How To Label Reactors

[BenjaminM]

I have several reactor on site in which we run multiple products.

All these products involve a variety of different chemicals, from flammable solvents, monomers, initiators, etc.

These reactors are pressure vessels and some are run hot and under pressure conditions.

I am trying to determine what is required for identifying what is in process in a vessel at any time.

We currently list the product, all the raw and final materials, their NFPA ratings, and any other information. I have this on a laminated sheet of paper which we switch out depending on what is currently in process.

Any suggestions or direction? I have been fishing through CFR for a bit now with no luck.

 

[BenjaminM]

I should mention that the best information I have found is under Hazard Communications, CFR 1910.1200.

Section f6 says The employer may use signs, placards, process sheets, batch tickets, operating procedures, or other such written materials in lieu of affixing labels to individual stationary process containers, as long as the alternative method identifies the container to which it is applicable.......

 

[chicopee]

Posting operating instructions would be the first that comes to my mind. Have a legible nameplate or stamping showing MAWP,MAT, NB/ASME #, code stamp, year build and manufacturer's name. No smoking sign. Confined space entry permit sign. Also check OSHA process safety standard.
Since they are process piece of equipment and not a storage containers ,I don't believe that you need hazard identification labels. Obviously safety training of employees, maintenance record keeping, testing of safety valves if applicable are all important details that you may have to submit for review in case of a severe industrial accident.

 

[StoneCold]

MRDALE
I think your level of detail is admirable, however I am not sure who it is really for. We have batch processing reactors, they have confined space entry permits, and ASME name plates, however we don't list what is inside of them all the time. You have to look at the batch record near the reactor to figure that out. We do have a knock box (sp) that the fire department looks at. It has our emergency plan, it tells you where all the MSDS's are located, etc. If we have an accident the emergency responders won't enter the facilty until the hazard has been mitigated by either onsite personnel or the automated fire system. So I think your sheets are great but they may need to be located in a spot that could serve emergency responders better. That being said I would not say my facility is a world class operation.

Regards
StoneCold