On May 5, 2018, Employee #1 was retrieving a plastic liner bag from a chemical container that had fallen into Reactor CP-2; a confined space. The permitting process, including air monitoring and setting up of ventilation, had not been conducted. As Employee #1 descended a ladder to access the reactor, he passed out at the…...
You are the entry supervisor for entry into a Carbon Monoxide (CO) Tank. Your meter is equipped with an Oxygen Sensor, but it does NOT have a CO sensor. You proceed with your atmospheric testing, as you were told years ago that as long as the Oxygen was over 19.5% that all will be OK. …...
The magic of Carbon Monoxide… Chemical Asphyxiant (Video) Read More »
It seems the article last week was an eye-opener for a lot of folks! The response has been overwhelming from many of you and several suggested that I take the “limitations” a step further. Seems a lot of you broke out your owners’ manuals and enjoyed some holiday reading; learning that these devices have even…...
More limitations and “did ya know” items regarding direct-reading monitors Read More »
One of the scariest things I have learned in my career, going all the way back to my days as a FF, was the when I learned about the “correction factor” that atmospheric monitors come with. I had used these devices for years, even entering some PRCS for “recovery” (sorry not many actual rescues as…...
Your 4-gas direct-reading meter has been lying to you Read More »
SAFTENG members, here are four ppt files that I used at my four-part series I did the past four months at the SW OH ASSP Chapter meetings. We broke the sessions down into: Evaluating spaces What makes a space a CS What makes a CS a PRCS Entry options (c)(5) Alternative Entry (c)(7) Reclassification (d)-(k)…...
My 4-part series on PRCS’s at the SW OHIO ASSP Read More »
OSHA has cited a tank cleaning company $171,281 in penalties for confined space, fire, and explosion hazards. OSHA inspectors determined that the company allowed employees to enter a tank without testing for atmospheric hazards. The company was cited for allowing employees to use a non-explosion proof vacuum in a tank that transported a highly hazardous…...
OSHA PRCS citations @ tanker cleaning company Read More »
Starting this month (September) I will be conducting four (4) training sessions on Permit-Required Confined Spaces. These are FREE, with lunch provided, and will cover all aspects of implementing a PRCS Program, with each month covering a different element. The four elements are: Evaluating Spaces – What makes a space a CS and what makes…...
FREE PRCS Training via ASSP SW OH Chapter Read More »
OSHA has cited five contractors for safety and health violations after three employees were fatally injured and two others critically injured following an explosion onboard a towboat in Kentucky. The five companies collectively received 55 of violations with proposed penalties totaling $795,254. OSHA cited a ship repair contractor, an insulation contractor, two temporary staffing companies…...
OSHA issues PRCS citations after an explosion on a tow boat Read More »
At 11:00 a.m. on July 7, 2017, Employee #1was attempting to dislodge a 24-inch rubber plug from a 2foot diameter sewer pipe located inside a 24foot deep wet well. The workers were outside the well pulling on a 1/4-inch nylon rope that was attached to the 24-inch diameter plug. The plug was lodged inside a…...
At 9:00 a.m. on December 15, 2017, an employee was cleaning the excess oil from the bottom of a tanker rail car following a previous application of oil to prevent corrosion. The employee collapsed due to a 98% atmosphere of nitrogen being present inside the tank car. The employee was killed due to asphyxiation…. Membership...
Worker dies in Nitrogen atmosphere in Rail Car (PRCS) Read More »
This news report video does an excellent job, especially the accounts from the Fire Chief on the mistakes made by the workers AND the WOULD BE Rescuers AND the actual emergency responders. … Membership Required You must be a member to access this content.View Membership LevelsAlready a member? Log in here...
Three workers died while working underground on a road project in Key Largo Read More »
OSHA has cited a Chemical Manufacturer after an employee died due to lack of oxygen while cleaning the inside of a railcar. A second employee who tried to rescue the co-worker was also overcome but survived. OSHA has proposed $64,857 in penalties. The facility was cited for failing to provide respiratory protection; properly ventilate a confined…...
OSHA PRCS Citation @ Chemical Manufacturer (Oxygen Deficiency & $64K) Read More »
