Before OSHA reports are cleared and posted to its database, each summary undergoes a thorough investigation, revision, and screening process by OSHA, which can delay posting up to 5 years. For those reasons, the National Board has elected to research summaries that are greater than five years old. National Board began with years 2002-2007, and then on an annual basis will add the next year’s...

  NIOSH issues certificates of approval for specific and complete respirator assemblies. The approval is granted after the respirator has been evaluated and found to be in compliance with all of the requirements of the NIOSH regulations in Title 42, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 84.The requirements include the presence of a viable quality assurance program that controls the important aspects...

Most of us know that reporting in a “timely manner” is critical in regards to compliance with EPA reporting expectation. Most everyone can agree that 30 minutes is about as large of buffer we can expect in defining “timely”. But we are seeing a trend in our Emergency Response assessments for those facilities that sit on a “boundary”. The issue lies in… … HomeRead More »

Several fatalities have occurred from off-gassing or oxygen depletion in storing wood pellets and chips. The use of these fuels is increasing rapidly in some parts of the world, so we bring these papers together and make them free to access to help publicize this problem. Simply click on the titles below to read the full text free online. … HomeRead More »

Don’t you just love the Hardhat and Hi-Vis Vest… yep that will make him “safe”!  (Sarcasm) 

This is an EXCELLENT explanation of a Pilot Operated Relief valve!!!

Following an incident where a machine operator’s arms were crushed, OSHA cited the manufacturer, whose products are for the oil and gas industry, with eight willful, egregious violations. The company created a dangerous work environment by failing to guard machines, which exposed workers to life-threatening hazards. Proposed penalties total $560,000. OSHA began the September 2013 inspection in...

   

“Sh_t happens” is what I was told when I inquired about a recent training accident at a State Fire Academy.  Professional firefighters were running a scenario involving an aircraft prop.  What they ended up doing was spaying jet fuel/water mixture onto the fire via an emergency shutdown system and hand lines, causing two minor injuries and currently over $600,000 in damages to...

NIOSH is revising its policy on the use of Emergency Breathing Support Systems (EBSS), also known as “Buddy Breathers”. This policy change is being made coincident with the addition of requirements related to the use and operation of these devices in the NFPA 1981, 2013 edition. This policy change will be applicable ONLY to SCBAs meeting the requirements of NFPA 1981, 2013, or subsequent editions....

   

PHMSA is closing their rulemaking having reconsidered their proposal for additional regulations associated with cargo tank motor vehicle (CTMV) loading or unloading operations. This action is based on the findings of the regulatory assessment, comments to docket of this rulemaking, and completion of a supplementary policy analysis on how best to address the safety risks of bulk loading and unloading...