btec nyserda pellet storage stakeholder session # 3 · v. el fili ttfexamples of implementing...

BTEC/NYSERDA Off-Gassing Project

BTEC NYSERDA Pellet Storage Stakeholder Session # 3

1 PM ET J l 23 20131 PM ET, July 23, 2013This Webinar is brought to you by:

Biomass Thermal Energy Council (BTEC) and the New York State h d l h ( )Energy Research and Development Authority(NYSERDA)

1


Quick notesTwo Audio Options: Streaming Two Audio Options: Streaming Audio and Dial-In.1. Streaming Audio/Computer

Speakers (Default)2 Dial In: Use the Audio Panel2. Dial-In: Use the Audio Panel

(right side of screen) to see dial-in instructions. Call-in separately from your telephone.

Ask questions using the Questions Panel on the right side of your screen.

The recording of the webinar and the slides will be available after the event. Registrants will be notified by emailnotified by email.


Speakers

Joseph Seymour, Biomass Thermal Energy

CouncilCouncil

Ray Albrecht, Biomass Thermal Energy

Council

Dr. Alan Rossner, Clarkson University

Dr. Philip Hopke, Clarkson University

Tim Cullina, Fauske & Associates

3

Cu a, aus e & ssoc ates


Presentation OutlineI. Project overview and survey results–Seymour

II. Update on ventilation techniques–Albrecht

IV. Preliminary results of wood pellet storage research–

Hopke & Rossner

V E l f i l ti f t d ti V. Examples of implementing safety recommendations –

Cullina

VI Q&A –SeymourVI. Q&A Seymour

4


Joseph SeymourExecutive Director, Biomass Thermal Energy Council

P j t O i d S Project Overview and Survey Results

5


About BTECThe Biomass Thermal Energy Council (BTEC) is the industry trade association dedicated to advancing the use of biomass for heat and other thermal energy applications.

Why was BTEC established?1. To advocate for and promote the biomass thermal industry in the

national energy policy debate2 T h t t d d t th bli d d i i k th 2. To reach out to and educate the public and decision makers on the

benefits and advantages of using biomass for heat and CHP3. To develop biomass energy research and analysis that enables

sound investment and policy decisions 1. Technical and Regulatory Affairs Committee (TRAC) created to

help address safety and regulatory concerns, increase markets2. Member-led3 Will assist NYSERDA project when needed

6

3. Will assist NYSERDA project when needed


About the Pellet Storage Surveyg y

Online, conducted mid-April 2013 to June 2013Distributed through BTEC/PFI networksDistributed through BTEC/PFI networksNational and regional breakdown

Nat’l – 18 respondentsNE - 13 respondentsp

Preliminary findings, limited responses, warrants further study

Use for descriptive purposesp p pComplete results available at conclusion of projectOption of conducting annually


Fuel Type

Wood Pellets Sold/Used for Bulk Delivery

39% Softwood39% Softwood22% Hardwood44% Blend of Softwood and Hardwood

(some are a combination of the three)

8


3035

Frequency of Bulk Pellet Deliveries

15202530

05

105

Percent

Once a Week

Once Every Two

Weeks

Once Every Month

Once Every Two Months+


Typical Pellet Storage Size

46%

40%

45%

50%

25%

30%

35%

40%

8%

15% 15%

8%10%

15%

20%

25%

0% 0% 0%0%

5%

1 ton bulk 2 ton bulk 3 ton bulk 10 ton bulk 20 ton bulk 40 ton bulk 1 ton pallet, 40 lb bag

2 ton pallet, 40 lb bag

Typical Pellet Storage SizeTypical Pellet Storage Size


OtherI d O tdIndoor vs. Outdoor

1-25% of reported serviced consumers have outdoor systems5 and 10 ton storage were most common

75-99% have indoor systems75 99% have indoor systems3 ton storage was most common

VentilationMost Common

Vented cap on filling pipes

Also usedOpen window/vent or mechanical active ventilation system

Safety/Warning Signage69% indicated that warning signs are in use15% said no or did not know15% said no or did not knowThe remainder sometimes use safety/warning signs depending on the application

