We have discussed the hazards of pneumatic pressure testing many times. Pneumatic pressure testing should be a “last resort” for pressure testing process equipment. But for those who question the degree of hazard this REQUIRED test brings about, here is something to consider. Take a look at the following comparisons between the stored energy in…...
Hazards of pneumatic pressure testing in terms of TNT energy Read More »
Training is the backbone of WERTs and ESOs. Effective training produces team members and responders with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to safely perform their duties in the face of various hazards in emergency incidents. Paragraph (h) of the proposed rule contains requirements for INITIAL and FOLLOW-UP training for responders and team members and requirements…...
OSHA’s proposed “Training” requirements in its new Emergency Response standard Read More »
Emergency response is a physically demanding occupation; approximately half of all firefighter on-duty and line-of-duty deaths are due to cardiovascular events. Emergency response activities can place a tremendous strain on the cardiovascular system, which can trigger a catastrophic cardiovascular event. This is especially true for team members and responders with pre-existing heart conditions, which they…...
The proposed rule would require Workplace Emergency Response Employers (WEREs) and Emergency Service Organizations (ESOs) to develop and implement a written comprehensive risk management plan based on the type and level of service(s) that would be established: Paragraph (c) Organization of the WERT, and Establishment of the ERP and Emergency Service(s) Capability and Paragraph (d)…...
OSHA’s proposed WERT and ESO “Risk Management Plan” requirements Read More »
To be effective, any safety and health program needs the meaningful participation of workers and their representatives. Similarly, for the Emergency Response Program (ERP) to be effective, team members and responders need to be involved in establishing, operating, evaluating, and improving the ERP. Team members and responders have much to gain from a successful program…...
Workplace Emergency Response Employers (WEREs) and Emergency Services Organizations (ESOs) respond to a wide variety of incidents, most of which are considered routine and involve a small commitment of resources. Some incidents are more complex and involve larger commitments of resources and potentially higher-risk operations. The WERE and ESO need to develop an incident management…...
OSHA’s proposed Incident Management System (IMS) requirements Read More »
The use of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) helps to reduce the risk of injuries and fatalities by providing written guidance to team members and responders with established safe procedures for actions to be taken during a wide variety of incident responses. They provide direction for team members and responders on what they need to do…...
OSHA’s proposed Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) requirements Read More »
This is a long time coming. OSHA referenced the use of EPCRA’s Tier II’s in this section; something that has been in place since 1986! For those of you who have stressed over my lengthy and detailed PSM/RMP audit findings regarding emergency planning and response – you’re welcome. Closing out those findings means you are…...
OSHA’s proposed Pre-Incident Planning (PIP) requirements Read More »
During emergency incident operations, team members and responders face the most challenging aspects, both physically and psychologically, of their vocation.Ensuring safe operations at incidents can reduce team member and responder injuries and fatalities and limit exposure to health hazards. Paragraph (p) of the proposed rule is based on current industry practices, as reflected by NFPA…...
OSHA’s proposed Emergency Incident Operations Read More »
Proposed paragraph (i) provides requirements to ensure that Workplace Emergency Response Employers (WEREs) facilities are safe for team members. Paragraph (i)(1)(i) of the proposed rule would require WEREs to ensure their facilities comply with 29 CFR 1910 Subpart E, Exit Routes and Emergency Planning. This proposed provision is not a new requirement because WEREs are…...
OSHA’s proposed WERE and ESO Facility Preparedness requirements Read More »
As noted in the Summary and Explanation for proposed paragraph (a) Scope, the proposed rule would not apply to any employer that is not an Emergency Service Organization (ESO) and does not have a Workplace Emergency Response Team (WERT). Nothing in this proposed rule would require an employer to establish a WERT. Each employer makes…...
In the world of hazardous materials, evacuating them from their primary (and secondary) containment system plays a KEY role in performing maintenance/servicing on the system SAFELY. For example, opening a process/system that contains hazardous materials FIRST has to be evacuated of that hazardous material, and this evacuation to a “safe place” should be done through…...
Could a valve save a life? (Fail Safe Valves) Read More »
