As I stated a couple weeks back, I am now a Big Bang Theory junkie, but before that I was a huge Seinfeld fan and still to this day will turn to TBS in the hopes that a re-run may be coming on.  One of my favorite episodes is when George IMPROPERLY EXITED an apartment when some food was burning in the oven.  If you do not know “George” and what he is capable of just sit back and...

 

  2012 Fatality Tracker Electrical 66 (2011 = 81) (2010 = 90) (2009 = 100) Forklift/Manlift Mobile Equipment 50 (2011 = 84) (2010 = 110) (2009 = 88) Mining 65 (2011 = 248) (2010 = 480) (2009 = 586) Explosions 234 (2011 = 218) (2010 = 246) (2009 = 302) Cranes 46 (2011 = 50) (2010 = 50) (2009 = 82) Falls 88 (2011 = 123) (2010 = 139) (2009 = 172) (2008 = 250) Work Zone 56  (2011...

Executive Summary (40 CFR 68.155) Mustbriefly describe the following elements Accidental release prevention and emergency response policies at your facility Your facility and the regulated substances handled General accidental release prevention program and chemical-specific prevention steps Five-year accident history Emergency response program Planned changes to improve safety (common deficiency) Be...

This is an interesting case, with EPA laying claim that although the chemical Toluene is NOT listed as an Extremely Hazardous Substance (EHS) in either the RMP or EPCRA rule it is still an EHS and the Clean Air Act’s RMP General Duty Clause applies to it.  EPA wins this case, but the argument the facility puts forth is compelling and thus this decision provides MUCH INSIGHT into EPA’s...

A facility buys anhydrous ammonia in railcar quantities, which the Railroad delivers the ammonia to its site, after which it is off-loaded either into “bulk trucks” for delivery, or to stationary ammonia storage tanks. The anhydrous ammonia eventually is sold as both a refrigerant and fertilizer. The company filed a “Tier II Report” identifying its operation under the standard industrial code 42269....

This is an AWESOME database that will be helpful beyond anything we could have asked for from NIOSH!!!  It actually breaks down eleven (11) type of power tools from eighteen (18) manufacturers with 41 specifications. … HomeRead More »

Here are some interesting numbers from OSHA regarding their activities in fiscal year 2012 (ending 9/30/2012): OSHA’s free On-site Consultation Program conducted approximately 30,000 visits to small and medium-sized employers. 205 million visits to OSHA’s Web site 213,283 calls to the OSHA 800 number 19,590 Spanish-speaking callers to the OSHA 800 number 32,906 questions submitted by email 689,779...

UPDATED on 11/9/12 with standards for which OSHA assessed the highest penalties and links to OSHA pages for each of the standards listed The Top 10 cited standards and standards for which OSHA assessed the highest penalties in fiscal year 2012 (October 1, 2011 through September 30, 2012) are: … HomeRead More »

Does your facility use Ultra Low Sulphur Diesel (ULSD) fuel?  Are you using the same diesel tank for the ULDS fuel as you were with the diesel fuel from the old days?  Should you be?  Do you have a fuel storage tank that is “switch loaded” with gasoline and ULSD? Well, the debate rages on regarding the safety of ULSD fuel.  The fact is, ULSD fuel is NOT the same as our...

Type of Incident: FatalityLocation: Storm Water Drain (Process Area) Brief Summary of the Incident:A fire and explosion occurred at a Storm Water Drain (SWD) in Process Area. The First Intervention Team (FIT) immediately responded and managed to extinguish the fire within 32 minutes. The incident caused 1 fatality, 1 serious injury and 31 minor injuries. The immediate cause of the incident may have...

The title is NOT a type-o!  Yes, the EPA Office of Inspector General will audit the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board’s (CSB’s) investigation process.  The EPA OIG’s objective is to determine if CSB has an effective system for managing its investigative process. The OIG plans to conduct its work at CSB headquarters and Denver offices. The project will be conducted using...