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Heritage Oil announces the discovery of a major gas field in Kurdistan
PEM >>
Canadian Natural Resources (CNR) may have another regulatory fire to put out as it faces work stoppage while investigators probe the cause of an explosion Thursday, Jan. 6, that injured five workers at the company's Horizon oilsands site near Fort McKay First Nation in Northern Alberta.
Sorcha Thomas, an OHS spokesperson for the Alberta Ministry of Employment and Immigration told COS that health and safety investigation is still underway and that the probe "will take as long as necessary" to ensure the safety of the workers. As of Tuesday, Jan.11, however, the government has issued a "partial removal" of the stop-work order to allow CNR's own personnel access to certain parts of the mine that have been deemed safe to assess damage, Thomas said.
The incident occurred at 3:30 p.m. MT when an explosion occurred inside a coker, a facility that uses heat to convert bitumen into crude oil, sending the almost 150-metre high structure up in flames. The blaze was eventually contained to the coker area before finally being extinguished around 7:15 p.m, according to a CBC news report.
Two workers were injured directly by the blast, with one suffering second- and third-degree burns and the other first-degree burns. A third worker was treated for shock and two other workers were stricken with back and leg injuries, respectively. One of the workers is still being treated at an Edmonton Hospital, where he remains in stable condition.
Provincial health and safety officers are currently investigating the cause of the blast to determine if any safety infractions were committed. In a press statement, CNR indicated that it is also continuing its own investigation of the cause of the explosion.
While CNR is hopeful the stop-work order will be lifted sooner rather than later, it is
Sorcha Thomas, an OHS spokesperson for the Alberta Ministry of Employment and Immigration told COS that health and safety investigation is still underway and that the probe "will take as long as necessary" to ensure the safety of the workers. As of Tuesday, Jan.11, however, the government has issued a "partial removal" of the stop-work order to allow CNR's own personnel access to certain parts of the mine that have been deemed safe to assess damage, Thomas said.
The incident occurred at 3:30 p.m. MT when an explosion occurred inside a coker, a facility that uses heat to convert bitumen into crude oil, sending the almost 150-metre high structure up in flames. The blaze was eventually contained to the coker area before finally being extinguished around 7:15 p.m, according to a CBC news report.
Two workers were injured directly by the blast, with one suffering second- and third-degree burns and the other first-degree burns. A third worker was treated for shock and two other workers were stricken with back and leg injuries, respectively. One of the workers is still being treated at an Edmonton Hospital, where he remains in stable condition.
Provincial health and safety officers are currently investigating the cause of the blast to determine if any safety infractions were committed. In a press statement, CNR indicated that it is also continuing its own investigation of the cause of the explosion.
While CNR is hopeful the stop-work order will be lifted sooner rather than later, it is
PEM >>
A driller was killed last month in Northern Alberta conducting maintenance on a seismic track drill that was in the drive mode and not properly locked out in the park mode, according to an Enform Safety Alert.
On Dec. 16, 2010, the driller was conducting maintenance on a seismic track drill and had an engine side cover removed to access the motor. The engine side cover was placed outside the machine while repairs were completed. The driller finished repairs and had started the seismic track drill's engine. The driller climbed outside and placed the engine side cover back inside the cab. The engine side cover came to rest against the two hydrostatic drive levers used to engage the left and right movement of the tracks.
The unmanned seismic track drill moved forward rapidly pinning the driller between a parked pick-up truck and the seismic track drill. The driller was fatally injured.
Through the investigation, it was discovered that the seismic track drill was in the drive mode and not properly locked out in the park mode. The engine side cover had the two hydrostatic drive levers forced in the forward position.
As for recommended corrective actions, all equipment must be locked out from unintentional movement when not in care and control of the operator.
Additional corrective actions:
On Dec. 16, 2010, the driller was conducting maintenance on a seismic track drill and had an engine side cover removed to access the motor. The engine side cover was placed outside the machine while repairs were completed. The driller finished repairs and had started the seismic track drill's engine. The driller climbed outside and placed the engine side cover back inside the cab. The engine side cover came to rest against the two hydrostatic drive levers used to engage the left and right movement of the tracks.
The unmanned seismic track drill moved forward rapidly pinning the driller between a parked pick-up truck and the seismic track drill. The driller was fatally injured.
Through the investigation, it was discovered that the seismic track drill was in the drive mode and not properly locked out in the park mode. The engine side cover had the two hydrostatic drive levers forced in the forward position.
As for recommended corrective actions, all equipment must be locked out from unintentional movement when not in care and control of the operator.
Additional corrective actions:
- Equipment or vehicles unit must be in park and shut off when completing any fuelling and/or maintenance operations.
- During maintenance procedures for pre-start up, equipment and vehicles should be parked with extra clearance.
