Proforma Safety Blog

CSB Approves Recommendations for Preventing Explosions

Posted by proforma on June 30, 2010  |  No Comments

The Chemical Safety Board has issued 18 recommendations to OSHA, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and other agencies that are intended to prevent explosions and fires resulting from using fuel gas to clean or purge gas pipes. These recommendations evolved from its investigations into the Kleen Energy plant explosion and the ConAgra Foods plant explosion. Both explosions were attributed to natural gas released during the installation and commissioning of new piping.

CBS recommends that OSHA pass regulations prohibiting the use of natural gas for pipe cleaning and the venting or purging of fuel gas indoors. IN addition, it urges OSHA to require companies to provide workers and contractors with appropriate procedures and training.

See this moving video put out by the Chemical Safety Board on the Dangers of Hot Work.

Is Your Organization at Risk Due to Its “Grey” Fleet?

Posted by proforma on April 15, 2010  |  No Comments

Using employee-owned vehicles for company business is a growing trend, says a recent article co-authored by Aon Global Risk Consulting and Risk & Insurance® magazine. This “hidden or grey” fleet presents liability exposure to the organization, although many do not realize this to be the case. Because of increased costs, many organizations no longer offer company-owned vehicles to employees. Unfortunately, even though employee vehicles are not owned by the company, if an accident occurs, the employee’s automobile liability policy only offers the first line of coverage of $300,000 or less. If damages exceed this level, then the organization’s policy would be involved. Successful management of the risks associated with this ”hidden fleet” risk involves identifying routine drivers and establishing safety processes similar to those for company vehicle operators. Setting mandatory road safety standards is the first step, and may include requirements to drive rested and alert, wear mobile phones or other electronic devices, attend accredited defensive driving courses, employ vehicle monitoring and data recording systems and keep vehicles well maintained.  The full article, “World Class Fleet Safety,” is available on the Risk and Insurance website.  A white paper “World Class Fleet Safety Process,” is available at http://www.aon.com.

Accident Avoided Due to Diligent Helicopter Landing Officer

Posted by proforma on December 7, 2009  |  No Comments

An helideck safety net that wasn’t adequately secured could have resulted in a helicopter rollover and fatalities; fortunately the net released from the wheel in time.
As the helicopter maneuvered before lifting off, it slid to the side, causing the net to buckle up and catch on the wheel. The Helicopter Landing Officer (HLO) immediately radioed the pilot. Lesson to be learned: make sure all net is secured tightly. As in this instance, make sure also that all personnel are alert and watchful for dangerous situations that may arise. And an interesting point made in the report: as a rule of thumb, you should not be able to raise any part of the net by more than approximately 250 mm (7.8 in) above the helideck surface when applying a vigorous vertical pull by hand. For details of this incident, click here.

Welder Killed When Pan Dropped Out

Posted by proforma on April 20, 2009  |  No Comments

On a drilling rig, a casing crew was rigging up as welders worked on the pollution pan. Suddenly the pan dropped, falling 50 feet and killing one welder. A tragic combination of mistakes contributed to this fatality. A synopsis is available on the MMS website, and a full account here.