Exemption 1910.119 (a)(2)(iii) to OSHA's PSM of Highly Hazardous Chemicals

Hello Safety Knights! Calling all PSM experts! I am supporting a company that has a "process" which involves a chemical at or above the specified threshold quantities listed in appendix A. This particular "process" occurs at a remote site in Texas in which employees travel to only when very specific operations need to be executed. As of right now, no employee is permanently stationed at this Texas site full-time. The majority of the time, employees sit out of the company's HQ location in California. I am trying to assess if PSM exemption 1910.119 (a)(2)(iii) would apply in this scenario: "Normally unoccupied remote facilities." Any advice on how to interpret this exemption would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much!

Grated Walkways in the Great White North

We're expanding a facility in Canada that has the potential to receive a large amount of snow and ice each year. The design has three levels of grated walkway and then a walkway underneath to service stacked equipment. Obviously I know we can shovel snow, use snow melt, and potentially some heated walkway pads, etc., but I thought it was worth asking if anyone has any experience with particular solutions that are effective at limiting snow/ice and falling ice hazards while minimizing manual labor. Or just any products that work well or products to avoid. Thanks!

Job Opportunities

Hi everyone! Would anyone know of any EHS Specialist or Coordinator job opportunities in the Houston area?

Open Hole Cover Protection Question

I have a protection question for a precast concrete lift station structure that is being installed on a worksite. The structure is 48" above grade and is about 16 feet deep. I am having trouble finding the requirement for covering the opening at the top of the structure. Is a cover required if the opening is above the 42" guardrail guideline? Thank you in advance for your guidance,

Fire Prevention Week - Disposing of Lithium Ion Batteries

Don’t toss lithium-ion batteries or devices in the trash or regular recycling bins. Instead, drop them off at a legit battery recycling spot. If the battery or electronic device that contains the battery is disposed of in the trash or placed in the municipal recycling bin with household recyclables such as plastic, paper or glass, it may become damaged or crushed in transport or from processing and sorting equipment, creating a fire hazard. Place each battery or device containing a battery in a separate plastic bag. Place non-conductive tape (e.g., electrical tape) over the battery’s terminals. Even used batteries can have enough energy to injure or start fires. Not all batteries are removable or serviceable by the user. Heed battery and product markings regarding safety and use. If the battery and/or device is damaged, package the battery or device in a non-flammable material, such as sand or kitty litter, as soon as possible, then contact the battery or device manufacturer for additional specific handling information. Visit call2recycle.org to find a drop-off location near you. Check back tomorrow for our final safety tip for Fire Prevention Week's "Charge into Fire Safety" campaign!

Fire Prevention Week - Safe Charging of Lithium-Ion Batteries

Charging something big like an e-bike, scooter, or power tool with a lithium-ion battery? Do it outside. Use a flat, dry area away from direct sunlight, anything wet, kids, or tripping hazards. And make sure your bike or device is secure so that it doesn’t fall while charging. Below are a few tips to help ensure you charge your lithium-ion batteires safely: • Never charge electronics on a bed, couch, or under a pillow. • Don't charge electronics overnight or all day to prevent overcharging. • Do not store batteries on their chargers. • Always use the original charger from the manufacturer or an approved, listed equivalent. • Be mindful of abnormal battery behavior – failure to fully charge or hold a charge, longer-than-usual charging times, noticeable drop in performance, unusual LED activity when placed on a charger (with batteries so equipped), liquid leakage from the battery, or melted plastic anywhere on the pack. These are indications of an internal problem. • Do not attempt to revive a battery that will not take a charge. Do not jumpstart, use other batteries, or use other power sources. Doing so may cause long-term battery damage that can result in burns, fire, or explosion. Check back tomorrow for more safety tips!

