Certain Catastrophes are Avoidable
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Loading ...In light of the recent explosion that occurred at the Sunrise Propane Industrial Gases location in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, we may be left asking; “What can small business owners do to ensure their Hazardous Materials facilities are safe?” The answer simply put is not to fully rely on a third party, but rather ensure that you regularly follow-up with your security consultant!
As reported in the Toronto Star, Canada
Daniel Girard & Robert Benzie, 2008/08/14
http://www.thestar.com/article/478171
“Inspectors open up Sunrise file
It’s responsible for inspecting myriad things that touch our lives – from elevators and ski lifts to fuel storage, boilers in office buildings, amusement park rides and even the stuffing in pillows and teddy bears…” Read more at The Star.
In my opinion this paints a picture of the proverbial “barn doors”, only now beginning to close, of course a little late, after the catastrophic event occurred. Isn’t a more effective operation, one that is proactive?In this case, one thought comes to mind of the perceived typical Government reaction; long on talk and oversight, but little action to help business owners confront safety concerns.
As we now know, in the Province of Ontario, a non-governmental agency, the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) is responsible for the oversight for safety compliance of dangerous goods operators, such as Sunrise Propane Industrial Gases. The article s flaws in their own guidelines; namely the number of times the site was inspected, and what if anything was done to help rectify the infractions in the way of training offered by Technical Standards and Safety Authority. In my opinion, I believe Governments must take some of the blame for what happens at hazardous sites such as the Sunrise Company.
As stated in the TSSA Propane Storage, Handling and Utilization Code and Natural Gas Code, each company doing business involving volatile gases must hold a “Provincial Propane Safety Certificate to handle Propane.”
Further that,
No person shall handle propane unless the person is the holder of a certificate or ROT (record of training) for that purpose. O. Reg. 211/01, s. 6.
If propane is used, on site training requires under Ontario Occupational Health & Safety Act to maintain competent supervisor, competent employee, and competent employer regulations
Understand the hazards, safe handling procedures, storage procedures, and uses.
One problem for small business owners is where do they turn to, in order to meet with compliance of mandated regulations?
The way out…
One way to meet compliance and mitigate risk is to retain a competent, certified consulting company that will assist in the training of safe handling procedures, also to help create training manuals with a focus on,
- Avoiding costly Ministry of Labour compliance orders, fines, stop work orders,
- Reduce WSIB premiums
- Mitigate civil litigation
In addition to legislated requirements, many businesses may also be aware, retaining the services of an effective and skilled security consultancy also ads the inherent benefit of improved profitability.
The key is that business owners regularly consult with their risk management team and consultants. A case in point, proactive management has always demonstrated a more profitable and safer operating environment for all business owners.
For example, did you know that any building/facility used to make money is required by law to have a Fire Plan?
Your security advisor should be able to pinpoint and help your business avoid catastrophic loses, including such extreme ones, as depicted above.
As our blog title suggests, “Predictable is Preventable”.
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