While the terms are often used interchangeably, there is a distinct semantic and practical difference between them, particularly when dealing with formal codes like ASME and API. The distinction essentially comes down to execution versus interpretation…. Membership Required You must be a member to access this content.View Membership LevelsAlready a member? Log in here...
As we have discussed here many times, check valves tend to be one of the most relied-on designs but also one of the most forgotten devices in process safety. We see check valves that have been in service for 30+ years and have never once been inspected or tested, yet they are listed every 5…...
Today, the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) released its final report on the fatal August 11, 2025, explosion at the Coke Works facility in Clairton, Pennsylvania. The incident occurred when toxic flammable coke oven gas was released and exploded — fatally injuring two people, injuring 11 others, five of them seriously, and…...
Tip: In the “good old days,” this was crystal clear, such that a 3rd grader could audit these requirements! Today, one needs a calculator and a long tape measure to make this determination!!! Let’s break this down by OSHA first, then NFPA, then IFC…… Membership Required You must be a member to access this content.View...
Regional OSHA activity and compliance publications over the past month highlight renewed inspection scrutiny surrounding flammable liquid transfer, storage, and bonding/grounding:… Membership Required You must be a member to access this content.View Membership LevelsAlready a member? Log in here...
NIOSH has released its Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation report regarding the Maine Lumber Mill COM DUST explosion. Lots of learnings in this report. Fire origin and explosion cause The State Fire Marshal’s Office and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) cause-and-origin preliminary investigation classified the fire as accidental. It indicated that the area…...
I almost never write about construction safety matters as I do not practice in that safety arena. But lighting crosses all industrial sectors, and this effort by OSHA to recind the Construction Lighting standard(s): 1926.26 and 1926.56 is very puzzling to me. 29 CFR 1926.26 requires construction areas, aisles, stairs, ramps, runways, corridors, offices, shops,…...
A coalition of 75 major industry organizations (led by the American Chemistry Council) submitted a joint petition to OSHA, the EPA, and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). The Goal is to establish a single, unified federal chemical safety standard to eliminate conflicting regulatory requirements between OSHA standards and the EPA’s Toxic Substances Control…...
The CSB examines two (2) high-consequence incidents in 2025 that were caused by workers mistakenly disassembling the wrong equipment…. Membership Required You must be a member to access this content.View Membership LevelsAlready a member? Log in here...
The development of the 2027 edition is currently underway, with several proposals aimed at industrial operations and complex facilities:… Membership Required You must be a member to access this content.View Membership LevelsAlready a member? Log in here...
In July 2012, a 64-year-old maintenance mechanic at an aluminum foil processing facility died after being exposed to an approximately 180-degree Fahrenheit solution of boric acid and water while trying to remove a recirculation pump from its housing. The pump was part of a boric acid evaporation system. The system took several days to completely…...
On August 19, 2019, at approximately 3:00 p.m., a 67-year-old male water truck operator, working as a seasonal employee, sustained severe head injuries when a pressurized water hose burst and he was knocked to the ground. He died two days later from his injury. The victim’s employer was a cooperative of almond growers that provided…...
