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Friday, May 11, 2007
OSHA Issues Safety Citations Related To Emergency Training and Response
OSHA Press Release:
U.S. Labor Department's OSHA issues multiple safety citations against two Milwaukee companies for blast that took three lives
MILWAUKEE -- The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has proposed $56,000 in fines against industrial gear manufacturer Rexnord Industries and $16,800 against J.M. Brennan Inc., both based in Milwaukee, for alleged serious violations of federal workplace safety standards following a gas explosion last year that claimed three lives.
A large explosion and fire occurred Dec. 6, 2006, at the Rexnord plant at 3001 W. Canal St. in Milwaukee during an operational test of a back-up propane gas system. An underground leak allowed gas to escape and ignite. OSHA's investigation resulted in eight serious violations of safety standards issued to Rexnord pertaining to employee and emergency training and response, failing to protect underground liquid propane piping from corrosion, and failure to conduct a site analysis to identify hazardous conditions and minimize employee exposure to explosion hazards.
OSHA also issued three serious violations to J.M. Brennan Inc. for its improper installation of underground liquid propane piping at the facility, as well as training and emergency response deficiencies.
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The above press release shows the importance of emergency planning.
In many cases an emphasis is placed on workplace safety and preventative measures. This is good, but there is more to safety. Should a major accident or natural disaster happen, a sound contingency or emergency plan will greatly reduce damage and injuries.
OSHA regulations regarding contingency plans can be read at: http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_id=9726&p_table=STANDARDS
Every employee should be trained on and be familiar with the emergency response plans for a facility. When there is an emergency plan, in many cases a fire is the only emergency scenario considered. However, other emergency situations can arise that include communication shut downs, power outages and chemical leaks. Different types of emergencies may require different emergency responses.
Equipment used during emergencies should also be tested regularly. This may include smoke detectors, backup power systems and PA systems. Failure of emergency equipment such as a simple flashlight could result in catastrophic consequences.
Organizations change over time. The number of employees may increase or decrease, office furniture may be rearranged, new equipment is installed, and additions may be added to a building. This means emergency plans must change also. An outdated emergency plan may not only be ineffective, it could result in additional injuries or damage. For example, something as simple as rearranging cubicles in an office may result in the relocation of fire extinguishers and changes to escape routes. This means, for example, that informational signs and labels must also be updated.
U.S. Labor Department's OSHA issues multiple safety citations against two Milwaukee companies for blast that took three lives
MILWAUKEE -- The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has proposed $56,000 in fines against industrial gear manufacturer Rexnord Industries and $16,800 against J.M. Brennan Inc., both based in Milwaukee, for alleged serious violations of federal workplace safety standards following a gas explosion last year that claimed three lives.
A large explosion and fire occurred Dec. 6, 2006, at the Rexnord plant at 3001 W. Canal St. in Milwaukee during an operational test of a back-up propane gas system. An underground leak allowed gas to escape and ignite. OSHA's investigation resulted in eight serious violations of safety standards issued to Rexnord pertaining to employee and emergency training and response, failing to protect underground liquid propane piping from corrosion, and failure to conduct a site analysis to identify hazardous conditions and minimize employee exposure to explosion hazards.
OSHA also issued three serious violations to J.M. Brennan Inc. for its improper installation of underground liquid propane piping at the facility, as well as training and emergency response deficiencies.
===========================
The above press release shows the importance of emergency planning.
In many cases an emphasis is placed on workplace safety and preventative measures. This is good, but there is more to safety. Should a major accident or natural disaster happen, a sound contingency or emergency plan will greatly reduce damage and injuries.
OSHA regulations regarding contingency plans can be read at: http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_id=9726&p_table=STANDARDS
Every employee should be trained on and be familiar with the emergency response plans for a facility. When there is an emergency plan, in many cases a fire is the only emergency scenario considered. However, other emergency situations can arise that include communication shut downs, power outages and chemical leaks. Different types of emergencies may require different emergency responses.
Equipment used during emergencies should also be tested regularly. This may include smoke detectors, backup power systems and PA systems. Failure of emergency equipment such as a simple flashlight could result in catastrophic consequences.
Organizations change over time. The number of employees may increase or decrease, office furniture may be rearranged, new equipment is installed, and additions may be added to a building. This means emergency plans must change also. An outdated emergency plan may not only be ineffective, it could result in additional injuries or damage. For example, something as simple as rearranging cubicles in an office may result in the relocation of fire extinguishers and changes to escape routes. This means, for example, that informational signs and labels must also be updated.
Labels: Emergency Planning, OSHA Citations
posted by Steve Hudgik - Go to this Workplace Safety Post |
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