Pressurized systems can present a significant hazard in the workplace if not properly designed and tested for the scope of work being planned. Failure of pressurized systems can result in serious injury or property damage. This presentation is an overview of pressure safety in the workplace. It includes a description of pressurized systems and components, pressure system limitations, pressure relief devices, vacuum systems, testing and inspection, along with some lessons learned.

Links:

Myth Busters Gas Cylinder Release

University of Hawaii Hydrogen Explosion Incident

Texas A&M Liquid Nitrogen Dewar

Compressed Gas Association

Ron Scholtz, CHMM
Safety Manager·Energy Technologies Area at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

Ron Scholtz is currently the Safety Manager for the Energy Technologies Area at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) in Berkeley, CA. He works directly with researchers in the fields of battery technologies, fuel cells, building energy efficiency, and indoor air quality.

Ron originally started out in the semiconductor industry at Signetics in Sunnyvale, CA. He then moved on to Analog Devices, Inc. as the EHS Manager for their Santa Clara and Sunnyvale operations for 21 years. He also worked at Intevac, an equipment manufacturer that specialized in disc drive, solar, and night vision products.

Ron received his BS degree in Biological Sciences from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. He has a MS degree in Environmental Management from the University of San Francisco.

Ron is a member of the Semiconductor Environmental Health and Safety Association (SESHA) where he was elected to Fellow status within the organization. He is a past member of the SESHA Board of Directors and past SESHA Academic Committee Chair. Ron is also a past chapter president of the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE), Greater San Jose Chapter. Ron is a Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM).