2016 Video of the Week #3 (Flashpoint, Flamepoint, Autoignition Temperature Demo)
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Butterfly valves and relief valve line isolation
This week I participated in an on-line discussion regarding a new “telltale indicator” that is being used in refrigeration processes. A really neat device that will indicate when an RV has lifted; however, I questioned its design and whether or not it could be considered an “obstruction” in the RV vent line. This device has…...
Temporary Enforcement Policy for Residential Construction Work in Confined Spaces (1/2016)
U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration Washington, D.C. 20210 Reply to the attention of: Jan 06 2016 Memorandum For: REGIONAL ADMINISTRATORS AND STATE PLAN DESIGNEES THROUGH: DOROTHY DOUGHERTY, Deputy Assistant Secretary From: DEAN MCKENZIE, Acting Director Directorate of Construction Subject: Temporary Enforcement Policy for Residential Construction Work in Confined Spaces… Membership...
63 incidents & 0 updates (1/14/16)
2016 Fatality Tracker Electrical 1 (2015 = 38) (2014 = 55) (2013 = 32) (2012 = 68) Forklift/Aerial 2 (2015 = 48) (2014 = 60) (2013 = 62) (2012 = 52) Mining* 2 (2015 = 21) (2014 = 401) (2013 = 87*) (2012 = 92*) *ONLY USA Explosions 1 (2015 = 135) (2014 = 157)…...
Metallurgical Evaluation of a Nurse Tank Cracked Head (Failure was SCC)
The purpose of this project is to analyze a ruptured 1000 gallon NH3 tank to determine the crack initiation site (CIS) and the cause of the tank failure. On 11/21/2007 it was reported that, “a nurse tank carrying anhydrous ammonia exploded and pieces were found laying in the front yard of a farm just outside of Silver…...
SAFETY NOTICE ON BENCH TESTING OF PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICES (FMCSA)
Recent investigations conducted by the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) on USDOT specification cargo tank testing and repair facilities have resulted in a consistent pattern of non-compliance regarding bench testing of Pressure Relief Devices (PRD). Specifically, cargo tank testing and repair facilities are either failing to bench test PRDs or…...
Example of IMPROPER welding on pressure vessel(s)
Catastrophic results can occur when unauthorized repairs are performed on pressure vessels. An improper weld on an anhydrous ammonia nurse tank was a factor in a nurse tank failure that occurred on April 15, 2003, near Calamus, IA. resulting in one fatality and one serious injury. This is a stark reminder of the serious consequences that can occur as…...
OSHA issues another Hazard Alert Letter regarding EMT’s providing medical care
Last week OSHA sent another “Hazard Alert” letter to an employer regarding their practice of using on-site EMT’s to provide care to employees. In this case, OSHA is again asserting that the EMT’s are performing duties outside their certifications and the purpose of the EMT’s is to avoid recording injuries. Medical care must be…...
Real Life Accident: Chief Mate Dies From Asphyxiation
from official report from the Dutch Safety Board, May 2015 CLICK HERE (pdf) for full report in English Two days before arriving in port, the Master received cargo documents from the shipper, which included an 11-page material safety data sheet (MSDS) on zinc concentrate. On receipt of the documents a safety meeting was held with the crew…...
2016 Photo of the Week #2 (Safety Celebration)
A few years ago I posted a “safety celebration” luncheon where the grills were placed next to the 500 gallon propane tank. Now we have this safety lunch… Notice anything UNSAFE about this safety celebration? SAFTENG members can see the unaltered pic… Membership Required You must be a member to access this content.View Membership LevelsAlready...
2016 Video of the Week #2 (Confined Space Flash Fire CCTV)
CAUTION! Viewer Discretion ADVISED. This video shows an entrant being badly burned as he enters a 6,000 gallon underground gasoline storage tank. Heat from a halogen work light that was lowered into the tank ignited gasoline vapors. The worker sustained a head injury and severe burns to several areas of his body. He was taken…...
EMT’s, MusculoSkeletal Disorders (MSDs), and OSHA Recordkeeping
Over the holidays I came across this “letter” from OSHA to an employer regarding how the facility was “managing” their “1st Aid cases” using on-site EMTs who were not actually state certified EMT’s, nor had they been trained to identify and assess musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). In reading the letter, OSHA was clearly implying that these 1st…...