IS005: It’s Not an Audit, It’s an Assessment

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 questions posed by auditors.

Segment Breakdown & Timestamps:

• [0:00 - 1:28] Introduction
• Hosts Randy, Steve, and Jeff introduce the topic of audits and assessments in the industrial fire service.
• Explanation of why audits are conducted and how they differ from municipal department evaluations.
• [1:29 - 9:11] Why Audits Matter
• Overview of key reasons for audits, including regulatory compliance (e.g., OSHA, EPA, DEA), risk management, and operational efficiency.
• Importance of learning from insurance companies and external entities to improve processes and safety standards.
• [9:12 - 20:54] Incident Catalyst: Explosion in India
• Analysis of a chemical explosion at a pharmaceutical facility in India, where methyl butyl ether (MTBE) vapor caused a devastating fire.
• Discussion of how this incident parallels risks at the hosts’ facility and the implications for industrial fire departments globally.
• [20:55 - 27:51] Audit Insights and Questions
• Breakdown of audit questions posed to the team, including:
• What is the average age of your emergency response team?
• How does the department ensure knowledge retention across generations?
• Reflections on maintaining a balance between experienced responders and new recruits.
• [27:52 - End] Teaser for Part Two
• Announcement of a follow-up episode to address more detailed audit questions and share additional insights.
• Call for listener feedback and experiences with audits or assessments.

Key Moments:

• The Indian Explosion: A cautionary tale highlighting the importance of rigorous hazard analysis and adherence to safety standards.
• Adapting to Audits: Practical advice on responding to audit questions and leveraging assessments to improve departmental performance.
• Passing the Torch: Strategies for retaining institutional knowledge as veteran responders retire and new members join.

Resources and References:

• Class 1 Div 1 vs. Div 2 Areas: Explanation of electrical safety classifications for hazardous locations, relevant to industrial settings.
• OSHA Regulations: Guidelines for industrial fire and hazmat teams, including 1910.120 and 1910.156.
• MTBE Properties: Understanding the risks of high vapor pressure chemicals like methyl butyl ether.

Guest Bios:

• Randy: Hazmat specialist with 17 years of experience, bringing a wealth of technical and practical expertise.
• Steve: Hazmat technician with a decade of industrial experience, known for his analytical skills.
• Jeff: A veteran firefighter and lieutenant with deep knowledge of both municipal and industrial fire operations.

Concluding Notes:

Thank you for tuning in to this eye-opening discussion on audits and assessments. Share your thoughts or questions with the hosts at [e-mail].

Next Episode Teaser:

Stay tuned for Part 2, where the team dives deeper into the audit process and discusses actionable strategies to excel in assessments. Learn how to turn the experience into an opportunity for growth and improvement. Don’t miss it!