Emergency Response

As noted in the Summary and Explanation for proposed paragraph (a) Scope, the proposed rule would not apply to any employer that is not an Emergency Service Organization (ESO) and does not have a Workplace Emergency Response Team (WERT). Nothing in this proposed rule would require an employer to establish a WERT. Each employer makes…...

What happened? The extinguisher, rated to 2900 psi was being tested to a pressure of 4351 psi. The incident occurred when the test pressure reached 2842 psi. The extinguisher was 13 years old. No one was harmed. The failure occurred under test conditions, and no personnel were nearby to be injured. The hydrostatic test was…...

Guidelines for Preparedness and Initial Response to a Pipeline Release of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) This field operations guide is not an educational or decision-making tool. This guide contains a set of operational tools and references to assist in the response to a pipeline release of carbon dioxide (CO2). The priorities for CO2 response are:… Membership...

PHMSA proposes revisions to the pipeline safety regulations to require operators of gas distribution pipelines to update their distribution integrity management programs (DIMP), emergency response plans, operations and maintenance manuals, and other safety practices These proposals implement provisions of the Leonel Rondon Pipeline Safety Act—part of the Protecting our Infrastructure of Pipelines and Enhancing Safety…...

Earlier this year, a member of the SAFTENG FaceBook group posted a question about this type of system being used in a warehouse within the USA.  Many of us were caught off guard as it seemed very risky to drop the Oxygen level to 13% in an occupied space, even with all the alarms and…...

One common deficiency we encounter in our chlorine (Cl2) work is the management of these emergency response kits (e.g. A, B, and C Kits).  We find three common failures regardless of the type of Kit: Kit(s) is not inspected “routinely” Kit contents are not managed per their specific requirements (i.e.. hood gaskets) Personnel lack training…...

One of the audit findings that we believe to be an essential requirement certainly raises many folks’ blood pressure.  We get accused of “piling on” when we write up findings in our OSH and PSM/RMP audits regarding the incorrect testing of a facility’s employee alarm system(s).  And we use OSHA’s requirements, which are actually quite…...

The Chlorine Institute has updated its A, B, and C Kit manuals with some significant revisions.  Unfortunately, these manuals are no longer free to non-members, but if you utilize these kits in your emergency response program, they are a MUST-have.  Luckily they cost only $40.  Here is a peek at the B-Kit Manual revisions:… Membership...

One of my pet peeves in safety is emergency egress lighting.  From not having any to having some serious deficiencies in the setup and functioning of the lighting.  OSHA has failed to establish a minimum lighting intensity for this emergency lighting.  OSHA has established the brightness for EXIT signs, but when it comes to the…...

At 1:30 p.m. on August 7, 2022, an employee worked as a production supervisor in his office when the deluge system alarm was activated. Approximately 30 seconds after the audible alarm was engaged, the foam generators were activated and began to disperse 2.2% high expansion foam.  The employee attempted to exit his office to reach…...