Fire Prevention Week Tips - EV Charging

Global sales of electric vehicles (EVs) exceeded 17 million in 2024 (a 25% increase from the previous year), according to the International Energy Agency. Sales are expected to grow significantly in the coming years. When the lithium-ion batteries used to power today’s EVs catch fire, they burn much differently than the gasoline and diesel used to power internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. Explore the following information and resources from NFPA to learn more about EV fires and how you can stay safer: • Never use extension cords with the EV charger. • Before charging an EV at home, have a qualified electrician check your home's electrical system to see if it can handle charging your EV, and install a new circuit just for your charging device. • Only have EV battery maintenance performed by the manufacturer, dealer, or another authorized and qualified person. • Only use charging devices that are listed by a qualified testing laboratory (e.g., UL, CSA). • Cover charging station outlets to keep water out. • Determine whether you will be performing Level 1 or Level 2 charging (Level 2 uses a 240-volt outlet). • Always follow all manufacturer directions. • Never touch the orange high-voltage (HV) cables. The HV battery is typically 400 volts or 800 volts. Did you know that the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) offers a free EV Community Preparedness Online Training for the public? Register for that training here: https://shorturl.at/OnXj8 For first responders, NFPA also provides training on responding to incidents involving alternative fuel vehicles, including EVs. Explore all NFPA EV training by clicking here: https://shorturl.at/i203j Check back tomorrow for more safety tips!

Fire Prevention Week

This year’s Fire Prevention Week™ (FPW™) campaign, October 5-11, “𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲™: 𝐋𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐮𝐦-𝐈𝐨𝐧 𝐁𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞,” works to educate everyone about using these batteries safely. The campaign stresses how important it is to BUY, CHARGE, and RECYCLE safely when it comes to lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. Lithium-Ion batteries are found in many common products, including, but not limited to: • Cell Phones, Tablets, and Laptops; • Game Controllers; • Smoke/Fire/CO Detectors; • Handheld Power Tools (e.g., drills, saws, leaf blowers); • E-Bikes and E-Scooters; • Electrical Vehicles; • eReaders (e.g., Amazon Kindle, Barnes and Noble Nook); • Bluetooth Headsets and Headphones; and • Smartwatches Below are some tips to help you use lithium-ion batteries safely and prevent fires at home, in the workplace, or anywhere else they may be stored and/or used: • 𝐁𝐮𝐲 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐬. When buying a product that uses a lithium-ion battery, look for a safety certification mark, such as UL (Underwriters Laboratory), ETL (Electrical Testing Laboratories), or CSA (Canadian Standards Association). This means it meets important safety standards. • 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐬𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐥𝐲. Always use the cords that came with the product to charge. Follow the instructions from the manufacturer. Buy new chargers from the manufacturer or one that the manufacturer has approved. Charge your device on a hard surface. Don’t overcharge your device. Unplug it or remove the battery when it’s fully charged. • 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐲𝐜𝐥𝐞 𝐛𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐲. Don’t throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash or regular recycling bins because they could start a fire. Recycle your device or battery at a safe battery recycling location. Visit call2recycle.org to find a recycling spot near you. Check back tomorrow for more safety tips!

Intro to Forensic Interviewing

There is still time to signup for our next webinar; it is a great opportunity to learn more about a topic that is critical to deep diving in investigations, whether you are an EH&S professional, HR, or operations; learn the key elements to asking “guilt seeking questions”, overcoming denials, the legal landscape, as well as how to discuss sensitive topics! This is a great intro course, for those who lead investigations, and/or support them! You can sign up here! https://www.kaddyohs.com/event-list Kaddy OHS www.KaddyOHS.com 717-219-7043 Contact@kaddyohs.com https://www.kaddyohs.com/event-details/intro-to-forensic-interviewing-in-the-workplace

Excavation Access/Egress

I have a question that I am sure is a common sense answer but I can't seem to find any supporting information: If an excavation is wider than 50', how is the requirement of 25' travel distance to access/egress applied? Does it just become a lateral distance along the excavation walls?

Breathable Hi-Visibility Jackets

Even though we are looking at highs in the upper 70s-80s this weekend, I want to start thinking about snow removal efforts. I am in the Midwest after all! My maintenance team has been asking for more breathable Hi-Vis Jackets so they can don't have issues with sweating as much while working on snow removal. Any brands/models that you or your teams have used and you'd suggest? We work closely with Fastenal so if it is stocked by them its a bonus. Thank you!

Interesting Comments on How Government Shutdown Effects the US Department of Labor and Specifically OSHA

John Surma is an attorney with Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak, & Stewart a preeminent Law Labor firm in the US. In my former corporate life, I knew them as simply Ogletree & Deakins. I had them on speed dial. I had direction to contact them on any hint of Labor, OFCCP, or OSHA activities. I developed a very health respect for any Ogletree lawyer! I learned to consider and follow their advice very closely. In so doing, I did not have to call them very often! They are good! A tip would be for you to follow the Ogletree & Deakins lawyers in LI. There is John Surma, Michael Rubin, and Phillip Russell. I often get posts from John and Michael. I used to get them often from Phillip, but he seems to have cut back on posting recently. You will get awesome tips in dealing with OSHA. John had a great posting today on how the US Department of Labor is dealing with the Government Shutdown and specifically OSHA. Trying extremely hard to stay non-political here, I agree with John, “we live in interesting times!” John Surma 10/2 LI Posting https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7379527715617431553/ If the Surma Link does not work you may have to "follow" John on LI. US Dept of Labor Shutdown Plan https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/general/plans/dol-contingency-plan.pdf

