2009 ARRA SCG is to create or save jobs in recession-hit areas and achieve other purposes stated in ARRA, and achieve AFG goals of firefighter safety and improved response capability/capacity based on need through the construction, renovation or modification of fire stations.
Eligibility and Funding
Total Funding Available: $210,000,000
Non-Federal Fire Departments and state and local governments that fund/operate fire departments are eligible for SCG.
For more informatiom go to www.fema.gov/
A Chief's Prayer
I've had to leave the ones I love to stand before your throne.
I'll not complain, it's not my way but there are some things I'll ask.
And please, Lord, grant them to me for the loved ones I hold fast.
I dare to ask because I know you've blessed in the past.
I've learned to trust in your grace, O Lord that's why I've come this far.
So now, O God, I humbly pray, hear this Fire Chief's Prayer.
Bless my wife and family- so often left alone,
They knew where I was going, and trusted you to bring me home.
That one day, someday, we'll be together in this place.
And O dear God, bless my men I trained them as best I could.
I tried to do your will with them and lead them as you would.
I need to know you are with them Lord or how can I stay,
And peacefully enjoy this place of endless day.
This heaven where there is no night, no fire to kill and burn,
I guess that's why it's now my rest, my place, my turn.
And Lord, be with my community and keep it as safe it can be,
For all its folks are special, and very dear to me.
They are all my friends, and by your grace I served them as best I could.
So hear this Fire Chief's Prayer, O Lord,
And grant it please- I already knew you would
Amen.
--Author Unknown
Mead Westvaco Will Host October ETMA Meeting
The next meeting of the East Texas Mutual Aid Association will be held at MeadWestvaco on Hwy. 105 in Evadale, Texas on Thursday, October 8, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. This month’s meeting is hosted by MeadWestvaco.
We encourage all department heads and V.F.D. Chiefs to be in attendance. If you are unable to attend we extend the invitation to anyone representing you or your organization.
If you have any questions or need additional information, please feel free to contact the Jasper County E.M. Billy Ted Smith at (409) 994-2543 or Kirbie Moss at 409-504-9047 .This includes any requests for department head updates or changes/additions to contact information. Hope to see you there.
We encourage all department heads and V.F.D. Chiefs to be in attendance. If you are unable to attend we extend the invitation to anyone representing you or your organization.
If you have any questions or need additional information, please feel free to contact the Jasper County E.M. Billy Ted Smith at (409) 994-2543 or Kirbie Moss at 409-504-9047 .This includes any requests for department head updates or changes/additions to contact information. Hope to see you there.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Biofuel Safety: Is it time for Bio-PSM?
Biofuel Safety: Is it time for Bio-PSM?
February 1st, 2009
by Dr. Saraf
Biofuel production and manufacturing facilities in the United States are increasing rapidly. On August 8, 2005, President Bush signed the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (H.R. 6) into law. The comprehensive energy legislation includes a nationwide renewable fuels standard (RFS) that will double the use of ethanol and biodiesel by 2012.
Biodiesel Incidents
Biodiesel popularity stems from the fact that it is simple to manufacture and essentially free of sulfur and aromatics. Biodiesel can be easily mixed with regular diesel and used for running automobiles. Although biodiesel is non-flammable and non-reactive, manufacturing of biodiesel poses processing hazards and careful attention should be paid to manufacture biodiesel safely as indicated by the following accidents.
Feb. 2006: A fire at American Biofuel’s Biodiesel plant in Bakersfield, California resulted destroyed the entire plant. The fire was caused by a methanol spill possibly ignited by static electricity.
2005: A man repairing glycerin storage tank in a biodiesel facility in Staten Island died due to an explosion.
June 2006: Fire destroys a biodiesel plant in Canby
Please note the above list is not comprehensive collection of biodiesel incidents.
Bioethanol Incidents
Over 90 percent of U.S. ethanol is made from corn. Active research is being conducted to manufacture ethanol from cellulose feedstock – agricultural waste, plant residue, municipal solid waste. Below are a few incidents involving bioethanol:
June 15th, 2006, Shively, KY: Two Workers Treated For Burns After Fire At Shively Ethanol Plant
September 22nd, 2005, West Burlington, IA: A grain dryer was the cause of a fire in an ethanol plant.
