Newsletter #20: Industrial Plant Failure, SARS...

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Accepta Newsletter: Issue 20

Welcome to issue 20; this month we feature a number of excellent articles including a technical guide covering the causes of industrial plant failure, a legislation update for the UK, useful information on what you should know about SARS, plus an article on disinfection by-products in drinking water.

If you find our newsletter useful please pass it on to friends and colleagues. And if there are any subjects you'd like to see included in future issues please e-mail me at sdooner@accepta.com.

********************

In this issue:

The Causes Of Industrial Plant Failure - Technical Guide..
Legislation Update: UK - New Carriage Of Dangerous Goods Regulations.
Business Skills - Getting Along With Your Boss.
SARS: Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome - What You Should Know.
Business Skills - Tips For Editing Your Own Copy.
Disinfection By-Products In Drinking Water.

********************

The Causes of Industrial Plant Failure

Technical Guide

This guide, developed by the UK's Health and Safety Executives Hazardous Installations Directorate covers the various causes of industrial plant failure including:

Corrosion
Erosion
External Loading
Impact
Pressure
Temperature
Vibration
Wrong Equipment
Defective Equipment
Human Error

Corrosion

Corrosion is caused by electro-chemical processes in which a metal reacts with its environment to form an oxide or compound by the formation of cells comprising an anode (the deteriorating metal), a cathode (adjacent metal) and a conducting solution (acid / salts). It can occur both internally and externally to pipelines, vessels, plant, machinery, structures and supports.

The materials selection philosophy aspect of the design phase of all plant and structures should take into account the anticipated conditions (pressure, temperature and atmosphere) and the contents of the system in order to either minimise corrosion or to make adequate allowances for it in the form of additional material thicknesses. Some further aspects of the use of different materials for various applications are discussed in Materials Commonly Used in Process Plant.

The initial corrosion on some metals creates an impervious coating which prevents further corrosion taking place.

Corrosion can be exacerbated by utilising different materials which then set up an electrochemical cell which in turn causes wastage of the anode.....more

For your complimentary copy of this excellent guide please e-mail sdooner@accepta.com quoting the full title of the document.

********************

Legislation Update

New Carrriage of Dangerous Goods Regulations for the UK

The new Carriage of Dangerous Goods Regulations came into force in the UK on 10 May 2004. The regulations place general duties on everyone with a role in the carriage of dangerous goods, and specific duties on those involved in the transport chain, i.e. consignors, carriers, loaders, packers, etc.

We're including an excellent introductory guide in next month's newsletter, however if you require urgent assistance on this issue please let us know by e-mailing info@accepta.com.

********************

Business Skills

Getting Along With Your Boss

Whether your working with a new boss or one you've been reporting to for quite a few years, the following suggestions might be helpful:

Stop trying to change your boss. Change your own behaviour to get along with the boss.

Don't assume that you know your boss's goals. Make sure you're fully aware of what the boss is trying to accomplish. If Necessary, ask clarifying questions and point out inconsistencies when tasks seem out of line with stated goals.

Make sure your priorities are in line with the boss's priorities.

Don't indulge in petty resentments. Go more than halfway to make the relationship work.

Study your boss's personality style and preferences. Know the best time and the best way to present information to the boss and to get approval for something you want to try.

If the boss doesn't accept one of your suggestions, try to look at the decision from the boss's point of view.

********************

SARS - Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome

What You Should Know

What is SARS?

Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is the term being used to describe a new serious respiratory illness that emerged from South-East Asia in 2003.

How many people have been affected?

SARS has killed more than 750 people and infected over 8,400 worldwide since it surfaced in southern China late in 2002. Four cases of probable SARS were reported in the UK, with one person testing positive for the causative agent, the coronavirus.

What causes SARS?

The causative agent has been identified as a coronavirus, although it is possible other infectious agents are associated with some cases. The World Health Organization (WHO) is investigating the suggestion that the virus is of animal origin, from domestic or wild animals (possibly used as food) located in Guangdong Province (in South China).

Do you have other general questions about SARS that are not work-related?

The Department of Health is responsible for public health, and they have already issued guidance via their own website and that of the Health Protection Agency - http://www.hpa.org.uk/infections/topics_az/SARS/menu.htm and http://www.hpa.org.uk/infections/topics_az/SARS/FAQs.htm. These websites should provide answers to any general questions you have.

How is the agent that causes SARS classified under COSHH?

The SARS Working Group of the Advisory Committee on Dangerous Pathogens (ACDP) has considered the appropriate hazard grouping for the SARS agent. They have agreed the agent should be classified as Hazard Group (HG) 3 but stressed the need to review this classification once further information becomes available, for example:

Treatment: The development of possible immunoglobulin therapy (currently underway in Hong Kong) and information on the viral burden (whether it peaks early or late during infection)
Infection: Further information on the viral load, burden and titre required for infection to occur.
Further information about the routes of infection.

