Safety Info Posts

Toluene & Static…Dancing with the Devil!

Toluene is a widely used low conductivity flammable liquid. Toluene’s vapor pressure is such that one is assured of a flammable vapor/air mixture at the ambient temperatures found in most facilities. The Lower Explosive Limit (LEL) of toluene is 1% and is reached at a temperature of 40°F (4°C). The Upper Explosive Limit (UEL) is

Safe Handling of non-Conductive Flammable Liquids

Improper handling of low conductivity liquids is a source of static energy that causes flammable vapor ignition. Low conductivity liquids will accumulate a static charge from liquid shear charging at the pipe or vessel wall.  The charge in a low conductivity liquid can NOT be dissipated by grounding. Low conductivity liquids are typically derived from

Ohio Firefighters and Safety Standards

In my line of work, I deal with a lot of fire departments.  It almost never fails that I am told at least once while on scene that “all that OSHA stuff don’t apply to us”.  In many cases this is a true statement; however, EPA has adopted OSHA’s Hazwoper standard (1910.120) and will enforce

Facial Hair, Respirators, and Fit Testing

A fundamental requirement of using respirators is NO facial hair that could interfere with the respirator’s operation or the respirator’s fit. OSHA states: 1910.134(g)(1)(i) The employer shall not permit respirators with tight-fitting facepieces to be worn by employees who have: 1910.134(g)(1)(i)(A) Facial hair that comes between the sealing surface of the facepiece and the face

Important Confined Space Atmospheric Hazards – Study Do you think wood chips and logs in a ship container hold could produce an IDLH atmosphere?

Several recent accidents with fatal outcomes occurring during the discharge of logs and wood chips from ships in Swedish ports indicate the need to understand better the atmospheric conditions in holds and connecting stairways. The principal aim of the present study was to assess the air levels of oxygen and toxic gases in confined spaces

Evaluating a Confined Space

A space is a CONFINED SPACE when ALL THREE (3) of the following characteristics are true about the space: Once you have determined the space is a CONFINED SPACE, the next step is to determine if your CONFINED SPACE has at least ONE (1) of the following hazards that would elevate it to the status

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