Posts

Showing posts from June, 2010

Generic database of combustion and explosion characteristics

Generic database contains combustion and explosion characteristics of 4081 materials. Links: http://bgia-online.hvbg.de/STAUBEX/explosuche.aspx?lang=e http://biade.itrust.de/biaen/lpext.dll?f=templates&fn=main-h.htm http://bgia-online.hvbg.de/LIMITVALUE/WebForm_gw.aspx

Words and Slogans vs. Actions

Slogans vs. Actions. "We have too many high-sounding words, and too few actions that correspond with them.” – Abigail Adams The article below is a good overview of what happens when company mission statements, goals and slogans do not match actions. In the industrial process fire prevention business, many times while touring a plant I see posters with slogans like "Safety First" posted in key locations, only to find real and unrecognized fire and safety hazards, like layers of combustible dust on the ground, on equipment and joists.  As I am walking around and observing, I often think "this looks like an accident waiting to happen" .  This incongruence, or disconnect is wherein the problem with safety lies.  And the safety culture for an organization always starts from the top down.  This is a major focus of combustible dust education. Other times I tour plants that do have a very stringent regard for safety systems and procedures, and the

What is A combustible dust?

A short, concise article by W. Jon Wallace of Workplace Safety Blog, that helps answer the burning question: "Do I have combustible dust in my facility?" What is a Combustible Dust ? Do I have combustible dust in my facility? What is a combustible dust ? Due to recent combustible dust explosions, as well as OSHA's national emphasis ... www.workplace-safety-nc.com/.../what-is-combust-dust.html                                

Combustible dust research reveals 100 related fires and explosions in 2009

Our friend John Astad of the Combustible Policy Institute, has new research out: Combustible dust research reveals 100 combustible dust related fires and explosions in 2009 Fine tuning the combustible dust incidents that occurred in the manufacturing, non-manufacturing, and utility sectors in 2009. According to media accounts there were 100 combustible dust related fires and explosions. 17% of these ComDust incidents were dust explosions with the majority of all incidents occurring in national industries (NAICS) not recognized in Appendix D-1 & D-2 of the OSHA Combustible Dust NEP. Amazingly there were no fatalities that occurred as a result of these combustible dust incidents with 23 injuries. Combustible dust research reveals 100 combustible dust related fires and explosions in 2009 Posted 2 months ago by John Astad (GMT -6) , Director/Research Analyst at Comb

OSHA's Tough New Stance

Human Resource Executive Online OSHA's Sharper Teeth Human Resource Executive Online The agency plans to update existing exposure limits and set new rules to protect employees from such dust. * Combustible dust : Such material can cause ... Top Obama OHS bureaucrat calls for tougher penalties in US Canadian Safety Reporter ... criminal penalties for fatal worker injuries, chemical standards, distracted driving, high state and city worker injury rates and combustible dust . OSHA Chief Calls for Criminal Penalties Occupational Health Safety He said pretty much the same thing when asked about the progress of the proposed combustible dust standard, noting the many regulatory steps and surveys ...

A Bittersweet Lesson - Sugar and Combustible Dust

From Chemical Info - A Bittersweet Lesson The Chemical Safety Board (CSB) reports that the sugar industry, in particular, has had a long love affair with both combustible dust and lackadaisical housekeeping methods. In fact, this trend dates as far back as 1925. A Bittersweet Lesson | Chem.Info Although Imperial Sugar may not be the lone offender of combustible dust crimes, it is perhaps the most memorable. www.chem.info/Articles/2010/06/Safety-A-Bittersweet-Lesson/ Don’t Sweep Safety Under the Rug An Occupational Safety and Health Administration Fact Sheet titled: Hazard Alert: Combustible Dust Explosions offers specific dust control recommendations to help protect your facility from a similar fate: Implement a hazardous dust inspection, testing, housekeeping and control program. Use proper dust collection systems and filters. Minimize the escape of dust from process equipment or ventilation systems. Use surfaces that minimize dust accumulation and facilitate

Shop Fire Safety #1: Hazards in the Workshop

Shop Fire Safety. Excellent article written by a firefighter - and the head of the emergency response team for a company that specializes in industrial fire protection.  He talks about the sources and risks of combustible dust, the importance of housekeeping, and how to minimize your shop risk.  Read this article. It is just as pertinent to small shops, and even hobbyists, as well as larger industrial manufacturers. Woodworking blog entries tagged with ' combustible dust ... Woodworking blog entries tagged with ' combustible dust '. most recent · most read · most discussed · most favorited · View PocketHole69's profile (online now ... lumberjocks.com/blogs/tag/combustible+dust

