Category Archives: Contractors

Outsourcing your Contractor Selection Process – Can it be done?

Posted on April 11, 2017 by Brian Chapin

Over the past few years we’ve seen an increase in the number of companies that use a 3rd party service to qualify their contractors. Often, these services screen the prospective contractor for their safety record / programs, insurance history / … Continue reading →

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Appeals Court upholds Contractor PSM Citations

Posted on August 25, 2016 by Brian Chapin

A maintenance contractor that provides skilled labor to perform skilled labor, electrical and mechanical work was cited by OSHA for violations of the PSM standard after their employee was injured by a chemical release. OSHA threw the book at them … Continue reading →

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What’s the deal with Valve torque?

Posted on August 28, 2014 by Brian Chapin

A common question I get is whether or not flanged and bonneted valves need to be torqued when they are installed. Unfortunately, many of these questions are due to OSHA citations – Ideally you want to answer this question BEFORE the … Continue reading →

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Avoiding training requirements by hiring Contractors? Think again…

Posted on August 23, 2012 by Brian Chapin

I am fortunate to have the opportunity to see a great many different ways to tackle PSM compliance as I audit PSM programs around the country. One thing that surprises me very often is how many people think that they … Continue reading →

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A debate on Management of Change

Posted on February 2, 2012 by Brian Chapin

Recently a group of safety yahoos got together to discuss a situation: You have a freezer with racking. The racking needs to be removed for XXXX reason. You hire a contractor to do the job. You evaluate and train the … Continue reading →

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Do I need to train this contractor?

Posted on April 18, 2011 by Brian Chapin

PSM require us to train all contractors “who could affect or be affected by” the ammonia refrigeration process. Here’s a good reminder why we train contractors working in a PSM facility to be aware of ammonia: “Fire officials say a … Continue reading →

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