The Financial Crisis of 2008: Travesty and Contradiction

The 2008 global financial meltdown of over $20 trillion resulted in millions of families and individuals losing their homes and jobs.  Conventional wisdom narrates economic successes of the “recovery,” though recovery continues for the global middle and under classes five years later. 

Emotional impacts are never part of any measurements.  What quietly goes unsaid is that the financial lives and aspirations of most of those individuals will never be the same while financial institutions have new found global power and leverage. 

Inside Job is the first film to expose shocking facts behind the economic crisis of 2008 that were selectively omitted in the reports that covered the unfolding events of those days and led to global conditions today.

Extensive research and interviews with financial insiders, politicians and journalists, provide the source material that Inside Job uses to chronicle the rise of a rogue industry and unveil the corrosive relationships which corrupted politics, regulation and academia.

For example, the graphic below broadly illustrates the difference between the ways the financial crisis was “resolved” in two countries.  (Note: the British solution also resembles the USA model). 

Follow this link to learn more ►https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Xyn3OnsH3o

PROPANE SAFETY IN HAITI (or most anywhere)

Blog material here is usually related to political, educational and social  commentary.  However, recent assignments in Haiti prompt both a brief perspective of the country as well as some important safety information.

On DECEMBER 6, 1492 Christopher Columbus first laid eyes on the pristine shores of the island of Hispanola. Lush with fruits and towering mahogany trees Haiti became known as "La Perle des Antilles" or "the Pearl of the Caribbean". What was once France's richest colony today has become one of the world's poorest nations, hindered by dictatorships, depleted natural resources, and overwhelming spiritual darkness.

Our hope is that one day you would learn first-hand of the beauty of Haiti that endures to this day - that of its culture and of its people.

Brief Facts About Haiti

•             Haiti is the oldest black republic in the world.

•             Population: approximately 8.3 million, almost entirely of African origin

•             Employment rate: 30%

•             Illiteracy rate: 48%

•             Religion: Catholic 85%, Voodoo 90%

•             Languages: French (official), kreyol (most widely spoken)

•             Current government: Elected president

•             Haiti is the poorest and most densely populated country in the Western Hemisphere.

•             Average life expectancy is 52 years.

PROPANE SAFETY IN HAITI (or most anywhere)

What Is Propane?

Propane is a hydrocarbon (C₃H₈) and is sometimes referred to as liquefied petroleum gas, LP-gas, or LPG. Propane is produced from both natural gas processing and crude oil refining.  It is nontoxic, colorless, and virtually odorless.  As with natural gas, an identifying odor is added so the gas can be readily detected.

Severe freeze burns or frostbite can result if propane liquid comes in contact with your skin.

Propane is flammable when mixed with air (oxygen) and can be ignited by many sources, including open flames, smoking materials, electrical sparks and static electricity.  Trust your nose; never ignore the smell of propane.  Always treat it as an actual leak until confirmed otherwise.

Propane vapors, like gasoline vapors, are heavier than air and may accumulate in low-lying areas such as basements, crawl spaces, or along floors.

As with any fuel, safety must come first whenever you transport, handle, store or use propane.

In fact, it is pretty difficult to actually blow up a propane tank or cylinder. What does occur when the pressure relief valve blows, which occurs at 312psi or 375psi depending on the cylinder type, is that the gas is vented and makes a lot of noise. (I have had one overfilled tank vent and it really got my attention!) But there was no flame and it dissipated outside very quickly.

Should there be a fire or source of ignition when it vents, it won't explode, either--instead it makes a torch. It does not ignite inside the gas line and run up it to the tank or cylinder and "explode."

The only exception to that, is if it is punctured and ignited simultaneously, and then the same external ignition occurs only more rapidly. Or, if a leak is allowed to build up inside an enclosed space and then is ignited, there is a very big fire.

The important thing is that with the garlic odorant (Ethyl Mercaptin) that is added, you would smell it in most cases of a small leak or break with time to take appropriate action. It can be smelled by the human nose at about 1/5th of the lower limit of combustibility or about 1/2 % propane to air. (Propane combusts at 2.15% gas to air--9.6% gas to air, and not above and not below those levels. With a good sense of smell, you would be alerted long before the levels reach dangerous concentrations.

Small Cylinder Safety

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I SMELL GAS?

•  Immediately put out all smoking materials and other open flames.
•  If you are able to, safely turn off the cylinder valve. To close the valve, turn it to the right (clockwise).  Prior to 1994, propane cylinder valves had a left hand thread (counter-clockwise).  Since 1994, propane cylinders have been designed with a right hand thread (clockwise) or a quick disconnect device.
• Immediately leave the area and call for help.
• Do not operate appliances, telephones, or cell phones.  Do not turn lights or flashlights on or off.  Flames or sparks from these sources can trigger a fire or explosion.
• Before you restart the appliance, have someone qualified inspect your cylinder and appliance.
• Some people may have difficulty smelling propane due to their age (older people may have a less sensitive sense of smell); a medical condition; or the effects of medication, alcohol, tobacco, or drugs. Consider purchasing a propane gas detector as an additional measure of security.
• Odor fade is an unintentional reduction in the concentration of the odor of propane, making it more difficult to smell. Although rare, this can be caused by the presence of air, water, or rust in the cylinder. New and reconditioned small cylinders that sit too long before being filled are prone to internal rust when moisture and air get inside.

 

HOW SHOULD I STORE SMALL CYLINDERS?

