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:
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
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.
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.
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
Many may be familiar with “flange jumpers,” or some may call them “bonding jumpers,” that are used to ensure a continuity to ground across a flange with gaskets that act as “insulators”, such as PTFE gaskets. During a recent walkdown of a flammable liquids process, I came across this “jumper”. Design called for “jumpers” on
Yes, I am still on this horse! As I discussed last month, there are a number of chemicals that specifically REQUIRE HRVs on liquid piping. Those are chemicals like NH3, Cl2, and LPG, to name the top three (3). But I have recently read a root cause analysis in which a flammable-liquid piping flange leaked,
I have written over a dozen posts explaining the code requirements for annual inspection/testing of our chemical hoses. But in the world of PSM/RMP, there is another hose that requires annual inspection and testing… The primary standard requiring fire hose to be service-tested annually is NFPA 1962, Standard for the Care, Use, Inspection, Service Testing,
I have been having fun using AI to help me create training images. I love doing LOTO training, and I am always challenged on just how little energy it takes to be “hazardous” and how even 0.1 psig can be lethal. (as shown below)
On April 7, 2026, about 7:15 a.m. local time, a DOT 407 AL (aluminum) cargo tank, owned and operated by Brenntag, carrying about 1,100 gallons of Sodium Hydroxide Solution (UN1824), exploded at a facility in Mooresville, North Carolina. The driver of the semi-tractor-trailer to which the cargo tank was attached was killed in the explosion.
