These pictures are the result of a SCBA Cylinder incident which happened on 6th of April 2008 at 2130 hrs in a Fire Station in XXXXXXXXX.Here’s what happened: (5 photos) … HomeRead More »

UPDATED on 6/23/2017   This study was conducted in conjunction with the Faculty of the Undergraduate College of Integrated Science and Technology, James Madison University, Virginia; the Harrisonburg (VA) Fire Department; and the Harrisonburg (VA) Rescue Squad HRS.  Although not done as a true research study, it was done as well as could be expected by a bunch of experienced FF’s and...

2015 UPDATE: Some of my refrigeration PSM buddies reminded me that the industry now has its own RAGAGEP for piping installation, ANSI/IIAR 4-2015, Installation of Closed-Circuit Ammonia Refrigeration Systems.  I do applaud the IIAR for their work in establishing this ANSI standard for the industry, but for those so happy to “correct me” I like to point out the following from...

Not a year goes by where I am teaching a HAZMAT or PSM course at a facility that has ammonia (NH3) where I am challenged on the fact that NH3 is explosive/flammable.  I stress that it takes 160,000 ppm of the gas for it to burn, but it WILL BURN when it reaches this level – all that is needed is an ignition source!  Of course, the only way anyone could be in 160,000 ppm of Ammonia gas...

Some interesting data put together each year by the Wisconsin Department of Public Health Services.  2009 is the most recent update to their data.  Here are the summaries: Since 1993, Wisconsin has had 768 uncontrolled ammonia releases, representing approximately 45 releases per year. 445 (58%) of Wisconsin’s ammonia releases involved refrigeration systems. A total...

  

Bryan, I am sure that you have seen some of the information on what OSHA is requiring Education Centers to do regarding monitoring OSHA Outreach Trainers.  However, you may not have seen the details surrounding this program which I am attaching for your use.  Attached is an internal OSHA document that went to all Education Centers that outlines the specifics of the monitoring program. In...

For all of you out there involved in behavior based safety, I have a TRICK QUESTION for you… Is it easier to convince people to AVOID an UNSAFE ACT or is it easier to get them to COMMIT a SAFE ACT?  I ask this because I am trying to figure out a plan of attack for a particular unsafe act called “texting while driving”.  As I sit here and think about what all is involved...

A little dark safety humor… DRILL PRESS: A tall upright machine useful for suddenly snatching flat metal bar stock out of your hands so that it smacks you in the chest and flings your beer across the room, denting the freshly-painted project which you had carefully set in the corner where nothing could get to it. … HomeRead More »

MANY THANKS to my NEW & RENEWING “Partners in Safety”for their support!         City of Boise, ID since 2007, Haynes since 2005, Air Products since 2009, Benjamin Moore Paints since 2011 2012 Fatality Tracker Electrical 1 (2011 = 81) (2010 = 90) (2009 = 100) Forklift/Manlift Mobile Equipment  1 (2011 = 84) (2010 = 110) (2009=88) Mining 0 (2011...

We Believe …That every man or women bears the unalterable responsibility for keeping out of harm’s way. This he or she owes to him or herself, their family, their fellows and his or her job. … HomeRead More »

  Oily waste safety cans are an essential safety device where ever cloths and wiping rags are used with oils and solvents. Rags and cloths soaked with solvents, thinners, linseed oil, combustible adhesives and other flammable liquids present a serious fire risk if they are improperly discarded. These safety cans are specially designed to isolate it’s contents from fire sources and limiting...