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…...
Testing your unsupervised fire alarm (sweating the small stuff) Read More »
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...
Chlorine Institute has updated its A, B, and C Kit manuals Read More »
This flow diagram is presented as an aid and it does not alter or determine OSHA’s Fire Protection compliance responsibilities. The best source of information is the 29 CFR 1910, Subpart L standards. Many thanks to my Friend in Safety from OSHA, Mr. Walter Siegfried for sharing this aid…. Membership Required You must be a...
OSHA’s Fight or Flight Flowchart on Firefighting Read More »
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…...
Emergency egress illumination Read More »
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…...
Fixed Fire Protection system asphyxiates supervisor Read More »
The derailment in East Palestine, OH, was a classic need for a Vent & Burn operation (as shown in the video). There was some indication that one or more of the Vinyl Chloride railcars had begun its polymerization reaction, which could result in catastrophic consequences for many people and property. This indication also eliminates the…...
Vent & Burn @ East Palestine Derailment Read More »
The Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) establishes requirements for federal, state, and local governments, Indian tribes, and industry regarding emergency planning and reporting on hazardous and toxic chemicals. Individual facilities are required to conduct emergency planning with state and local emergency planning committees, report accidental releases to the proper authorities, and report annually…...
EPA offers EPCRA Video Series Read More »
Once again, I can not stress how valuable FM Global can be to your safety efforts. Their Loss Prevention Data Sheets are FREE and some of the best guidance we can find. Our profession is always complaining about spending money on ANSI, ASME, NFPA, etc. codes and standards. Yet, these Loss Prevention Data Sheets are…...
FM Global offers great advice on your Pre-Incident and Emergency Response Planning Read More »
April 8, 2023 — Quinnesec, Michigan The All Hazards Training Center at The University of Findlay has developed the Rail Car Incident Response for Crude, Ethanol, and Other Flammable Liquids training course for the U.S. Department of Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (DOT PHMSA) to educate emergency responders on freight rail car incidents…...
Rail Car Incident Response for Crude, Ethanol & Other Flammable Liquids Read More »
I can not understand why the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM) is ending WISER. This single ER tool was undoubtedly the best available ER tool! I have been sharing it for at least the past 10 years in all my HAZMAT courses. It is indeed a SAD day; as of February 28th, 2023, NLM…...
WISER had a great run! Read More »
The 2021 international Building Code (IBC) has a new requirement that will impact EXIT doors and their exterior landings. Most states have NOT adopted this edition of the IBC, so this is just a heads up of what’s to come. The new section (1809.5 .1 Frost protection at required exits) states:… Membership Required You must...
Frost Protection @ required means of egress doors Read More »
MSA has a CBRN-certified Powered-Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR) for first responders; however, this PAPR is NEVER to be worn for the initial entry into the Hot or Warm zones! This is not a SAFTENG requirement; this comes straight from OSHA’s (and EPA’s) HAZWOPER standard…… Membership Required You must be a member to access this content.View...
MSA’s Responder® PAPR is NOT a “1st-In” respirator Read More »
