The decline of a safety culture
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A lot of OSHA standards follow the SMS protocol
Whether we recognize it or not, many of the OSHA standards follow the principles of a well-grounded Safety Management System (SMS) that includes: Hazard Identification Hazard Analysis using a recognized methodology Risk Assessment so that risk can be quantified and put into perspective Risk Mitigation using the Hierarchy of Controls (Elm, Sub, Eng, Adm, PPE)…...
So many first steps in OSH turn out to be trips and falls
In occupational safety and health, there are a lot of opportunities for businesses to stumble and fall right out of the gate. Although many folks like to claim “anyone can do safety,” this myth drives these mistakes. Untrained/Uneducated persons are attempting to manage an OSH program and stumbling at step one, leaving hundreds/thousands of employees…...
The 2021 IMC catches up to the large-diameter ceiling fans
Most of us have seen these “Big _ss” fans before. They move a lot of air and work well. (This is not an endorsement of the brand). Now, the 2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC) has caught up with these types of large-diameter ceiling fans. These fans are DEFINED and QUANTIFIED as: A ceiling fan that…...
Electric sweet gas heater ruptures and releases sweet gas into the building
This incident was process related and involved a process safety system; however, the process was NOT PSM/RMP covered. The incident is process-related and many of the PSM/RMP management elements could have prevented this incident. An electric sweet gas heater ruptured from overheating releasing sweet gas into the building. The cause of the incident was likely…...
Safety Classification and Learning (SCL) Model
The rate of recordable injuries in the electric power sector has declined steadily over the past decade; however, the rate of serious injuries and fatalities (SIFs) has plateaued. Unfortunately, studying SIFs is a paradox. On one hand, SIFs are incredibly important and deserve significant resources for investigation. On the other, learning from these events and…...
Safety Thought of the Week…
I have been driving for 46 years and I have never died in a car wreck – BUT I STILL WEAR MY SEATBELT! The mere fact there has not been a negative result from an act does NOT mean we can we should continue that act without some layers of protection! So when someone claims…...
2021 IMC and Refrigeration Processes (other than NH3)
In the 2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC), the International Association of Ammonia Refrigeration (IIAR) was successful in simplifying the code requirements for refrigeration systems using Anhydrous Ammonia (NH3). The code now reads: 1101.1.2 Ammonia refrigerant Refrigeration systems using ammonia as the refrigerant shall comply with IIAR 2, IIAR 3, IIAR 4, and IIAR 5 and…...
2021 IMC 401.4 and 501.3.1 cocentric venting systems
A new type of factory-built combination exhaust and intake air fitting is introduced that does not require separation between the two openings. Although this has been approved for the 2021 IBC, it is ONLY for dwelling or sleeping unit mechanical ventilation systems. It is NOT ALLOWED for HAZARDOUS MATERIALS Exhaust Ventilation systems… Membership...
WISER had a great run!
I can not understand why the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM) is ending WISER. This single ER tool was undoubtedly the best available ER tool! I have been sharing it for at least the past 10 years in all my HAZMAT courses. It is indeed a SAD day; as of February 28th, 2023, NLM…...
Fire Wall Use for “MAQ Control Areas” has been greatly expanded!
The 2021 International Building Code (IBC) has revised how firewalls can be used to establish “control areas” within a structure. Section 414.2.3 Number states:… Membership Required You must be a member to access this content.View Membership LevelsAlready a member? Log in here...
Frost Protection @ required means of egress doors
The 2021 international Building Code (IBC) has a new requirement that will impact EXIT doors and their exterior landings. Most states have NOT adopted this edition of the IBC, so this is just a heads up of what’s to come. The new section (1809.5 .1 Frost protection at required exits) states:… Membership Required You must...