BTEC/NYSERDA CO Off-Gassing Project

Ray AlbrechtTechnical Consultant, Biomass Thermal Energy Council

Update on Ventilation pTechniques

12

Update on BTEC/NYSERDA Project

Ventilation in Bulk Pellet Storage

For

Residential and Commercial Pellet‐fired Boiler Systems

R d J Alb ht P ERaymond J Albrecht, P.E.Technical AdvisorBiomass Thermal Energy Council (BTEC)

[email protected]

Information Gathering Relating to Policies and Standards

Austria, Germany, Sweden and Canada

English translation of Austrian M 7137 standard for delivery and storage of bulk pellets

Technical resource for development of US pguidelines

Information Gathering Relating to Policies and Standards

Austria, Germany, Sweden and Canada

English summary translation of German g yVDI 3464 pellet storage standard

Bioenergy 2020 gy

Technical Research Reports

Sample Graph of CO Formation Rate vs TimeSample Graph of CO Formation Rate vs Time

Laboratory Testing

CO formation rate in mg CO per kg of pellets per 24 hrs

Most pellet samples show less than 1 mg/kg conversion to CO per day but occasional higher rates up to 3 mg/kg have been measured with some samples of softwood pellets sa p es o so t ood pe ets

Rapid drop after initial period

Ventilation needs to meet peak i t f fi t 1 2 krequirements for first 1 or 2 weeks

after delivery

Longer term CO formation rate typically less than 10% of peak

CO Formation Rate in Samples of Fresh Softwood Pelletsp

Bioenergy 2020 ‐ Austria

Strong majority of pellet samples have lower CO formation rates

But exceptions occur – science of CO formation not fully understood

No data yet for hardwood pellets

No data for US pellets

European Recommendation for Pellet Storage Ventilation

14,0

European Recommendation for Pellet Storage Ventilation

Target CO concentration of 30 ppm in

10,0

12,0

1/

h]

VPellets : VAir 1:1VPellets : VAir 1:2VPellets : VAir 1:3VPellets : VAir 1:15

storage compartment

Summary:

1 mph cross‐ventilation airflow

6,0

8,0

an

ge

rate

n [

1 1 mph cross ventilation airflow through a 4 inch opening provides 30 ppm CO level for storage system filled with 5 tons of worst‐case (3 mg CO per kg pellets per 24 hrs) pellets

2 0

4,0

Air

exch

a

Airflow = 4 cfm

About 5% of typical bathroom exhaust fan volume

0,0

2,0

0,01 0,1 1 10Emission rate CO [mg/ kg fuel] in 24 h

7 inch diameter opening to maintain 9 ppm in storage compartment

slide 19

Ventilated Fill Caps – Laboratory Testing Results

Twist‐on caps with ventilation slots

Primary driving force for air exchange is difference in temperature (inside storage compartment– outside)

h f l f ³ ll

r excha

nge rate [m

³/h] Graph of test results for 8 m³ pellet storage

silo – with ventilated caps and 1 meter length fill piping

Airflow at 5 deg C temperature difference is OK for majority of pellet reactivity levelsAir is OK for majority of pellet reactivity levels

But average airflow at zero temperature difference only 2 ft3 per hour compared to recommended ventilation rate of 4 ft3 per minute for most reactive pelletsminute for most reactive pellets

Comparison of Air‐tight Storage With and Without Ventilated Caps

Laboratory Testing Results

Reduced CO concentrations in pellet storage with ventilated caps

But additional openings needed to achieve 30 ppm in air‐tight storage compartments

More effective ventilation could be accomplished with variety of combined wind/temperature‐driven passive openings including integrated fill i / til ti th ll fittifill pipe/ventilation thru‐wall fittings similar to sealed combustion air supply/exhaust terminations for gas‐fired appliance