Any employer doing a risk assessment for work with the agent should use this classification information. The ACoP and guidance* accompanying the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002 gives further guidance on assessing the risks of working with hazardous substances.......more

To read the full article click here.

********************

Business Skills

Editing Your Own Copy

Whenever you write something, you should know how to edit and polish your own copy. Here are some guidelines to follow when editing:

Brevity - cut every word that adds nothing to the meaning. Examples; Change "during the course of" to " during" and "few in number" to "few."

Clarity - Don't use vague adjectives when specific ones are called for. Don't write "We received numerous enquiries." Instead write " We received 145 enquiries."

Tone and Style - Make sure your words sound as if they come from a human being - and not an institution. Example: Instead of writing "Further notification will follow," write "I'll keep you informed."

Variety - Avoid starting each sentence with the same part of speech, such as a noun or pronoun. Caution: Don't try to start each sentence with a different part of speech. Just strive for some variety.

Content - Make your purpose immediately clear. Don't force your reader to wade through several paragraphs before understanding why you wrote the piece.

Paragraph Strength - See to it that each paragraph deals with only one topic. Including too many will make your reader work too hard.

********************

Disinfection By-Products in

Drinking Water

What are they?

Disinfection By-Products (DBP) are potentially toxic chemical compounds that are formed in extremely low concentrations during the disinfection of water supplies. They include chloroform and chloroacetic acids formed during chlorination, and bromate which is a by-product of ozone treatment. They are the products of the reaction between disinfectants and natural, or sometimes man-made, organic and inorganic substances present in water sources.

Why the concern?

Studies on laboratory animals using very high doses of DBP have shown that some, such as chloroform and bromate, are implicated in the development of cancers. Concentrations of DBP in drinking water are extremely low but it has been suggested that prolonged exposure to very low doses might have the same effect as short-term exposure to high doses....more

To read the full article click here.

********************

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Thank you

You can UNSUBSCRIBE from this newsletter at any time by clicking here, inserting the word 'unsubscribe' in the message subject line and sending.

		Accepta Water Treatment Speciality Chemicals Test Kits & Reagents Equipment Boiler Treatment Open & Closed Cooling Heating Biocides Chlorine Dioxide Precursors Reverse Osmosis Base Exchange Odour Control Liquid Polymers Effluent Treatment Flocculants Dry Polymers Scale control Corrosion Inhibitors Antifoams Water Hygiene Cleaners Toll Blending Own Labelling Speciality Chemicals Hard Surface Cleaners Sanitizers Chlorine Release Oil & Grease Removers Hand & Surface Wipes Descaling Chemicals Fuel Oil Treatments Oil Dispersants Test Kits & Reagents L8 Test Kits Chlorine Dioxide Test Kits Dip slides Incubators pH Meters Conductivity Meters Comparators

