The IRSST (Canada) just published a new research report to contribute to confined space accident prevention by helping companies apply existing regulations. Researchers wanted to gain a better understanding of confined space risk management and identify issues based on the literature and field observations, and develop a confined space risk analysis and work categorization tool […]
On November 1, 2016 through November 4, 2016, representatives from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region IX conducted an inspection of a refinery to determine compliance with the Risk Management Program (RMP). The preliminary findings of the inspection and additional information request were sent to the refinery and several agencies on March 27, 2017.
Here is an EXCEL spreadsheet with the “Severe Injuries” reported to OSHA from 1/1/2015 through 9/30/2016. These reports make great content for safety discussions and awareness efforts. You can sort by Hospitalized, Amputation, Injury Nature, Part of Body, Source, Secondary Source. You can also download the full data sheet from OSHA. CLICK HERE (.xls) to download my revised spreadsheet.
Those who manage Lockout-Tagout (LOTO) in a “processing operation” know first-hand how different LOTO is as compared to how its done in an “assembly line” style operation. I have always picked up some “Best Practices” for LOTO at the companies I worked for over the years and as a consultant, I have seen many more at some of my
VIEWER DISCRETION ADVISED!
Much like the Emergency Action Plan (EAP) requirements, a WRITTEN FPP is ONLY required when your business/facility falls under some other OSHA standard. And in the case of FPPs, there are ONLY three (3) OSHA standards requiring a FPP: Ethylene Oxide, 1910.1047 Methylenedianiline – 1910.1050 1,3-Butadiene – 1910.1051 Here is a nice flowchart from OSHA
So what exactly does OSHA mean when they say… Develop and implement the means, procedures, and practices necessary for safe permit space entry operations, including, but not limited to, the following:…1910.146(d)(3)(iii) Isolating the permit space It is not uncommon to find spaces entered with NO isolation of the space and there tends to still be
Back when OSHA was writing their Permit-Required Confined Space standard (1910.146) their review of accident data indicated that most confined space deaths and injuries were caused by atmospheric hazards. And yet, still today, we see entrant, attendants, and entry supervisors; and even safety personnel, not understanding the atmospheric hazards associated with PRCSs. I hope to
Violation Summary Serious Willful Repeat Other Unclass Total Initial Violations 15 15 Current Violations 15 15 Initial Penalty $128,562 $128,562 Current Penalty $75,000 $75,000 Violation Items # ID Type Standard Curr$ Init$ LastEvent 1. 01001 Serious 1910.119(d)Process
In OSHA’s LOTO standard (1910.147), the agency included in their definition of a “lockout device” a “blank flange” and “bolted slip blind” when in fact, these devices are actually “energy isolation devices.” So why would OSHA consider these devices a “lockout device”? NOTE: I am not in agreement with this and have never called a “blank
