Industrial Hygiene


NPPTL Issues Counterfeit Respirator Notice

The agency has issued a counterfeit N95 respirator notice for the second time since early April.

A spill from an overturned railcar or tanker could be from small amount to 5,500-11,000 gallons of liquid cargo. If this material is volatile, 1 cc of liquid (not pressurized) would be converted into 1L of vapor, and one gallon of liquid contains 3,800 cc (3.8 million liters of gas) X volume spilled. In many cases, the chemical spilled has been liquid chlorine or ammonia.

Sources and Measurement of Toxic Chemicals

The PID is one of the most sensitive detectors available for many toxic compounds with detection limits in the low or sub-ppb range.

Research was completed at the new Dow Northeast Technology Center, shown here, using an in-house noise mapping tool to complete a baseline sound level assessment. (Dow Chemical photo)

Assessing High-Noise Areas

Industrial hygienists are challenged to protect employees from noise exposure in all types of work environments, including variable conditions. This project completed a baseline noise assessment at the Dow Northeast Technology Center’s mechanical areas.

The Baltimore Convention Center is hosting AIHce 2016, taking place May 21-26. (Visit Baltimore photo)

Baltimore Beckons

This year's AIHce conference will be year five for the wildly popular Ignite sessions, which are five-minute talks on pretty much any IH topic.

Do consider using SMART goals in training program implementation. In addition to SMART goals, stronger training programs may also address a behavior change and/or enhancement and establish behavioral objectives.

Best Practices for Engaging Workers in Health and Safety Training

Provide relevant consequences. Consequences will assist in showing your workers what is in it for them.

By June 1, 2016, OSHA expects all employers to be fully compliant with GHS adoption.

American Coatings Association Pushing for TSCA Reform Bills

ACA has supported two bills: the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act, S. 697, which passed the U.S. Senate on Dec. 17, 2015, and a House of Representatives bill, H.R. 2576, which passed June 23, 2015, on a 398-1 vote.

Spend a day in a data center and you will come away with a deep appreciation that indoor noise exposure is a priority safety consideration. (Digital Realty Trust, Inc. photo)

Data Center EH&S 101

Stakeholders' concerns range from asbestos and lead-based paint typically found in older and/or legacy data centers to fire-resistant clothing, contractor and construction management, elevated work such as portable and fixed ladders, and rooftop maintenance.

Health effects of elevated CO2 can include headaches, sleepiness, poor concentration, loss of attention, increased heart rate, and slight nausea. (Aerionics Inc. photo)

Carbon Dioxide Detection and Indoor Air Quality Control

Carbon dioxide gas detectors can utilize an automated background calibration program to set the clean air level on a regular basis.



AIHA Announces 2016 Board Election Results

New members will be inducted at the Annual Business Meeting at the 2016 AIHce conference and expo in Baltimore.

OSHA Releases Silica Rule

OSHA has said the proposed rule "would bring protections into the 21st century" because it currently enforces 40-year-old permissible exposure limits for crystalline silica in general industry, construction, and shipyards.

AIHA Honors Two Yant Award Recipients for the First Time

The awardees will be honored at the 2016 AIHce conference.

Florida Walmart Violates Corporate-Wide Safety Agreement: OSHA

OSHA says the global retailer failed to protect employees from serious hazards. Proposed penalties total $118,800.

3M PSD Scholarship Application Deadline Extended to March 11

The company has announced a one-week extension for its 30th annual sponsorship program, which provides three $5,000 scholarships and attendance at this year’s AIHce conference.

The best and brightest 2016 shows include NFMT 2016, AIHce 2016, ASSE

Looking Ahead to AIHce, Safety 2016, VPPPA, and More

The best and brightest 2016 shows include NFMT 2016, which takes place in March 2016 in Baltimore, followed by AIHce 2016, ASSE's Safety 2016, NFPA's Conference & Expo VPPPA's national conference, WEFTEC 2016, and the 2016 National Safety Congress & Expo.

Depending on the quantity and nature of the hazmat spill, there are a number of reporting and notification requirements that must be enacted in a limited amount of time.

Controlling the Situation: Actionable Steps to Help Mitigate Hazmat Incidents

Accidents happen, but taking proactive steps ahead of an accident ensures your facility is prepared and reduces the chances of a larger incident from occurring.

Chief Engineer of NASA Mars Rover Project to Keynote AIHce 2016

Adam Steltzner is the team leader and chief engineer of the NASA Mars Science Laboratory Curiosity Rover Project entry, descent, and landing phase.

AZ State Lab Sharing Biosafety Outreach Guidance

The Association of Public Health Laboratories asked the Arizona State Public Health Laboratory to present its biosafety outreach program in a national webinar, which will take place next month.

Wholesale adoption of GHS hazard classsification principles will disrupt chemical hazard assessment programs and heighten problems manufacturers and importers will face.

Transform Tox Testing Challenge Under Way

The National Toxicology Program and partner agencies are behind the challenge, which will award $500,000 for ideas that help innovate current toxicity testing methods.

NIOSH Study Shows Scope of Illness Tied to Two Common Herbicides

Although most of the illnesses related to paraquat and diquat were low to moderately severe—health effects commonly included skin, eye, or neurological symptoms—these two herbicides make up 85 percent of herbicide-related deaths in the United States.

The bags make air grab sampling easy and efficient. (Nextteq photo)

Whole Air Sampling: No Pump, No Problem

Traditional grab sampling methods require supplementary devices such as electric pumps, batteries, charging devices, calibrators, tubing, connectors, and auxiliary equipment.

Product Showcase

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    SlateSafety BAND V2

    SlateSafety's BAND V2 is the most rugged, easy-to-use connected safety wearable to help keep your workforce safe and help prevent heat stress. Worn on the upper arm, this smart PPE device works in tandem with the SlateSafety V2 system and the optional BEACON V2 environmental monitor. It includes comprehensive, enterprise-grade software that provides configurable alert thresholds, real-time alerts, data, and insights into your safety program's performance all while ensuring your data is secure and protected. Try it free for 30 days. 3

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    Stay connected to your sampling with the SKC AirChek® Connect Sampling Pump! With its Bluetooth connection to PC and mobile devices, you can monitor AirChek Connect pump operation without disrupting workflow. SKC designed AirChek Connect specifically for all OEHS professionals to ensure accurate, reliable flows from 5 to 5000 ml/min and extreme ease of use. AirChek Connect offers easy touch screen operation and flexibility. It is quality built to serve you and the workers you protect. Ask about special pricing and a demo at AIHA Connect Booth 1003. 3

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