OSHA updated its agenda page and is saying it will publish an NPRM for the LOTO standard this December. Recent technological advancements that employ computer-based controls of hazardous energy (e.g., mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, chemical, and radiation) conflict with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) existing lock-out/tag-out (LOTO) standard. The use of these computer-based controls […]
WorkSafe BC (British Columbia) is proposing some thoughtful improvements to its Part 6, Substance Specific Requirements, sections 6.116 to 6.132 — Toxic Process Gases. The hazardous materials that this effort focuses on are: This standard reads much like OSHA’s PSM standard; however, this standard has a bit more specific requirements. Some Highlights of the proposed
Upon investigation, it was found that an oxygen–acetylene welding setup inside the shipping container leaked, causing the closed shipping container to fill with the highly flammable mixture of oxygen and acetylene. There was also an upright freezer in use, powered by an extension cord running into the shipping container. This energized equipment provided an ignition
This memorandum rescinds and replaces the memorandum dated January 26, 2023, on the same subject. This memorandum further clarifies the policy described in the earlier memorandum. Under this policy, Regional Administrators and/or Area Directors may refrain from grouping violations where the violations are separate and distinct, even if other OSHA policies or directives recommend grouping
It has taken me 20 years to truly understand what Clive Lloyd said in his book “From Compliance to Care.” One of my top five safety books I recommend for every safety professional and front-line manager. “Behaviors are NOT the problem – they are expressions of the problem.” I have conducted over 100 safety assessments
In less than one (1) week, Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) has claimed eleven (11) souls: Six (6) at a Dairy in CO Three (3) in a sewer in TX Two (2) in a Sewage Treatment Plant This chemical has a long history of killing workers: (Note: SAFTENG membership required to access article)
Respondent is a power gas-fed generation facility, utilizing Anhydrous Ammonia in its SCR. It shares its ammonia with a neighbor who uses the NH3 in its refrigeration process. (Don’t ask me how I know) ALLEGED VIOLATIONSFollowing its February 5th, 2025, inspection, EPA alleges Respondent’s failure to:
A liquid ammonia NH3 tank failed catastrophically at the Azotas fertilizer plant in Lithuania in 1989. During maintenance on the boil-off system, operators accidentally created a backflow of liquid warm NH3 to the tank. Potentially after a “role-over”, NH3 evaporated quickly, creating pressure that could not berelieved by the PSV. The tank was lifted, releasing
The chemical reaction event at the Friesland Campina site in Borculo early last month (July 2025) was caused by an error in the unloading of hydrochloric acid. The explosion released toxic smoke, chlorine, and nitrogen dioxide. A truck driver reported to the wrong unloading point at the dairy company in Gelderland on Friday afternoon, July
Almost everyone involved in emergency response is aware of the “buddy system” (e.g., 2 in-2 out rule); however, many merely treat this as a “check box” approach as compared to having real rescue capabilities for the entry team. I always ask my students if they believe they could lift and carry a grown adult in
RIP 🙏 Another H2S PRCS event claimed three (3) souls This was also a SINGLE ENTRANT with two (2) “would-be rescuers”
At 4:00 p.m. on May 10, 2021, an employee working for a chemical supplier was transferring chlorine-containing product from a storage tank into a tanker truck. A valve intended to direct the displaced contaminated air to be scrubbed of chlorine was accidentally left CLOSED. The chlorine-containing air was then not scrubbed and was allowed to