Pellet Storage CO ConcentrationPellet Storage CO Concentration

Ventilated Cap with Supplemental Opening

Bioenergy 2020

Still has initial CO concentration peak but equilibrium value near zero ppm with supplemental opening

More effective cross‐ventilation or larger single opening would reduce or eliminate initial peak concentration of CO

Blue = Ventilated Cap only

Green = Ventilated Cap plus Supplemental OpeningGreen Ventilated Cap plus Supplemental Opening

International Pellet Safety Workshop

Organized by European Pellet Council ‐ BTEC is now observing member

70 participants from Europe and US/Canada

27 discussion groups over 3 days

Pellet production, transport and storage

Report available at www.pelletcouncil.eu

Industry database and blog to be posted onlineIndustry database and blog to be posted online

2nd Workshop planned for May or June 2014

Upcoming Pellet Storage Project Tasks

Safe Pellet Project Workshop – Austria

Briefing for government agencies

Final report

Technical article for biomass publication

BTEC/NYSERDA CO Off-Gassing Project

Dr. Philip Hopke

Dr. Alan Rossner Professors, Clarkson Universityy

Preliminary Results of yWood Pellet Storage Research

25

CO Monitoring ProjectCO Monitoring Project

Philip K. Hopke and Alan RossnerInstitute for a Sustainable Environment

Clarkson [email protected]@clarkson.edu

MotivationMotivation

MotivationMotivationThe installation of wood pellet heating as a cost-effective and climatically neutral source of energy for private households has increased steadily in recent years. We report two deaths that occurred within the space of about a year in wood pellet t f i t h h ld i G kistorerooms of private households in German-speaking

countries and were investigated by forensic medical teams. This is the first report of fatalities in this special context as is shown in the literature review Both victims died of carbonshown in the literature review. Both victims died of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning; one of the victims was a woman who was 4 months pregnant. Measurements at the scene detected life-threatening CO concentrations (7500 ppm,detected life threatening CO concentrations (7500 ppm, >500 ppm), which were not significantly reduced after ventilation of the storerooms as required by regulations.

Health ImplicationsHealth ImplicationsToxic

CO Concentration Inhalation Time Symptoms(ppm)

9 Short term exposureASHRAE recommended maximum allowable concentration in living area.The maximum exposure allowed by OSHA in the

35 8 hoursThe maximum exposure allowed by OSHA in the workplace over an eight hour period.

200 2‐3 hoursSlight headache, tiredness, fatigue, nausea and dizziness.

400 1‐2 hours Serious headache‐other symptoms intensify.Life threatening after 3 hours.

800 45 minutes Dizziness, nausea and convulsions.Unconscious within 2 hours.Death after 2‐3 hours.

1,600 20 minutes Headache, dizziness and nausea.Death within 1 hour.

3,200 5‐10 minutes Headache, dizziness, nausea.D th ithi 1 hDeath within 1 hour.

6,400 1‐2 minutes Headache, dizziness, nausea.Death within 25‐30 minutes.

12,800 1‐3 minutes Death within 1‐3 minutes

Pellet StoragePellet Storage

Scope of WorkScope of Work– Monitoring a series of pellet bins

• 1 ton of storage in our Energy Cabin (20 kW)\• 10 ton bin at the Walker Center 150 kW system• 20 ton bin at the Wild Center for their 500 kW boiler.• 10 ton storage facility in a residential basement• 20 ton storage facility at elementary school• ~30 ton storage in coal bunker at middle schoolg• Up to 100 ton storage facility at SUNY-ESF

– Monitor forMonitor for• CO• PM in some cases• CO O T and RH in others• CO2, O2, T and RH in others

Energy CabinEnergy Cabin

Initial MeasurementsInitial Measurements

• Used a Langan L76 CO/CO2 monitorUsed a Langan L76 CO/CO2 monitor

CO Concentrations

80 0

100.0

120.0

CO Concentrations

20 0

40.0

60.0

80.0

CO (ppm)