September 5th, 2005, Brentwood, CA: Two thousand gallons of ethanol spilled onto a roadway and into a storm drain when a tanker truck overturned.
Please note the above list is not comprehensive collection of bio-ethanol incidents.
Safety Considerations
Both biodiesel and bioethanol facilities have flammable hydrocarbons especially highly flammable alcohol.
Methanol, ethanol, isopropanol are classified as Class IB flammable liquids according to OSHA 1910.106. Class IB substances have flash points below 73 F/22.8 C, boiling point higher than 100 F/37.8 C and can readily catch fire at room temperature. Therefore, special care should be taken while handling flammables in a biofuel production unit. In addition, methanol also poses toxic hazards.
The prevailing consensus amongst independent biofuel manufacturers is that process safety can be achieved by common sense and enforcement of prescriptive codes and standards; however, considerable expertise is needed to comprehensively mitigate biofuel manufacturing risks.
It is recommended that the biofuel manufacturers voluntarily adapt PSM in order to increase the safety of biodiesel production. Process Safety Management (PSM) has been successfully adopted by the chemical industries and refineries in the United States.
Note: Biofuel production facilities that use over 10,000 pounds (~1500 gallons) of alcohol or flammable mixtures are covered by the OSHA PSM rule (29 CFR 1910.119).
PSM can not only assist biofuel industry in the prevention of catastrophic events, it can also enhance employee knowledge of operations, improve technical procedures, maintain accurate process safety information, and increase overall facility productivity. In addition, manufacturing industries follow Recognized and Generally Accepted Good Engineering Practices (RAGAGEP) to improve safety and reduce incidents. Since most of the current biofuel manufacturers are small operations, set of guidelines encompassing PSM elements but less rigorous can be developed for such facilities. At first glance the documentation requirements of OSHA PSM seem daunting; however, a guideline document to ensure compliance with OSHA PSM without consuming too many resources can be developed.
Final Thought
To maintain a positive image, biofuels manufactures should give a serious thought to plant safety either by implementing “PSM-like” approach or by developing independent safety evaluation protocol.
I would like to share couple of Google Maps (Source: John Astad of Combustible Dust Policy Institute) that graphically display incidents in biodiesel and ethanol plants.Biodiesel Fires and Explosions Map (click to view)
According to the map, there were 8 fires and 6 explosions in biodiesel facilities in the U.S in 3-year period (2006-2009). This translates to approx. 5 incidents per year.Ethanol Fires and Explosions Map (click to view)
Based on the map, there were 22 fires and 11 explosions in biodiesel facilities in the U.S. in 10-year period (1998-2009). This translates to approx. 3 incidents per year.
February 1st, 2009
by Dr. Saraf
Biofuel production and manufacturing facilities in the United States are increasing rapidly. On August 8, 2005, President Bush signed the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (H.R. 6) into law. The comprehensive energy legislation includes a nationwide renewable fuels standard (RFS) that will double the use of ethanol and biodiesel by 2012.
Biodiesel Incidents
Biodiesel popularity stems from the fact that it is simple to manufacture and essentially free of sulfur and aromatics. Biodiesel can be easily mixed with regular diesel and used for running automobiles. Although biodiesel is non-flammable and non-reactive, manufacturing of biodiesel poses processing hazards and careful attention should be paid to manufacture biodiesel safely as indicated by the following accidents.
Feb. 2006: A fire at American Biofuel’s Biodiesel plant in Bakersfield, California resulted destroyed the entire plant. The fire was caused by a methanol spill possibly ignited by static electricity.
2005: A man repairing glycerin storage tank in a biodiesel facility in Staten Island died due to an explosion.
June 2006: Fire destroys a biodiesel plant in Canby
Please note the above list is not comprehensive collection of biodiesel incidents.
Bioethanol Incidents
Over 90 percent of U.S. ethanol is made from corn. Active research is being conducted to manufacture ethanol from cellulose feedstock – agricultural waste, plant residue, municipal solid waste. Below are a few incidents involving bioethanol:
June 15th, 2006, Shively, KY: Two Workers Treated For Burns After Fire At Shively Ethanol Plant
September 22nd, 2005, West Burlington, IA: A grain dryer was the cause of a fire in an ethanol plant.
