Chemical

Washington – OSHA on Dec. 3 announced a request for information regarding potential changes to its Process Safety Management Standard and related enforcement policies.

Calling current permissible exposure limits “antiquated” and “dangerously out of date,” OSHA administrator David Michaels unveiled two web-based resources he said will help companies keep workers safer around chemicals.

Rockford, IL – Failure to inspect pressure vessels and heed safety warnings resulted in the fatal 2009 explosion at a manufacturing company in Belvidere, IL, according to the Chemical Safety Board.

Washington – OSHA is considering a change to its Process Safety Management Standard and has sent a prerule-stage draft to the Office of Management and Budget for review.

Washington – The Chemical Safety Board on Nov. 4 commended the National Fire Protection Association for exceeding CSB’s recommendation on fuel gas safety.

Washington – A series of meetings have been scheduled to provide federal agencies with input from stakeholders on improving chemical facility safety and security.

Washington – Calling current permissible exposure limits “antiquated” and “dangerously out of date,” OSHA administrator David Michaels unveiled two web-based resources he said will help companies keep workers safer around chemicals.

Washington – A poll released Oct. 11 by the Coalition to Prevent Chemical Disasters indicates 55 percent of likely U.S. voters believe the federal government should require chemical facilities to use safer chemicals and processes when they are effective, available and affordable.

West, TX – The parent company of a fertilizer storage facility has been issued $118,300 in proposed OSHA penalties for violations in connection with an April explosion that killed 15 people in West, TX.

Washington – The Chemical Safety Board’s investigation of the April explosion at a fertilizer facility in West, TX, is on hold because of the government shutdown.