The purpose of the information collection requirements specified in the Permit-Required Confined Spaces Standard (29 CFR 1910.146) is to ensure that employers systematically evaluate the dangers in permit spaces before entry is attempted, and to guarantee that Start Printed Page 23725adequate measures are taken to make the areas safe for entry. Section 1910.146(c)(2) requires the […]
Hollywood has made a mockery of fixed fire protection systems. From showing sprinklers going off when the fire alarm is pulled to all sprinklers seemingly being “deluge systems“!!!! Well, finally we have footage of how a sprinkler system behaves. If you’re like me, you’ve sat in these restaurants and watched all the fires rage
In January 1998, OSHA published the final Respiratory Protection standard (29 CFR 1910.134). In the final revised respirator standard, OSHA established a mechanism to accept new fit test protocols under Mandatory Appendix A. Any person may submit to OSHA an application for approval of a new fit test protocol, and if the method meets specific
Recent technological advancements that employ computer-based controls of hazardous energy (e.g., mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, chemical, and radiation) conflict with OSHA’s existing lock-out/tag-out standard. These computer-based controls have become more prevalent as equipment manufacturers modernize their designs. Additionally, national consensus standards and international standards harmonization govern the design and use of computer-based controls. This approach of
OSHA currently regulates aspects of emergency response and preparedness; some of these standards were promulgated decades ago, and none were designed as comprehensive emergency response standards. Consequently, they do not address the full range of hazards or concerns currently facing emergency responders, nor do they reflect significant changes in performance specifications for protective clothing and
The PSM Unit enforces occupational safety and health standards applicable to 14 petroleum refineries and 1,940 chemical plants in California. The chemical plants handle or process 50 million to 120 million pounds of hazardous chemicals every year. Inspections target high-risk facilities and focus on timely, effective abatement. Table 1. Inspections completed during the calendar year
EPA is proposing changes to a final rule, the Risk Management Program (RMP) Amendments (82 FR 4594, January 13, 2017) to better address potential security risks and reasonable consideration of costs. The proposed changes are intended to promote better emergency planning and public information about accidents and maintain the trend of fewer significant accidents involving
In the PSM/RMP world, where Hot Work (HW) permits and all of 1910.252(a) are requirements, we tend to find HW programs, permits, and practices not meeting this critical requirement for SAFE HW. This is caused by a wide array of errors, from the written program/permit omitting this requirement, training not covering this requirement, and/or personnel
Does the cited provision of the welding standard (29 C.F.R. § 1926.353(b)(1)) presume that a hazard exists “whenever welding, cutting, or heating is performed in a confined space”? CLICK HERE
On May 17, 2018, EPA’s Administrator signed a proposed rule requesting public comment on several proposed changes to the final RMP Amendments issued on January 13, 2017. EPA is proposing to rescind amendments relating to: safer technology and alternatives analyses, third-party audits, incident investigations, information availability, and several other minor regulatory changes EPA is also
OSHA has cited a cosmetics manufacturer and proposed fines of $281,220 for failing to protect its employees from dangerous chemicals, and other hazards. In November 2017, OSHA investigated the cosmetics manufacturer after an employee was fatally injured in a fire. The company was cited for 11 violations for fall, and compressed air hazards, and for