September 5th, 2005, Brentwood, CA: Two thousand gallons of ethanol spilled onto a roadway and into a storm drain when a tanker truck overturned.
Please note the above list is not comprehensive collection of bio-ethanol incidents.
Safety Considerations
Both biodiesel and bioethanol facilities have flammable hydrocarbons especially highly flammable alcohol.
Methanol, ethanol, isopropanol are classified as Class IB flammable liquids according to OSHA 1910.106. Class IB substances have flash points below 73 F/22.8 C, boiling point higher than 100 F/37.8 C and can readily catch fire at room temperature. Therefore, special care should be taken while handling flammables in a biofuel production unit. In addition, methanol also poses toxic hazards.
The prevailing consensus amongst independent biofuel manufacturers is that process safety can be achieved by common sense and enforcement of prescriptive codes and standards; however, considerable expertise is needed to comprehensively mitigate biofuel manufacturing risks.
It is recommended that the biofuel manufacturers voluntarily adapt PSM in order to increase the safety of biodiesel production. Process Safety Management (PSM) has been successfully adopted by the chemical industries and refineries in the United States.
Note: Biofuel production facilities that use over 10,000 pounds (~1500 gallons) of alcohol or flammable mixtures are covered by the OSHA PSM rule (29 CFR 1910.119).
PSM can not only assist biofuel industry in the prevention of catastrophic events, it can also enhance employee knowledge of operations, improve technical procedures, maintain accurate process safety information, and increase overall facility productivity. In addition, manufacturing industries follow Recognized and Generally Accepted Good Engineering Practices (RAGAGEP) to improve safety and reduce incidents. Since most of the current biofuel manufacturers are small operations, set of guidelines encompassing PSM elements but less rigorous can be developed for such facilities. At first glance the documentation requirements of OSHA PSM seem daunting; however, a guideline document to ensure compliance with OSHA PSM without consuming too many resources can be developed.
Final Thought
To maintain a positive image, biofuels manufactures should give a serious thought to plant safety either by implementing “PSM-like” approach or by developing independent safety evaluation protocol.
I would like to share couple of Google Maps (Source: John Astad of Combustible Dust Policy Institute) that graphically display incidents in biodiesel and ethanol plants.Biodiesel Fires and Explosions Map (click to view)
According to the map, there were 8 fires and 6 explosions in biodiesel facilities in the U.S in 3-year period (2006-2009). This translates to approx. 5 incidents per year.Ethanol Fires and Explosions Map (click to view)
Based on the map, there were 22 fires and 11 explosions in biodiesel facilities in the U.S. in 10-year period (1998-2009). This translates to approx. 3 incidents per year.
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Friday, September 25, 2009
New from AHRQ: The Essentials: Planning Guide for Mass Medical Care
HHS’ Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) today released a condensed version of a 2007 mass medical care planning guide that contains updated resources and new information specific to H1N1. Mass Medical Care With Scarce Resources: The Essentials is a resource for community planners to prepare for public health emergencies, such as pandemic flu, when demand for medical resources outweighs supply. The 70-page guide sets out a framework of basic steps that planners may take to prepare for a mass casualty event. It addresses key questions that each community should ask to properly plan for a well coordinated operational response. The Essentials guide addresses ethical and legal issues and provides tips on preparing for the provision of services to address: pre-hospital, acute hospital care, alternative care sites, and palliative care during disaster conditions. To illustrate how to apply these basic principles, the Essentials guide also includes a special section on influenza pandemic preparedness. This new resource is an abbreviated version of AHRQ’s Mass Medical Care With Scarce Resources: a Community Planning Guide.
Mass Medical Care With Scarce Resources: The Essentials (http://www.ahrq.gov/prep/mmcessentials/) was prepared by Sally J. Phillips, R.N., Ph.D., and Kelly J. Johnson, MPH, of AHRQ and Ann Knebel, R.N., DNSc, of the HHS Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response. It is available online or can be ordered from the AHRQ Clearinghouse by calling 1-800-358-9295 or e-mailing AHRQPubs@.... Ask for AHRQ Pub. No. 09-0016. For more AHRQ resources on public health emergency preparedness, please visit: http://www.ahrq.gov/prep/.