‐20.0

0.0

20.0

0 50 100 150 200Temporal Variations

Pellet BagPellet Bag

Pellet SiloLocation of sensorof sensor

This is at the Elementary School in Saranac Lake

Middle School Coal Bunker

Pellet Storage BinPellet Storage Bin

Area where the two 1 MMBTU boilers are placed

Sensor PackagesSensor Packages

• We are make sensor packages using City TechWe are make sensor packages using City Tech sensors.– CO – electrochemical– O2 – electrochemical– CO2 – NDIR2– RH and T using Vaisala HUMICAP systems

• Built into 1 or 8 gallon cansg– Filter on top– Fan on the bottom to provide flow through

CalibrationCalibration120

Calibration Plot

ppm

) 100 r ² =0.9987

ntra

tion

(p

60

80

CO

Con

ce

40

0 4 0 5 0 6 0 7 0 8 0 9

C

0

20

Output Voltage (V)0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9


• For the Middle School andFor the Middle School and ESF bins, we will also measure PM concentrations to examine the dust levels during pellet delivery.g p y

• Use a commercial PM monitor (Met One Model (831) that gives PM1, PM2.5, PM4, and PM10.

Monitoring to DateMonitoring to Date

• We have data fromWe have data from– The residential basement in Massena

Two of the three locations in the Malone school– Two of the three locations in the Malone school– The Saranac Lake Elementary School

E C bi– Energy Cabin

Massena Residence Basement1-hr values

80

Massena Residence

60

80

(ppm

)

40

60

OSHA Limit

CO

(

20

40 OSHA Limit

20ASHRAE Limit

Date

04/01

00

05/01

00

06/01

00

07/01

00

Massena Residence Basement

M R id

801-hr values

Massena Residence

60

O (p

pm)

40 OSHA

CO

20

ASHRAE

Date

03/01

00

04/01

00

05/01

00

06/01

00

07/01

00

Massena Residence Basement8-hr rolling average

Massena Residence

30

20

CO

(pp 10pm)

Date

Malone Middle SchoolI hr Values

10

Malone Middle School

8 C0 (Boiler Room) CO (Hallway)

(ppm

) 6

CO (Hallway)

CO

(

4

0

2

03/04

00

03/11

00

03/18

00

03/25

00

04/01

00

04/08

00

04/15

00

04/22

000


18000

1 hr PM Values

14000

16000 PM1.0PM2.5PM4.0

μg/m

3 )

10000

12000 PM10

PM ( μ

6000

8000

0

2000

4000

DateMon 25 Mon 11 Mon 25 Mon 08 Mon 22

0


18000

1 hr ValuesNOTE:

14000

16000 PM1.0PM2.5PM4.0

NOTE: These values are all well less than the

μg/m

3 )

10000

12000 PM10explosive limits for wood dust.

PM ( μ

6000

8000

0

2000

4000

DateMon 25 Mon 11 Mon 25 Mon 08 Mon 22

0

Saranac Lake School1 hr Values

250

Saranac Lake School

200

O (p

pm) 150

CO

50

100

00 00 00 00 00

50

Date

04/01

00

04/08

00

04/15

00

04/22

00

04/29

00

Saranac Lake School1 hr Values

Lab StudiesLab Studies

• We are also performing a limited series ofWe are also performing a limited series of laboratory studies to determine the kinetics of off-gassing of CO and VOCs

• Fill 15 gallon cans with 10 pounds of pellets– Hardwood, softwood, mixed hard/soft– Triplicate cans (9 in all)

• Daily measurements of CO, CO2, O2, RH, and T• Collect 300 ml canisters from each sample after 1

day and after 30 days to measure VOCs by GC/MSGC/MS

COCO200

H d 1

160

180Hard 1 Hard 2 Hard 3 Soft 1

(ppm

)

100

120

140 Soft 2 Soft 3 Blend 1 Blend 2

CO

(

60

80

100Blend 3

20

40

0 2 4 6 8 10 120

VOC EmissionsVOC Emissions

• Canister samplers for VOC analyses wereCanister samplers for VOC analyses were obtained at 1 day after placing the pellets in the drums and after 30 daysthe drums and after 30 days

• Samples are being analyzed to examine VOC being off gassedbeing off-gassed

• Blended pellets clearly had the strongest smell.

