Safety Info Posts

Can I have a single SDS or do I need an SDS from each supplier?

Background: Company employees work with packaged consumer commodities (e.g., body wash, sunscreen, mouthwash, dish detergent, fabric softener) that are placed in finished store displays. The products are not used by employees and are shipped back to the original manufacturer for distribution, or to distribution centers for resale. SDSs are maintained for shipping and/or disposal of

OSHA’s Use of Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (SUAS)

On May 18, 2018, OSHA issued an Enforcement Memorandum for Regional Administrators, “OSHA’s use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems in Inspections,” to provide initial guidance on the use of Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (SUAS) during compliance inspections and for other purposes. In light of recent improvements by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to help SUAS pilots

OSHA issues PSM citations @ facility that refines and sells helium products ($1M)

OSHA has found that the U.S. Department of Interior’s Bureau of Land Management violated procedures for safe handling of chemical materials at its Helium Enrichment Unit, a federal chemical producing plant that refines and sells helium products to private entities.  OSHA issued the facility 21 notices of unsafe working conditions. This is OSHA’s first use

OSHA issues PSM citations @ chemical company (Fluorocarbons & $232K)

Exposure to dangerous toxins at an Alabama chemical manufacturing plant lead to the deaths of two (2) workers and sickened another worker after the employer failed to provide appropriate protective equipment and implement safe work practices during maintenance activities on chemical processing equipment.  An OSHA investigation found the exposure occurred while the workers were conducting

EPA issues RMP citations @ manufacturing facility (LPG and Isobutane & $144K)

On September 15, 2021, Respondent acquired ownership and commenced operation of the manufacturing facility. Isobutane is a “regulated substance” pursuant to 40 C.F.R. § 68.3. The threshold quantity for Isobutane, as listed in 40 C.F.R. § 68.130, is 10,000 pounds. Propane is a “regulated substance” pursuant to 40 C.F.R. § 68.3. The threshold quantity for

Rotary Valve/Airlock and Lock-Out/Tag-Out Hazards (OSHA SHIB 2021)

Rotary valves/airlocks (rotary valves) are devices with close-fitting, revolving blades/vanes installed inside industrial equipment to control the flow of materials through a process (see Figure 1).  Rotary valves are used in many industries and functions. A common example (Figure 2) is an airlock used in a pneumatic conveying system to dispense material while maintaining system

Mitgating Risks, Decision Making, and TDODAR

We cannot eliminate risk. It’s a consequence of the uncertainty in our situations and the world around us. It’s essential to think about how we can mitigate risks in the workplace. Also, consider the tools we can provide to make our colleagues more aware of risk in themselves and others.  Risk assessments are a useful

The SHELL Model

The SHELL Model is a conceptual tool used to analyze the interaction of multiple system components.  The SHELL Model contains the following four (4) components: SOFTWARE (S): procedures, training, support, etc. HARDWARE (H): machines and equipment ENVIRONMENT (E): the working environment in which the rest of the L-H-S system must function and LIVEWARE (L): humans

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