9/20/2010 Because many of us have sat through an OSHA HAZWOPER class or similar safety and health instruction course, the terms lower explosive limit (LEL) and upper explosive limit (UEL) should conjure up some recollection. In simple terms, these are chemical-specific air concentrations that, when subject to an ignition source, Read more…
3/7/2011 A properly installed and maintained smoke alarm is the only thing in your home that can alert you and your family to a fire 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Whether you’re awake or asleep, a working smoke alarm is constantly on alert, scanning the air for Read more…
12/7/2020 As part of last weeks’ Safety Message, it was mentioned that the new month was approaching and that our projects needed to check fire extinguishers and first aid kits. What are we inspecting? And what is the ultimate purpose of checking these items? After all, we are not testing Read more…
3/8/2021 It happened on May 27, 1987 in a warehouse owned and operated by a large paint manufacturer in Dayton, Ohio, where a workman, using a forklift, contacted the storage rack system while backing up. This action caused several cans of paint and flammable liquids to be knocked over. The Read more…
What needs to be performed during a monthly inspection for fire extinguishers (F/Es)? First, look for any damage. This is a visual check where we note any considerable wear or impairment to any portion of F/E components. This can include a dented or punctured cylinder. Next look to see if Read more…
12/3/2018 Our nation – especially in the West – has been experiencing an increased number of wildfires. According to temperature records from the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (aka NOAA), 14 of the 20 largest wildfires in California have occurred over the past 15 years. At the same time, Read more…
11/5/2018 Where did this year go! Hard to believe but the 2018 Holiday season is here and already, so many of us kids (adults??!!) have celebrated Halloween. And while we are looking forward to having great times with family and friends, it is important that we all keep safety in Read more…
9/24/2018 Hot work: this term encompasses activities that involve burning, welding, or using fire or spark-producing tools. Such tasks include welding, torch cutting, brazing, soldering and grinding. And persons performing these activities are exposed to risks of fires from ignition of flammable or combustible materials within the work space as Read more…
4/30/2018 Without a doubt, fire extinguishers (F/Es) are important safety devices. And while they are useful to minimize an incident, prevention is still the main tool we have to protect workers and the public. Therefore, S&H professionals always stress such proactive preventative measures as housekeeping, proper separation of flammables, combustibles Read more…
10/30/2017 In the early morning hours one day this past June, a 24-story apartment building in London caught fire resulting in the deaths of an estimated 80 people with another 70 persons severely injured. Persons were so badly burned, that as of late September, a number of the victims still Read more…