The Combustion Analysis Model

Image
The Combustion Analysis Model SAFER Systems' Combustion Analysis Model™ is designed to effectively analyze, and help one manage industrial or transportation-related fire events ...   continue

Managers Charged over Death of Plant Worker

Managers Charged over Death of Plant Worker A grand jury has indicted a southwest Ohio company and three officials in the 2008 death of a treatment plant worker who authorities say was overcome by toxic gas ...   continue

The biggest tax increase on small business in HISTORY 1/1/2011

Image
If you own an "S" Corp., or LLC taxed as an "S" Corp., listen up, big changes are coming... The biggest tax increase on small business in HISTORY-1/1/2011 posted by Roger Herring at The Investor's Accountant Speaks - 12 hours ago Late last month, the House of Representatives passed the American Jobs and Tax Loopholes Closing Act of 2010. It is now in the Senate and will become law by the end of summer. This law contains a major cha... ############ Health care law's massive, hidden tax change  The bill makes two key changes to how 1099s are used. First, it expands their scope by using them to track payments not only for services but also for tangible goods. Plus, it requires that 1099s be issued not just to individuals, but also to corporations. Stealth IRS changes mean millions of new tax forms Courtesy of the health care reform bill, every business in the country is about to undergo a dramatic change in how expenses are reported. Th

Should Mainstream Media Be Held to Different Standards Than Bloggers? | WebProNews

Interesting article for your consideration... Should Mainstream Media Be Held to Different Standards Than Bloggers ? | WebProNews Is it Ok for MSM Not to Credit Blogs? Should mainstream media be held to different standards than bloggers when it comes to crediting sources?...

Annual Firefighter Fatality Report reveals sharp drop in number of fatalities in 2009

Press Room - News releases http://www.nfpa.org/newsReleaseDetails.a... June 7, 2010 – For the first time in three years, the number of on-the-job firefighter deaths in the United States has dropped below 100. The National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) annualFirefighter Fatality Report(PDF, 267 KB), released today at the NFPA Conference & Expo, shows a sharp drop...

NFPA Discusses Proposed Changes to Combustible Dust Hazard Standard -- Occupational Health & Safety

NFPA Discusses Proposed Changes to Combustible Dust Hazard Standard -- Occupational Health & Safety NFPA Discusses Proposed Changes to Combustible Dust Hazard ... During day two of the NFPA Conference and Expo, Guy Colonna, assistant vice president of fire protection applications for NFPA, discussed proposed changes ... ohsonline.com/.../nfpa-discusses-proposed-changes-to-combus...

Industrial Fire Prevention commercial

Industrial Fire Prevention commercial for South East Fire Prevention. Prevent industrial fires and explosions. Seen in this video: Industrial Fires Industrial Explosions CSB OSHA GreCon Spark Detection Systems Industrial Fire Prevention South East Fire Prevention

The Value of Life

Value of Life As safety professionals, we are often required to consider value of life in decision making. So, what is the economic value of a life? According to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), it is $5.8 million. Click on the link below to read more… http://ostpxweb.dot.gov/policy/reports/080205.htm

OSHA ComDust Web Chat

Combustible Dust - 75:32142-32143 OSHA plans to use the information gathered in response to this Web Chat in developing a proposed standard for combustible dust . DATES: The Web Chat will be ... www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?...

Worker Safety? There’s an App for That!

Interesting post on iPhone safety applications from our friend Dr. Saraf. Worker Safety? There’s an App for That! posted by Dr. Saraf at Risk and Safety Blog - 23 hours ago I have always been fascinated by Apple products. Apple’s iPhone besides providing the “cool” touchscreen also lets developers create customized applications. Here are a few safety applications you may find...

What is Your Plant's Fire Risk? Simple Ways to Reduce Your Fire Hazards

Here is a good article By DeAnna Stephens from Pallet Enterprise,  featuring commentary by Bob Moore, chairman and CEO of   Intelligent Global Pooling Systems (iGPS ), and Kurt Ruchala,  principal engineer at FirePro.   This article outlines some basic and simple solutions when it comes to  protecting your plant, production processes, and personnel from fires  and explosions, in any industry. Additionally, I would add to protect your dust collection systems with   spark detection and extinguishing systems, as well as sprinkler or deluge  systems at the minimum. Additionally consider explosion venting, isolation  or suppression systems as needed, and as referenced by NFPA,  OSHA and FM Global. Plant Fire Safety Checklist   (modified from the article for general use) Are combustible dust, waste and residues kept cleaned up and removed? Are all brush and weeds kept cleared from around buildings? Do all employees know and follow smoking policies and procedures? Do