SafetyBlog

Named after its inventor Robert Bunsen, a Bunsen burner is a laboratory device that's commonly used to produce gas flames. Some Bunsen burners are powered by natural gas such as methane, whereas others are powered by petroleum gas, propane, butane or various mixtures thereof. Chemists and other laboratory professionals often use them to heat and sterilize equipment, as well as to produce combustion. Because they produce an open flame, however, certain safety precautions should be taken to minimi …

California has experienced some of its largest and most destructive wildfires this year. According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, more than 8,400 wildfires have burned more than 1 million acres of land throughout the state in 2017. While workers face obvious dangers when controlling and containing fires, the risk of injury doesn't necessarily fade after the fire has been extinguished.In an effort to protect fire cleanup workers from injury, Cal/OSHA has published n …

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has announced plans to delay its construction crane certification requirements by one year.Cranes are often used to construct large buildings, but they don't come without a risk of serious injury or even death. According to OSHA's own statistics, roughly 71 fatalities are attributed to crane accidents every year. Many of these accidents can be avoided, however, through proper training -- and that's what OSHA hopes to accomplish with its ne …

How much soda do you consume in a typical week? Soda consumption in the United States has declined by roughly 20% from its peak in the 1990s. However, millions of Americans still consume these fizzy drinks on a regular basis. And according to a new study, drinking just two sodas a week increases the risk of heart disease and other forms of chronic illness.Researchers from Stellenbosch University in South Africa found a correlation between the consumption of sugary drinks and obesity, as well as …

Air compressors are commonly used in workplaces that require the use of pressurized air. Typically, air compressors are classified as either low-pressure, medium-pressure or high-pressure. Low-pressure air compressors discharge pressure at 150 psi or less. Medium-pressure air compressors discharge air at 151 to 1,000 psi. High-pressure air compressors discharge air at over 1,000 psi.As with any powered machinery, it's important to follow some basic safety tips when using an air compressor to pre …