EWN Blog
EWN Blog
September 30, 2014
How Familiar Are You with PHMSA’s OQ Inspection Protocols?: Element #1 In the last edition of The Report, we started our series on the PHMSA 9 OQ Inspection Protocols. If you missed it, you can catch up here. As we mentioned, PHMSA 9 Inspection Protocols historically were listed 1-9 with each having several sub-parts. In August of 2013, PHMSA split the nine protocols into individual sub-elements. These are now listed numerically on PHMSA Form 14. The purpose of Form 14 is to ensure that operators can demonstrate that their OQ programs address each protocol and describe how their program would be effective in their absence. In addition, all workers’ training and requalification progress and documentation will need to be maintained via a secure records management system. This week we will be discussing two of the elements that focus on covered tasks. PHMSA defines a covered task as an activity, identified by the operator, that: (1) is performed on a pipeline facility; (2) is an operations or maintenance task; (3) is performed as a requirement of this part, and (4) affects the operation or integrity of the pipeline. 1. Operator Qualification Plan and Covered Tasks Is there an OQ plan that […]
July 15, 2014
Over the next few newsletters, we will uncover information about the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration’s (PHMSA) Operator Qualification (OQ) Rule. We will also breakdown the nine protocols associated with PHSMA Inspection Form 14 to help you gain a better understanding of the inspection process. Before going too much further, we must take a look at why the need for OQ. This will give better insight into the why and what behind the nine protocols. It all began nearly 15 years ago when the final OQ Rule went into effect in October of 1999. The OQ Rule was set up to apply safeguards around the public and industry in regards to the operation and maintenance activities on natural gas and hazardous liquid pipelines. PHMSA is the primary federal regulatory agency responsible for ensuring pipeline safety and reliability. Rules governing pipeline safety are included in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Parts 190-199. The requirements of the OQ Rule are incorporated into 49 CFR 192 (natural gas) and 195 (hazardous liquids) with the intention being to: Ensure a qualified workforce, and Reduce the probability and consequence of incidents caused by human error The PHSMA OQ Inspection Form […]
June 27, 2014
Step into the virtual world of hazard identification and prevention. With OSHA’s new interactive, web-based educational game, workers will be able to engage in a virtual representation of small business manufacturing and construction industries hazard scenarios. The web tool features three scenarios: Visual Inspection, Manufacturing Facility, and Construction. The online learning tool is free and will help educate workers on identifying hazards in their workplace and correcting them. Finding and fixing hazards before they happen is the name of the game in both reality and virtual reality. By identifying common on-the-job hazards through visual representations, users will increase their awareness of accident prevention, which will help them pinpoint the hazard before an accident happens. This is a critical aspect for small businesses; it not only saves lives but decreases injury and financial setbacks. Furthermore, on the job injuries and illnesses in the United States have a weekly tab that towers an average of over $1 billion a week. Get engaged in the game and check out OSHA’s Hazard Identification Training Tool on their website. For further AOC training, EWN is proud to offer a variety of OSHA and general safety training courses to help keep you and your crew safe. […]
June 11, 2014
With the summer fast approaching, and June being National Safety Month, what better timing than now to talk about Heat Safety? Heat illness is not to be taken lightly. It can be deadly. This is why for the fourth consecutive summer OSHA is launching a Heat Illness Prevention Campaign, Water.Rest.Shade., to raise awareness as the temperatures rise to share about the importance of working in hot weather. In addition, the National Safety Council also advises those who are going to be working outside to take preventative measures and listen to their body while working in high temperatures, especially with high humidity. Heat is the most deadly, weather-related illness, according to the NOAA.gov. Statistics show that heat strokes are the number one fatality. The NSC describes a heat stroke as a circumstance when the body builds up too much heat, and sweating it out just isn’t enough. A person may become delusional or lose consciousness. If one does not receive proper care by ridding the body of excess heat, the body essentially “cooks” itself from the inside out. If the victim does survive, the brain and other vital organs may suffer permanent damage. OSHA has provided a number of educational resources […]