Mass Medical Care With Scarce Resources: The Essentials (http://www.ahrq.gov/prep/mmcessentials/) was prepared by Sally J. Phillips, R.N., Ph.D., and Kelly J. Johnson, MPH, of AHRQ and Ann Knebel, R.N., DNSc, of the HHS Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response. It is available online or can be ordered from the AHRQ Clearinghouse by calling 1-800-358-9295 or e-mailing AHRQPubs@.... Ask for AHRQ Pub. No. 09-0016. For more AHRQ resources on public health emergency preparedness, please visit: http://www.ahrq.gov/prep/.
The Combating Terrorism Center at West Point September edition of CT Message List
The Combating Terrorism Center at West Point is pleased to announce the
release of the September edition of the CTC Sentinel. It may be found
on our website at
http://www.ctc.usma.edu/sentinel/CTCSentinel-Vol2Iss9.pdf.
The contents of this month's CTC Sentinel are:
Are the Afghan Taliban Involved in International Terrorism? By Anne
Stenersen
The Insurgent-Narcotic Nexus in Helmand Province, By Captain Michael
Erwin, U.S. Army
The Expansion Strategy of Al-Qa`ida in the Arabian Peninsula, By Gregory
D. Johnsen
A Profile of Pakistan's Lashkar-i-Jhangvi, By Arif Jamal
The Failure of Salafi-Jihadi Insurgent Movements in the Levant, By Bilal
Y. Saab
The Dangerous Ideas of the Neo-Zarqawist Movement, By Murad Batal
al-Shishani
The July 17 Jkarta Suicide Attacks and the Death of Noordin Top, By
Noor Huda Ismail
Recent Highlights in Terrorist Activity
release of the September edition of the CTC Sentinel. It may be found
on our website at
http://www.ctc.usma.edu/sentinel/CTCSentinel-Vol2Iss9.pdf.
The contents of this month's CTC Sentinel are:
Are the Afghan Taliban Involved in International Terrorism? By Anne
Stenersen
The Insurgent-Narcotic Nexus in Helmand Province, By Captain Michael
Erwin, U.S. Army
The Expansion Strategy of Al-Qa`ida in the Arabian Peninsula, By Gregory
D. Johnsen
A Profile of Pakistan's Lashkar-i-Jhangvi, By Arif Jamal
The Failure of Salafi-Jihadi Insurgent Movements in the Levant, By Bilal
Y. Saab
The Dangerous Ideas of the Neo-Zarqawist Movement, By Murad Batal
al-Shishani
The July 17 Jkarta Suicide Attacks and the Death of Noordin Top, By
Noor Huda Ismail
Recent Highlights in Terrorist Activity
Thursday, September 24, 2009
ARIA To Build Fire Stations
American Recovery & Reinvestment Act (ARRA)
Program Overview
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), signed into law by President Obama on Feb. 19, is designed to jumpstart the U.S. economy, create or save millions of jobs and address national needs-while supporting unprecedented levels of transparency, oversight and accountability.
In awarding ARRA funds, DHS prioritizes shovel-ready projects that infuse resources into local economies quickly while meeting critical security needs. DHS grant programs funded under ARRA will further strengthen the nation's ability to protect critical infrastructure facilities and transit systems and assist fire departments in improving their response capability/capacity and strengthening firefighter safety.
ARRA Transit Security Grant Program (TSGP)
ARRA Port Security Grant Program (PSGP)
ARRA Fire Station Construction Grants (SCG)
Together, the ARRA TSGP, ARRA PSGP, and ARRA SCG fund a range of preparedness activities centered around capital projects, Operational Packages, equipment acquisition, and new and upgraded fire stations.
Fire Station Construction Grant (SCG) Program
Purpose
The ARRA is an economic stimulus package that was designed to jumpstart the U.S. economy, create or save millions of jobs, and put a down payment on addressing long-neglected challenges nationally. Funds received under this Act are intended to support these goals, and unprecedented levels of transparency, oversight, and accountability are required of the expenditure of Act dollars.
The purpose of the FY 2009 ARRA SCG is to create or save jobs in recession-hit areas and achieve other purposes stated in ARRA, and achieve AFG goals of firefighter safety and improved response capability/capacity based on need through the construction, renovation or modification of fire stations.