ChromatogramsChromatogramsHardwood S ft d

al alanal

Softwood

hexa

na

hexa

na

pent

a

acet

one

ol ane

enta

nal

α-pi

nene

met

hano

pent

a pe

Methanol Production RatesMethanol Production Rates30000

Hardwood

tion

25000

HardwoodSoftwoodBlend

Con

cent

rat

15000

20000

Rel

ativ

e C

10000

R

0

5000

Day0 2 4 6 8 10 12

Additional ExperimentsAdditional Experiments

Index Preprocess characteristics

Regular Not processed reference

Dried Dried overnight in drying oven Low RHDried Dried overnight in drying oven Low RH

Aq.Phase With an aqueous phase present Highest RH

DisinfectedDisinfected by an autoclave sterilizer at 115ºC for 20 min

Killed all microbes and fungus, (Second highest RH)

Additional ExperimentsAdditional Experiments250

200

250As IsDriedWith waterAutoclaved

PPM

) 150

Autoclaved

CO

(P

100

50

X Data

04/17 04/21 04/25 04/29 05/03 05/07 0

Relevant U.S. Safety Standards: Confined Space Entry and

Carbon Monoxide

Timothy Cullina P. E. Senior Safety Engineer

Fauske & Associates, LLC (FAI)[email protected]

Proprietary property of Fauske & Associates, LLC 2

Dangers of Confined Spaces


Related OSHA Standards

General Industry Standards

- 1910.38 - emergency action plans- 1910.94 – ventilation- 1910.132 - personal protective equipment- 1910.134 - respiratory protection- 1910.146 – confined spaces- 1910.1200 - hazard communication

- General Duty Clause

- Others depending upon hazards


Related OSHA Standards

Emergency Action Plan - who, what, where, when, how…

Industrial Ventilation - control emissions, exposures, and chemical hazards in the workplace

Personal protective equipment - hazard assessment and equipment required

Respiratory protection - respirator shall be provided to each employee when necessary to protect the health of the employee


Related OSHA Standards OSHA Hazard Communication

The five key elementsWritten Program

Material Safety Data Sheets

Labeling

Training

Materials Inventory and Hazard Assessment


General Duty ClauseSection 5(a) of the “Act”

SEC. 5. Duties (a) Each employer --

(1) shall furnish to each of his employees employment and aplace of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees;

(2) shall comply with occupational safety and health standardspromulgated under this Act.


Permit-Required Confined Spaces29 CFR 1910.146

Scope and applicationDefinitionsGeneral requirements (to include development of written plan)Permit-required confined spacesPermit systemEntry permit

TrainingDuties of authorized entrantsDuties of attendantsDuties of entry supervisorsRescue and emergency servicesEmployee participation


How to Identify Confined Spaces29 CFR 1910 .146 Permit-required confined spaces

Space large enough to enter

Limited or Restricted Entry or

Exit

Not Designed for Continuous

Worker Occupancy


Two Types of Confined Spaces29 CFR 1910.146

Permit required- Meets confined space

definition, and- Has inadequate ventilation,

or- Has a hazardous health or

safety condition, or- Has a known or potential

hazardous atmosphere, or- Any other recognized

serious hazard

Non-permit required- Meets confined space

definition- Has adequate

ventilation- Does not contain any

hazards that can cause death or harm

- There is absolutely no potential for a hazardous atmosphere

WARNING: Don’t make a false assumption that a non-permit space or a space that is not “confined” is a

SAFE SPACE.


Confined Spaces29 CFR 1910.146

. .

WARNING: Don’t make a false assumption that a non-permit space or a space that is not “confined” is a

SAFE SPACE.


