This OSHRC decision reverses an ALJ decision which I posted in August 2013, but this case has some very interesting aspects that EVERYONE who manages a PRCS Entry program needs to read.  Most notably, this case involves:  gas meter maintenance,   program revision/employees not protected, “Conditions” Required for Alternate Entry, program revision/annual permit review, enforcement, specify...

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) is seeking to update requirements covering the use of excess flow valves in natural gas distribution pipelines.  In its November 30, 2015 Federal Register notice, PHMSA announced its Gas Pipeline Advisory Committee will meet to consider and vote on a rulemaking proposal that expands requirements for excess flow valves usage for...

 

On July 25, 2014, EPA conducted a compliance inspection to determine its compliance with the Risk Management Plan (“RMP”) regulations promulgated pursuant to Section 112(r) of the Act, and set forth at 40 C.F.R. Part 68. Based on the July 25, 2014 inspection and documents submitted by Respondent, EPA has determined that Respondent violated the following regulations: … HomeRead More...

I should point out that this facility was found to be OVER the threshold for 180 days over a three (3) year period.  EPA went through paper work to find times the facility had over 10,000 pounds of a NFPA “4” flammable mixture in their process.  The process involves dissolving acetylene in acetone in order to suspend the acetylene in a stable condition for transport and use. The...

Inspections of the leading supplier of fast food and supermarket chicken processing facilities have resulted in $154,000 in penalties for deficiencies in ammonia refrigeration system. The leading supplier of fast food and supermarket chicken has racked up more than $1.87 million in fines from OSHA this year for exposing workers to multiple safety and health violations. OSHA cited the company for five...

Inspections of the leading supplier of fast food and supermarket chicken processing facilities have resulted in an additional $462,000 in penalties for deficiencies in ammonia refrigeration systems at two of the company’s facilities. The leading supplier of fast food and supermarket chicken has racked up more than $1.87 million in fines from OSHA this year for exposing workers to multiple safety...

This only one part of a case, but it is about the “minor servicing” exception and how it can be applied. It is also critical in that the case revolves doing servicing and maintenance on presses using only the “safety blocks” in lieu of LOTO. Item 1, Alleged Violation of Section 1910.147(c)(4)(i) of the LOTO Standard … HomeRead More »

NOTE: This was a facility that was found to be covered by EPA’s RMP rule but had not submitted a RMP and was found to not have a functioning process safety management program.   On or about July 7, 2011, U.S. EPA issued an Information Request to Respondent to determine whether the Facility was in operation and whether it continued to use regulated substances. On or about February 22, 2013,...

A little Santa Safety humor for the holidays.  Thanks to Bob Cornett’s MSHA E-mail Group for sharing. Safety Santa (pdf)

Here is a listing of OSHA’s “Wish List” they hope to accomplish in the coming months/years. … HomeRead More »