Bluetooth Earmuffs/Earbuds without Microphone/Calling Capabilities

Hey everyone! I am looking into earmuffs or earbuds that provide hearing protection (preferably with active audio capabilities) and the ability to listen to music but WITHOUT the ability to take calls. Any suggestions? Talking through the pros and cons of allowing personal listening devices we want to allow them under certain circumstances but the big road block is that upper management is concerned people will be using them to take personal phone calls (as they did in the past). From what I have found, once you start talking wireless/Bluetooth, you introduce a microphone and the ability to make phone calls. If we want to allow personal listening devices without the calling capabilities it seems like we need to go wired and that opens up a whole can of worms. Thanks in advance!

Safety gloves and nitrile gloves

The ask is can I wear nitrile gloves over my safety gloves, so we don't stain the prints. I don't see it as a problem other than the cost. Any other suggested solutions?

Safety Knights Grand Re-Launch Winner Announcement!

🎉 BIG congrats to Mick Snyder, CIH, CSP, CESCP - our Safety Knights Grand Re-Launch $500 prize winner! Mick's been holding it down in the safety world, and now he's holding a big ol’ check too. Well… a digital one. But still. Thanks to everyone who joined the re-launch party - from the memes to the madness, it’s been INCREDIBLE seeing the EHS community show up and show out. Mick, go treat yourself to something completely non-OSHA-regulated. What should Mick blow his $500 on? Most creative (or ridiculous) answer wins bragging rights.

Rochester area AWMA new LinkedIn page

https://www.linkedin.com/company/gflc-air-waste-management-association

Propane storage area labeling requirements

I have a new propane storage area That was not labeled. I want to make sure I get this right. I am in California. I know these following requirements. My plan is to place the no smoking signage on the outside of each of the walls and gate. I also plane to put the Propane label and NFPA diamond on each end of the tank. along with the words "Flammable gas" to meet the OSHA and NFPA requirement. I have an edited picture below of my plan. Am I missing anything? any suggestions? Each tank is 2000 gallons and the piping the the back has very small labels (16pt) that say LPG or HPG which I plan to make larger. Title 8.489 • (a) The word “FLAMMABLE” on each side that is readily visible. The letters of this sign shall be in standard-type letters and shall have a height of at least 1/12 of the diameter of the container, 4 inches for containers exceeding 500 gallons capacity. • (b) Warning signs with the words “NO SMOKING, OPEN FLAMES OR OTHER SOURCE OF IGNITION PERMITTED WITHIN 50 FEET” shall be applied in letters at least 1 1/2 inches high, in sharply contrasting colors, on each stationary container or on a sign posted adjacent to the container. • (c) When 2 or more containers are installed in battery, the requirement of Sections 489 (a) and (b) will be considered as being complied with when the required warning signs are prominently displayed on all 4 sides of such battery of containers. OSHA 29 CFR 1910 • 1910.253(b)(1)(ii) Compressed gas cylinders shall be legibly marked, for the purpose of identifying the gas content, with either the chemical or the trade name of the gas. Such marking shall be by means of stenciling, stamping, or labeling, and shall not be readily removable. Whenever practical, the marking shall be located on the shoulder of the cylinder. • NFPA 704 Diamond: This standard hazard placard provides a visual summary of risks. For propane, the rating is typically 2-4-0: o Blue (Health): 2 (indicating a moderate health hazard from exposure). o Red (Flammability): 4 (indicating extreme flammability). o Yellow (Reactivity): 0 (indicating it is stable under normal conditions). o White (Special Hazards): No additional symbol for standard propane.

Indoor Air Quality

Anyone have a recommendation for a affordable air quality meter? I want to do a general test on office air quality.

Cal OSHA periodic crane inspections

I can’t seem to find a direct link to whom is allowed/required to inspect cranes over 3tons on a periodic basis. Looking for help.

Primary Job Focus

Out of curiosity, and for conversational purposes; what is your primary role at your current job? I know there are so many industries represented, and just curious about primary roll expectations.