Tag Archives: Operator Training

So, you need a PSM coordinator…

Posted on May 7, 2013 by Brian Chapin

The Situation: Several times a month I get a call from a recruiter or a facility that desperately needs to fill a PSM coordinator position. They quickly learn something that many people in our industry are unaware of – quality … 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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Violation by Violation – Training at Tribe Mediterranean Foods

Posted on July 18, 2012 by Brian Chapin

It looks like Tribe may be working towards a quick settlement in their recent citations. The citation is a good example of what can happen with Willful citations: Seven employees weren’t trained properly for LO/TO and each was cited as a … Continue reading →

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The coming (and current) operator shortage…

Posted on May 18, 2012 by Brian Chapin

One of the biggest issues facing an Ammonia refrigeration facility today is finding qualified and competent technicians to operate and maintain the system. It’s not uncommon for me to receive 2-3 emails or calls a week asking for help finding … Continue reading →

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Refresher Training

Posted on February 17, 2012 by Brian Chapin

Many people struggle with Refresher Training. I think this is because the way they train to meet the PSM/RMP requirement is fundamentally flawed: Most places re-train each operator on EVERY SOP they are expected to perform at least every three … Continue reading →

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PSM NEP Podcast

Posted on August 11, 2011 by Brian Chapin

I spent about two hours in the recording studio today with Jeremy Williams of GCAP. You can listen to the first part of our conversation on the NEP at GCAPCoolCast.com I’ve spent the last three weeks at GCAP re-working the … Continue reading →

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A site update and a few interesting links

Posted on July 9, 2011 by Brian Chapin

I apologize for not posting in a while – I’ve recently accepted a position as an instructor at Garden City Ammonia Program in Garden City, Kansas. GCAP is the best ammonia training school for Operators and ammonia refrigeration PSM practitioners in the … Continue reading →

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Nikkiso Pumps at NEPA RETA

Posted on May 27, 2011 by Brian Chapin

Tonight’s NEPA RETA meeting was graced with a pump teardown demonstration by John Lumpkin of Nikkiso Pumps. They look impressive and got some good feedback from the members who had them running in their facilities. We did a complete teardown … Continue reading →

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Dairy SPCC exemption, Under-Ride Hazards

Posted on April 22, 2011 by Brian Chapin

These two items are not PSM related but they are of interest to those of us who work in Dairies and Cold Storage distribution warehouses and they are important enough that they merit wider discussion. EPA Exempts Milk From Spill … 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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