In EPA’s RMP standard there are four (4) TOXIC substances which have listed concentrations: Hydrochloric acid 37% or greater Hydrofluoric acid 50% or greater Nitric acid 80% or greater Ammonia 20% or greater If we have any of these four (4) substances in solution AND their concentration is LESS THAN (<) the listed concentration, we do NOT need to consider the solution(s) at all. However, if...

Here’s one you don’t see every day: 1) a state university needing an RMP for its power generation plant’s SCR, 2) the SCR uses 29% aqua ammonia rather than anhydrous ammonia, and 3) they exceeded the doubled TQ for Aqua Ammonia > 20% of 20,000 pounds. Respondent is part of a State University system and owns and operates a Combined Power and Heat Plant. Respondent uses aqueous ammonia...

There are solid reasons why state safety codes require that gasoline be transferred into an “Approved Container”.  And I know I don’t need to state the obvious, but for those not in our profession, plastic grocery bags are NOT approved fuel containers… even when we double-bag! … HomeRead More »

These days the one thing I love about my job is when a client actually asks me to lessen their risks through safety engineering. Yes, I went to school and got my BS in OSH and my MS in SE and they are stunningly different applications. With one, I help companies with their OSHA compliance matters and that is fundamental to building a strong safety foundation. But OSHA compliance is the MINIMUM and...

Here is a look at OSHA’s compliance activity in 2019 (October 2018 – September 2019) in the NAICS Code: 31 Major Group 33: Primary Metal Industries. As you can see, OSHA did 2,380 inspections and issued 8,790 citations for a total of $26,187,441 in fines. Here is a quick breakdown of the activity: … HomeRead More »

Here is a look at OSHA’s compliance activity in 2019 (October 2018 – September 2019) in the NAICS Code: Major Group 32: Stone, Clay, Glass, And Concrete Products. As you can see, OSHA did 1,507 inspections and issued 5,723 citations for a total of $21,321,187 in fines. Here is a quick breakdown of the activity: … HomeRead More »

Here is a look at OSHA’s compliance activity in 2019 (October 2018 – September 2019) in the NAICS Code: Major Group 31: Leather And Leather Products. As you can see, OSHA did 609 inspections and issued 1,801 citations for a total of $9,666,657 in fines. Here is a quick breakdown of the activity: … HomeRead More »

Here is a look at OSHA’s Emergency Action Plan compliance activity in 2019 (October 2018 – September 2019). As you can see, OSHA did 55 inspections and issued 58 citations for a total of $125,643 in fines. Here is a quick breakdown of activity: … HomeRead More »

Here is a look at OSHA’s HAZWOPER compliance activity in 2019 (October 2018 – September 2019). As you can see, OSHA did 26 inspections and issued 57 citations for a total of $271,699 in fines. Here is a quick breakdown of activity: … HomeRead More »

Here is a look at OSHA’s Permit-required confined spaces (PRCS) compliance activity in 2019 (October 2018 – September 2019). As you can see, OSHA did 134 LOTO inspections and issued 366 citations for a total of $2,425,854 in fines. Here is a quick breakdown of activity: … HomeRead More »

Here is a look at OSHA’s Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) compliance activity in 2019 (October 2018 – September 2019). As you can see, OSHA did 1,483 LOTO inspections and issued 2,608 citations for a total of $14,394,719 in fines. Here is a quick breakdown of activity: … HomeRead More »

As I grow old I think I have mellowed out too much with “sutle” hints at hazards and how we “should consider” certain things.  Well, its time to throw some cold water on the issue and WAKE THE HELL UP PEOPLE!  We have done our last audit of 2019 and like many before them we found a serious issue regarding Permit-Required Confined Spaces (PRCS), or should I say Confined...