TITLE: PIG Epoxy Putty Shelf Life

Every tube of PIG Putty has a date code printed on the foil seal that’s over the end of the tube. This code is 4-digit numerical string that represents the date of manufacture.

IDENTIFIER: B-2023-FBPORTS-0502
DATE: 05/11/2023

LESSONS LEARNED STATEMENT: Verify shelf life of Pig Epoxy Putty prior to use. Pig Epoxy Putty has a shelf life of 24 months however, the expiration date is printed in a coded format on the bottom of the tube that is not apparent without referencing manufacturer’s website. Patching of a cracked cylinder was delayed until unexpired Pig Epoxy Putty was obtained.

DISCUSSION: During an emergency response by Fluor-BWXT Fire Services to a damaged cylinder at another site contractor’s Depleted UF6 Storage Yard, Fire Services was preparing to install PIG Epoxy Putty to patch the cylinder when it was noted that the shelf life of Pig Epoxy Putty is not indefinite. The label indicates a shelf life of 24 months when sealed in its original container but there is no way to determine the expiration date without comparing the four-digit code printed on the tube to a spreadsheet on the manufacturer’s website. It was then identified that the Pig Epoxy Putty available at the emergency scene was past its 24-month shelf life. New Pig Epoxy Putty was acquired from the other site contractor which caused a short delay during the emergency response.

ANALYSIS: During the follow-up investigation, it was found that the documentation included with older tubes of Pig Epoxy Putty states: “Shelf Life - Tests have shown this product lasts several years when stored in its original sealed tube.” However, documentation included with new tubes of Pig Putty states: “Shelf Life - Tests have shown this product lasts 24 months when stored in its original sealed tube.” “
The PIG website shown below has a spreadsheet with instructions on how to determine the manufacture date of each tube of Pig Epoxy Putty. With this information, the 24 month shelf life can be determined.
https://www.newpig.com/expertadvice/how-old-is-my-pig-putty-and-how-long-can-i-use- it/#:~:text=PIG%20Putty%20lasts%20about%202%20years%20if%20you,numerical%20string% 20that%20represents%20the%20date%20of%20manufacture.

RESOLUTION/RECOMMENDED ACTIONS: New Pig Epoxy Putty was procured to replace the out-dated putty that was housed on emergency response vehicles. Utilizing the information found on the PIG website, each tube was labeled with its end-of-life date. To prevent a reoccurrence, the end-of-life date is now required to be recorded during completion of the emergency vehicle weekly inventory.

ORIGINATOR: Tony Wheeler, Fire Services Manager, (740) 897-2228

PRIORITY DESCRIPTOR: Blue/Information
ISMS FUNCTIONAL CATEGORY:
F3 - Develop and Implement Hazard Controls,
F5 – Provide Feedback and Continuous Improvement

HAZARDS FUNCTIONAL CATEGORY: TM – Toxic Material, HM – Hazardous Materials
WORK ACTIVITY FUNCTIONAL CATEGORY: RS – Releases, FP – Fire Protection

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