- Consider installation of secondary safety features to lockout hydrostatic drive levers when the operator is not in the driver's seat. This safety feature would provide an extra control to the park
PEM >>
Benchmark has launched its new Easy-Laser E285 Vibrometer Probe, which is used in conjunction with the E710 laser shaft alignment system. The company says it is perfect for measuring thermal expansion changers, foot resonance or taking a running softfoot test.
A user can take and store baseline readings that can be used in a condition monitoring program. The E710 aligns the machines and you can now qualify the results by taking a simple overhaul vibration reading plus a bearing condition reading with the E285. Every point can be checked against the tolerance table in the display and a manual is provided with guidelines for overall vibration and bearing condition
For more information, call 905-509-6522 or 1-800-598-1117, or visit www.benchmarkpdm.com/e710.asp.
Benchmark has launched its new Easy-Laser E285 Vibrometer Probe, which is used in conjunction with the E710 laser shaft alignment system. The company says it is perfect for measuring thermal expansion changers, foot resonance or taking a running softfoot test.A user can take and store baseline readings that can be used in a condition monitoring program. The E710 aligns the machines and you can now qualify the results by taking a simple overhaul vibration reading plus a bearing condition reading with the E285. Every point can be checked against the tolerance table in the display and a manual is provided with guidelines for overall vibration and bearing condition
For more information, call 905-509-6522 or 1-800-598-1117, or visit www.benchmarkpdm.com/e710.asp.
PEM >>
The new Garlock SGi shaft grounding bearing isolator is the first seal to protect bearings from electrical damage as well as from lubricant loss and contamination.
Maintenance-free, the Garlock SGi combines the proven technologies of the Garlock GUARDIAN non-sparking bronze labyrinth seal and the AEGIS shaft grounding ring in a single unit. It is suited for motors controlled by variable frequency drives (VFDs) running pumps, fans, high-speed spindles, and other equipment in “severe-duty” applications such as mining and the processing of pulp/paper, food, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and water/wastewater.
Commonly used to save energy, VFDs induce motor-shaft currents that can damage bearings, completely wiping out any energy cost savings. Standard bearing seals only keep out contamination and prevent leaks, but the Garlock SGi diverts harmful currents safely to ground, bypassing the bearings entirely and extending motor life. The patented AEGIS FiberLock channel built into the Garlock SGi permanently secures circumferential rows of conductive microfibers, preventing their dislocation and the resulting accidental contamination of the bearing. The microfibers themselves, proven in hundreds of thousands of installations to protect bearings from harmful currents, are specially engineered for exceptional flexibility to prevent breakage and ensure that the SGi will last for the service life of the motor.
Designed for long-term total bearing protection, the SGi also provides an IP56 non-contact isolation seal that withstands dust and powerful jetting liquids. It easily replaces contact lip seals and traditional bearing isolators used in nearly every industrial application and withstands operating temperatures from –22°F to 300°F. The unit is available for motor-shaft sizes ranging from 0.875 to six inches in flanged, flangeless, and custom configurations.
“No other seal provides the SGi’s level of protection against costly maintenance,” says Earl Rogalski,
The new Garlock SGi shaft grounding bearing isolator is the first seal to protect bearings from electrical damage as well as from lubricant loss and contamination.Maintenance-free, the Garlock SGi combines the proven technologies of the Garlock GUARDIAN non-sparking bronze labyrinth seal and the AEGIS shaft grounding ring in a single unit. It is suited for motors controlled by variable frequency drives (VFDs) running pumps, fans, high-speed spindles, and other equipment in “severe-duty” applications such as mining and the processing of pulp/paper, food, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and water/wastewater.
Commonly used to save energy, VFDs induce motor-shaft currents that can damage bearings, completely wiping out any energy cost savings. Standard bearing seals only keep out contamination and prevent leaks, but the Garlock SGi diverts harmful currents safely to ground, bypassing the bearings entirely and extending motor life. The patented AEGIS FiberLock channel built into the Garlock SGi permanently secures circumferential rows of conductive microfibers, preventing their dislocation and the resulting accidental contamination of the bearing. The microfibers themselves, proven in hundreds of thousands of installations to protect bearings from harmful currents, are specially engineered for exceptional flexibility to prevent breakage and ensure that the SGi will last for the service life of the motor.
Designed for long-term total bearing protection, the SGi also provides an IP56 non-contact isolation seal that withstands dust and powerful jetting liquids. It easily replaces contact lip seals and traditional bearing isolators used in nearly every industrial application and withstands operating temperatures from –22°F to 300°F. The unit is available for motor-shaft sizes ranging from 0.875 to six inches in flanged, flangeless, and custom configurations.
