Scenario:  Manufacturing is shutdown for long holiday weekend.  Upon their return after the long holiday weekend, the refrigeration techs find the refrigeration process shutdown and they are unable to restart the system for some reason.  They call in their refrigeration contractor who determines that the system is EMPTY – NO NH3!  The facility assumes that a PSV must have failed prematurely and...

Propane cylinders must be periodically requalified to be safe for use. Do not use cylinders that have not been requalified because you risk property damage, severe injuries, or death.  To see if your cylinder is okay to use, look for these markings: … HomeRead More »

What one does when there is no lock to be found?????  May be a nice try, but it certainly is NOT lockout. 

There are not many workplaces in the USA that do not have an “air receiver”; in fact most have multiple receivers of all different types and sizes.  But for the most part, these vessels operate in the dark corners of the facility – out of sight and out of mind.  Do these vessels pose a hazard to personnel when they are not “managed” properly?  A stark reminder...

OK I heard all of my international members who sent me e-mail about the Video of the Week #3 video.  No I have nothing against Indians and no I was not poking fun at Indian Safety practices.  As I said to each one of the dozens who took time out of their busy day to let me know, I rarely poke fun at any unsafe photo or video (notice I said rarely – not ever) and I never call out anyone’s...

The long-awaited update of the ANSI K61.1 “Requirements for the Storage and Handling of Anhydrous Ammonia” is published by the Compressed Gas Association. The new edition was published as the CGA 2.1-2014 edition. The new edition, which is number six in the history of the standard, is considered the recognized and generally accepted good engineering practices associated with the safe storage...

Friday, 1/30/15, is the last business day before we have to: Review the 2014 OSHA 300 Log to verify that the entries are complete and accurate, and correct any deficiencies identified Create an annual summary of injuries and illnesses recorded on the OSHA 300 Log Certify the summary, and Post the annual summary\ Here’s the specifics… … HomeRead More »

An OSHA PSM investigation at a nationwide chemical manufacturer and distributor produced 11 serious violations with penalties totaling $60,500. One of the hazards identified was formaldehyde, which is manufactured for use in various industrial applications and products. The July 16, 2014, inspection found that the facility’s standard operating procedures did not contain accurate information on...

Now that the OSHA website is back up and running, a new LOI has appeared dated 12/16/14.  This LOI is timely because it clarifies the two new “reportable injuries”:  amputation and loss of an eye.  An amputation, for OSHA reporting purposes, is defined under section 1904.39(b)(11); however, “loss of an eye” had a lot of us wondering what that means.  OSHA says “Loss of...

  Many THANKS to my NEW and RENEWING “Partners in Safety“   – See more at: http://www.safteng.net/#sthash.sssOkEha.dpuf Many THANKS to my NEW “Partners in Safety” Since 2015 Over 12,000 exclusive unsafe acts/conditions and accident/injuries photos and over 1,100 ppt’s & doc’s from more than 2,782 contributors! 2015 Fatality Tracker Electrical 6 (2014 =55)...

WARNING!  This video may be upsetting to some viewers, NO GRAPHIC images but it is a VERY SERIOUS accident caught on tape – Viewer Discretion is advised.  VOLUME WARNING – Turn DOWN your volume as the “F” bomb rightfully gets dropped after this accident!