Safety Info Posts

Chlorine and tubing used in vacuum systems

Most of my clients who are users of Chlorine (Cl2) use it in vacuum systems where the Cl2 is being injected or inducted into a water flow.  In these smaller “processes” it is not unusual to find “tubing” being used vs. hard pipe.  It took me years to accept the tubing design model as I…...

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Could a fire in my “covered process” that did not cause a release trigger two (2) RMP requirements?

I have asked for an official interpretation on this question, but until that arrives I will answer this question as I did for a client this week.  Here is the scenario: There is a significant fire in the RMP covered.  The fire does NOT cause a release of the EHS, much less get off-site.  However,…...

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LOTO on large complex machinery – LOTO specific procedures (OSHRCS)

This is a fascinating case, as the OSHRC has upheld this citation, although they significantly reduced the $ and made it “other-than-serious.” But again, I disagree with this case, as the workers appeared to have been protected during the belt change; they did not follow the LOTO procedure, which I believe was “lazily written.” This…...

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Hazards of hydrostatic testing

OSH ACT of 1970 Section (5)(a)(1): The employer did not furnish employment and a place of employment which were free from recognized hazards that were causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm in that employees who performed hydrostatic testing were exposed to struck-by hazards due to the lack of specific testing procedures…...

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The Chlorine Institute updates their Emergency Kit “A” for 100-LB. & 150-LB. Chlorine Cylinders Instruction Booklet

The Chlorine Institute has updated its instruction booklet for applying an A Kit to 100-LB. & 150-LB. Chlorine Cylinders.  Remember, these Instruction Booklets can be downloaded for FREE from their bookstore and if your facility is using 100 or 150 pound Cl2 cylinders, the A Kit is a MUST HAVE and training on the proper…...

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Does your facility include steam in its Line Break/Equipment Opening Safe Work Practice?

At 6:52 p.m. on August 10, 2020, three (3) employees attempted to remove a clog from a hydrolyzed. A hydrolyzed apparatus is used to conduct the hydrolysis reaction in starch. The employees were unable to get the steam to release from the pressure vessel. Employee #1, a senior maintenance worker, made the decision to open…...

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Knowing the limitation of your respiratory protection can mean the difference between life and death

Once again, a DOT container cleaning company had another fatal PRCS incident (2020) where we have an entrant and a would-be rescuer dying in a hazardous atmosphere – oxygen deficient.  In this incident, the would-be rescuer donned a full-face Air Purifying Respirator before he attempted his rescue effort but was overcome by the atmosphere and…...

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A vaneometer is a MUST have for storage, use, dispensing, mixing and handling of flammable liquids

This is a very high-tech and expensive VaneometerTM.  I am kidding, it is only around $40 and it may be one of the simplest safety devices we will ever use.  But don’t let the price or simplicity fool you – it is an ABSOLUTELY CRITICAL device for those of you that have ventilation systems, especially…...

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Did you know… red hydrants are the worst

Recently I was at an HOA meeting for my neighborhood because of some concerns some homeowners had after a home fire.  Like most folks, everyone can recognize the object to the left – quite possibly one of the most recognized safety objects of all time.  And the color of the hydrant is red, but what…...

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Fire Brigades and Fire Hose Testing (NFPA 1961)

NFPA has made a major revision to NFPA 1961, Standard on Fire Hose, 2020 Edition.  The new requirement that 1½ in. to 3 in. attack hose be tested in accordance with:… Membership Required You must be a member to access this content.View Membership LevelsAlready a member? Log in here...

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EPA issues RMP citations @ food plant (NH3 & $84K)

Respondent operates a “stationary source” and has registered an RMPlan with the EPA for its Facility and has developed an RMProgram accidental release prevention program for the stationary source.  Respondent operates an ammonia refrigeration process that has on-site storage of 15,416 pounds of anhydrous ammonia.  On December 11, 2018, the EPA conducted an on-site inspection…...

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Technical Safety BC issues two (2) Ammonia Refrigeration Safety Orders

Technical Safety BC (British Columbia) has issued two new safety orders regarding ammonia in refrigeration plants.  Failure to comply with the requirements of these safety orders may result in enforcement action under the Safety Standards Act and associated regulations. These two (2) safety orders are: Safety Order SO-BP-2021-01: Secondary Coolant Safety Order SO-BP-2021-02: Emergency Discharge…...

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