Category Archives: Inspections

Why OSHA’s Statute of Limitations doesn’t really matter in PSM/RMP

Posted on March 10, 2017 by Brian Chapin

You may have recently heard a headline that OSHA is losing their right to cite you for something that happened more than six months ago. I’ve heard a disturbing amount of people tell me that this means that many PSM issues … Continue reading →

Posted in Compliance, Inspections, OSHA | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Why OSHA’s Statute of Limitations doesn’t really matter in PSM/RMP

What questions should I expect during a ChemNEP inspection?

Posted on February 6, 2017 by Brian Chapin

A friend in the industry recently went through an OSHA ChemNEP inspection on their NH3 Refrigeration System. Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of working with many of their team members and have audited several of their facilities. They … Continue reading →

Posted in Compliance, General Information, Inspections, Mechanical Integrity, NEP, Operator Training, OSHA, SOP Development, Training | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on What questions should I expect during a ChemNEP inspection?

Pencil-Whipping can Kill

Posted on December 15, 2016 by Brian Chapin

What is it? Pencil-whipping is when you complete a form, record, or document without having performed the implied work or without supporting data or evidence. Here are some common examples in NH3 refrigeration: Completing “word orders” without conducting the work … Continue reading →

Posted in Compliance, Culture, General Information, Incidents, Inspections, Mechanical Integrity, Operator Training, System Optimization | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Pencil-Whipping can Kill

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 →

Posted in Compliance, Contractors, Inspections, Mechanical Integrity, Operator Training, OSHA | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Appeals Court upholds Contractor PSM Citations

OSHA increases fine amounts by 78%!

Posted on July 22, 2016 by Brian Chapin

In November 2015, Congress enacted legislation requiring federal agencies to adjust their civil penalties to account for inflation. The Department of Labor is adjusting penalties for its agencies, including the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). OSHA’s maximum penalties, which … Continue reading →

Posted in Compliance, General Information, Inspections, NEP, OSHA | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on OSHA increases fine amounts by 78%!

EPA goes after a cold storage, the real estate agent AND the customer leasing the space!

Posted on November 5, 2013 by Brian Chapin

Complainant issued a Compliance Order to Respondent, and also to Quirch Foods Caribbean, Corp., and Caparra Realty Associates, LLC ( “the Order”) pursuant to Section 1 13 of the Act regarding the Facility. The Order required these parties to perform … Continue reading →

Posted in Compliance, EPA, General Information, Inspections | Tagged , , | Comments Off on EPA goes after a cold storage, the real estate agent AND the customer leasing the space!

OSHA is going to have a field day in 2016

Posted on September 7, 2013 by Brian Chapin

The IIAR released two new standards today which you can download (if you are a member) or purchase from their website: IIAR5 – Start-up and Commissioning of Closed Circuit Ammonia Refrigeration Systems IIAR7 – Developing Operating Procedures for Closed-Circuit Ammonia Mechanical Refrigerating … Continue reading →

Posted in Compliance, Inspections, NEP, SOP Development, Standardization | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on OSHA is going to have a field day in 2016

What does OSHA think is the biggest concern in ammonia refrigeration components?

Posted on August 9, 2013 by Brian Chapin

I read a disturbing amount of OSHA documents through FOIA requests for research. About 99% of the stuff I read is pretty useless or already known to me from previous reading, but occasionally you come across something that wasn’t redacted … Continue reading →

Posted in Compliance, Inspections, Mechanical Integrity, OSHA | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on What does OSHA think is the biggest concern in ammonia refrigeration components?

Interesting Times

Posted on August 1, 2013 by Brian Chapin

A wise man once said that it was a curse if someone said to you: “May you live in interesting times.” EXECUTIVE ORDER – – – – – – – IMPROVING CHEMICAL FACILITY SAFETY AND SECURITY By the authority vested … Continue reading →

Posted in Community Involvement, Compliance, EPA, Inspections, NEP | Comments Off on Interesting Times

Hansen Relief Valve Recall

Posted on June 27, 2013 by Brian Chapin

If you use Hansen relief valves, this bulletin might be of use to you: . Hansen recently discovered that certain pressure relief valves sold to our customers for industrial use from February 16, 2011 to April 4, 2013 are more … Continue reading →

Posted in General Information, Inspections, Mechanical Integrity | Tagged | Comments Off on Hansen Relief Valve Recall