Safety & Health Posts

PFAS, or perfluoroalkyl substances, are synthetic chemicals that feature fluorine atoms attached to carbon chains. These compounds are widely used as surfactants in products like firefighting foam, stain repellents, waterproof coatings, and nonstick cookware. The most studied PFAS include perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS).

Fluorine-Free Firefighting Foam (F3) is safer for firefighters compared to Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) and plays a crucial role in reducing exposure to harmful PFAS. Firefighting is an incredibly dangerous profession, exposing firefighters to numerous hazards, from severe burns and smoke inhalation to risks from collapsing structures. One often-overlooked danger is toxic chemical exposure. When extinguishing fires, firefighters inhale a mix of harmful substances, including formaldehyde,...

Fire hazards are risks in the workplace that either involve open flames, increase the likelihood of an uncontrolled fire, or escalate the severity of a fire if it occurs.

Using virtual reality for Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) training enhances safety by providing immersive, risk-free practice scenarios, tracking performance in real-time, and reducing costs and downtime.

Leveraging virtual reality (VR) for lockout/tagout (LOTO) training offers a secure and cost-effective method for employees to learn essential procedures, minimizing both safety risks and equipment downtime. Ensuring safety in workplaces involving electrical equipment and machinery can be difficult. Even routine inspections or repairs can pose hazards, but a robust lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedure can significantly mitigate these risks.

BIOEX AR-AFFF foams, or Alcohol-Resistant Aqueous Film-Forming Foams, offer effective vapor suppression and extinguishment for Class B fires involving hydrocarbons and polar solvents. These foams are essential when dealing with water-miscible fuels, such as alcohols and acetones, as polar solvents and alcohols can compromise the foam blanket produced by standard Class B hydrocarbon fire foams. AR-AFFF foams are crucial in high-risk facilities within the oil and gas, chemical industries,...

The workplace is changing at an unprecedented pace. Ensuring your health and safety program is future-proof has never been more crucial. Future-proofing involves preparing your safety management system not just for current hazards, but for emerging risks and challenges that will become more significant in the years ahead. As technology advances, demographics evolve, and regulatory landscapes shift, your safety programs must be adaptable. In this article, we'll cover six essential strategies...

Proper storage of hazardous materials is essential for safeguarding workers, facilities, and the environment. Hazardous materials—encompassing solids, liquids, and gases—can be flammable, explosive, reactive, corrosive, radioactive, oxidizing, asphyxiating, biohazardous, pathogenic, allergenic, or toxic. Handling these materials with care is vital, as improper storage can lead to exposure, hazardous reactions, and spills. Understanding when a specialized hazardous material storage building is...

Implementing these straightforward, low-cost measures can help you avoid costly clean-ups and compensation claims. Chemical drums are a staple in various industries, from massive production facilities like those in plastics and rubber to smaller operations. Regardless of the amount of chemicals your business uses, safe handling and secure storage are crucial.

Acetylene gas presents significant risks, particularly due to its flammability and potential for oxygen displacement. It poses a fire hazard long before it reaches levels that could cause oxygen deprivation. Acetylene is a highly valuable gas in industrial settings and for hobbyists working with oxy-fuel welding and cutting. However, its unique properties make it potentially dangerous if not handled with care. Understanding acetylene’s properties is essential for safe handling. The safety...

While personal protective equipment (PPE) is crucial for safeguarding welders, it should be viewed as the final defense against respiratory hazards.

Always use approved and certified electrical equipment. If any device is damaged, remove it from service immediately. Electrocution is a leading cause of fatalities in the construction industry. In 2015, the U.S. reported 134 electrocution deaths. If we know electricity is dangerous, why do these incidents remain so common? More importantly, what can we do to reduce these statistics? Electricity is so pervasive that it often doesn’t get the respect it deserves. When a hazard is identified...

When assessing noise exposure for workers using hearing protectors, it’s crucial to adjust the PPE's Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) to account for real-world factors. Hearing loss, a prevalent yet under-discussed safety issue, affects countless workplaces. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that approximately 22 million Americans are exposed to hazardous noise levels at work. Moreover, the Hearing Loss Association of America reports that out of 48 million Americans...

Excessive noise in the workplace is not just a nuisance; it poses significant health risks to employees, affecting their hearing, communication abilities, and overall well-being. Addressing noise levels through effective strategies can enhance worker safety, productivity, and satisfaction. This guide outlines practical steps and considerations for reducing noise in your workplace.