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Safety Articles
Things That Go Boom—Combustible Dust Hazards
By W. Jon Wallace, CSP, MBA
Since 1980, more than 130 workers have been killed and more than 780 injured in combustible dust explosions. Recent incidents have significantly heightened awareness of combustible dust hazards. Read the full article...
How Good is Your Process Safety Management (PSM) Program?
By W. Jon Wallace, CSP, MBA
The origins of OSHA’s Process Safety Management standard can be traced back to the December 1984 Union Carbide explosion in Bhopal, India. Many Americans became concerned that a similar incident could occur in the United States. Read the full article...
NFPA 70E – Safe Work Practices While Racking Circuit Breakers
By W. Jon Wallace, CSP, MBA
Racking circuit breakers is a common task performed by electrical workers. Unfortunately, this task is responsible for numerous serious electric arc flash incidents. The main reason is the moving of parts that must be aligned properly to engage the breaker. Many times these mechanisms are not maintained and cause problems. Read the full article...
Electrical Safety: Benefits of Rubber Insulated Gloves
By W. Jon Wallace, CSP, MBA
While conducting electrical safety training one day I had an electrician complain that he hated the electrical insulated gloves he was wearing: “I can’t work with these gloves—they don’t fit and they're uncomfortable!” Electrical rubber insulating gloves provide significant protection for electrical workers. Shock protection is the primary benefit; however; electrical rubber insulating gloves also provide significant burn protection in the event of an arc flash. It is very important the leather protectors are worn over electrical rubber insulating gloves—this provides protection against cuts and nicks caused by contact with electrical components. Read the full article...
So you think you’re ready for OSHA VPP?
By W. Jon Wallace, CSP, MBA
A plant manager recently requested I perform an OSHA Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) assessment at his facility. “Jon, we have a great safety program here—I doubt you’ll find any major deficiencies.” Needless to say, the plant manager was quite bewildered during our closing conference when I informed him his facility was at least 2–3 years away from even being considered for OSHA VPP. I have performed numerous VPP assessments for clients. This article coveres some pointers on attaining VPP status at your site. Read the full article...
Five Habits of Safe Confined Space Workers
By W. Jon Wallace, CSP, MBA
As a safety professional, I routinely receive accident reports from around the World. Many of these accidents are related to confined space work. Unfortunately, the same types of mistakes are repeated – resulting in injury or death. Read the full article...
NFPA releases 2009 Edition of NFPA 70E®
By W. Jon Wallace, CSP, MBA
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) issued the revised 2009 edition of NFPA 70E®: Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace with an effective date of September 5, 2008. The 2009 edition of NFPA 70E® contains numerous revisions. Read the full article...
Electric Arc Flash PPE – Outer Garment Protection
By W. Jon Wallace, CSP, MBA and Hugh Hoagland: e-hazard.com
Due to the potential of an electric arc flash, many employees who perform work on energized conductors (qualified persons) are exchanging flammable and/or meltable clothing, such as pants and shirts, for flame resistant (FR) clothing. Read the full article...
Most Cited OSHA Standards for 2006
By W. Jon Wallace, CSP, MBA
This article is a summary of the top 10 OSHA cited standards by federal OSHA for fiscal year 2006. Read the full article...
Performing the Lockout/Tagout Risk Assessment
By W. Jon Wallace, CSP, MBA
With the exception of minor tool changes and adjustments, and other minor servicing activities, employees are typically prohibited from placing any part of their body into the point of operation while a piece of equipment is energized. But, there are many scenarios in which deenergizing equipment is difficult and/or creates problems. In these cases, there is a need for performing a lockout/tagout risk assessment. Read the full article...
Performing the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Hazard Analysis
By W. Jon Wallace, CSP, MBA
Failure to adequately assess the workplace for potential hazards and identify appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) not only results in thousands of eye injuries each year, it is also responsible for numerous injuries to the hands and arms, torso, feet, and head. Employers are required to perform a PPE assessment to determine if hazards are present, or likely to be present. Read the full article...
* This article was published the December 2005 issue of Occupational Health & Safety Magazine. Download printable PDF of this article from OHS
Implementing NFPA 70E at your Facility
By W. Jon Wallace, CSP, MBA
Over 600 workers are electrocuted annually – it is the 4th leading cause of workplace fatalities in the United States. If you have employees working on or near exposed energized electrical parts, electrical safe work practices are essential. This article addresses Safety-Related Work Practices outlined in Chapter 1 of NFPA 70E: Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace – 2004 Edition. Requirements contained within Chapter 2 – 4 are also included. Major requirements of NFPA 70E that should be included in this procedure are covered. Read the full article...
* See also NFPA 70E: Frequently Asked Questions and Performing the Electrical Flash Hazard Analysis
Performing the Electrical Flash Hazard Analysis
By W. Jon Wallace, CSP, MBA
An electric arc flash, which is a short circuit through the air, occurs when an employee is working on or near energized electrical equipment and inadvertently contacts conductors or circuits, such as dropping a part or tool, resulting in a phase-to-ground, or a phase-to-phase fault. Also, equipment malfunction may produce a spark or arc, resulting in an arcing fault. Read more about the hazards of electric arc flashes and prevention measures for employees. Read the full article...
