Confined space rescues are low-frequency but high-risk. OSHA defines what must be done—but NFPA 350 defines how fast you must act and how many rescuers you need. Departments that understand these timelines can help local industries build safer, more realistic response plans—and avoid relying on 911 as their only rescue option. Read the full Fire Engineering article: https://ow.ly/AhbP50Xl4Wb

A Close Call in Martinton, IL — A Reminder on Structural, Electrical, and Fire Safety in Grain Handling As someone who works in loss control and safety, I always take notice when incidents like this occur — not to point fingers, but to learn and reinforce what matters most. A recent grain elevator collapse in Martinton, Illinois, involving a corn silo, caused significant damage and power outages. Thankfully, no one was injured. During the collapse, power lines snapped, creating an electrical arc nearby. Fortunately, it did not ignite the airborne grain dust — but under slightly different circumstances, it could have led to a devastating dust explosion. This event is a strong reminder of several critical safety priorities for anyone working around silos, bins, or other combustible grain storage structures: Structural Integrity: Regularly inspect silos for cracks, foundation settlement, corrosion, or wall deformation. Even small or slow changes can indicate deeper structural issues. Electrical and Fire Safety: Maintain safe clearances, ensure proper bonding and grounding, and control dust accumulation around electrical systems. Prevent ignition sources before they develop. Hot Work Programs: Enforce strict hot work permitting — including pre-work cleaning, isolation of combustibles, fire watch, and post-work inspections. Sparks, grinding, or welding near dust or residue can easily trigger an explosion. Dust Hazard Analysis (DHA): Conduct or update a DHA to identify and mitigate potential combustible dust risks. A comprehensive DHA evaluates ignition sources, housekeeping effectiveness, and the adequacy of explosion protection systems. At ARU, we treat every near miss — even those outside our operations — as an opportunity to strengthen our prevention mindset. A strong safety culture is built on awareness, consistency, and the willingness to act when something doesn’t look right. Let’s continue to share lessons, review our programs, and ensure our teams have the knowledge and tools to identify risks before they become incidents. Read more about the Martinton incident here: https://lnkd.in/gvBVc65P #SafetyFirst #LossControl #StructuralSafety #ElectricalSafety #HotWork #DustHazardAnalysis #GrainIndustry #WorkplaceSafety #RiskManagement #SiloInspection #FirePrevention #SafetyCulture #IndustrialSafety #ARUSolutions

As NFPA Fire Prevention Week comes to a close, we’re rounding out our industrial fire safety series with a final spotlight on the hazards that demand our continued attention year-round. From lithium-ion battery risks to combustible dust and flammable liquids, we’ve explored some of the threats that challenge industrial environments, and the proactive steps that can make all the difference. Build a fire-safe culture that endures beyond this week and empowers every worker to “Charge into Fire Safety™” with confidence. Welding, grinding, torch cutting, aren’t just routine tasks. In industrial settings, they’re ignition sources waiting for the right (or wrong) conditions. During Fire Prevention Week, let’s double down on the fundamentals: – Hot work permits that are site-specific and time-bound – Continuous gas detection and atmospheric monitoring – Fire watch protocols that extend beyond the work itself In refineries and chemical plants, one stray spark can trigger a chain reaction. Safety isn’t a formality, it’s a frontline defense. Keep your teams trained, your documentation airtight, and your awareness high. #FirePreventionWeek #HotWorkSafety #ProcessSafety #OperationalDiscipline

As NFPA Fire Prevention Week comes to a close, we’re rounding out our industrial fire safety series with a final spotlight on the hazards that demand our continued attention year-round. From lithium-ion battery risks to combustible dust and flammable liquids, we’ve explored some of the threats that challenge industrial environments, and the proactive steps that can make all the difference. Build a fire-safe culture that endures beyond this week and empowers every worker to “Charge into Fire Safety™” with confidence. Welding, grinding, torch cutting, aren’t just routine tasks. In industrial settings, they’re ignition sources waiting for the right (or wrong) conditions. During Fire Prevention Week, let’s double down on the fundamentals: – Hot work permits that are site-specific and time-bound – Continuous gas detection and atmospheric monitoring – Fire watch protocols that extend beyond the work itself In refineries and chemical plants, one stray spark can trigger a chain reaction. Safety isn’t a formality, it’s a frontline defense. Keep your teams trained, your documentation airtight, and your awareness high. #FirePreventionWeek #HotWorkSafety #ProcessSafety #OperationalDiscipline