•  NEVER store or place a propane cylinder indoors or in an enclosed area such as a basement, garage, shed, or tent. 
• NEVER store or place a propane cylinder in an area of excessive heat (120 degrees or higher) or near a stove, fireplace, or other heat source. The heat builds up pressure inside the cylinder, which may cause the pressure relief valve to release propane. Flash fires or explosions can result from exposing cylinders to heat.
• NEVER store or place a spare cylinder under or near a barbecue grill.
• DO NOT smoke or have any ignition sources such as flames or spark-producing electrical tools in the area while handling or transporting cylinders.
• Propane cylinders are painted a light or reflective color to reduce heat absorption from the sun, which increases the internal pressure within tank.  Never paint a propane cylinder a dark color. 

 

HOW SHOULD I TRANSPORT SMALL CYLINDERS?

• ALWAYS transport and store a cylinder in a secure and upright position so it will not fall or roll.
• ALWAYS close the cylinder valve and seal with a plug, if possible, even if the cylinder is empty.
•  NEVER keep a filled cylinder inside a hot vehicle or transport it inside a closed trunk.
• ALWAYS place the cylinder in a well-ventilated area of the vehicle.
• ALWAYS proceed directly to your destination and immediately remove the cylinder from your vehicle.
• USA law place limits on the number of cylinders and the amount of propane that can be transported in closed-bodied vehicles such as passenger cars and vans. We should respect that as a guideline here in Haiti as well.

 

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH MY CYLINDERS?

• DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES TRY TO MODIFY OR REPAIR VALVES, REGULATORS, OR OTHER CYLINDER OR APPLIANCE PARTS. Propane cylinders incorporate special components such as valves, connectors, and other parts to keep them safe for use with grills and other propane appliances. Damage to any component can cause a gas leak.
• DON’T RISK SAFETY! Call someone for assistance.

 

HOW TO TEST FOR PROPANE LEAKS

• It is important to inspect your cylinder and outdoor gas appliances for leaks. Do this before using them for the first time, as well as on a regular basis. This can be accomplished with a simple “bubble” test:
• Inspect the propane cylinder for cuts, gouges, dents and rusting and replace, if necessary.
• Check hose connections for leaks by brushing a 50% liquid dish soap and 50% water solution onto all hose connections and valves.  Bubbles indicate a leak.  If you encounter a leak, shut off the propane at the tank, if it’s safe to do so, tighten hose connections and check again for leaks using the dish soap and water solution.  If bubbles still appear, call for help immediately.
• Never use matches or lighters to check for leaks. 

 

WHAT IS AN OVERFILL PREVENTION DEVICE (OPD)?

• MAKE SURE YOUR CYLINDER IS EQUIPPED WITH AN OVERFILL PREVENTION DEVICE (OPD). An OPD is a safety feature that helps prevent small propane cylinders from being overfilled. An overfilled cylinder doesn’t have enough space left if the liquid expands when exposed to warmer temperatures. This can cause an increase in cylinder pressure and create potentially hazardous conditions.
• Most cylinders with OPDs have special triangular handwheels with the letters “OPD” on them. In the USA, cylinders without OPDs cannot be refilled. That is not so in Haiti, so replace a cylinder with an old valve.
                          

HOW CAN I KEEP MY APARTMENT SAFE WHEN I AM AWAY FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD?

• If you’re leaving your home for an extended period, close all propane supply valves.  This includes the main gas supply valve on the propane tank as well as any gas supply valves located near individual appliances.
• WHEN YOU RETURN after an extended absence, conduct a leak check before the propane is turned on and the appliance re-lit.

 

STORM SAFETY TIPS

• PROTECT YOUR PROPANE SYSTEM IF THE WEATHER TURNS BAD. Before, during, or after severe weather, you may need to take specific action to ensure the continued safe operation of your propane system.  Especially make sure values are closed during electrical storms.
• WATER CAN DAMAGE YOUR PROPANE SYSTEM. If flooding is predicted, turn off the gas valve at the cylinder or tank BEFORE the water rises. Do not turn the gas back on until the gas system and all appliances have been checked as follows:
• Replace the regulator and/or pressure relief valves if there are signs of water, dirt, debris, or corrosion.
• Replace automatic controls and appliance regulators on any gas appliances that have been under water.
• Inspect and (if necessary) replace manual shut-off valves in gas piping, and perform tank testing of the system.
• Clean appliance main and pilot burners and replace pilot orifices.

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS INFORMATION

·         ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:

• INHALATION: Simple asphyxiant. It should be noted that before suffocation could occur, the lower flammability limit of propane in air would be exceeded; possibly causing both an oxygen-deficient and explosive atmosphere. Exposure to concentrations (> 10%) may cause dizziness. Exposure to atmospheres containing 8-10% or less oxygen will bring about unconsciousness without warning, and so quickly that the individuals cannot help or protect themselves. Lack of sufficient oxygen may cause serious injury or death.
• EYE CONTACT: Contact with liquid or cold vapor can cause freezing of tissue.
• SKIN CONTACT: Contact with liquid or cold vapor can cause frostbite.
• SKIN ABSORPTION: None.
• INGESTION: None.
• CHRONIC EFFECTS: None.
• MEDICAL CONDITIONS AGGRAVATED BY OVEREXPOSURE: None
• OTHER EFFECTS OF OVEREXPOSURE: None. 

 

FIRST AID MEASURES

• INHALATION: Persons suffering from lack of oxygen should be removed to fresh air. If victim is not breathing, administer artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, administer oxygen. Obtain prompt medical attention.
• EYE CONTACT: Contact with liquid or cold vapor can cause freezing of tissue. Gently flush eyes with lukewarm water. Obtain medical attention immediately.
• SKIN CONTACT: Contact with liquid or cold vapor can cause frostbite. Immediately warm affected area with lukewarm water not to exceed 105°F.
• INGESTION: None.
• NOTES TO PHYSICIAN: None.

FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES

• Fire extinguisher, dry chemical, water spray or fog for surrounding area. Do not extinguish until propane source is shut off.