Posted by Jim Johnson under
Confined Space,
Safety Training
Recently OROSHA released the text of of proposed changes to the confined space rules. Their goal is to bring construction under the same standards as general industry. The proposed rules can be found here: http://www.orosha.org/pdf/notices/proposed2011/propchgs_conf_sp.pdf As a company with some experience in this area, we decided to offer comments, which can be found here: http://www.d2000safety.com/shop/images/OROSHA_comments.pdf [...]
While it’s easy to think that a whole new host of regulations are needed for the supposedly “new” industry, It’s my sense that employers simply need to go back and revisit their current obligations under the existing standards.
Posted by Jim Johnson under
Safety Training
Over the years we have presented seminars at many safety and health conferences throughout the Northwest. As a company we have always felt that making these investments was a great way to give back to our safety industry and support the hard work of the associations which invest so much time and energy to provide [...]
Posted by Jim Johnson under
Confined Space,
Safety Training
One area of concern for many employers relates to the safety requirements needed when an employee reaches into a permit-required confined space to perform a low-hazard job task such as steam cleaning or collecting a sample. Has the employee made a confined space entry? Is a permit needed? What exactly are the requirements? The OSHA [...]
We spend a fair amount of time fielding questions about confined space, fall protection and excavation safety. Most of time people describe a scenario and ask us whether we would consider it safe or compliant. Generally their questions hinge on an activity that is not directly addressed by the OSHA regulations. As a trainer and consultant [...]
Posted by Jim Johnson under
Fall Protection,
Safety Training
Recently a vigorous online discussion erupted over this question when it was asked on an online message board. When I last checked over 140 people had expressed a wide variety of fact and opinion.
The question itself was simple to answer: “No, OSHA doesn’t require an employee to use fall protection when using a scissors lift (i.e., work platform that cannot be positioned completely beyond the base) if the guardrails are installed and the gates closed.” In fact, the scissors lift itself is a form of fall protection which protects workers from the hazards of working from portable ladders.
Posted by Jim Johnson under
Confined Space,
Safety Training
Certain jobs often call for “intrinsically safe” or “explosion-proof” tools and equipment such as lighting and radios. The purpose of this requirement is ensuring that our equipment doesn’t create a source of ignition which in turn could ignite vapors, dusts, mists, or fibers in the atmosphere.
Posted by Jim Johnson under
Safety Training
Are you at elevated risk for heat stress? During these dog days, heat stress can be a big problem. Heat causes our bodies to undergo physical changes such as changes in our circulation. More blood flows to the skin and less flows to the kidneys and other organs. Also, heart-rate increases to maintain adequate blood pressure.
Posted by Jim Johnson under
Safety Training
We’re often asked if our safety and rescue classes are ‘certified by OSHA’ or if you take a class will you be ‘certified’? I usually respond by saying that if you complete the class you’ll receive a certificate and you’ll be awarded continuing education units (CEUs). But will that make you ‘certified’ in the normal [...]