Examples of “Typical” Confined Spaces

PipelinePitPumping stationReaction or process vesselMillsSiloStorage tank

BargesSewerUtility vaultTrenchesShaftsCaissonsCoal bins


Large Enough to Enter

source: osha.gov Training Grant Materials

Limited Openings for Entry/Exit

Not for Continuous Occupancy


Who Decides What A Confined Space Is?

Employer must evaluate a space based on the definition, NOT on whether or not you may enter the space.


Examples of “Pellet Storage”Are They Confined Spaces?

Silo, above or below groundStorage room

Converted Coal bins


Not Designed for Continuous Worker Occupancy

Most OSHA defined confined spaces are not designed to enter and work in on a regular basisThey are designed to:- Store a product at location or in transit- Enclose materials or processes- Allow occasional entry for inspection, repair, cleanup,

and maintenance, etc

http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=f_8ZtbOoSz2f3M&tbnid=OHJEUynYCbRdTM:&ved=0CAgQjRwwAA&url=http://www.mywoodpelletsolution.com/wood-pellet-storage/&ei=eprtUbqoEKmpyAHY34GQCA&psig=AFQjCNFKCL107zdXE76cEjDnVgJuA9Rz-w&ust=1374612474315899


Is It an OSHA Confined Space?

Cut-away of Converted Coal Storage Room


Is It Potentially Hazardous?

Cut-away of Converted Coal Storage Room


Is It an OSHA Confined Space?Is it Potentially Hazardous?

Combination Work Area and Wood Pellet Storage Room

http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=f_8ZtbOoSz2f3M&tbnid=OHJEUynYCbRdTM:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http://www.pellergy.com/wood-pellet-central-heating-products/&ei=uZrtUcCzHYLlyAHZu4CoAw&psig=AFQjCNFKCL107zdXE76cEjDnVgJuA9Rz-w&ust=1374612474315899


Confined Space? - follow the OSHA Standard! Appendices 29 CFR 1910.146

Appendix A - Permit-Required Confined Space Decision Flow ChartAppendix B - Procedures for Atmospheric TestingAppendix C - Examples of Permit-Required Confined Space ProgramsAppendix D - Confined Space Pre-Entry Check List

http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=oS3NJESKztjnWM&tbnid=YDLkpqfRvJee0M:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http://yff.myy2y.co.uk/Learners_Online/Road_skills/RevRight/RR.html&ei=gFYiUfGNA8-tqQHNjIHgDg&psig=AFQjCNFH2dcS1AwhDM4UCIkWlQ82QbmjWw&ust=1361291087722856http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=_n0NV_WqL6AoIM&tbnid=hNnywumAvREjiM:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http://www.speakdigital.co.uk/personal.php&ei=5lYiUf7tE9O1qQGz1oGoCQ&psig=AFQjCNFH2dcS1AwhDM4UCIkWlQ82QbmjWw&ust=1361291087722856


Not a Confined Space? – focus on the Hazard

What is a hazard?

A hazard is the potential for harm

In practical terms, …

a hazard often is associated with a condition or activity that, if left uncontrolled, can result in an injury or illness

http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=oS3NJESKztjnWM&tbnid=YDLkpqfRvJee0M:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http://yff.myy2y.co.uk/Learners_Online/Road_skills/RevRight/RR.html&ei=gFYiUfGNA8-tqQHNjIHgDg&psig=AFQjCNFH2dcS1AwhDM4UCIkWlQ82QbmjWw&ust=1361291087722856http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=_n0NV_WqL6AoIM&tbnid=hNnywumAvREjiM:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http://www.speakdigital.co.uk/personal.php&ei=5lYiUf7tE9O1qQGz1oGoCQ&psig=AFQjCNFH2dcS1AwhDM4UCIkWlQ82QbmjWw&ust=1361291087722856


Hazards of Storage Spaces

Oxygen Deficient AtmospheresOxygen Enriched AtmospheresFlammable AtmospheresToxic AtmospheresTemperature Extremes

