Fire Safety


Massachusetts Starts Home Oxygen Fire Safety Campaign

The state fire marshal and a task force announced the campaign Jan. 21 at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, where they said 24 fire deaths and seven firefighter injuries have occurred in such fires since 1997.

Grocer Faces $97,500 Penalty for Recurring Electrical, Crushing Hazards

Inspections at two of the wholesaler's warehouses found damaged storage racks, unguarded moving machine parts, no auxiliary lighting for powered pallet jacks that were operating in areas where the dock lights were not in working order, and exposed energized electrical conductors, among other violations.

Hi vis standard update

ISEA Updates Hi-Vis Standard with Flame-Resistance, Service Life Criteria

Though the revision does not change the long-standing requirements for compliant garments with respect to classification and color, it does address their usable life and issues for the wearer related to flame-resistance and use during rainfall.

NFA Completes Management Curriculum Overhaul

The United States Fire Administration's (USFA) National Fire Academy (NFA) has completed a top-to-bottom review and update of its Management Science curriculum. This comprehensive review includes new course content, addressing emerging issues, and challenges faced by the nation's fire and emergency medical services. Course names now reflect the increasingly diverse role contemporary fire and emergency medical services leaders play in their communities.

Researchers Develop New Bushfire Warning Device

A new bushfire detection and monitoring system is being developed by University of Adelaide researchers using mobile communications technology.

Fish Oil Producer Caught Failing to Report Sulfuric Acid Storage

In addition to paying a $13,166 penalty, the company agreed to provide more than $8,800 for training and equipment to the City of Hoquiam (Wash.) Fire Department to improve the department's capabilities in responding to hazardous materials emergencies.

Exit Access, Fire, & Crushing Hazards Add Up to $233K Fine for NY Retailer

"It's been 99 years since the fire at The Triangle Shirtwaist Co. in New York City took the lives of nearly 150 workers. . . . Blocked fire exits can be deadly. It is that simple," said OSHA chief Dr. David Michaels.

residential fire sprinkler

Three States Adopt Sprinkler Requirements

NFPA applauds Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, and California for their actions on requiring home fire sprinklers per an initiative the association launched last year.



Mattresses Recalled for Posing Fire Hazard

These particular U.S.-made mattress/box spring sets have been found to violate the federal mattress flammability standard.

a firefighters hat

Mutual Aid, SAFER Grant Applications Due

The International Association of Fire Chiefs is creating Go Teams -- two-person teams of skilled chief officers -- in each of the 10 national FEMA regions to support mutual aid. Those application are due Thursday. Friday is the deadline for 2009 SAFER grants from DHS.

ASSE Launches 'Prevention Through Design' Standard Initiative

According to the society, recent studies indicate that approximately 40 percent of work-related fatalities are design related.

IOSH says the most powerful Buncefield explosion is thought to be the largest ever in peacetime Europe. This photo is posted on the site of MP Mike Penning.

Gasoline Terminals May Yet Fall Under CFATS

The Department of Homeland Security has not agreed to exempt them, and it published a new request for comments today about the models it is using for vapor cloud explosions and pool fires. The industry asked to be exempted.

OSHA Roasts Peanut Processor, Citing 41 Violations

"Our inspections, and a worker fatality at the Blakely (Ga.) plant, show the need for management to get serious about the safety and health of its employees," said Robert Vazzi, OSHA's area director in Savannah, Ga.

FAA Sets Safety Conditions for 787's Crew Rest Compartments

Boeing's second Dreamliner completed its first flight on Dec. 22 from Everett, Wash., to Seattle. The first production aircraft will be delivered next year to Japan's All Nippon Airways.

USFA Offers Home Heating Safety Tips

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, the high cost of home heating fuels and utilities have caused many Americans to search for alternative home heating sources such as wood burning stoves, space heaters, and fireplaces. Heating is one of the leading causes of residential fires. Over one-quarter of these fires result from improper maintenance of equipment, specifically the failure to clean the equipment.

a female firefighter

Oregon's Expanded Cancer Presumption Law Takes Effect

Signed by Gov. Ted Kulongoski last March, the law added 12 types of cancer to existing firefighter presumptions for employment-caused occupational diseases under workers' comp.

Crimes Were Down in '09, FBI Reports

The number of reported arsons, which are tracked separately from other property crimes, declined 8.2 percent nationwide during the first half of 2009 when compared with data from the first half of 2008, according to the agency’s preliminary statistics.

Fire Safety

Ensuring Industrial Lone Workers' Safety

This article focuses on the issue of lone worker safety in the industrial workplace in industries both large and small. The first point of order is to define just what is meant by a "lone worker."

CPSC Urges Caution with Heating as Winter Weather Arrives

As families look for ways to save money in tough economic times, there is an increased risk of carbon monoxide (CO) poisonings and fire deaths associated with the use of alternative heating and power sources. The Consumer Product Safety Commission is urging consumers to check all home heating systems from fireplaces to furnaces, including any back-up power systems.

Sparky's Web Site Updated

Children learn fire safety through new interactive features on the site, according to NFPA, which says around 300 children ages 3-9 die from fires per year in the United States.

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