“No other seal provides the SGi’s level of protection against costly maintenance,” says Earl Rogalski,
PEM >>
A worker in British Columbia troubleshooting a mechanical problem on part of a lowbed trailer — known as a "gooseneck" — that connects the trailer's deck to the tractor was crushed while looking under the raised gooseneck, according to a Hazard Alert from WorkSafeBC released by Enform. The fatally injured worker was kneeling behind the jeep's rear wheels. A second worker on the opposite side of the gooseneck was also troubleshooting.
Unaware that the first worker was in the hazardous area between the gooseneck and the jeep's frame, he walked over to the hydraulic controls, intending to raise the gooseneck so that he could get a better look at a malfunctioning part. When he activated the controls, however, the gooseneck dropped down instead.
The worker who was under the gooseneck suffered fatal injuries when the gooseneck dropped onto him.
Recommended safe work practices included that employers provide workers with the information, training, and supervision necessary to ensure their safety when working around hazardous areas of equipment, including pinch points. They should inform workers of the hazards — including pinch points that present a risk of crush injuries — to which they are exposed when operating equipment or performing maintenance or repairs.
Additionally, companies should provide safe work procedures for working on or under parts held up by hydraulic or pneumatic pressure. Include the following:
Unaware that the first worker was in the hazardous area between the gooseneck and the jeep's frame, he walked over to the hydraulic controls, intending to raise the gooseneck so that he could get a better look at a malfunctioning part. When he activated the controls, however, the gooseneck dropped down instead.The worker who was under the gooseneck suffered fatal injuries when the gooseneck dropped onto him.
Recommended safe work practices included that employers provide workers with the information, training, and supervision necessary to ensure their safety when working around hazardous areas of equipment, including pinch points. They should inform workers of the hazards — including pinch points that present a risk of crush injuries — to which they are exposed when operating equipment or performing maintenance or repairs.
Additionally, companies should provide safe work procedures for working on or under parts held up by hydraulic or pneumatic pressure. Include the following:
- Do not work under any elevated equipment part unless it has been physically secured against inadvertent movement.
- Do not leave any elevated equipment or equipment part unattended.
- Warn all workers nearby before activating any hydraulic controls to lift or lower equipment or equipment parts.
PEM >>
Acklands-Grainger Inc., Canada’s leading distributor of industrial, safety and fastener products, recently hosted “The Works,” one of the country's largest maintenance repair and operations (MRO) and safety show at the Toronto Congress Centre.
The annual event — held in Toronto for the first time — brought together more than 2,000 invited customers, 250 manufacturers and 800 Acklands-Grainger team members from across the country to provide a forum for attendees to discuss pressing industry trends, as well as showcase thousands of new products and solutions that help business run more efficiently and keep employees safe and on the job.
“Faced with a challenging economic climate, companies are looking to trim costs in new ways to improve their bottom line,” said Sean O’Brien, president of Acklands-Grainger. “Companies can realize significant savings by partnering with a supplier like Acklands-Grainger who can serve as a single source for MRO suppliers, reducing product acquisition and storage costs.”
In addition to the trade show, the company hosted a variety of seminars offering expertise in topics ranging from ways to improve environmental performance and helping businesses better manage process costs associated with purchasing, to ensuring compliance with appropriate government regulations and how to save time and money through eCommerce solutions.
“Our goal was for everyone to leave with stronger relationships and increased knowledge on how Acklands-Grainger and our partners can help them improve their business results and I’m confident that this was achieved. Our team is passionate about serving customers and we look forward to partnering with Canadian business in 2011 and beyond,” O’Brien added.
www.acklandsgrainger.com/info
The annual event — held in Toronto for the first time — brought together more than 2,000 invited customers, 250 manufacturers and 800 Acklands-Grainger team members from across the country to provide a forum for attendees to discuss pressing industry trends, as well as showcase thousands of new products and solutions that help business run more efficiently and keep employees safe and on the job.
“Faced with a challenging economic climate, companies are looking to trim costs in new ways to improve their bottom line,” said Sean O’Brien, president of Acklands-Grainger. “Companies can realize significant savings by partnering with a supplier like Acklands-Grainger who can serve as a single source for MRO suppliers, reducing product acquisition and storage costs.”
In addition to the trade show, the company hosted a variety of seminars offering expertise in topics ranging from ways to improve environmental performance and helping businesses better manage process costs associated with purchasing, to ensuring compliance with appropriate government regulations and how to save time and money through eCommerce solutions.
“Our goal was for everyone to leave with stronger relationships and increased knowledge on how Acklands-Grainger and our partners can help them improve their business results and I’m confident that this was achieved. Our team is passionate about serving customers and we look forward to partnering with Canadian business in 2011 and beyond,” O’Brien added.
www.acklandsgrainger.com/info
