Fire Safety


Obama Announces Picks for MSHA Head, U.S. Fire Administrator

"Each of these individuals brings with them valuable expertise in their respective fields, and I am grateful for their decision to serve in my administration," the president said.

This photograph shows signage indicating the area may have hydrogen sulfide hazards.

Oil and Gas Drilling Rig Hazards

With rigs in use in many non-traditional areas, emergency responders and company health and safety professionals must work together.

an assortment of consumer fireworks

Consumer Fireworks Are Dangerous, NFPA Reminds

The association's fireworks page includes videos, a report, fact sheet, and statistics about the thousands of injuries recorded every year around the Fourth of July.

OSHA Sweeping Up on Combustible Dust Citations

In Georgia alone, the agency has conducted 32 visits to targeted sites during the 16-month period, issuing 311 citations, 90 percent of which are classified as willful, serious, repeat, or failure to abate.

Evergreen International Aviations B747 Supertanker® during testing

Firefighting Supertanker Successfully Tested

Billed as the world's largest, faster firefighting air tanker, the B747 Supertanker went through a successful demonstration June 11 at McClellan Airfield in McClellan, Calif. The plane is certified to fly by the Interagency Air Tanker Board.

NY Textile Plant Cited for Potential Asphyxia, Amputation Hazards, Other Violations

"These citations encompass a cross section of fall protection, flammable, confined space, lockout, and bloodborne pathogen hazards as well as inadequate personal protective equipment and hazard communication training," said Edward Jerome, OSHA's area director in Albany, N.Y.

MSHA Publishes Final Rule for Underground Coal Mine Rescue Teams

The new rule requires that mine-site and state-sponsored teams train semi-annually at small mines, rather than annually, and state employees who are members of state-sponsored teams participate in two mine rescue contests annually.

Electrical Coalition Launches 'Just Don't Ask' Safety Campaign

The safety push was created to encourage clients to "Just Don't Ask" their electrician(s) to work with live lines, emphasizing the need to shut down and use lockout/tagout when possible.



Firearms Manufacturer Cited for 60 Safety, Health Violations

"Our inspections identified a large number of mechanical, respirator protection, electrical, lead, fire, explosive, and other hazards that must be effectively and continuously addressed to protect the workers at this plant from potentially deadly or disabling injuries and illnesses now and in the future," said Rosemarie Ohar, OSHA's area director in New Hampshire.

FHWA Finalizes High-Vis Apparel Rule

The federal agency decided to retain the exemption for firefighters out of concern wearing compliant apparel that might not be fire-resistant could increase their risk during emergencies.

Six Deaths Prompt Urgent Re-Announcement of Chenille Robe Recall

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Blair LLC, of Warren, Pa., are re-announcing the voluntary recall by Blair of 162,000 women's full length Chenille Robes. Since the recall was originally announced in April 2009, Blair has received reports of six deaths due to the robes catching on fire. Five of the six victims were female, and all five were cooking at the time of the incidents. Three of the victims were in their 80s.

CSB Video Captures a Decade of Safety Lessons

The need for training, communications, and community planning is made clear in the video released June 10 by the federal agency.

a fire station

Fire Station Construction Grants Now Available

Part of the stimulus bill passed this year, the Assistance to Firefighters Fire Station Construction Grants are direct financial aid to fire stations so departments can enhance their response capability, DHS says.

a gas pipeline

Bellingham, Washington Authorities Remember Pipeline Victims

Ten years ago today, Liam Wood, 18, Stephen Tsiorvas, 10, and Wade King, 10, died in a fireball from a leaking gasoline pipeline. The incident shocked the state and prompted a stronger federal law governing underground pipeline inspections and enforcement.

Firefighters to Help Consumers Prepare for DTV Transition

As part of the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) comprehensive nationwide DTV transition assistance effort, FCC and the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), through its Digital TV Transition Assistance Project, have entered into an agreement that will enable firefighters to visit homes where individuals need help to connect their digital converter boxes and adjust their set-top antennas.

Fire/EMS Safety, Health, and Survival Week Begins Today

International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) Fire/EMS Safety, Health and Survival Week starts today and run through June 20, 2009. The theme this year is "Protect Yourself: Your Safety, Health, and Survival Are Your Responsibility," which reflects the need for personal responsibility and accountability within a strong safety culture.

USCG to Conduct Search & Rescue Demo, Canoe Safety Overview

According to the Coast Guard, the New England region suffered the loss of 55 recreational boaters and paddlers in 2008. Four kayak and 10 canoe fatalities accounted for 25 percent of the total.

Combustible Dust Dangers: Too Dangerous for a 'Wait and See' Approach

Training is critical, including a relevant, compelling message that explains the reasons for precautions as much as the precautions themselves.

Lightning Safety Week is June 21-27

June is National Safety & Home Safety Month

Also, because summer is the peak season for one of the nation's deadliest weather phenomena--lightning--NOAA is calling attention to Lightning Safety Week, June 21-27, by offering a number of new, free resources to increase safety awareness.

a female firefighter

First Responder Scholarships Still Available

Monday is the final day to apply for several being offered this year by the International Association of Fire Chiefs Foundation, including a new scholarship to benefit women in the fire service.

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