Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) News

The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) continues to raise awareness on the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) proposed Emergency Response Standard and offer resources to help first responders take action. On February 5, OSHA published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to replace the agency’s ‘Fire Brigades’ standard with a proposed new ‘Emergency Response Standard’. This NPRM’s publication triggered the beginning of a public...

On February 5, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to modernize the agency’s ‘Fire Brigades’ standard with a proposed new ‘Emergency Response Standard.’ This NPRM’s publication triggered the beginning of a public comment period that was initially scheduled to conclude on May 6. Thanks to feedback from the emergency services community, OSHA has extended this public comment period to June 21...

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is proposing an extensive new safety and health standard, titled “Emergency Response,” to replace the existing “Fire Brigades Standard.” The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for the “Emergency Response Standard” was published in the Federal Register on February 5, with the public comment period open until May 6. updated standard This proposed updated standard would issue hundreds of new requirements that...

On December 21, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced that it will issue a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to modernize the agency’s ‘Fire Brigades’ standard. This standard was first published and last updated in 1980. This proposed updated standard would issue several new requirements that would be very burdensome, and in many cases impossible, for volunteer fire departments to comply with. Specifically, there would be prohibitively rest...

BERKLEY - Chief Scott Fournier is pleased to report that Berkley Fire Rescue received a US$ 15,500 grant from the Department of Fire Services Fiscal Year 2024 Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant Program. Fire departments across Massachusetts were invited to apply to the Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant program, which provides reimbursement on purchases of 135 different types of eligible equipment. Berkley Fire Secures grant for Firefighter Safety Equipment Eligible items include hoses and no...

Given the dynamic and risk-prone nature of the construction industry, the importance of effective emergency communication cannot be overstated. The debate about the use of stickers on hard hats, particularly the traditional ICE (In Case of Emergency) stickers, is a long-standing one. Twiceme examines why stickers are put on safety helmets, delves into the details of ICE stickers, and presents an innovative alternative - Twiceme's HTH technology. Explore the potential benefits offered by Twiceme...

The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) released its final report into the fatal explosion and fire at the KMCO production facility in Crosby, Texas, USA. On April 2, 2019, KMCO was producing sulfurized isobutylene as a lubrication additive. The explosion and fire occurred after isobutylene leaked from a fracture in a segment of piping and formed a flammable vapor cloud, which ignited. Fatal injury One KMCO employee was fatally injured, and two others were seriously inju...

The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) released its final report into the deadly explosions and fires at the Didion Milling, Inc. (Didion) dry corn milling facility in Cambria, Wisconsin, USA. The explosion occurred in May 2017, and fatally injured five employees and seriously injured another 14. The incident also ultimately destroyed the facility, resulting in over $15 million in property damage. source of the smoke On the night of May 31, 2017, during normal mill faci...

The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) released its final investigation report on the 2019 tank farm fire at the Intercontinental Terminals Company, LLC (ITC) bulk liquid storage terminal in Deer Park, Texas. The massive fire caused substantial property damage, significantly impacted the environment, and led to the issuance of several shelter-in-place orders that seriously disrupted the local community. Disruptive fire event CSB Chairperson Steve Owens said, &ldquo...

Eptura, the global work tech pioneer announced an enhancement to its visitor management software with the new Emergency list feature to improve occupant safety and streamline the building evacuation process during emergencies. Emergency list feature The enhancement is intended for organizations that find themselves lacking data that indicates who is present in the building or on the job site between flexible working arrangements, external contractors, and guests amid the current evolution of...

The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) released an update into its ongoing investigation of an April 8, 2021, incident at the Yenkin-Majestic OPC Polymers resin plant in Columbus, OH. The update provides a detailed incident description, background information on the facility and production as well as a history of the equipment. The large explosion and fire led to one fatality and injured eight additional employees. CSB Interim Executive Steve Owens said, “This was...

The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigations Board’s (CSB) safety video released on October 27, 2022 has reached one million views in just over a week, passing the one million mark on Friday, November 4, 2022. The video titled ‘Wake Up Call: Refinery Disaster in Philadelphia,’ details a fire, explosions, and toxic hydrofluoric acid (HF) release that occurred at the Philadelphia Energy Solutions (PES) refinery in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA, on June 21, 2019. CSB&rsq...

The construction industry is consistently ranked as one of the most dangerous environments to work in around the world. OSHA reports that 1 in 5 deaths among U.S. workers occurs in the sector. And, according to the World Risk Poll, the second highest reported workplace injury rate globally (22%), was among those who worked in construction, manufacturing, or production. In this high-risk context, accurate, real-time monitoring of safety conditions can protect workers and equipment from damage en...

In firehouses around the world, firefighters must co-exist with diesel-fueled apparatus. When a diesel engine is running in a firehouse apparatus bay, the diesel exhaust can cause a variety of health issues for firefighters who occupy the firehouse. Diesel exhaust can irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs, and it can cause coughs, headaches, lightheadedness, and nausea. Breathing in diesel exhaust can cause lung irritation and/or make pre-existing asthma worse. Long-term exposure may lead...

Workplace emergencies come in all shapes and sizes, including fires, explosions, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, toxic material releases, radiological and biological accidents, civil disturbances, workplace violence, etc. All of which, according to the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), require an emergency action plan. Willfully violating that requirement and not having an emergency action plan that is current, well understood and accessible, could result in a fine of US$ 1...

