This is a tale of Valve Handle Positions and the assumption the valve was CLOSED based on the position the handle was found in. No Lockout/Tagout and NO VERIFICATION of a Zero Energy State (ZES) before the NG pipe was disassembled. I am not sure why the NTSB makes no mention of “Energy Control” (e.g…....
We have discussed the hazards and risks associated with the transferring of hazardous materials in bulk. This case was a terminal to ship transfer, but these basic failures can happen on any transfer. Not following procedures, not utilizing an unloading checklist, and not using the unloading process and the nitrogen purge process as it was…...
Well, we knew it would just be a matter of time until someone did this. Again, the fear of contracting a virus has apparently overridden all rational thinking. This picture was shared this morning in one of my favorite Facebook Groups Fire Inspectors With No Borders. We do not know the background of the…...
This past month we have lived with the COVID19 pandemic and the fear that comes with it. I have spent hours trying to stop one of the social media myths about COVID19 and gas pump handles. There have been viral posts suggesting that people use plastic shopping bags to handle the…...
For those of you that follow my ramblings have heard me rant on about ASME A13.1 and how pipe labeling begins LONG BEFORE a process becomes a PSM/RMP covered process. ALL Hazardous Materials piping has to be labeled! And yes I am well aware of OSHA’s position on pipe labeling and their Globally Harmonized System…...
On March 25, 2008, the State of New Jersey adopted rules requiring facilities regulated under the Toxic Catastrophe Prevention Act (TCPA) Program, which is PSM/RMP to those of us outside of the state of New Jersey, to perform Inherently Safer Technology (IST) reviews. Both OSHA and Federal EPA have tried to incorporate the IST model…...
SILO: Short Documentary from Blood Orange Pictures on Vimeo…. Membership Required You must be a member to access this content.View Membership LevelsAlready a member? Log in here...
MEMORANDUM FOR: REGIONAL ADMINISTRATORS, STATE PLAN DESIGNEES THROUGH: AMANDA EDENS, Deputy Assistant Secretary FROM: PATRICK J. KAPUST, Acting Director Directorate of Enforcement Programs SUBJECT: Enforcement Guidance for Use of Respiratory Protection Equipment Certified under Standards of Other Countries or Jurisdictions During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic This memorandum provides interim guidance to Compliance…...
OSHA cited three employers – a University, a Mechanical contractor and an HVAC contractor – for exposing workers to permit-required confined space hazards associated with underground steam vaults. Proposed penalties for the three companies total $235,962. OSHA received an employer-reported referral from the mechanical contractor after an employee suffered burns from a release of steam…...
In this one, we get a 2-for-1 special!!!! First, the egress path height… 1910.36(g)(1) The ceiling of an exit route must be at least seven feet six inches (2.3 m) high. Any projection from the ceiling must not reach a point less than six feet eight inches (2.0 m) from the floor. and then the…...
From my friend Bill Geddings… In an effort to help EHS professionals who are missing conferences, local professional development meetings and other training opportunities that will allow us all to maintain certifications and our competencies please share known online learning opportunities. These can be environmental, occupational health, safety, leadership, emergency response, etc. I will share…...
Earlier this week I explained the OSHA requirements for storing Flammable Liquids “outside”, using Ethanol as my example since so many businesses have been converted over to making hand sanitizers, many of which have never managed such a large inventory of flammable liquids. Part 2 is to cover those businesses who wish to store their…...
