What is OSHA’s LOTO documentation requirements?
The standard specifies several information collection requirements. The following sections describe who uses the information collected under each requirement and how they use it. These requirements aim to control the release of hazardous energy while workers service, maintain, or repair machines or equipment when activation, startup, or release of energy from an energy source is
Bleeding off NH3 Accident (2017)
At 3:10 p.m. on February 7, 2017, an employee was making preparations to replace the relief valve of 1,000-gallon ammonia (NH3) nurse tank. The incident investigation reported that the tank was empty of liquid NH3. However, it contained approximately 80 psi of vapor pressure. The employee set up a 30-gallon drum that held water and
2015 ICC Performance Code® for Buildings and Facilities (ICCPC)
As I prepare for Ohio’s adoption of the 2015 International Fire Code, I am reminded of the codes Performance Code™ for buildings and facilities. It is my opinion, completely unsubstantiated that this part of the code is for facilities which already have PSM/RMP covered processes and already have their PSM/RMP management systems in place for these hazardous
2017 OSHA PSM activity by Industry Sectors
UPDATED with new data on 5/25/2018…Here is a look at OSHA’s PSM activity in 2017 (October 2016 – September 2017). As you can see, OSHA did 88 PSM inspections and issued 329 citations for a total of $2,032,036 in fines. This is the SETTLED amount and NOT the initial citations. Here is a quick breakdown
2017 OSHA PRCS activity by Industry Sectors
Here is a look at OSHA’s Permit-required confined spaces (PRCS) compliance activity in 2017 (October 2016 – September 2017). As you can see, OSHA did 149 LOTO inspections and issued 401 citations for a total of $2,333,696 in fines. Here is a quick breakdown of activity:
2017 OSHA LOTO activity by Industry Sectors
Here is a look at OSHA’s Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) compliance activity in 2017 (October 2016 – September 2017). As you can see, OSHA did 1,487 LOTO inspections (↓) and issued 2,567 citations (↓) for a total of $13,467,038 in fines (↓). 2016 numbers were 1,780 LOTO inspections and issued 3,235 citations for a total of $16,611,253 in fines. This is the
2017 OSHA HAZWOPER activity by Industry Sectors
Here is a look at OSHA’s Hazardous waste operations and emergency response (HAZWOPER) compliance activity in 2017 (October 2019 – September 2017). As you can see, OSHA did 24 HAZWOPER inspections and issued only 41 citations for a total of $148,221 in fines. This is the SETTLED amount and NOT the initial citations. Here is a quick
How things have changed in the world of RMP Risks… Anhydrous Ammonia
There are 631 fewer RMP covered processes with Anhydrous Ammonia since 2011. This translates to a reduction of right at 78 million pounds in anhydrous ammonia in reported RMP covered processes. This took anhydrous ammonia from a clear #1 in pounds in RMP covered processes in 2011 down to #3 in 2017 (see tables below).
How many chemicals have an assigned IDLH level?
Not a question we must know the answer to in order to be safe, but one that an old emergency responder ponders and now we know… The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) defines an immediately dangerous to life or health condition as a situation “that poses a threat of exposure to airborne
An explanation of Certified Welding from the National Certified Pipe Welding Bureau
This publication is without a doubt the best explanation of “certified welding” associated with the American Society of Mechanical Engineer’s (ASME) B31 series of RAGAGEPS. The contractor is REQUIRED to certify that the welding procedure and the welder are qualified in accordance with the requirements of Section IX of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
“Welder Certification”, What it is – What it isn’t (AWS)
A welder who is considered to be or previously had been “certified” would be supported by some WRITTEN DOCUMENTATION. This documentation would support having met some “prescribed standard.” This standard could be an industry recognized code or standard, a company document or a combination of those and the content of the record should meet the requirements