It may be a sutle suggestion to most, but it is a SCREAMING recommendation to those who struggle daily to get their process safety efforts embedded within their management group.  Too often process safety is delegated to a “one-person” team.  If there is a full-time environmental or safety professional on site, then RMP/PSM is almost always dealt to them and unfortunately TOO...

CAUTION!!!  One photo may be upsetting to some viewers. Professionals who work in the industry blame the company for the explosion of the tank trailer, which left two people killed. The accident occurred around 9:30 am on Monday, October 29, according to calculations of the residents, who heard the noise and saw their houses shook with the explosion. In the accident, the mechanic, 59, and...

This hazard alert can help employers and employees prevent deaths and injuries involving the use of anhydrous ammonia in refrigeration systems. Ammonia refrigeration systems are commonly used in wineries. … HomeRead More »

    2012 Fatality Tracker Electrical 63 (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 230 (2011 = 218) (2010 = 246) (2009 = 302) Cranes 45 (2011 = 50) (2010 = 50) (2009 = 82) Falls 86 (2011 = 123) (2010 = 139) (2009 = 172) (2008 = 250) Work...

On August 23, 2010, at a refrigeration plant in Alabama, approximately 32,000 pounds of anhydrous ammonia was unexpectedly released into the atmosphere from a cracked pipe on the suction header on the plant’s roof and a broken evaporator coil in Freezer #5.  The plant was evacuated and an inspection was initiated by OSHA.  On February 22, 2011, OSHA issued citations to the company for...

Fibre Reinforced Plastic (FRP) gratings can offer a number of attractive advantages over traditional steel gratings such as enhanced environmental resistance, reduced through life costs and the promise of significant mass savings. However, this preliminary study has demonstrated that the current fire certification of FRP gratings by a standardised (ASTM E119 cellulosic fire) time-temperature curve...

Safety is a critical component of welding, and thanks to The Lincoln Electric Company, now welders of all skill levels can access the safety information they need anywhere, anytime. The company’s new Welding Safety Interactive Guide converts Lincoln Electric’s award-winning Welding Safety Interactive DVD into an online format that is easily accessible and viewable on computers, tablets...

Most safety professionals are aware of the “Hierarchy of Controls: 1) Elimination/Substitution, 2) Engineering Controls, 3) Administrative Controls, and 4) PPE.  Most safety professionals also know this basic principle of industrial safety is often times very difficult to get management buy-in; especially when a safety professional is bold enough to mention eliminating...

A falling barometer often results in higher concentrations of methane at the working face.  Methane and other gasses are liberated from gobs and from behind seals into the active areas of the mine as the barometer falls. Seals will begin to “out-gas” at a greater rate. A falling barometer usually indicates an approaching storm front. A rising barometer is an indication of rising atmospheric...

Before I begin, nothing I am going to say in this article is required by OSHA or EPA; however, keep in mind that OSHA and EPA process safety requirements are the BOTTOM OF THE BARREL when it comes to true process safety.  So with that said, let’s discuss PHA scenario likelihoods.  Regardless of methodology used, at some point during a PHA someone will through out the notion “that...

As most, sadly not all, safety professionals will attest to, there is a hierachy of four (4) controls we use to manage risks: 1) Substitution/Elimination, 2) Engineering Controls, 3) Administrative Controls, and 4) Personal Protective Equipment.  In process safety environments, the hazards are often times so great that ALL FOUR layers may be needed.  What do I mean? … HomeRead More...