Steaming railcars and tanker trucks is a very common practice in many industries; however, the hazards of doing so it not widely known nor understood.  Much like we cover “TOO MUCH TEMP” in our process hazards analysis, a similar analysis may be called for to analyze the practice of applying a heat source (e.g. steam or hot oil) to a railcar and/or tank truck.  We should consider...

Earlier this year I wrote about the risks in using “truck drivers” as your HAZMAT Attendant, as well as using the carrier’s hose for your loading/unloading activities.  I have also posted several “Safety advisiories” from state and federal agencies regarding the mis-use of transfer hoses.  Many of you appreciated my bluntness and brining the concerns to your...

Christmas through the eyes of an Ohio State Trooper… Our emergency responders deserve a BIG THANK YOU during the holiday season as many see some horrific things that impact them for the rest of their lives.  Too often, they have to deliver the worst news anyone could ever imagine.  We can do them a favor by using designated drivers and BUCKLING UP as this will make their jobs much easier....

Earlier this year I wrote about the EPA Safety Alert regarding having high expectations of an Excess Flow Valve being a reliable safeguard to stop an uncontrolled flow of a HHC/EHS.  This article is another example of how these valves should NOT be considered a safeguard and most certainly should NOT be the sole layer of protection for excess flow from a leaking hose/pipe.  About 3:45 a.m....

A rat looked through a crack in the wall to see the farmer and his wife opening a package. What food might it contain? He was aghast to discover that it was a rat trap. Retreating to the farmyard the rat proclaimed the warning; “There is a rat trap in the house, a rat trap in the house!” The chicken clucked and scratched, raised her head and said, “Excuse me, Mr. Rat, I can tell this...

This week OSHA issued citations to a steel mill involving Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) and the one citation that caught my eye revolved around a “group lockbox” situation.  The citation reads “On and before 6/18/2012, the employer did not ensure that authorized employees used a personal lockout device to lock the group lockout box. Each authorized employee had a universal key for opening...

    Many THANKS to my newest and RENEWING Corporate Partners in Safety… since 2007 since 2012 since 2012 since 2012 2012 Fatality Tracker Electrical 67 (2011 = 81) (2010 = 90) (2009 = 100) Forklift/Manlift Mobile Equipment 52 (2011 = 84) (2010 = 110) (2009 = 88) Mining 85 (2011 = 248) (2010 = 480) (2009 = 586) Explosions 239 (2011 = 218) (2010 = 246) (2009 = 302) Cranes 48 (2011 = 50)...

What GAO FoundOSHA’s process for accrediting Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories (NRTL) is lengthy due to the scope of staff members’ responsibilities and unclear application procedures for accreditation. Among the 13 recently approved applications, OSHA took between 1 and 5 years to make accreditation decisions. All of these applications took much longer to approve than OSHA’s...

James Hodgson once said: “I’ve never had any ambitions; only enthusiasms.”  As the nation’s 12th Secretary of Labor, he leaves behind an extraordinary legacy in Occupational Safety and Health.  Under his leadership as Secretary of Labor, the Occupational Safety and Health Act was passed by Congress and signed into law by President Nixon in 1972. “Safety was extremely important...

OSHA will extend its temporary enforcement measures in residential construction for three (3) more months. The temporary enforcement measures, now extended through March 15, 2013, include: priority free on-site compliance assistance, penalty reductions, extended abatement dates, measures to ensure consistency and increased outreach … HomeRead More »

OSHA has cited the company with three repeat and four serious violations following a June inspection as part of the agency’s Process Safety Management Covered Chemical Facilities national emphasis program (NEP). Proposed penalties total $99,000. The repeat citations issued for the process safety management standard violations include failing to inspect and test process equipment consistent with...

Most everyone knows that electrical panels must be kept clear at all times and last year I wrote an article explaining the “why’s” of this clearance requirement.  Well now, NFPA is driving home the importance of these clearance requirements with a REVISION to the NEC, Sections 110.26(A) and 110.32.  These PROPOSED revisions would more clearly define the space that...