Eligibility and Funding
Total Funding Available: $210,000,000
Non-Federal Fire Departments and state and local governments that fund/operate fire departments are eligible for SCG.
For more informatiom go to www.fema.gov/
Program Overview
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), signed into law by President Obama on Feb. 19, is designed to jumpstart the U.S. economy, create or save millions of jobs and address national needs-while supporting unprecedented levels of transparency, oversight and accountability.
In awarding ARRA funds, DHS prioritizes shovel-ready projects that infuse resources into local economies quickly while meeting critical security needs. DHS grant programs funded under ARRA will further strengthen the nation's ability to protect critical infrastructure facilities and transit systems and assist fire departments in improving their response capability/capacity and strengthening firefighter safety.
ARRA Transit Security Grant Program (TSGP)
ARRA Port Security Grant Program (PSGP)
ARRA Fire Station Construction Grants (SCG)
Together, the ARRA TSGP, ARRA PSGP, and ARRA SCG fund a range of preparedness activities centered around capital projects, Operational Packages, equipment acquisition, and new and upgraded fire stations.
Fire Station Construction Grant (SCG) Program
Purpose
The ARRA is an economic stimulus package that was designed to jumpstart the U.S. economy, create or save millions of jobs, and put a down payment on addressing long-neglected challenges nationally. Funds received under this Act are intended to support these goals, and unprecedented levels of transparency, oversight, and accountability are required of the expenditure of Act dollars.
The purpose of the FY 2009 ARRA SCG is to create or save jobs in recession-hit areas and achieve other purposes stated in ARRA, and achieve AFG goals of firefighter safety and improved response capability/capacity based on need through the construction, renovation or modification of fire stations.
Eligibility and Funding
Total Funding Available: $210,000,000
Non-Federal Fire Departments and state and local governments that fund/operate fire departments are eligible for SCG.
For more informatiom go to www.fema.gov/
A Chief's Prayer
I've had to leave the ones I love to stand before your throne.
I'll not complain, it's not my way but there are some things I'll ask.
And please, Lord, grant them to me for the loved ones I hold fast.
I dare to ask because I know you've blessed in the past.
I've learned to trust in your grace, O Lord that's why I've come this far.
So now, O God, I humbly pray, hear this Fire Chief's Prayer.
Bless my wife and family- so often left alone,
They knew where I was going, and trusted you to bring me home.
That one day, someday, we'll be together in this place.
And O dear God, bless my men I trained them as best I could.
I tried to do your will with them and lead them as you would.
I need to know you are with them Lord or how can I stay,
And peacefully enjoy this place of endless day.
This heaven where there is no night, no fire to kill and burn,
I guess that's why it's now my rest, my place, my turn.
And Lord, be with my community and keep it as safe it can be,
For all its folks are special, and very dear to me.
They are all my friends, and by your grace I served them as best I could.
So hear this Fire Chief's Prayer, O Lord,
And grant it please- I already knew you would
Amen.
--Author Unknown
Mead Westvaco Will Host October ETMA Meeting
The next meeting of the East Texas Mutual Aid Association will be held at MeadWestvaco on Hwy. 105 in Evadale, Texas on Thursday, October 8, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. This month’s meeting is hosted by MeadWestvaco.
We encourage all department heads and V.F.D. Chiefs to be in attendance. If you are unable to attend we extend the invitation to anyone representing you or your organization.
If you have any questions or need additional information, please feel free to contact the Jasper County E.M. Billy Ted Smith at (409) 994-2543 or Kirbie Moss at 409-504-9047 .This includes any requests for department head updates or changes/additions to contact information. Hope to see you there.
We encourage all department heads and V.F.D. Chiefs to be in attendance. If you are unable to attend we extend the invitation to anyone representing you or your organization.
If you have any questions or need additional information, please feel free to contact the Jasper County E.M. Billy Ted Smith at (409) 994-2543 or Kirbie Moss at 409-504-9047 .This includes any requests for department head updates or changes/additions to contact information. Hope to see you there.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Biofuel Safety: Is it time for Bio-PSM?
Biofuel Safety: Is it time for Bio-PSM?