Why Are Fire Extinguishers Placed Every 15 Meters? The Simple Safety Logic That Saves Lives 🔥🧯 Have you ever wondered why fire safety codes mandate a fire extinguisher every 15 meters? It’s not just a rule — it’s a life-saving design principle. ✅ The 15-Meter Rule According to NBC 2016, IS 2190, and various fire safety regulations, no person should have to travel more than 15 meters to reach an extinguisher. Here’s the reasoning: Under stress, average walking speed is about 1.5 m/s Time to reach 15 meters → ~10 seconds Add 10–15 seconds to activate and operate the extinguisher Total response time: under 25 seconds This matters because controlling a small fire within the first minute can prevent it from escalating into a major incident. 📘 Referenced: NBC, IS Standards, NFPA.

October 5-11 is Fire Prevention Week. Did you know in industrial and commercial environments, electrical hazards are one of the leading causes of fires? Arc-flash risks, overloaded panels, and improper equipment use can all create dangerous situations if left unchecked. Protecting your facility starts with a proactive approach: keeping PPE in top condition, maintaining clear access to electrical panels, and choosing equipment that’s UL-listed and properly rated for the environment. Training crews on NFPA 70E standards and ensuring extinguishers are positioned where they’re needed most are also critical steps in reducing fire risk. At Hannan Supply, we’re here to support your safety program with solutions like OEL Arc Flash Kits, TPI UL-rated heaters, and gas detection equipment from NEO and POLI. Ensure your team has the knowledge and solutions to work safely and confidently. #FirePreventionWeek #NFPA70E #ElectricalSafety #IndustrialSafety #ContractorSolutions #HannanSupply

❓ Where Are Portable Fire Extinguishers Required? 🔥 If you’ve ever wondered where fire extinguishers must be installed according to code — this NFPA article breaks it down clearly and practically. From workplaces to multi-unit housing, NFPA 1 outlines exactly what every safety professional needs to know. 💡 Whether you’re managing compliance, designing safety plans, or training technicians, this quick read will help you stay code-ready. 👉 Read the full article here: 🔗 https://lnkd.in/dirRFa5f #FireSafety #NFPA #FireExtinguishers #FireProtection #SafetyCompliance #NAFED

🔥 Beyond the Fire Basics: Why the Fire Triangle is Obsolete in Modern Safety! 🔥 We all learned about the Fire Triangle in school or basic safety training: Heat, Fuel, and Oxygen. Remove one, and the fire goes out. Simple, right? But in the world of high-hazard industries and advanced firefighting, that model is dangerously incomplete. It's time to talk about the Fire Tetrahedron. The shift is monumental. Fire isn't just three components meeting—it's a "Self-sustaining Chemical Chain Reaction" that keeps the combustion going. Why the 4th Element is a Game Changer ? The Chemical Chain Reaction (the fourth side of the tetrahedron) is the continuous, rapid feedback loop that produces new heat, maintaining the fire even if you try to cool or smother it. Understanding the Tetrahedron means moving beyond basic fire prevention and choosing the right extinguisher to tackle the specific class of fire you're facing. Knowing your enemy (fire) can save assets, prevents injury, and makes you a far more effective safety professional. #FireSafety #SafetyFirst #EHS #ChemicalEngineering #WorkplaceSafety #FirePrevention #FireTetrahedron

After years of being involved in fire protection projects, I’ve realized one important question we should all ask: Are we designing systems to truly protect lives, or just to satisfy code requirements? A system can be fully compliant with NFPA standards yet still fail in a real emergency True safety isn’t about paperwork — it’s about performance when it matters most. What’s your view — are today’s systems built for compliance, or for real safety?

Key Considerations When Selecting or Evaluating A Sprinkler System ✅ Sprinkler system type selection (wet pipe, dry pipe, pre-action or deluge) must match your building's specific environmental conditions and protection needs ✅ Use high-quality sprinkler heads with correct temperature ratings and response times to ensure fast, effective fire suppression ✅ Ensure proper piping materials and accurate water supply calculations to maintain long-term system reliability ✅ Professional installation following NFPA 13 standards and seismic requirements protects your investment and ensures code compliance #SprinklerSystem #Sprinklers #NFPA13 #FireSafety #FireProtection #FireSafety #Safety #FireProtection #SprinklerSystems