Transfer pump - OSHA definition

[Phosrat]

Good day. I am trying to find the OSHA definition of a transfer pump, as it refers to anhydrous ammonia. For exsample a pump the moves NH3 from a truck to a storage vessel is a transfer pump. But is a pump that transfers from a storage vessel to a unit operation, say a heat axchanger, a transfer pump? I don't believe it is, but I need to find OSHA code that confirms this. Any help is greatly appriciated.

Thank you.

 

[Duwe6]

Sorry, but OSHA is a 'legal' document, not a Code. And it was written by well-intentioned, inexperienced office dwellers. Thus it has undefined 'definitions', and numerous inconsistencies appear when trying to apply the OSHA reg's to 'real world' items. If it was a Code, these problems would be presented to the sponsoring body, like API or ASME, and fixed.

If it were my pump, I would 'define' it myself and document it on the P&ID and in its equipment file. Pump from Unloading to storage tank is "Transfer Pump P-01". Pump from Storage to Vaporizer is "NH3 Supply Pump P-02". If a question ever arises, just pull out that P&ID and show OSHA auditor: "see, P-01 is a transfer pump, and P-02 is a process pump." Since OSHA hasn't given a detailed definition of "transfer pump", they can't fault your definition of transfer vs. process.

try not to grin while telling them that

 

[Phosrat]

Duwe6,

Thank you. I of course erroed when I said OSHA code and agree with your statement about the confusion, hense my post. Your solution is great and appriciated.