In the Final Rule, OSHA determined that lockout is a surer means of ensuring equipment is de-energized than tagout and is the preferred method. However, the Agency also recognized that tagout will nonetheless need to be used instead of lockout where the energy control device cannot accept a locking device. Where an energy control device […]
On April 11, 2014, OSHA promulgated a final rule revising the general industry and construction standards for work on electric power generation, transmission and distribution installations. On February 13, 2015, OSHA entered into a settlement agreement with the Edison Electric Institute, the Utility Line Clearance Coalition, and the Tree Care Industry Association resolving legal challenges
Scenario: Some equipment manufacturers believe that all equipment used in combustible dust atmospheres, including non-electrically powered vacuum cleaners, requires NRTL listing/approval. Question: Could OSHA clarify the NRTL listing/approval requirements for non-electrical vacuum cleaners used in combustible dust atmospheres?
This is helmet camera footage from one of the first firefighters to arrive at one of 2015’s largest loss fires in the USA. $110,000,000 loss dues to an inadequate sprinkler system due to changes in occupancy over the years!
I have been given permission to OPEN up a PSM Training course in April to other clients/members. This is a 4.5 day training course and involves field-work, so you will need to bring your PPE (Safety Glasses, Safety Boots, Hard-Hat, and FRC if you have it). The course will be taught with a focus on Category
This case is yet another example of how “legal” and “safety” can be so far apart from each other. This case was won by the company because OSHA did a horrible job in defending their citation; and yet, it will become ammo for companies to use in future cases. Let’s not fool ourselves into believing
Over my career in safety I have seen the use of “welding carts” spin out of control as if they are all the “almighty” in fire prevention. These carts can now be purchased with a 30-minute “fire wall” between the fuel gas (e.g. acetylene, propane, etc.) and the oxidizer (e.g. oxygen) and in fact do
Respondent owns and operates a facility that produces, processes, handles, and/or stores a regulated extremely hazardous substance, anhydrous ammonia. The facility uses anhydrous ammonia in a closed-circuit refrigeration system to produce and store ice. Though the ice maker process runs continually, employees are not normally present at the facility outside of business hours. On March
All workers for building trade contractors at REFINERY FACILITIES must complete a MINIMUM of 20 hours of approved advanced safety training by January 1, 2018, AND are required to do so every two (2) years thereafter. This requirement was added to the California Health and Safety Code in Section 25536.7. To confirm that a worker
Lack of emergency planning for ammonia leaks put workers at a beverage plant in harm’s way three (3) times in the past year. As a result, the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) has fined the business $154,000 for multiple willful, serious and general workplace safety violations. In each of the incidents, when the leaks
