NASSCO Safety Podcast

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Welcome to the NASSCO Safety Podcast—where experience meets prevention. Host Dennis Pivin talks with industry pros about real risks, smart practices, and how to get everyone home safe. From wearing proper PPE to driving back safely from the job site and everything in-between. This podcast is all about protecting workers because safety isn’t optional. It’s essential.

  1. FEB 3

    Basic Trenching Safety

    In this episode of the NASSCO Safety Podcast, Dennis Piven, CSP interviews Jerry Weimer about crucial trenching and excavation safety. They discuss the importance of safe work practice and being aware of trench collapse hazards. Jerry shares his 40 years of experience and offers practical tips for excavation safety and general safety awareness.

    14 min

  2. JAN 20

    Tips and Tricks of Safety Culture

    Dennis hosts a roundtable with Max Gowdy, Tad Powell, P.E. and Eric Haenlein, P.E. to explore what it really takes to build a strong safety culture. The panelists share stories from their diverse backgrounds—engineering, construction, and management—and discuss themes like peer accountability, leadership by example, and creating psychological safety for workers to speak up. From trench safety to team trust, they reflect on the evolution of industry standards and how repetition, communication, and ownership drive safety success.

    20 min

  3. JAN 20

    Safe Operation of Jetters

    Dennis Pivin, CSP interviews Nick Spano of Essential Equipment Company about one of the most injury-prone tools in underground infrastructure: the sewer jetter. Drawing from over 15 years in the industry, Nick breaks down how to safely operate jetters—from jobsite pre-checks to high-pressure hose handling. The episode covers critical hazards like surge during braking, pinch points, and hose failure, along with proper PPE and operator training. This is a must-listen for anyone using jetters on job sites. Nick’s practical advice underscores that safety starts with asking the right questions and building strong habits from day one.

    17 min

  4. JAN 6

    NASSCO Styrene Treatability Study

    Dennis Pivin sits down with Chris Garrett, P.E., National Practice Leader at Brown and Caldwell and NASSCO Technical Director, to discuss the groundbreaking Styrene Treatability Study. They walk through the multi-phase research assessing how styrene from cure water impacts wastewater treatment processes. From historical context to real-world testing, Dennis and Chris explain how science-based data now guides safety standards, treatment plant coordination, and informed decision-making in POTW operations.

    25 min

  5. 10/14/2025

    Hydration

    Dennis Pivin and Jerry Weir tackle the critical but often overlooked issue of hydration on the job site. Jerry, a veteran of field operations and safety consulting, outlines the signs of heat exhaustion and stroke, as well as the causes—from hot weather to energy drinks and poor diet. They share strategies for prevention, including electrolyte-based hydration, smart clothing choices, and cooling breaks. The episode reinforces that staying hydrated isn’t just about comfort—it’s a life-saving part of safety culture.

    13 min

  6. 09/30/2025

    Safety Training

    Dennis reconnects with Freddy Garcia to dive into what makes an effective safety training program. They break down the balance between computer-based modules and hands-on field training, discuss OSHA requirements, and share strategies for onboarding and annual refreshers. Freddy explains how Puris supports safety professional development and fosters team accountability. The episode emphasizes the importance of adapting training to real-world operations, engaging new hires early, and ensuring safety professionals continue to grow with certifications and continuing education.

    18 min

  7. 09/16/2025

    Styrene Concerns for lining Culverts and Sewer Systems

    Dennis Pivin and Dr. Mark Knight discuss the environmental and safety concerns surrounding styrene discharge during CIPP lining of culverts. They examine past fish kill incidents and explain how hot water—not styrene—was the true culprit. The episode offers actionable best practices for contractors, including water temperature controls, clean site protocols, and proper curing. Mark also breaks down the chemistry of different resin types and the importance of understanding what’s actually being released—and how to safely manage it.

    13 min

  8. 09/02/2025

    CIPP Lateral Studies and the use of PID’s

    In this episode, Dennis Pivin talks with Dr. Mark Knight from the University of Waterloo about photoionization detectors (PIDs) and their role in monitoring styrene levels during cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) installations. They revisit a landmark study on styrene migration in laterals and explain how PIDs should be properly calibrated and interpreted. The discussion clarifies common misconceptions about VOC readings and highlights the importance of understanding your instrument and its limits when assessing exposure risks on job sites.

    18 min
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About

Welcome to the NASSCO Safety Podcast—where experience meets prevention. Host Dennis Pivin talks with industry pros about real risks, smart practices, and how to get everyone home safe. From wearing proper PPE to driving back safely from the job site and everything in-between. This podcast is all about protecting workers because safety isn’t optional. It’s essential.

Information

  • Creator
    NASSCO
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 © 2025 NASSCO Safety Podcast
  • Show Website
    NASSCO Safety Podcast