As you know, I am a big fan of the International Fire Code and utilize it more than outdated OSHA standards. One requirement the IFC has that OSHA does not is that “conspicuous signs shall be posted to warn others before they enter the hot work area.” Such signs shall display the following warning:
Combustible Dust was not included in Table 5003.1.1(1) because of the inherent difficulty in establishing a maximum allowable quantity (MAQ) and determining if and when the MAQ had been exceeded. An occupancy with an uncontrolled combustible dust hazard is classified in Group H-2 in accordance with Section 307.4 of the International Building Code (IBC), with
Table 5704.4.2—Outdoor liquid storage in closed containers and portable tanks (see below) is often referenced when a business wants to store flammable liquids outside the main building. I wanted to take a second to explain the application of that table to those on the EHS team who may not be experienced with the OH Fire
Question: Does 29 CFR 1910.135(a)(1) apply when employees are operating cranes that fall under 29 CFR 1910.179, Overhead and Gantry Cranes, and/or using jib cranes, monorail cranes or fix hoists, for lifting loads indoors and outdoors? Response: OSHA’s Head protection standard at 29 CFR 1910.135(a)(1) requires employers to ensure that each affected employee wears a
Scenario: A mobile ladder stand platform with steps will be constructed to access multiple CNC machine tables at a height of 40 inches measured from the floor. Question 1: What are the rise height, tread depth, and width requirements of mobile ladder stand platform steps? Response: The requirements for mobile ladder stand platforms are contained
An HVAC technician uses a portable ladder to access a low-slope roof 12 feet high. The ladder is secured to the building and placed at a 4/1 angle. The side rails of the ladder extend three feet above the roof landing. The HVAC unit to be worked on is 25 feet from the roof’s edge.
Background: You state that as a Senior Mechanical Engineer for HVAC systems in Air Force facilities, you are responsible for setting design standards for mechanical systems in the facilities (primarily office buildings but also childcare, emergency operations, & dormitory-type buildings). In this capacity, you sometimes use HVAC systems that may expose facility occupants to the
On 20 September 2017, two employees of were using a grinder to cut and replace pipework at the top of an 11-metre (40’) high metal tank containing waste slurry. They were not using harnesses. Sparks from the grinder ignited flammable gasses causing the tank to explode. The slurry vessel was airborne for 9 seconds and
On March 20, 2024, at noon, an employee, 34, was pneumatically leak-testing a newly installed 56-inch drainpipe. The pipe extended from one side of the street to the other, roughly 150 feet. They placed a rubber pressure plug on one side and another on the testing site across the street. At about 30 minutes into
Those who follow my accident posts are well aware of my crusade to help everyone understand the LIMITATIONS of our atmospheric monitors. Just this year, I did my 2-day PRCS training course for a well-known petrochemical business and was challenged on the limitations of the LEL sensors on these devices. During the lunch break, several
A few weeks ago, I was asked to spend a morning with an executive team discussing “safety metrics.” In this discussion, I realized this team was somewhat confused with all the “lingo” thrown at them by many consultants over the past 10-12 years. They were lost in what mattered and had tried a rash of