* See also NFPA 70E: Frequently Asked Questions and Implementing NFPA 70E at your Facility
* This article was published in the August 2005 issue of Occupational Health & Safety Magazine. Download printable PDF of this article from OHS
NFPA 70E: Frequently Asked Questions
By W. Jon Wallace, CSP, MBA
In response to the numerous questions and comments from the article: Performing the Electrical Flash Hazard Analysis, this article answers the ten most commonly asked questions about NFPA 70E. Read the full article...
* See also Implementing NFPA 70E at your Facility and Performing the Electrical Flash Hazard Analysis
Most Cited OSHA Standards for 2004
By W. Jon Wallace, CSP, MBA
This article is a summary of the top 10 OSHA cited standards by federal OSHA for fiscal year 2004. Read the full article...
Common Electrical Installation Violations
By W. Jon Wallace, CSP, MBA
Electricity is truly a great invention, however, its misuse can result in tragic loss of life and significant property damage. According to OSHA, approximately 350 electrical-related workplace fatalities occur annually. Electricity should not be feared, but it must be respected. Employees must be protected from electrocution hazards. Read the full article...
Fundamentals of Fall Protection
By W. Jon Wallace, CSP, MBA
OSHA lists falls as one of the leading causes of traumatic occupational death, accounting for eight percent of all occupational fatalities from trauma. An OSHA study involving 99 fall-related fatalities suggests that virtually all of those deaths could have been prevented by the use of guardrails, body harnesses, safety nets, covers, or other means which would have reduced employee exposure to the fall hazard. Read the full article...
Most Cited OSHA Standards for Fiscal Year 2003
By W. Jon Wallace, CSP, MBA
This a summary of the 30 most cited federal OSHA standards by subparagraph for fiscal year 2003 (October 1, 2002 through September 30, 2003). Read the full article...
Flammable and Combustible Liquids: Storage and Handling
By W. Jon Wallace, CSP, MBA
Flammable and combustible liquids are present in nearly every workplace. Gasoline, diesel fuel, and many common products like solvents, thinners, cleaners, adhesives, paints, waxes, and polishes may be flammable or combustible. These products are ubiquitous and have become a part of our lifestyle. However, if used or stored improperly, serious fires and death may occur. This article discusses flammable and combustible liquid terminology, handling, and storage practices.
Performing the Confined Space Assessment
By W. Jon Wallace, CSP, MBA
Confined space fatalities are a common occurrence in the workplace. According to NIOSH, during the 10 year period from 1980 to 1989, 585 separate fatal incidents occurred in confined spaces, claiming 670 victims. Read about the causes and find out how to implement an effective confined space program. Read the full article...
General Industry versus Construction
By W. Jon Wallace, CSP, MBA
"But this is a manufacturing facility – we don’t do construction work!" was the reply from a client during a discussion of OSHA’s construction standards: 29 CFR 1926. Even if you are a general industry facility, it is likely you are also performing construction work. See how OSHA defines construction work for general industry and how it differs from construction standards. Read the full article...
Most Frequently Cited Federal OSHA Standards for 2002
Compiled by W. Jon Wallace, CSP, MBA
This article lists the top ten most frequently cited federal OSHA Standards for fiscal year 2002 (October 1, 2001 – September 30, 2002). Standards are listed in order of total citations. Read the full article...
Most Frequently Cited OSHA General Industry Training Standards for 2002
Compiled by W. Jon Wallace, CSP, MBA
During fiscal year 2002 (October 1, 2001 through September 30, 2002), federal OSHA issued 99,949 citations for a total proposed penalty of $106,539,194. This article lists the top ten most cited general industry standards cited for training/information requirements. Also included are number of training/information citations issued, subparagraph cited, and proposed penalty. Read the full article...
Critical Elements of an Effective Lockout/Tagout Program
By W. Jon Wallace, CSP, MBA
The lockout/tagout standard – 29 CFR 1910.147 – is arguably the best OSHA standard ever written. For the price of a lock and tag, an employee can be confident they are protected from the sudden release of hazardous energy while performing maintenance, cleaning or servicing activities on equipment. When performed correctly, lockout/tagout is extremely beneficial, however, when performed incorrectly, serious injuries and fatalities may occur. Read the full article...
OSHA Enforcement Tools
By W. Jon Wallace, CSP, MBA
Some employers assume OSHA compliance is achieved merely by compliance with the applicable OSHA code of federal regulations (e.g. 1910 General Industry, 1915 Maritime, 1926 Construction, 1928 Agriculture). However, this does not necessarily ensure full OSHA compliance. Employers must also be familiar with other OSHA enforcement tools such as Incorporation by Reference; the General Duty Clause; Letters of Interpretation; Standard Interpretations (STD’s); and Compliance Directives (CPL’s). Read this article to learn how to navigate the maze of OSHA compliance. Read the full article...
OSHA Revises Means of Egress Standard
By W. Jon Wallace, CSP, MBA
On November 6, 2002 OSHA published the revised General Industry Means of Egress standard. The revised standard which is called "Exit Routes, Emergency Actions Plans, and Fire Prevention Plans," became effective on December 7, 2002. Read the full article...
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