UPDATE (5/16/11) How many of your PIT drivers know what that little hole in the propane cylinder protective valve collar is really for?  Next time you walk by a PIT, check to see if the cylinder is installed properly.  Here is a tip… … HomeRead More »

Worker climbs out of excavation just in the nick of time before it collapses. (1 min 26 s) … HomeRead More »

These tables were developed to be used with Garlock spiral wound gaskets. They are to be used only as a general guide. They should not be considered to contain absolute values due to the large number of uncontrollable variables involved with bolted joints. If there is doubt as to the proper torque value to use, we suggest that the maximum value be used.   All bolt torque values are based upon...

These are pipe installation instructions.  I have posted the portion regarding the joining of flanges.  Note the “torque” requirements. Wipe clean the socket and the plain end. Brush both the gasket and plain end with soapy water or an approved push-on joint lubricant meeting the requirements of ANSI/AWWA C111/A21.11 immediately before slipping the gasket onto the plain end for...

Many THANKS to my NEW & RENEWING Corporate Partners in Safety! since 2005 since 2008 since 2005 since 2008 2011 Fatality Tracker Electrical 19 (2010 = 90) (2009 = 100) Forklift/Manlift Mobile Equipment ...

UPDATED on 5/19/11 @ 9:02 p.m. EST This incident occurred 4 May 2011 on a pipeline project during a hydro-test of new piping. … HomeRead More »

Just by sheer luck (bad) I, unfortunately, came across a perfect example of how IMPROPER torquing can create a VERY SERIOUS HAZARD in a chemical process.  I was helping a client with a process that has a runaway reaction potential.  Our study took us to the reactor so we could examine the pressure relief system, where we noticed the rupture disc holder flange was off center and the two flange...

PROPANEby Dennis Hoaglin (SUNG TO THE TUNE OF “COCAINE” AND TO THE ACCOMPANIMENT OF AIR GUITAR) If you wanna get chilled, blown up or killed — PROPANE.Forget the rules, act like a fool — PROPANE.It’s a gas, it’s a gas, it’s a gas — PROPANE. If sprayed with this gas, it’ll freeze off your ass — PROPANEAnd if splashed in the face, you’ll be blinded and maced — PROPANEWear...

Most workers have been taught what a Class A fire is, but have they been taught what 1-A, 2-A, 3-A, 4-A, 6-A, and 8-A… mean? Here are some basic facts regarding fire extinguisher ratings.  Class A and B extinguishers will only have numerical ratings; Class C and D do not.  The rating is an indication of how much fire they will SAFELY extinguish.  For example, 2-A:20-BC will...

How does your facility manage this?  These days most facilities use written Hot Work Permits, either because of regulatory requirements or they are required by their insurance company.  And most facilities also assign a fire watch for each permit.  But this is where the similarities end and how the fire watch personnel are managed is the common flaw in the execution of a safe hotwork...

A clear explanation of UL product certification will help customers and others understand the meaning of “UL Listed,” “UL Classified,” “UL Performance Verified” or “UL Recognized Component.” … HomeRead More »

Flammable or combustible liquids must be stored in tanks or closed containers. But how much flammable liquid can be outside of a flammable cabinet or storage room at any time? … HomeRead More »