Back in 2021 – 2023, I spent time with some Class 1 Railroads attempting to help them develop and implement an SMS. During this time, I was impressed by the FRA’s Risk Reduction Plan (RRP), which required certain railroads to develop a written RRP and submit it for “FRA approval”. This was a massive step…...
In a recent case study, NIOSH researchers purchased hundreds of respirator components from major online marketplaces to test their performance, focusing on listings bearing “NIOSH” or “P100” markings from non-authorized sellers. The results show a severe influx of fraudulent PPE:… Membership Required You must be a member to access this content.View Membership LevelsAlready a member?...
Based on recent updates from USCG and NFPA, we now know that two days after the incident, a marine chemist arrived on the scene in Alaska and tested the atmosphere of the barge involved in the accident. But the atmosphere therein had been sufficiently ventilated to allow firefighters to enter and recover the body of…...
As most of you know, PRCS Entry is one of the specific SWPs called out in the PSM and RMP standards. But many programs fail to meet 1910.146(f)(4), and a recent CSB accident report tied the requirement for canceling a permit to a catastrophic explosion event. 1910.119(f)(4) The employer shall develop and implement safe work…...
OSHA’s regional emphasis programs continue to prioritize the programmatic elements of 1910.134. Citations in 2026 are frequently tied to “paperwork and protocol” failures rather than hardware failures:… Membership Required You must be a member to access this content.View Membership LevelsAlready a member? Log in here...
The most significant friction point involves PHMSA and SCBA Fully Wrapped Carbon-Fiber Reinforced (CFFC) aluminum-lined cylinders on Special Permit 16320 and the use of Modal Acoustic Emission (MAE) testing to extend the life of composite cylinders. Fully Wrapped Carbon-Fiber Reinforced (CFFC) aluminum-lined cylinders have a 15-year service life. PHMSA has investigated and granted limited special…...
NTSB’s historical investigations into major gas and hazardous liquid pipeline ruptures continue to shape current rulemaking tracking. PHMSA has been actively reviewing the established Potential Impact Radius (PIR) calculation methodologies used in integrity management programs. The review aims to determine whether current mathematical models accurately account for human response data, rapid-ignition variables, and modern accident…...
In today’s workplaces, it’s hard to find a large business that does not require Hi-Vis Vest/Workwear. What is not hard to find is a business with HAZLOCs where workers are required to wear FRC but are wearing nylon Hi-Vis vests OVER their FRC. I am all for making workers more visible to powered industrial trucks…...
I took these pics for those who may have never seen a FAILED leak test using a “bubble solution”. We have discussed the “sensitivity testing” using the bubble test method many times, as it’s the most common method. I have been using the brand SNOOP my entire career and highly recommend it. (an unpaid endorsement)…...
We have another tragic example of how dangerous hot work is on used (even new) containers when proper precautions are not taken. This event seriously injured the three (3) workers in Ankara, Turkey, in February 2024. Members can download the video from the video library…. Membership Required You must be a member to access this...
The amount of breathing air consumed during a monthly SCBA functional test (often referred to as the “monthly inspection” or “flow test”) varies slightly by manufacturer and the specific depth of your inspection/testing SOP. However, for a standard 30-minute/45-cubic-foot cylinder, you can estimate the usage based on the required NFPA 1852 checks…. Membership Required You...
A question I have asked for years, starting back in the late 1980’s when I began wearing SCBAs. I have asked this question to dozens, maybe hundreds of people, way smarter than me, and everyone was stumped. So today I had a lengthy discussion on SCBAs and the question was asked of me again. So…...
