Wildfire Safety Guide
"If you’re a homeowner, it can be highly stressful if a wildfire begins and spreads to your general location or residence. Learn everything you need to know about wildfires and […]
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Court More than Doubles OHS Fine against Garage Owner for Explosion Death
The acetylene torch a garage mechanic was using to remove the gas tank from a 1999 Dodge Caravan sparked an explosion that cost him his life. While beating the C-45 […]
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Ask The Expert: Monthly Portable Fire Extinguisher Inspections
QUESTION Our facility is an office building in Ontario. We recognize that fire extinguishers must be inspected monthly, but we don’t know what the inspection should cover. Can you help? ANSWER The Ontario […]
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Welding Company Fined $300,000 for Deadly Acetylene Gas Explosion
Fines of $300,000 and up are becoming increasingly common in Alberta. The most recent example stems from a welding explosion ignited by acetylene gas being used to fabricate a metal […]
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Auto Plant Fined $225,000 for PPE Violation
An automotive plant worker not wearing PPE suffered serious burns in an explosion that occurred after he opened the door to a furnace. The employer, which had a track record […]
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Combustible Dust Quiz
QUESTION How do combustible dust explosions happen? ANSWER Any fire needs three elements. These elements are known as the "fire triangle": Fuel to burn Oxygen Ignition source (heat, spark, etc. ) A dust explosion […]
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Compressed Gas/Air Quiz
QUESTION What is the relationship or connection with compressed GAS/AIR and Cylinders?? ANSWER Compressed gases are stored in heavy-walled metal cylinders designed, produced and tested for use with compressed gases. Cylinders are made […]
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Hydrogen Sulfide Explosion Burns Prime Contractor to the Tune of $88,149
A subcontractor using a vacuum truck to clean hydrogen sulfide (H2S) from a pressure separator at a natural gas well site committed 3 big mistakes, including failing to: i. bond […]
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Combustible Dusts Housekeeping & Inspection Checklist
Dust explosions can occur when hazardous accumulations of combustible dusts are set off by heat, electricity, friction, or other ignition source. The key to preventing explosions is keeping combustible dusts […]
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A 3-Phase Strategy for Controlling Combustible Dusts Hazards
Dusts are a workplace nuisance but not a serious hazard. At least that’s what some of your workers may believe. But dating back to the deadly mine explosions of centuries […]
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Combustible Dusts Safety Policy
Dust fires and explosions can occur when hazardous accumulations of combustible dusts are set off by heat, electricity, friction, or other ignition source. The key to preventing explosions is keeping […]
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Hazardous Materials: Flammable & Combustible Materials Safety Checklist
Proper use, storage and handling of flammable and combustible materials is critical to the safety of your workers, your property, your community and the environment. Here’s a checklist you can […]
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Combustible Dust Policy
The Combustible Dust Safety Policy is intended to provide proper information and processes to employers and employees regarding the hazards of combustible dust explosions in order that proper measures are […]
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Who’s Liable for a Fire Caused by Flammable Waste?
SITUATION A US furniture manufacturer generates waste, including lacquer dust, which is classified as a flammable solid. It hires an experienced waste disposal agent to pack the waste into barrels and […]
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Barn Fire Safety Checklist
BENEFITS Farming is a dangerous occupation. Farm workers frequently suffer serious work-related injuries and illnesses, and fatalities are very common. In early 2016, Canada suffered several devastating barn fires that resulted […]
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Hazard Alert: Combustible Dust in the Winter
This hazard alert from WorkSafeBC and Workplace Safety North addresses the increased risks posed by dust in the winter.
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Fact Sheet on Burns
This fact sheet from the WHO addresses the causes of burns, how to prevent them and how to care for them.
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Fire Extinguisher Inspection Checklist
Fires are one of the most common types of workplace emergencies. One of the most basic safety measures to have on hand in case of fire is a fire extinguisher. […]
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Questionnaire for Fire Inspection Team
Here’s a Questionnaire you can have members of workplace fire inspection teams complete to verify that all fire prevention and response measures are in place and in order and identify […]
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Fire-Related Health Screening Form
BENEFITS Yes, employers have a duty to protect workers during emergencies, such as hurricanes, explosions and fires. But dealing with the aftermath of an emergency can also pose safety hazards to […]
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Blaster’s Log Form
BENEFITS Working with explosives is very dangerous. As a result, the OHS regulations generally require workers called “blasters,” who’ve received specialized training and earned a blaster’s certification, to handle, use or […]
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Spot The Safety Violation: Don’t Light up Here!
Smoking isn’t a good idea in general. But if this worker must light up, is this the best place for him to do so? The science couldn’t be any clearer that […]
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Spot The Safety Violation: 10 Portable Heater Safety Dos & Don’ts
Based on these pictures, how do you think the fire at this construction site started? It’s common for workers in construction and other industries to use portable heaters in the winter […]
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Spot The Safety Violation: Winter Weather Increases Combustible Dust Risks
This equipment is covered in grain dust. Yes, it’s messy but could it also pose a safety hazard? Dust can be more than just unsightly. Dust from wood, metal, plaster, sugar […]
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Spot The Safety Violation: Beware of Exploding Tires
Why do you think this tire exploded? And what do you think happened to the worker standing next to it when it did? Inflating a tire may not seem like a […]
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Spot The Safety Violation: Winter + Dust = Explosive Combo
Do you know what the substance is covering this workplace and what kind of hazard it may pose? Combustible dust, such as dust from wood, metal, plaster, sugar or other sources, […]
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Spot The Safety Violation: Where There’s Smoking, There Could Be Fire
Is this area an appropriate place for a worker to be smoking? It’s been clearly established that smoking is bad for your health and the health of those around you. In […]
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Spot The Safety Violation: Emergencies Are No Laughing Matter
In a fire or other emergency, is this sign’s advice really what you want workers to do? Under the OHS laws, employers must plan for various workplace emergencies, including fires, explosions, […]
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Spot The Safety Violation: Can You Find the Fire Extinguisher?
In the event of a fire, how quickly do you think you’d be able to find this fire extinguisher? When it comes to emergency preparedness, one of the most basic pieces […]
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Dangerously Close: Explosion in West, Texas
Watch this CSB Safety Video on the April 17, 2013, fire and explosion at the West Fertilizer Company in West, Texas, which resulted in 15 fatalities, 260 injuries and widespread […]
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