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Explaining Reason’s Swiss Cheese Epidemiological or Latent Failure Model

The “Swiss Cheese” model developed by James Reason is an example of the epidemiological model.  This is a complex, linear cause-and-effect model where accidents are seen as the result of a combination of active failures (unsafe acts) and latent conditions (unsafe conditions)… Membership Required You must be a member to access this content.View Membership LevelsAlready...

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What do we see in this picture? (Pressure vessels and fire scenarios)

This picture represents the fun side of working with clients who want to be world-class and meet the “intent” of a code or standard, not worrying if it just meets OSHA.  This is a refrigeration client who is really trying to make this start-up an example for other facilities within the organization to emulate.  During a Pre-PSSR…...

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Proper application of Emergency Escape Breathing Apparatus (EEBA)

Emergency Escape Breathing Apparatus (EEBA) have been around my entire career and I have used the mouth-bit style and the supplied air bag-over-the-head style.  Actually, I have never had to use one, but I had them at my facilities when I was a Safety Manager in the chemical and semiconductor industries.  So I have learned…...

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OSHA clarifies positions on “Voluntary Respirator Use”

Question 1: If an employer pays for and allows respirators to be worn on a voluntary basis when respiratory protection is not required to meet any OSHA standard, is it then regarded as though the employer is mandating the use of the respirators?… Membership Required You must be a member to access this content.View Membership LevelsAlready...

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So does OSHA really want to revise the PSM standard?

The quick and easy answer is YES and before the changing of Presidential administrations the wheels were in motion, even after several court set-backs.  But some would like to accuse me of being a “consultant” and spreading fear to drum up business.  I used to laugh off these comments and accusations, but today I received…...

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Proposed Revisions Not Being Finalized –  Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout) in 29 CFR 1910.147

Just in case you missed the news today… OSHA will NOT finalize its proposal to remove the word “UNEXPECTED” from the control of hazardous energy (LOTO) standard but will further consider this issue in light of the overall standard.  Here is their rationale for this decision at this time… OSHA proposed making changes to subpart J of part 1910—General…...

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Have you seen all the video’s of the party balloons exploding?

Today I was working with a client who informed that there is a “shortage” of Helium (He) and prices are starting to rise significantly and this could have a financial impact on their business in the future. Some may not be aware but He is a gas that is used in high purity processes as…...

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There is good reason why codes require the area to be clear before conducting pneumatic pressure testing

At 10:15 a.m. on February 12, 2015, an employee was working from the elevated basket of a manlift, installing sheetrock in an area of the job site where water piping was undergoing pneumatic testing, at 130 psi. At the same time, another contractor was performing a compressed air leak test. An 80-pound section of the…...

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Leak Testing Fatality GDC Citations

OSH ACT of 1970 SECTION (5)(a)(1):  The employer did not furnish employment and a place of employment which were free from recognized hazards that were causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees in that employees were exposed to struck-by hazards: The employer did not establish, communicate, and implement safe work…...

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The most widely-shipped toxic inhalation hazard (TIH) chemicals in US by route

Chemical Road Rail Water  Total % of Total Domestic Shipping Totals\by Route (U.S. Tons) Ammonia (NH3) 5,793,000 3,470,592 1,718,974 10,982,566 52.8% 75% Chlorine (Cl2) 724,000 3,750,372 137,202 4,611,574 22.2% Sulfuric Acid (H2SO4) 257,000 207,560 2,057,721 2,522,281 12.1%   95% Acrylonitrile (C3H3N) 29,000 277,200 671,474 977,674 4.7% Ethylene Oxide (C2H4Q) 106,000 671,260 1,132 778,392 3.7% Hydrogen…...

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Handheld Multi-Gas Detectors Application Note (DHS and Sandia National Laboratories)

This document is a gem to have if you’re in a role that requires the use of multi-gas detectors such as those used for entry into permit-required confined spaces and check an area before Hot Work begins.  It has been around since 2016 and I have used the information in it for years in my…...

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