Let’s set the record straight… “Line of sight” is HALF THE REQUIREMENT, and this term is NOT in any official language from OSHA, nor does OSHA recognize it! We see this all the time…a LOTO procedure talks about cord and plug equipment not needing to be locked out if the worker is in the “line of sight” of the plug.  Let’s look at the term “exclusive...

Can businesses use tagout when lockout can be used on the energy isolation device? Simply stated, locks MUST be used when they can, UNLESS the employer can demonstrate that their tagout will PROVIDE FULL EMPLOYEE PROTECTION. Here is the exact language from 29 CFR 1910.147: … HomeRead More »

Is there a method to OSHA’s madness in regards to the PSM required operating procedures? … HomeRead More »

Many THANKS to my NEW & RENEWING Corporate Partners in Safety! since 3/2011 since 3/2011 since 2007 since 2009 since 2/11 2011 Fatality Tracker Electrical 7 (2010 = 90) (2009 = 100) Forklift/Manlift Mobile Equipment  30 (2010 = 110) (2009=88) Mining 48...

Join me and SAFTENG.net in helping spread this important safety message about texting and driving! … HomeRead More »

WARNING!!! This is a REAL 911 call from a gentleman who lost his life after a belt tore his arm off at a concrete plant. The call was edited to remove the worker’s name and other personal information (e.g., mentions of wife and kids’ names), and it was cut off to end before the man lost consciousness and eventually lost his life from a blood loss. This is posted with the hopes that those...

The More Routine The Task.. The Bigger The Safety Risk?? For some persons, safety only becomes an important consideration when they are doing a “dangerous” job or task. They rationalize that safety procedures can be bypassed or ignored when the task is simple, small, routine and seemingly presents little risk of injury. Unfortunately, this type of thinking is why many routine, and...

Many THANKS to my NEW & RENEWING Corporate Partners in Safety! since 3/2011 since 3/2011 since 2007 since 2009 since 2/11 2011 Fatality Tracker Electrical 7 (2010 = 90) (2009 = 100) Forklift/Manlift Mobile Equipment  30 (2010 = 110) (2009=88) Mining 48...

Generally, responders rely primarily on Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) maintained at the facility. However, MSDSs may not provide sufficient information to effectively and safely respond to accidental releases. This Alert is designed to increase awareness of MSDS limitations, so that first responders can take proper precautions, and identify additional sources of chemical information, which could...

Bryan, Here are some observations related to Bayer PHA effectiveness, as mentioned in the CSB report. The Chem Safety Board Incident Investigation Report for the Bayer incident was very critical regarding the quality / effectiveness of the PHA study. Please take a look over the attached extract from the report and keep these items in mind when you lead your next PHA.  Although the Chem Safety...

You know, sometimes we need to have our efforts validated.  I put myself out there on a daily basis to try my best to educate those who are willing to listen to my ideas and rationale.  I take a lot of hits and it gets to me every once in a while.  But with over 20,000 faithful members and subcribers I can always count on one of you to pick me up, dust me off, and slap the @#$% out of...

1910.303(g)(1): “Space about electric equipment. Sufficient access and working space shall be provided and maintained about all electric equipment to permit ready and safe operation and maintenance of such equipment.” 1910.303(g)(1)(i): “Working space for equipment likely to require examination, adjustment, servicing, or maintenance while energized shall comply with the following dimensions, except...