Since 2024, 33 mines have been granted the use of a Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR) through the Petition for Modification process. Electromagnetic interference can cause failure of a miner-worn Proximity Detection System (PDS) if it is not worn as recommended, such as being worn TOO CLOSE to the battery or motor/blower of a PAPR. […]
The day has arrived! IN-OSHA, a state-plan agency, has issued a citation to a chemical manufacturer regarding its Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for Ammonium Hydroxide (NH₄OH). OSHA took issue because the SDS did not provide the LEL/UEL range for this chemical. Now I could argue that NH₄OH is NOT a flammable liquid, and therefore, this
This is the first and only PSM citation that I have seen from IN-OSHA. It is a single violation cited for contractor safety, and it appears it may have been related to an incident involving a contractor working on an Ammonium hydroxide tank. I am NOT certain about this, just trying to read between the
A client has a new tank farm, and six (6) storage tanks are in identical service, and three (3) others are in similar service. So the question I get often is… Since these tanks are identical in their design AND service, can we use inspection data from one (1) tank to assess the conditions of
A summary of API’s 510 Inspection Frequencies: (emphasis by me)
When classifying your piping circuits for MI/TML/CML inspections, DON’T share the inspection/NDE frequencies with the team!!! It is amazing to watch them “reconsider” their decisions after they learn the differences in inspection frequencies between Class 1 and Class 2. The exercise is to ENSURE the integrity of our PRIMARY CONTAINMENT (process safety); not to reduce
SAFTENG NOTE: The fatal H2S event in Deer Park last year that claimed two (2) contractor lives was the result of contractors opening the WRONG flange! Now we have a similar event that led to a fire that burned for three (3) days. A report regarding a 2025 Refinery Fire in CA found that two
Are you shocked this led to a fire? Welding on the wall of a boxcar that is full of paper goods. This is the exact set up OSHA warns us of… 1910.252(a)(2)(x) Noncombustible walls. If welding is to be done on a metal wall, partition, ceiling, or roof, precautions shall be taken to prevent ignition
The Compressed Gas Association (CGA) has published P-95, Guideline for the Safe Installation and Use of Cryogenic Food Freezing and Chilling Equipment. This publication covers the installation and operation of food freezing and chilling equipment and associated supply systems, and the use of that equipment with refrigerated liquefied gases (nitrogen and carbon dioxide).
At 4:30 p.m. on October 25, 2024, an employee, 53, was working on a crew with four (4) other employees fueling a boat when an explosion occurred. The employee died from 3rd degree burns to his body and blunt force trauma to his head. Four (4) other employees were hospitalized to treat multiple burns.
At 12:19 p.m. on September 18, 2024, Employee #1, 42, was cleaning the paper machine rollers with an air hose. While performing the task, the employee was caught between the top roller and the mat. The employee was crushed by the rollers, resulting in fatal injuries.
It’s hard to believe that 2025 is already at its halfway mark. Temperatures are rising and humidity is creeping in for many workplaces, so it’s time to start measuring, monitoring, and responding to high-heat working conditions. Don’t ignore this hazard simply because OSHA has not yet promulgated a standard. Do it for your PEOPLE, not
