Precautions should be taken to prevent vapors from being ignited by the discharge of static electricity. The movement of ANY process liquids during pumping, emptying, filling and spraying can cause electrostatic accumulation. Movement of other materials, such as powders or a printing web, or cleaning operations, can also create static electricity hazards. Non-conducting footwear and clothing made of...

This regulatory requirement is often mismanaged, which oftentimes results in many other related issues within a process safety management system. In this article, I will discuss a methodology a facility can apply in establishing its “safe upper and lower limits.” In this example, I will use process pressure, as it is the easiest to illustrate, but this same methodology can be applied to establishing...

A worker was preparing to mix chemicals in a large in-floor vat in order to make lacquer. After removing the bungs from a steel barrel of toluene, the worker lowered the barrel onto its side and placed it on the lip of the in-floor mixing vat. As the toluene was being poured into the vat, a static discharge was produced that caused the toluene vapour to ignite. This in turn caused the toluene liquid...

  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 2011 Fatality Tracker Electrical 81 (2010 = 90) (2009 = 100) Forklift/Manlift Mobile Equipment  84 (2010 = 110) (2009=88) Mining 248 (2010 = 480) (2009 = 586)...

Key provisions of PSM OSHA’s preamble to the PSM Standard goes a long way to provide us insight as to why there are 14 elements to the standard and what each requirement in each element is intended to serve.  The entire preamble is a very long read, but there are some key provisions in Section 3 – III.  Summary and Explanation of the Final Rule.  I have posted those provisions...

A requirement that many think is “common sense” and “simple” continues to appear on 3rd party audit reports and OSHA/EPA citations year after year. So why is something so “common” and “simple” so difficult to comply with? Often times we make something simple to difficult for our own good. In this article I want to offer some suggestions on how we should...

 

Workplace safety is a concept that involves creating a safe working atmosphere, a safe place to work, securing and safeguarding the lives of all employees regardless of positioning the company.  Workplace safety is of prime importance since there are professions, which involve risks that, not recognized and managed, could turn out to be fatal. There are people who are in close proximity to...

Rushing is a characteristic of human nature • It’s human nature to want to get a job done as quickly as possible. • Getting a task done in a hurry gives you: the ability to start your next task sooner in some cases, more time to do other things that may be more enjoyable … HomeRead More »

How Does The Dictionary Define “Character”? One dictionary defines character as “the complex of mental and ethical traits marking a person.” … HomeRead More »

1. Safety defects; examination, correction and records. 56.14100 (b)(b) Defects on any equipment, machinery, and tools that affect safety shall be corrected in a timely manner to prevent the creation of a hazard to persons. 2. Electrical conductors. 56.12004 Electrical conductors shall be of a sufficient size and current-carrying capacity to ensure that a rise in temperature resulting from normal operations...