February 1st, 2009
by Dr. Saraf
Biofuel production and manufacturing facilities in the United States are increasing rapidly. On August 8, 2005, President Bush signed the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (H.R. 6) into law. The comprehensive energy legislation includes a nationwide renewable fuels standard (RFS) that will double the use of ethanol and biodiesel by 2012.
Biodiesel Incidents
Biodiesel popularity stems from the fact that it is simple to manufacture and essentially free of sulfur and aromatics. Biodiesel can be easily mixed with regular diesel and used for running automobiles. Although biodiesel is non-flammable and non-reactive, manufacturing of biodiesel poses processing hazards and careful attention should be paid to manufacture biodiesel safely as indicated by the following accidents.
Feb. 2006: A fire at American Biofuel’s Biodiesel plant in Bakersfield, California resulted destroyed the entire plant. The fire was caused by a methanol spill possibly ignited by static electricity.
2005: A man repairing glycerin storage tank in a biodiesel facility in Staten Island died due to an explosion.
June 2006: Fire destroys a biodiesel plant in Canby
Please note the above list is not comprehensive collection of biodiesel incidents.
Bioethanol Incidents
Over 90 percent of U.S. ethanol is made from corn. Active research is being conducted to manufacture ethanol from cellulose feedstock – agricultural waste, plant residue, municipal solid waste. Below are a few incidents involving bioethanol:
June 15th, 2006, Shively, KY: Two Workers Treated For Burns After Fire At Shively Ethanol Plant
September 22nd, 2005, West Burlington, IA: A grain dryer was the cause of a fire in an ethanol plant.
September 5th, 2005, Brentwood, CA: Two thousand gallons of ethanol spilled onto a roadway and into a storm drain when a tanker truck overturned.
Please note the above list is not comprehensive collection of bio-ethanol incidents.
Safety Considerations
Both biodiesel and bioethanol facilities have flammable hydrocarbons especially highly flammable alcohol.
Methanol, ethanol, isopropanol are classified as Class IB flammable liquids according to OSHA 1910.106. Class IB substances have flash points below 73 F/22.8 C, boiling point higher than 100 F/37.8 C and can readily catch fire at room temperature. Therefore, special care should be taken while handling flammables in a biofuel production unit. In addition, methanol also poses toxic hazards.
The prevailing consensus amongst independent biofuel manufacturers is that process safety can be achieved by common sense and enforcement of prescriptive codes and standards; however, considerable expertise is needed to comprehensively mitigate biofuel manufacturing risks.
It is recommended that the biofuel manufacturers voluntarily adapt PSM in order to increase the safety of biodiesel production. Process Safety Management (PSM) has been successfully adopted by the chemical industries and refineries in the United States.
Note: Biofuel production facilities that use over 10,000 pounds (~1500 gallons) of alcohol or flammable mixtures are covered by the OSHA PSM rule (29 CFR 1910.119).
PSM can not only assist biofuel industry in the prevention of catastrophic events, it can also enhance employee knowledge of operations, improve technical procedures, maintain accurate process safety information, and increase overall facility productivity. In addition, manufacturing industries follow Recognized and Generally Accepted Good Engineering Practices (RAGAGEP) to improve safety and reduce incidents. Since most of the current biofuel manufacturers are small operations, set of guidelines encompassing PSM elements but less rigorous can be developed for such facilities. At first glance the documentation requirements of OSHA PSM seem daunting; however, a guideline document to ensure compliance with OSHA PSM without consuming too many resources can be developed.
Final Thought
To maintain a positive image, biofuels manufactures should give a serious thought to plant safety either by implementing “PSM-like” approach or by developing independent safety evaluation protocol.
I would like to share couple of Google Maps (Source: John Astad of Combustible Dust Policy Institute) that graphically display incidents in biodiesel and ethanol plants.Biodiesel Fires and Explosions Map (click to view)
According to the map, there were 8 fires and 6 explosions in biodiesel facilities in the U.S in 3-year period (2006-2009). This translates to approx. 5 incidents per year.Ethanol Fires and Explosions Map (click to view)
Based on the map, there were 22 fires and 11 explosions in biodiesel facilities in the U.S. in 10-year period (1998-2009). This translates to approx. 3 incidents per year.
