First responders, the emergency personnel who are the first to arrive on the scene when disaster strikes, face many perils. When the response site involves a fire or explosion, one of the hazards firefighters face is combustible dust explosions. Recognizing the danger of these phenomena, The Occupational Safety and Health Administration published a handbook entitled, “Firefighting Precautions at Facilities with Combustible Dust”.
Listed below is some of the key information contained within the safety guide:
- What is combustible dust? Any solid material that is finely ground into dust can become explosible.
- Certain firefighting techniques can increase danger: One of the topics the OSHA covers in this safety guide is about how firefighting techniques can actually lead to a combustible dust explosion. If firefighters use tactics that increase oxygen at the burn site or use tactics prone to causing dust clouds, they can further endanger their lives and the lives of people nearby.
- Pre incident reports: It is advisable that emergency response agencies perform pre incident reports to determine the hazards at special facilities.
- Trade secrets: Some facility owners may be reluctant to reveal processes or product trade secrets to emergency responders. However, this information is essential to determining the danger level of a given hazard. In turn, emergency responders who receive such information are expected to keep it secure.
New laws, guidelines and safety documents are constantly being created to protect workers in all types of industries. As a result, if you have an employment law issue, you should retain the services of an experienced lawyer who is abreast of current developments.
Neil H. Deutsch has been practicing law for over 35 years and is known as a skilled negotiator in employment and discrimination law. He believes in a bottom-line approach of risk analysis and cost effectiveness for his clients. "Case evaluation is something we take seriously," says Mr. Deutsch who seeks top net dollar for his…
Bruce L. Atkins is the Senior Managing Partner at Deutsch Atkins & Kleinfeldt P.C., a prominent plaintiff employment law firm in the tri-state area. Mr. Atkins believes employees’ rights should be aggressively pursued when they’ve been wrongfully dealt with by their employers. He brings this philosophy to his practice when considering each case and its…
Adam J. Kleinfeldt joined Deutsch Atkins & Kleinfeldt, P.C. in March of 2015. He primarily represents individuals in employment litigation such as discrimination, retaliation and whistle blowing matters. He has extensive experience in all phases of the litigation process. Adam has obtained significant results for his clients, including a $525,000 jury verdict in a sexual…
Debra M. McGarvey joined Deutsch Atkins & Kleinfeldt, P.C. in December 2019. She has extensive experience defending employees and employers in state and federal court in employment litigation matters. She has represented clients on various issues arising out of the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD), the New Jersey Conscientious Employee Protection Act (CEPA), the…
Carly Skarbnik Meredith, Esq. is a Partner at the firm. Carly has focused her career exclusively in the field of employment law. She has a plethora of experience representing both employees and employers with their employment issues, needs, and concerns. She believes representing both employees and employers has made her an extremely well-rounded client advocate.…
