Industrial Hygiene


Contractor Faces $50K in Fines for Lack of Asbestos Safeguards

The company allegedly did not monitor to determine asbestos exposure levels, use wet methods to clean up debris, or provide HEPA vacuum cleaners to collect debris and dust, among other serious violations.

This Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics photo shows a chemical protective garment from its ONESuit line.

Standards, Fall Meeting Keep ISEA Busy

A revised eyewash and showers standard is available. Comments on a chemical apparel standard are due by Nov. 9, the opening day of the association's Fall Meeting.

Sponge Blob

It has been seven and a half years since the University of Arizona indelibly changed much of corporate America's lunch habits by releasing its landmark revelation that the average office desk harbors 400 times more disease-causing microorganisms than the average toilet seat. Even prior to that skin-crawling announcement, though, Meinrad Flury, CEO of the Switzerland-based Joker AG, was busy in his laboratory trying to perfect a substance that could clean and disinfect such tricky-todegrime equipment as computer keyboards, mice, and other components, which, as it turns out, are bacterial hotbeds all.

Sustaining Acceptable Indoor Environmental Quality

I'm fortunate to practice industrial hygiene for an employer with millions of square feet of space, the most aggressive modernization plan in decades, and a talented group of leaders, facility managers, engineers, technicians, and ES&H professionals.

Research Update: Roots of Hospital Workers' Asthma Examined

"Work-related respiratory symptoms in hospital workers may be associated with diverse biological contaminants," the researchres concluded.

This DualDraw, LLC photo shows a worker using the TB3048 downdraft booth with vented back.

Control of Airborne Particles

The responsibility of today's maintenance and engineering managers to maintain a clean indoor air environment has increased markedly in recent decades.

Research Update: Self-Reported HPD Use Varies

The researchers looked at a construction site, an industrial facility with a variable noise environment, and an industrial facility with a steady noise environment for one workday and for a two-week period.

A+A 2009 will take place amid the lovely scenery of Dusseldorf, including its harbor.

Are You Taking in 2009's Biggest Safety Shows?

Between the National Safety Congress and A+A, taking place amid Dusseldorf's lovely scenery, the world's PPE providers and safety professionals will have plenty to chew on before the holidays.



OSHA Pours Praise on Water Treatment Equipment Plant

The St. Peters, Mo.-based facility became the latest VPP star site, OSHA's highest recognition for meeting or exceeding workplace safety and health standards.

GHS pictogram used for carcinogens, respiratory sensitizers, and germ cell mutagens.

OSHA Finally Brings GHS to America

The Globally Harmonized System was developed to provide a single, consistent system to classify chemicals, labels, and safety data sheets for workers, employers, and chemical users. Under GHS, labels would include signal words, hazard and precautionary statements, and pictograms such as the one shown, used for carcinogens, respiratory sensitizers, and germ cell mutagens.

Trucking Firm to Pay $42K for Spill Violation, Another $22,500 for Training

According to EPA, one the company's drivers failed to provide immediate notification to authorities following a 920-pound release of anhydrous ammonia while making a delivery to a farm.

Q&A: Understanding the Flu Vaccine

The Mount Sinai Medical Center recently released a Q&A with Infection Control Ocfficer David Pr. Calfee, M.D., concerning flu vaccination.

Unguarded Conveyor Injures Carwash Worker

"You might not think of a carwash as a particularly dangerous workplace, but hazards can be present in any workplace if the proper safeguards are not provided and maintained," said Robert Kowalski, OSHA's area director in Bridgeport, Conn.

Scientists Study Nanoparticle-Based Battlefield Pain Treatment

University of Michigan scientists have developed a combination drug that promises a safer, more precise way for medics and fellow soldiers in battle to give a fallen soldier both morphine and a drug that limits morphine’s dangerous side effects.

OSHA Teams with LSU to Promote Oil & Gas Industry Safety

Under an agreement signed last week, OSHA and LSU Continuing Education will work together to deliver workplace safety and health courses, specifically focusing on related hazard awareness and the recognition and benefits of an effective safety and health management system.

Bosch Boilers Recalled for Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Hazard

This recall affects Buderus gas-fired, floor-standing boilers sold by plumbing and heating wholesale distributors to plumbing and heating contractors nationwide from April 2008 through February 2009 for between $12,000 and $24,000 installed.

Safe Work Australia Chairman Tom Phillips

Australia Passes Milestone for National Safety Laws

The nation's OSH regulatory agency will become operational in November 2009, and it will deliver the laws by December 2011, Chairman Tom Phillips promised.

the logo of the NNI nanoEHS series

Open Forums to Update nanoEHS Progress

The Oct. 6-7 and Nov. 17-18 events in Arlington, Va., are part of the National Nanotechnology Initiative's nanoEHS series.

Metal Hose Plant Cited for Noise, 43 Other Violations

The site's lack of eyewash or shower stations near where employees were exposed to corrosive materials were among the 10 serious health violations for which OSHA cited the Georgia company.

The 2nd Annual Ohio Mine Safety Competition is Oct. 1.

Public Invited to Mine Safety Competition in Ohio

Nine Ohio mine rescue teams will be assigned the same emergency problem and will be evaluated by state and federal mine inspectors on their procedures and speed. Two courses will run simultaneously and teams will be sequestered until it is their turn to compete.

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