Engulfment hazardsSlick/wet surfaces, falling objects, noiseMechanical hazardsConfiguration hazardsOther hazards

http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=BzdxOrztVQCe4M&tbnid=aw_cMdYzf04fQM:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http://www.hydro-klean.com/ProjectLibrary/GrainBinEntry/&ei=LgccUcXRJcbIqQGnyYCYAg&bvm=bv.42261806,d.aWc&psig=AFQjCNEEGTvW2VfucFECNO4PAQ4Cf3Pv_Q&ust=1360877730968444


Flammable/Explosive AtmospheresCombustible Dust

Critical Factors:- Oxygen content in the air- Presence of dust - Confined area- Dispersed in air- Ignition source

Proper dust mixture can lead to explosionTypical Ignition Sources:- Sparking or electric tool- Welding/cutting operations- Smoking- Static Electricity


NFPA Standards

OSHA uses NFPA Standards as RAGAGEP - “Recognized and Generally Accepted Good Engineering Practices”

OSHA may cite the “General Duty Clause”(Section 5(a)(1) of the OSHA Act )

if hazards are not identified and mitigated per RAGAGEP

Section 5(a)(1) of the OSHA Act states:"Each employer shall furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees."


Toxic Atmospheres in Storage Spaces

Product in a Storage Space:- Gases released when cleaning- Materials absorbed into walls of storage space- Decomposition of materials in the storage space

Work performed in a space:- Welding, cutting, brazing, soldering- Painting, scraping, sanding, degreasing- Sealing, bonding, melting

Areas adjacent to a storage space- Exhaust , pumps, generators


If Unfavorable Natural Ventilationin Wood Pellet Storage Area

Lack of air movement in and out of the space can create an atmosphere much different than the outside atmosphereDeadly gases can be trapped insideOrganic materials can decomposeMay not be enough oxygen due to presence of other gases or chemical reactions such as rusting


Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless and toxic gas Because it is impossible to see, taste or smell the toxic fumes, CO can kill you before you are aware of it

More than 150 people in the Unites States die every year from accidental non-fire related CO poisoning associated with consumer products


Test Before Entry

Before employee enters space, internal atmosphere shall be tested, with calibrated direct-reading instrument, for following conditions in order given- Oxygen content- Flammable gases and vapors- Potential toxic air contaminants (e.g., carbon monoxide)

Source: osha.gov Training Grant Materials


OSHA RequiredCarbon Monoxide Monitoring

Carbon Monoxide is listed in Table Z‐1

An exposure to any substance listed in Tables Z‐1, Z‐2, or Z‐3 shall be limited in accordance with the requirements of 1910.1000. Exposures to hazardous and toxic substances are also addressed in specific standards, such as powered industrial trucks (forklifts, etc)

1910.178 (i)(1) Internal combustion engine powered industrial trucks (forklifts, etc)…employers shall monitor environmental exposure of employees to CO whenever internal combustion engine powered industrial trucks are operated indoors to ensure that CO levels do not exceed 50ppm