Brother Mobile Solutions, a globally renowned provider of mobile, desktop, and industrial printing and labeling solutions, has announced the release of an agile, on-demand printing solution for the quick creation of safety signage and labels, which are required in modern workplaces and public spaces. Safety Labeling Solution The new on-demand Safety Labeling Solution pairs a Brother thermal transfer 4-inch printer with highly-intuitive safety signage design software, as well as a wide variety...

Immediate evacuation is often the appropriate response in case of a fire emergency, but correctional facilities are built on the premise of keeping inmates inside. Such is the apparent conflict, when it comes to responding to a fire in a prison, jail or correctional facility. Fire safety challenges The unique characteristics of a correctional setting present challenges in case of fire. For example, how can locked doors be consistent with the need for easy egress in case of fire? Because doors...

While wildfires can be beneficial and necessary for some species and ecosystems, there are various negative impacts on our air, water, and land, as well as, subsequent impacts for human health. Given the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) mission to protect human health and the environment, the EPA’s Wildland Fire Research focuses on the impacts these fires have on human health and ecosystems. Examining ambient air quality EPA researchers are examining the worsening of a...

Kistler O’Brien Fire Protection is excited to welcome a new offering to its robust Fire Safety Training program, its first-ever Live Virtual Fire Training, a convenient and productive way for business owners to achieve peace of mind! As many know, in the last year, working remotely has become a necessity for businesses everywhere. Whether it is a portion of an organization or the entire staff, having the ability to continue operations remotely has made a significant change for many busine...

The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) is proud to announce a new online learning platform offering 24/7 access to CEUs and/or CPDs from AFSA educational events, including live webinars. AFSA On-Demand offers fire sprinkler contractors and other professionals the access to the best in specialty education anytime. AFSA On-Demand Featuring the most sought-after thought leaders in fire protection, AFSA On-Demand offers a superior learning experience in a unique and user-friendly format. M...

It’s tougher to beat the heat on job sites than at backyard barbecues. Teammates need to be informed and equipped to take preventative measures against heat stress, such as finding shade, drinking plenty of water, wearing loose and light clothing, and/or taking regular breaks. Heat-related occupational Risks Safety professionals know that exposure to hot conditions presents a real threat to teammates. According to the most recent U.S. Heat Fatalities Map from the Occupational Safety and...

Global safety equipment manufacturer, MSA Safety Incorporated has announced that its next-generation Advantage 290 LS Air-Purifying Respirator (APR) is the first of its kind, designed without an exhalation valve, to receive approval from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Advantage 290 LS APR An elastomeric half-mask device, the Advantage 290 LS Respirator covers a wearer’s nose and mouth and utilizes twin filters to provide respiratory protection. The U....

In the COVID-19 era, where digital tools and virtual platforms have become more important than ever before, global safety equipment manufacturer, MSA Safety Incorporated has announced that they will host free, online safety seminars from September 14 to September 18, 2020. Free, online safety seminars The sessions are being conducted by MSA Safety to support National Safety Stand-Down week, an annual week-long event, organized by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), t...

Evaluating and mitigating risks for the lone workers in the company allows them to protect most at-risk employees while also ensuring compliance with regulations.  To optimize lone worker safety programs, systematically assess working environments and then create targeted policies and procedures to address any hazards. This guide will provide an in-depth look to help discern where the program is performing well, as well as determine where gaps may still exist. Overall Risk Assessment Ass...

MSA, DuPont, and the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) are helping volunteer fire departments obtain much-needed gear through MSA’s and DuPont’s Globe Gear Giveaway. In 2020, 13 departments will each receive four new sets of turnout gear and four new helmets to help enhance the safety of their firefighters. The first 500 applicants also received a one-year NVFC membership, courtesy of MSA. The latest recipients of MSA’s and DuPont’s 2020 Globe Gear Giveaway are the...

When a prominent U.S. manufacturer of processing equipment for the dairy industries had concerns about mitigating the consequences of dust explosions for a recent project, they turned to IEP Technologies for assistance with specifying the optimum explosion protection system solution for their customer – a Toll Manufacturer of dried whey protein products. The process equipment manufacturer had previously collaborated with IEP on various projects in Europe, however this was the first opport...

If the user’s 9 to 5 (or midnight - 8 a.m., for that matter) is in any field that employs work trucks, they surely have a sense of how limited space can be, and how vital it is to have the truck outfitted with dependable equipment. Whether the truck is used in the utilities, fueling or construction industry, it most likely needs to be equipped with a hose reel. Hannay Reels offers a variety of durable, dependable reels for a variety of work truck applications. With everything from flexibl...

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), falls continue to be the leading cause of fatalities in the construction industry. To help combat this sobering, but preventable statistic, globally renowned safety equipment manufacturer - MSA Safety Incorporated has announced that it will conduct free fall protection training sessions, from May 6 to May 10, 2019, during OSHA’s annual National Safety Stand-Down Week. Fall protection training As part of this week-lon...

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), falls continue to be the leading cause of fatalities in the construction industry. To help combat this sobering, but preventable, statistic, global safety equipment manufacturer MSA Safety Incorporated announced that it will conduct free fall protection training sessions, from May 6 through May 10, during OSHA's annual National Safety Stand-Down. OSHA-compliant fall protection training As part of this week-long safety blitz...

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) will host its annual Conference & Expo at the Henry B. González Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas, from June 17 – June 20, 2019. This comprehensive event brings together thousands of the industry’s renowned professionals who will attend more than 120 educational sessions and special events addressing the latest issues, challenges and trends in the world of fire, electrical, and life safety. NFPA Conference & Expo...