Hazard Communication


DOT Rule Requires Stronger Railroad Hazmat Tank Cars

U.S. Transportation Secretary Mary E. Peters said the final rule will reduce the risk of hazmat spills from train accidents.

OSHA Revises Compliance Officer Manual

OSHA has revised its Field Operations Manual to provide OSHA Compliance Officers with a single source of updated information and guidance to more effectively protect employees from occupational injuries, illnesses, and fatalities.

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Big Changes Coming in NFPA Health Facilities Standard

A major rewrite of NFPA 99 is under way, with proposed changes in the 2010 edition to be up for adoption this June at the NFPA Conference & Expo in Chicago.

CPSC Clarifies New Product Safety Requirements

The Consumer Product Safety Commission is reminding the public that in February 2009, new requirements of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) take effect. Manufacturers, importers, and retailers are expected to comply with the new Congressionally-mandated laws.

OSHA Revises its Voluntary Protection Program

OSHA published in the Jan. 9, 2009 Federal Register final changes to its Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) that, among other enhancements, allow participation by companies with mobile workforces. Changes are effective May 9.

CSB Chairman Safety Video Emphasizes Winterization Programs

In a new video safety message recently released on YouTube, CSB Chairman John Bresland urged companies to ensure they have effective winterization programs to prevent major chemical and refinery process accidents that could result in deaths or substantial property damage.

USFA Releases Provisional 2008 Firefighter Fatality Statistics

The U.S. Fire Administration recently announced there were 114 on-duty firefighter fatalities in the United States as a result of incidents that occurred in 2008.



Trucking Survey Finds Injury Prevention Materials Effective

A survey evaluation of trucking injury prevention materials from the Trucking Injury Reduction Emphasis through Surveillance (TIRES) Project found that 83 percent of respondents have made changes after receiving TIRES prevention materials and 82 percent have requested additional safety topics to be addressed.

Image of someone getting a flu vaccination

APIC: Unsafe Needle Practices Causing Unnecessary Risks

"With an increasing amount of care being delivered in outpatient settings, more patients will be put at risk unless clinicians are adequately educated and consistently adhere to infection prevention measures," said Kathy Warye, CEO of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology.

Electrical Wiring How-To Books Recalled for Shock Hazard

The books contain several errors in the technical diagrams that could lead users to incorrectly install or repair electrical wiring, with shocking results.

DHS Seeks Comment on New Private Sector Preparedness Program

Known as "PS-Prep," the program is intended to raise the level of employer preparedness by making DHS-adopted standards more widely available, among other measures.

FDA Approves HIV Blood, Tissue Screen Test

The Food and Drug Administration recently approved the cobas TaqScreen MPX Test, the first nucleic acid test that screens for the presence of two divergent types of HIV in donated blood plasma and tissue.

NCOSH, APHA Urge New Agenda for Protecting Workers

The seven goals listed today start with making protecting workers on the job a top priority for President Obama and the 111th Congress. Goal 3: Count all occupational injuries and illnesses.

Lasko Products Pays $500,000 Penalty for Failure to Report Defective Fans

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recently announced that Lasko Products Inc., of West Chester, Pa., has agreed to pay a $500,000 civil penalty. The penalty, which has been provisionally accepted by the Commission, settles allegations that the company failed to immediately report incidents about its defective portable fans.

Disaster Response Focus of New OSHA QuickCard

Depending upon the scope, complexity, and hazards associated with an incident, FEMA can activate OSHA to coordinate federal worker safety and health resources and technical assistance.

NSC Updates OSHA Walkthrough Training Program

The National Safety Council (NSC) is introducing two new versions of its OSHA Walkthrough for Industry training program. Like the original program, these versions are designed for educating new employees or refreshing the expertise of seasoned staff.

EPA Seeks 23 'Most Wanted' Fugitives for Environmental Crimes

The alleged violations include everything from the illegal transportation, treatment, and disposal of hazardous waste and other pollutants to conspiracy and mail fraud.

Rail Imminent Hazard Maximum Penalty Rising to $100,000

The Federal Railroad Administration filed a final rule to adjust its ordinary maximum and aggravated maximum penalties to amounts authorized by the Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008.

Notifier Recalls Fire Alarm Control Panels Due to Alert Failure

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Notifier, of Northford, Conn., has announced a voluntary safety recall of about 2,000 Notifier Fire Alarm Control Panels.

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