	Accepta Newsletter: Issue 20 Welcome to issue 20; this month we feature a number of excellent articles including a technical guide covering the causes of industrial plant failure, a legislation update for the UK, useful information on what you should know about SARS, plus an article on disinfection by-products in drinking water. If you find our newsletter useful please pass it on to friends and colleagues. And if there are any subjects you'd like to see included in future issues please e-mail me at sdooner@accepta.com. ********************
	In this issue: The Causes Of Industrial Plant Failure - Technical Guide.. Legislation Update: UK - New Carriage Of Dangerous Goods Regulations. Business Skills - Getting Along With Your Boss. SARS: Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome - What You Should Know. Business Skills - Tips For Editing Your Own Copy. Disinfection By-Products In Drinking Water. ****************** The Causes of Industrial Plant Failure Technical Guide This guide, developed by the UK's Health and Safety Executives Hazardous Installations Directorate covers the various causes of industrial plant failure including: Corrosion Erosion External Loading Impact Pressure Temperature Vibration Wrong Equipment Defective Equipment Human Error Corrosion Corrosion is caused by electro-chemical processes in which a metal reacts with its environment to form an oxide or compound by the formation of cells comprising an anode (the deteriorating metal), a cathode (adjacent metal) and a conducting solution (acid / salts). It can occur both internally and externally to pipelines, vessels, plant, machinery, structures and supports. The materials selection philosophy aspect of the design phase of all plant and structures should take into account the anticipated conditions (pressure, temperature and atmosphere) and the contents of the system in order to either minimise corrosion or to make adequate allowances for it in the form of additional material thicknesses. Some further aspects of the use of different materials for various applications are discussed in Materials Commonly Used in Process Plant. The initial corrosion on some metals creates an impervious coating which prevents further corrosion taking place. Corrosion can be exacerbated by utilising different materials which then set up an electrochemical cell which in turn causes wastage of the anode.....more For your complimentary copy of this excellent guide please e-mail sdooner@accepta.com quoting the full title of the document. **************** Legislation Update New Carrriage of Dangerous Goods Regulations for the UK The new Carriage of Dangerous Goods Regulations came into force in the UK on 10 May 2004. The regulations place general duties on everyone with a role in the carriage of dangerous goods, and specific duties on those involved in the transport chain, i.e. consignors, carriers, loaders, packers, etc. We're including an excellent introductory guide in next month's newsletter, however if you require urgent assistance on this issue please let us know by e-mailing info@accepta.com. **************** Business Skills Getting Along With Your Boss Whether your working with a new boss or one you've been reporting to for quite a few years, the following suggestions might be helpful: Stop trying to change your boss. Change your own behaviour to get along with the boss. Don't assume that you know your boss's goals. Make sure you're fully aware of what the boss is trying to accomplish. If Necessary, ask clarifying questions and point out inconsistencies when tasks seem out of line with stated goals. Make sure your priorities are in line with the boss's priorities. Don't indulge in petty resentments. Go more than halfway to make the relationship work. Study your boss's personality style and preferences. Know the best time and the best way to present information to the boss and to get approval for something you want to try. If the boss doesn't accept one of your suggestions, try to look at the decision from the boss's point of view. **************** SARS - Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome What You Should Know What is SARS? Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is the term being used to describe a new serious respiratory illness that emerged from South-East Asia in 2003. How many people have been affected? SARS has killed more than 750 people and infected over 8,400 worldwide since it surfaced in southern China late in 2002. Four cases of probable SARS were reported in the UK, with one person testing positive for the causative agent, the coronavirus. What causes SARS? The causative agent has been identified as a coronavirus, although it is possible other infectious agents are associated with some cases. The World Health Organization (WHO) is investigating the suggestion that the virus is of animal origin, from domestic or wild animals (possibly used as food) located in Guangdong Province (in South China). Do you have other general questions about SARS that are not work-related? The Department of Health is responsible for public health, and they have already issued guidance via their own website and that of the Health Protection Agency - http://www.hpa.org.uk/infections/topics_az/SARS/menu.htm and http://www.hpa.org.uk/infections/topics_az/SARS/FAQs.htm. These websites should provide answers to any general questions you have. How is the agent that causes SARS classified under COSHH?** The SARS Working Group of the Advisory Committee on Dangerous Pathogens (ACDP) has considered the appropriate hazard grouping for the SARS agent. They have agreed the agent should be classified as Hazard Group (HG) 3 but stressed the need to review this classification once further information becomes available, for example: Treatment: The development of possible immunoglobulin therapy (currently underway in Hong Kong) and information on the viral burden (whether it peaks early or late during infection) Infection: Further information on the viral load, burden and titre required for infection to occur. Further information about the routes of infection. Any employer doing a risk assessment for work with the agent should use this classification information. The ACoP and guidance* accompanying the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002 gives further guidance on assessing the risks of working with hazardous substances.......more To read the full article click here. ****************** Business Skills Editing Your Own Copy Whenever you write something, you should know how to edit and polish your own copy. Here are some guidelines to follow when editing: Brevity - cut every word that adds nothing to the meaning. Examples; Change "during the course of" to " during" and "few in number" to "few." Clarity - Don't use vague adjectives when specific ones are called for. Don't write "We received numerous enquiries." Instead write " We received 145 enquiries." Tone and Style - Make sure your words sound as if they come from a human being - and not an institution. Example: Instead of writing "Further notification will follow," write "I'll keep you informed." Variety - Avoid starting each sentence with the same part of speech, such as a noun or pronoun. Caution: Don't try to start each sentence with a different part of speech. Just strive for some variety. Content - Make your purpose immediately clear. Don't force your reader to wade through several paragraphs before understanding why you wrote the piece. Paragraph Strength - See to it that each paragraph deals with only one topic. Including too many will make your reader work too hard. **************** Disinfection By-Products in Drinking Water What are they? Disinfection By-Products (DBP) are potentially toxic chemical compounds that are formed in extremely low concentrations during the disinfection of water supplies. They include chloroform and chloroacetic acids formed during chlorination, and bromate which is a by-product of ozone treatment. They are the products of the reaction between disinfectants and natural, or sometimes man-made, organic and inorganic substances present in water sources. Why the concern? Studies on laboratory animals using very high doses of DBP have shown that some, such as chloroform and bromate, are implicated in the development of cancers. Concentrations of DBP in drinking water are extremely low but it has been suggested that prolonged exposure to very low doses might have the same effect as short-term exposure to high doses....more To read the full article click here. ******************
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