On June 25, 2012, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) published a notice of proposed rulemaking proposing to update respirator approval standards in response to a petition to amend our regulations, current requirements for self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) remaining service-life indicators or warning devices. These indicators are built into a respirator to alert the user that...

OSHA has cited a pasta manufacturing plant with 12 safety and PSM violations following a complaint inspection alleging workers were exposed to ammonia hazards in July 2012 at the plant, which was being retrofitted for use as a pasta production facility. Proposed fines total $54,000. Eight serious violations of OSHA’s PSM standard were cited for deficiencies in the company’s ammonia refrigeration...

  http://www.usfa.fema.gov/downloads/pdf/coffee-break/cb_fp_2013_4.pdf

  Many THANKS to my NEWEST and RENEWING Corporate Partners in Safety… since 2006 since 2011 since 2007 since 2012   2013 Fatality Tracker Electrical 2 (2012 = 68)  (2011 = 81) (2010 = 90) (2009 = 100) Forklift/Manlift 4 (2012 = 52)  (2011 = 84) (2010 = 110) (2009 = 88) Mining* 8 (2012 = 92*)  (2011 = 248) (2010 = 480) (2009 = 586) *no longer includes China accidents Explosions...

A company has been fined after a young worker, 25, was severely injured when her hair was ripped out by poorly guarded machinery.  She was sorting clothes hangers on a conveyor when her scarf and hair became caught in the chain and sprocket drive of the belt as she bent over to remove accumulated hangers.  She sustained serious throat injuries, lost a substantial part of her hair and fractured...

 

This material has been provided by the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection Chemical Accident Prevention Program.  This is an EXCELENT SOURCE of reliable information regarding PSM/RMP procedural needs, but it is provided by a STATE AGENCY and may not meet/exceed federal agency expectations.  I find it very hard to think that Federal OSHA or EPA would not accept this methodology...

During a PSM/RMP audit this week with my “Partner in Safety”, Unwin Company, Mr. Bob Johnson shared this GREAT worksheet and explanations from the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection Chemical Accident Prevention Program.  The purpose of this extensive data form is to assist facilities with the compilation, organization and evaluation of the information that is required...

EPA has cited a “chemical distributor” $3,600 with RMP General Duty Clause citations using the International Fire Code as the RAGAGEP.  EPA took issue with the facility’s storage of nitric acid (Chemical Abstract Services (“CAS”) Number 7697-37-2), sulfuric acid (CAS No. 7664-93-9), and hydrochloric acid (CAS No. 7647-01-0), all of which are extremely hazardous...

On or about May 3, 2011, EPA conducted an inspection of a water treatment plant to determine compliance with Section 112(r) of the CAA and 40 C.F.R. Part 68.  Information collected during the inspection showed the facility exceeded the threshold quantity for chlorine, thus the facility is subject to the requirements of Section 112(r) of the CAA, 40 C.F.R. Part 68 because it is an owner and operator...

  http://www.usfa.fema.gov/downloads/pdf/coffee-break/cb_fp_2013_3.pdf