Do you remember the first time you saw a tornado? It was probably in your eighth grade science class during a lazy afternoon when a substitute teacher decided to pop in a video from National Geographic rather than teach a drawn-out lesson plan on the mysteries of how vortexes formed. Or maybe you survived such…
Summer came early to the Midwest as record setting temperatures continue to bake that nation’s heartland. As millions retreat indoors to the cool reprieve of climate controlled homes, the region’s industrial workforce braced itself for hazardous conditions brought on by the sudden upswing in temperatures. Warehouses and factory floors become real life sweatshops as poor…
What’s worse than improper chemical storage causing a hazmat fire that threatens the lives of firefighters? How about a tornado ripping simultaneously ripping through that same area? Well, this perfect storm of fire and wind became a chilling reality in Wadena, Minnesota last week. Just as authorities arrived on the scene of a surging blaze…
Most shoppers flock to Walmart for the extra low prices and the wide variety of one-stop shopping. While it’s not as simple as point-and-click online shopping and delivery, it’s convenience is unmatched when you’re on-the-go. Long store hours and central locations have made big box stores the modern bazars for most communities that have turned…
At U.S. Hazmat Rentals, we don’t measure progress in leaps or bounds, but instead by the number of clients we help meet governmental compliance. Each year, thousands of companies are fined millions of dollars for a multitude of violations. Such citations run the gamut from simple oversight in safety to the more egregious infractions such…
Chemical fires are unlike any other conflagration. They start quickly, have ample supply of ammunition and can burn for hours. Fires of these magnitudes can affect entire communities as the emitting fumes and toxins will poison the surrounding environment. Large scale evacuations become standard procedure when dealing with these massive flames. Once a flame comes…
Every system of protection has a last line of defense to prevent certain catastrophe doom. For cars and motorcycles, seatbelts and helmets are the Hail Mary of safety when everything else fails. Homes and businesses even rely on fire sprinklers until the smoke jumpers arrive on scene. Even nuclear bombs – the mother of all…
High school students and explosive chemicals mix about as well as fire and ethanol. Hyperactive attention spans and over exaggerations in abilities are also a proven equation for disaster. Swirling beakers of pungent chemicals while trying to accurately measure new concoctions is a challenge for even experienced lab technicians, let alone novice chemists. While understanding…
Midwestern oil fields, which strive to meet our basic energy needs, reside in a perilous state. Running nearly the entire length of Tornado Alley, drilling operations and surplus oil storage tanks remain a prime target for tornadoes. Located in wide open areas, vulnerable equipment and volatile energy stockpiles create a venerable powder keg of destruction.…
Not all chemical storage dilemmas require a permanent solution. Renovations, ongoing construction work or project relocation can expose hazardous materials to accelerants or errant sparks. While otherwise stored under lock and key, hazardous materials become an afterthought as crews leave these dangerous chemicals by the wayside. In the confusion of reconfiguring operations or expanding the…