Symptoms of CO Poisoning

HeadacheDizzinessWeaknessNauseaVomitingChest painConfusion

Carbon monoxide molecules are 200 times more likely

to bind to hemoglobin thanare oxygen molecules

Carbon monoxide crowds out the oxygen molecules depriving the body

of the oxygen


Carbon Monoxide

An Odorless, Colorless, Tasteless Gas

PPM Effect

50 . Permissible Exposure Level

200 Slight headache, discomfort

200 Headache, discomfort

1000-2000 Confusion, nausea, headache

1000-2000 Tendency to stagger

1000-2000 Slight heart palpitation

2000-2500 Unconsciousness

Extended exposures can lead to brain and organ damage and death


Exposure Limits

OSHA PEL OLD ACGIH TLV 50 ppm

NIOSH REL BASED ON CARDIOVASCULAR EFFECTS 35 ppm

ACGIH TLV BASED ON CARBOXYHEMEGLOBIN EFFECTS 25 ppm


Two Types of Pellet Storage Spaces

Permit required- Has inadequate

ventilation, or- Has a hazardous health

or safety condition, or- Has a known or

potential hazardous atmosphere, or

- Any other recognized serious hazard

Non-permit required- Has adequate

ventilation- Does not contain any

hazards that can cause death or harm

- There is absolutely no potential for a hazardous atmosphere


Categorizing Confined Spaces29 CFR 1910 .146 Permit-required confined spaces


Categorizing Confined Spaces29 CFR 1910 .146 Permit-required confined spaces

. For OSHA, Enter means to put any part of your bodyinto the space


Recommendations

Identify all confined spaces and comply with OSHA standards

For non-confined space storage areas:- Treat all storage spaces as hazardous until proven otherwise

- If possible, identify all hazards in storage space before entry

- Respond appropriately to hazards before entry


Categorizing Storage AreasModified from 29 CFR 1910.146 Permit-Required Confined Spaces


Warning Signs & Safety Instructions from the DEPV

Source: Gauthier S et al. Ann Occup Hyg 2012;56:755-763


Thank you

[email protected]


Q & A

Ask questions using the Questions Panel on the right side of Ask questions using the Questions Panel on the right side of your screen.

The webinar slides and recording will be made available after todayafter today.

Look for future project updates from BTEC staff throughout Q3 of 2013of 2013

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Upcoming EventsWebinar: Where Does Biomass Energy Policy Stand?*

July 26, 12PM ETwww Biomassthermal orgwww.Biomassthermal.org

PFI Annual ConferenceJuly 28-30, Asheville, NCPelletheat.org Pelletheat.org

International Training Seminar Biomass Heating -Market development and technologies

Sept. 9 – 12, 2013, Linz, AustriaNebiomassheat.comScholarships available

*97

* Discount for BTEC members


Thank you for attending today’s webinar!Thank you for attending today s webinar!

For more information, contact:Joseph SeymourJoseph Seymour

BTEC Executive [email protected]

202-596-3974 x302202 596 3974 x302

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BTEC_Part1_CO_7.23.2013.pdfuse this one_cullina_CO Off-Gassing of Wood Pellets inStorage Relevant US Safety Standards2 [Recovered]Slide Number 1Dangers of Confined SpacesRelated OSHA StandardsRelated OSHA Standards�Related OSHA Standards �OSHA Hazard Communication General Duty Clause�Section 5(a) of the “Act”�Permit-Required Confined Spaces�29 CFR 1910.146 ��How to Identify Confined Spaces�29 CFR 1910 .146 Permit-required confined spaces��Two Types of Confined Spaces�29 CFR 1910.146 ��Confined Spaces�29 CFR 1910.146 �Examples of “Typical” Confined SpacesLarge Enough to Enter�Who Decides What A Confined Space Is? Examples of “Pellet Storage”�Are They Confined Spaces?Not Designed for �Continuous Worker OccupancyIs It an OSHA �Confined Space?Is It Potentially Hazardous?Is It an OSHA Confined Space?�Is it Potentially Hazardous? �Confined Space? - follow the OSHA Standard! �Appendices 29 CFR 1910.146 ��Not a Confined Space? – focus on the Hazard �Hazards of Storage Spaces�Flammable/Explosive Atmospheres�Combustible DustNFPA StandardsToxic Atmospheres in Storage SpacesIf Unfavorable Natural Ventilation�in Wood Pellet Storage AreaCarbon Monoxide Test Before EntryOSHA Required�Carbon Monoxide MonitoringSymptoms of CO PoisoningSlide Number 30Exposure Limits�Two Types of Pellet Storage Spaces��Categorizing Confined Spaces�29 CFR 1910 .146 Permit-required confined spacesCategorizing Confined Spaces�29 CFR 1910 .146 Permit-required confined spacesRecommendationsCategorizing Storage Areas�Modified from 29 CFR 1910.146 Permit-Required Confined Spaces Warning Signs & �Safety Instructions from the DEPVThank you��[email protected]

BTEC_part4

btec nyserda pellet storage stakeholder session # 3 · v. el fili ttfexamples of implementing...

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