Safety Info Posts

Difference between OSHA’s PSM and EPA’s RMP requirements

Ever heard anyone say, “PSM and RMP are identical except for the off-site consequence requirements”?  There are a lot of similarities between the two chemical safety regulations, but the two are very much different in more ways than just the “off-site consequence requirements.”  Most similarities are between RMP “Program 3 Prevention Program” and OSHA’s PSM […]

Comparison of RMP and PSM Chemicals and Thresholds

Toxic Chemicals Regulated under RMP that are also Regulated under PSM [Alphabetical Order – 78 Substances] Chemical Name CAS No. RMP Threshold Quantity (lbs.) PSM Threshold Quantity (lbs.) Acrolein [2-Propenal] 107-02-8 5,000 150 Acrylonitrile [2-Propenenitrile] 107-13-1 20,000 Not Regulated Acrylyl chloride [2-Propenoyl chloride] 814-68-6 5,000 250 Allyl alcohol [2-Propen-1-ol] 107-18-6 15,000 Not Regulated Allylamine [2-Propen-1-amine]

What is a “Safety Can”?

A “safety can” is an approved container of not more than 5-gallon (19 L) capacity having a spring-closing lid and spout cover so designed that it will relieve internal pressure whensubjected to fire exposure.  Safety cans are commonly used where limited quantities of flammable and combustible liquids are required for manufacturing or research. The basicpurpose

44 Incidents & 2 Updates (2/26/12)

MANY THANKS to my NEW & RENEWING “Partners in Safety”for their support! since 2006   since 2007    since 2012        since 2006 since 2010   2012 Fatality Tracker Electrical 11 (2011 = 81) (2010 = 90) (2009 = 100) Forklift/Manlift Mobile Equipment 8 (2011 = 84) (2010 = 110) (2009 = 88)

The cord and Plug “exclusive control” concept applies ONLY to electrical cord equipment – NOT valves

So this week my good friend “Jim” and I were talking about an “accepted practice” that has grown into an “industry practice” and how OSHA has definitely drawn the line on the “cord and plug” LOTO practice such that it does NOT include valves.  This “practice” involves the concept of defining “exclusive control of an energy isolating

OSHA Compliance and perceived “paperwork deficiencies”

OSHA recognizes that in some situations, violations of certain standards which require the employer to have a written program to address a hazard, or to make a written certification (e.g., hazard communication, personal protective equipment, permit-required confined spaces, and others), are perceived to be “paperwork deficiencies” rather than critically important implementation problems. In other circumstances,

Emergency Responders and Fit Testing

In the USA, OSHA REQUIRES employers to “Fit Test” each worker who will wear a tight-fitting respirator.  This includes all types of tight-fitting respirators, from half-face air purifying respirators to full-face supplied air respirators.  The workers are also REQUIRED to be fit tested with EACH MAKE, MODEL STYLE and SIZE face piece they are medically qualified and

Wind Socks… a critical piece of Equipment?

It is pretty common for PSM/RMP facilities to have a windsock or two on-site.  However, the condition of these devices ranges from brand new to a piece of wire sticking up in the wind.  In this posting, I want to offer some tips on how we should manage our windsocks as a “piece of critical

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