Archive
Comfort Meets Style with Workrite Dual-Hazard Knits
Workrite has introduced a new line of innovative knits featuring TenCate Tecasafe® Plus. Our new knits are dual-hazard and can protect against both flash fire and arc flash. They are certified to NFPA 2112 and NFPA 1975 and meet HRC 2 for NFPA 70E. Made from the first inherently knit product engineered to withstand the rigors of industrial laundering, these knits are geared toward both industrial and fire service customers.
Click here for more information on our knew dual-hazard knits.
VPPPA – Anaheim, CA
Workrite’s team was in Anaheim, CA on August 20-22 for the VPPPA National Show.
Workrite also was on hand for the DuPont Thermo-Man demo burns at the show. Take a look at the image below – it will give you an idea of the simulated Manikin burns that Thermo-Man can achieve.
OSHA fines for lack of PPE
Below is a link to a recent OSHA citation levied against a horizontal well drilling company called Purcell. Part of the citation was for not “ensuring the usage of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as flame-resistant clothing in the event of a flash fire.” This would indicate OSHA is continuing to inspect and cite regardless of the recent court rulings.
CSB Deploying Investigative Team to Chevron Refinery in Richmond, CA
Below is an email I recieved today about a fire at a refinery in Northern California:
“Washington DC, August 8, 2012 – A seven-member investigative team from the U.S. Chemical Safety Board (CSB) is deploying to the scene of an explosion and fire that occurred Monday at the Chevron Refinery in Richmond, CA.
The team will be headed by Donald Holmstrom, director of the CSB’s Western Regional Office in Denver, and is expected to arrive Wednesday. Board Member Mark Griffon will accompany the team.
According to company officials the explosion and fire involved the release of vapor that found an ignition source. Four workers sustaining minor injures, several thousand members of the public were ordered to shelter in place.
CSB Chairman Rafael Moure-Eraso said, “CSB investigations examine a wide range of safety issues such as effective process safety management and mechanical integrity. Our mission is to improve the safety of workers and the public.“
The CSB is an independent federal agency charged with investigating serious chemical accidents. The agency’s board members are appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate. CSB investigations look into all aspects of chemical accidents, including physical causes such as equipment failure as well as inadequacies in regulations, industry standards, and safety management systems. Please visit the CSB’s website at www.csb.gov.”
FRI Wrap-Up
Workrite exhibited at Fire Rescue International in Denver, CO this past weekend. Our sales team avidly took photos of the booth and crowd. Take a look below, and you’ll see our brand-new Dual Hazard Tecasafe Knits!
See Workrite at FRI 2012 in Denver, CO
Workrite will be exhibiting our Fire Service Station Wear on August 3rd and 4th at FRI! Stop by booth 10103 and see our FR station wear uniforms. From chiefs shirts to dual-compliant rescue pants, Workrite has a full range of gear to help you stay safe. Station wear with looks, value, and protection is our department. Choose Workrite for yours.
Workrite Presents Thermo-Man in North Dakota
On May 22nd, Workrite Uniform and DuPont Protection Company presented Thermo-Man® to numerous safety professionals and attendees of the Williston Basin Conference in Bismarck, ND.
Thermo-Man®, is one of the world’s most advanced thermal burn injury evaluation systems. Thermo-Man® consists of a life-size manikin and 122 thermal sensors used to predict level, extent, and location of potential burns of whole garments in simulated flame exposures.
New and soiled garments were tested, thus demonstrating burn injury comparisons
Brad Sipe, our Midwest regional manager, commented;
“All who attended received a firsthand, real world demonstration of exactly what FR is supposed to do. Different fabrics were burned that demonstrated the extent and percentage of body burn, a real eye-opener to the attendees, as many inferior and less expensive imported fabrics have flooded the industry lately. I believe they walked away learning the importance of knowing your FR, from fabric to manufacturer is critical.”
Hagemeyer NA hosted the event at their Bismarck location. Doug Bohl, account representative, at Hagemeyer NA commented, “Most everyone who attended will certainly rethink their FR program. We are thankful to have partners like Workrite and DuPont educating and helping those that attended.”
Many thanks to Brad Sipe for orchestrating the valuable event along with DuPont and Hagemeyer NA, and a special thanks to all that attended! Look for more Thermo-Man® events in the future.
Combustible Dust Related OSHA Fines
OSHA may not be rushing to publish an official standard on Combustible Dust, but that surely doesn’t mean they aren’t fining for related violations. The attached fines range from $72,000 to a whopping $406,000. Take a read to find out what OSHA is checking for in regards to Combustible Dust.
‘Dust Explosions in the Food Industry’ article
Hugh Hoagland, of e-hazard.com, publishes a monthly newsletter that is always full of valuable information. April’s edition was no exception; it featured an article by Vahid Ebadat explaining the dangers of dust explosions in the food industry as well as outlining a number of crucial tests to determine the explosive nature of dusts. Click the link below for the article.
Dust Explosions in the Food Industry
- Mark
OSHA fines a well services company for lack of FR clothing
This month, OSHA issued a fine directly related to their memo about wearing FR clothing during oil and gas drilling services. Please read the press release from OSHA below:
March 13, 2012
Contact: Scott Allen Rhonda Burke
Phone: 312-353-6976
Email: allen.scott@dol.gov burke.rhonda@dol.gov
US Department of Labor’s OSHA cites Carlson Well Service in Powers
Lake, ND, for exposing workers to unsafe conditions at oil service rig
2 workers killed, 2 others seriously injured in explosion
BISMARCK, N.D. – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Carlson Well Service Inc. in Powers Lake with three violations for exposing workers to unsafe conditions at an oil service rig. An inspection was opened after an explosion killed two workers and seriously injured two others.
One alleged willful violation is failing to ensure an auxiliary escape was installed on all land rigs. A willful violation is one committed with intentional knowing or voluntary disregard for the law’s requirements, or with plain indifference to worker safety and health.
Two alleged serious violations include failing to properly install a blow-out preventer and provide necessary personal protective equipment such as flame-resistant clothing. A serious violation occurs when there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known.
“This employer demonstrated a tremendous indifference toward recognized industry hazards and accepted practices to ensure employee safety,” said Tom Deutscher, OSHA’s area director in Bismarck. “Unfortunately, it illustrates the tragic consequences that can result when workers are not protected from preventable hazards.”
Proposed penalties for the violations total $84,000. Carlson Well Service has 15 business days from receipt of the citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
To ask questions, obtain compliance assistance, file a complaint, or report workplace hospitalizations, fatalities or situations posing imminent danger to workers, the public should call OSHA’s toll-free hotline at 800-321-OSHA (6742) or the agency’s Bismarck Area Office at 701-250-4521.
Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA’s role is to ensure these conditions for America’s working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit
http://www.osha.gov
.
Workrite Uniform Company
Oxnard, CA
Welcome to flame-resistant leadership® Trusted since 1973, Workrite strives to be the best provider of high quality FR apparel for working men and women.
