Industrial Strength Podcast

Episode Overview

In this episode of Industrial Strength Hazmat, Jeff, Randy, and Steve dive into the significant updates brought by NFPA 470, which consolidates and replaces NFPA 472 and 1072. With their signature banter and practical insight, they unpack what these changes mean for hazmat response teams, especially those in industrial environments. From the evolving role of specialists to new requirements for Incident Commanders (I...

Episode Overview

In this thrilling conclusion to the three-part series on peroxide-forming chemicals, hosts Jeff, Steve, and Randy dive into several real-world case studies highlighting the dangers of mishandling these volatile substances. With a mix of expert analysis, storytelling, humor, and a bit of unexpected technical chaos, they underscore the importance of vigilance in industrial and laboratory safety. From explosive lab inc...

Episode Overview

In Part 2 of their deep dive into peroxide-forming chemicals (PFCs), the Industrial Strength team—Jeff, Steve, and Randy—shift focus from the chemistry to the practical. This episode explores visual inspections, safe handling, and field testing methods for detecting peroxide buildup in lab and industrial environments. The crew also sets the stage for an upcoming third part packed with explosive case studies.

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Episode Overview

In Part 1 of this two-part peroxide special, the Industrial Strength Podcast crew—Jeff, Randy, and Steve—unpack the explosive truth about peroxide-forming chemicals (PFCs). They break down what these substances are, the risks they pose in both lab and industrial environments, and how to identify and manage them safely. With real-life humor and technical depth, this episode is essential listening for hazmat professio...

Episode Overview

In this enlightening and engaging episode, hosts Jeff, Steve, and Randy dive deep into the hazardous world of bromine—a volatile, reddish-brown chemical with significant industrial use and serious safety concerns. From bromine’s chemical properties to real-world incidents involving its release, this episode is both a technical resource and a candid behind-the-scenes look at the realities of industrial hazmat respons...

Episode Overview:

In this special deep-dive episode, Jeff, Randy, and Steve analyze two of the most catastrophic rail car incidents in recent history: the Lac-Mégantic crude oil derailment in Quebec and the East Palestine, Ohio vinyl chloride disaster. The crew explores what went wrong, what lessons apply to industrial emergency response teams, and how these events highlight the critical need for proactive safety planning, cross-age...

Episode Overview:

In this episode, Jeff, Randy, and Steve tackle a listener-requested topic: hazardous materials transported by rail and how to handle rail car incidents on industrial sites. Sharing real-world experiences, near-miss stories, and detailed response strategies, they explore the complexities of managing rail cars carrying flammable, toxic, corrosive, and even radioactive substances. With their signature mix of humor and...

Episode Overview:

In this insightful episode, hosts Jeff, Randy, and Steve dive deep into the challenges and intricacies of handling mercury spills in industrial settings. Drawing from real-life case studies within their facility, they discuss response protocols, lessons learned, and best practices for dealing with hazardous elemental mercury. With their characteristic humor and camaraderie, they bring both technical depth and relat...

Episode Overview

This episode of Industrial Strength Podcast takes a deep dive into a high-intensity unannounced emergency response drill that left responders and employees rattled. What started as a routine man down call escalated into a full-blown multiple casualty incident—except it was all part of a secret drill.

The team breaks down the response, the decisions made, and the emotional aftermath. They also discuss the value and c...

Episode Overview

In this episode of Industrial Strength Podcast, the team takes on one of the most pressing fire safety issues today—lithium-ion battery fires. Starting with a case study of a massive fire at a lithium-ion battery recycling facility in Missouri, they break down what happened, why these fires are so challenging, and how facilities can better prepare for similar incidents.

The discussion expands to the risks posed by e...

Episode Overview

In this ninth episode of Industrial Strength Podcast, the team dives into a real-life hazmat response incident involving hot boxing—but not the kind you might be thinking of. This case study explores a hazardous situation involving di-tert-butyl-dicarbonate (also known as bauk anhydride) and how improper heating practices nearly led to a serious chemical incident.

The discussion covers the science behind drum bulgin...

Episode Overview:

In this episode of the Industrial Strength Podcast, the hosts recount a unique challenge that required them to manage two simultaneous calls. The first involved the hazardous spill of osmium tetroxide, a highly toxic and volatile metal compound, while the second was an unrelated medical emergency on the opposite side of the site. The team discusses their strategies for handling such complex scenarios, the lessons l...

Episode Overview:

In this high-stakes episode of the Industrial Strength Podcast, the hosts recount two harrowing incidents where minor oversights led to significant hazmat responses. The first incident explores the thermal breakdown of refrigerant R507, potentially producing toxic byproducts like hydrofluoric acid (HF) and phosgene gas. The second case involves a plugged filter containing waste material possibly contaminated with c...

Episode Overview:

In the continuation of the previous episode, the Industrial Strength Podcast delves deeper into the nuances of corporate audits and assessments. Randy, Steve, and Jeff discuss the second half of their recent corporate assessment experience, exploring the thought-provoking questions raised by auditors and the responses they provided. The hosts highlight the importance of preparation, clear protocols, and training in...

Episode Overview:

In the fifth episode of the Industrial Strength Podcast, the hosts tackle a topic unique to industrial fire departments: corporate audits and assessments. Drawing from a recent internal assessment sparked by an international chemical explosion, Randy, Steve, and Jeff share their experiences navigating the audit process. They discuss the reasons for audits, how to prepare for them, and lessons learned from the quest...

Episode Overview:

In this episode of the Industrial Strength Podcast, hosts Randy, Steve, and Jeff take a break from recounting industrial incidents to explore the rich history of their fire and hazmat department. From its early origins to modern operations, they share insights into how their department evolved into a vital part of their large industrial facility, which operates like a small city. This episode also offers personal s...

Episode Shownotes: Industrial Strength Podcast – Episode 3: High-Energy Release Incident

Episode Overview:

In the third episode of the Industrial Strength Podcast, hosts Randy, Steve, and Jeff recount an extraordinary incident involving a high-energy release (explosion) in a production building. This episode explores the causes, response strategies, and long-term implications of a thermal runaway reaction involving manganese dioxide ...

Episode Shownotes: Industrial Strength Podcast – Episode 2: Solvent Vapors and a Confined Space Rescue

Episode Overview:

In this gripping second episode of the Industrial Strength Podcast, hosts Randy, Steve, and Jeff delve into a real-life confined space rescue involving a methylene chloride solvent vapor incident. With their signature blend of technical insights and humor, the team walks listeners through the rescue operation, the ...

Episode Overview:

Welcome to the inaugural episode of the Industrial Strength Podcast! Hosted by Randy, a seasoned hazmat specialist with 17 years of industrial fire service experience, along with co-hosts Steve and Jeff, this podcast dives into the unique challenges of industrial fire and hazmat response. In this episode, the team breaks down the response to a significant sulfuric acid leak in an industrial facility, discussing the...