February 1st, 2009
by Dr. Saraf
Biofuel production and manufacturing facilities in the United States are increasing rapidly. On August 8, 2005, President Bush signed the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (H.R. 6) into law. The comprehensive energy legislation includes a nationwide renewable fuels standard (RFS) that will double the use of ethanol and biodiesel by 2012.
Biodiesel Incidents
Biodiesel popularity stems from the fact that it is simple to manufacture and essentially free of sulfur and aromatics. Biodiesel can be easily mixed with regular diesel and used for running automobiles. Although biodiesel is non-flammable and non-reactive, manufacturing of biodiesel poses processing hazards and careful attention should be paid to manufacture biodiesel safely as indicated by the following accidents.
Feb. 2006: A fire at American Biofuel’s Biodiesel plant in Bakersfield, California resulted destroyed the entire plant. The fire was caused by a methanol spill possibly ignited by static electricity.
2005: A man repairing glycerin storage tank in a biodiesel facility in Staten Island died due to an explosion.
June 2006: Fire destroys a biodiesel plant in Canby
Please note the above list is not comprehensive collection of biodiesel incidents.
Bioethanol Incidents
Over 90 percent of U.S. ethanol is made from corn. Active research is being conducted to manufacture ethanol from cellulose feedstock – agricultural waste, plant residue, municipal solid waste. Below are a few incidents involving bioethanol:
June 15th, 2006, Shively, KY: Two Workers Treated For Burns After Fire At Shively Ethanol Plant
September 22nd, 2005, West Burlington, IA: A grain dryer was the cause of a fire in an ethanol plant.
September 5th, 2005, Brentwood, CA: Two thousand gallons of ethanol spilled onto a roadway and into a storm drain when a tanker truck overturned.
Please note the above list is not comprehensive collection of bio-ethanol incidents.
Safety Considerations
Both biodiesel and bioethanol facilities have flammable hydrocarbons especially highly flammable alcohol.
Methanol, ethanol, isopropanol are classified as Class IB flammable liquids according to OSHA 1910.106. Class IB substances have flash points below 73 F/22.8 C, boiling point higher than 100 F/37.8 C and can readily catch fire at room temperature. Therefore, special care should be taken while handling flammables in a biofuel production unit. In addition, methanol also poses toxic hazards.
The prevailing consensus amongst independent biofuel manufacturers is that process safety can be achieved by common sense and enforcement of prescriptive codes and standards; however, considerable expertise is needed to comprehensively mitigate biofuel manufacturing risks.
It is recommended that the biofuel manufacturers voluntarily adapt PSM in order to increase the safety of biodiesel production. Process Safety Management (PSM) has been successfully adopted by the chemical industries and refineries in the United States.
Note: Biofuel production facilities that use over 10,000 pounds (~1500 gallons) of alcohol or flammable mixtures are covered by the OSHA PSM rule (29 CFR 1910.119).
PSM can not only assist biofuel industry in the prevention of catastrophic events, it can also enhance employee knowledge of operations, improve technical procedures, maintain accurate process safety information, and increase overall facility productivity. In addition, manufacturing industries follow Recognized and Generally Accepted Good Engineering Practices (RAGAGEP) to improve safety and reduce incidents. Since most of the current biofuel manufacturers are small operations, set of guidelines encompassing PSM elements but less rigorous can be developed for such facilities. At first glance the documentation requirements of OSHA PSM seem daunting; however, a guideline document to ensure compliance with OSHA PSM without consuming too many resources can be developed.
Final Thought
To maintain a positive image, biofuels manufactures should give a serious thought to plant safety either by implementing “PSM-like” approach or by developing independent safety evaluation protocol.
I would like to share couple of Google Maps (Source: John Astad of Combustible Dust Policy Institute) that graphically display incidents in biodiesel and ethanol plants.Biodiesel Fires and Explosions Map (click to view)
According to the map, there were 8 fires and 6 explosions in biodiesel facilities in the U.S in 3-year period (2006-2009). This translates to approx. 5 incidents per year.Ethanol Fires and Explosions Map (click to view)
Based on the map, there were 22 fires and 11 explosions in biodiesel facilities in the U.S. in 10-year period (1998-2009). This translates to approx. 3 incidents per year.
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