International Safety


New ANSI Standard for Rotodynamic Pumps Available

The pumps covered by this standard, which includes types, nomenclature, and definitions, are typically driven by vertical electric motors or horizontal engines with right angle gears.

New Studies Show Rates, Risk Factors of Patient Awareness during Anesthesia

How many patients experience unwanted awareness during general anesthesia for surgery? The true rate is low but difficult to determine, while certain factors seem to increase the risk, according to a pair of studies in the February issue of Anesthesia & Analgesia, official journal of the International Anesthesia Research Society (IARS).

FDA, International SAE Consortium Release Genetic Data on Adverse Drug Events

The first data offering health care professionals a better look into the genetic basis of certain types of adverse drug events was released recently by the Food and Drug Administration and the International Serious Adverse Event Consortium (SAEC). The data are focused on the genetics associated with drug-induced serious skin rashes, such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis, and helps better predict an individual's risk of developing these reactions.

Rexel's Net Income Up 61 Percent in 2008

The company's CEO said the rapid integration of Hagemeyer's European operations "reinforces Rexel's global leadership, accelerates its penetration with key accounts, and improves its operational performance."

Study Finds Cognitive Tests May Predict Driving Safety in Alzheimer Sufferers

Doctors may be able to use certain cognitive tests to help determine whether a person with Alzheimer's disease can safely get behind the wheel. The research is published in the Feb. 10, 2009, print issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

NIOSH Extends Comment Period on Hexavalent Chromium Document

The document provides a review of the available literature and an update of the agency's policies on occupational exposure to the compounds, including an assessment of relevant quantitative risk assessments about exposure to them and appropriate methods for sampling and analysis of the compounds in the workplace.

AIHA Hosts Mold TeleWeb

The American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) will host "Mold: Exploring Sampling, Analysis, and Data Interpretation," an intermediate to advanced TeleWeb Virtual Seminar on Feb. 19, 2009, from 2-4:30 p.m. ET.

New Lead Limits Start Today, CPSC Spells Out Enforcement Policy

Starting today, consumer products intended for children 12 and under cannot have more than 600 parts per million of lead in any accessible part. This new safety requirement is a key component of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) aimed at further reducing children's exposure to lead.



a yellow sign warning of slippery conditions

HSE Starts Phase Two of 'Shattered Lives'

The British campaign to reduce slip-and-fall injuries is focused on seven sectors where they are common: food retail, catering and hospitality, food and drink manufacturing, building and plant maintenance, construction, health care, and education.

Pediatric Neurosurgeon, Bioethicist to give APIC Conference Keynote Address

Benjamin S. Carson, Sr., MD, author, director of pediatric neurosurgery, and professor of neurosurgery, oncology, plastic surgery, and pediatrics at the Johns Hopkins Medical Institutes, will deliver the keynote address at the 36th Annual Educational Conference and International Meeting of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC), on Monday, June 8 at 9:15 a.m. in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The meeting, which runs from June 7-11, is the largest annual gathering of infection preventionists from around the world.

California Safety Group Announces 21st Annual Cal/OSHA Update Seminar

The California Safety Services Group recently announced its 21st Annual Cal/OSHA Update Seminar Series will commence April 1, 2009. Cal/OSHA Representatives as well as recognized health and safety professionals will review and update significant Cal/OSHA regulation and policy changes, which occurred in 2008 as well as significant rulings of the Cal/OSHA Appeals Board.

DOL Gives CANEL Workers Special Exposure Cohort Designation

The Department of Labor has announced that all former Connecticut Aircraft Nuclear Engine Laboratory (CANEL) workers have now been added to the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act's (EEOICPA) Special Exposure Cohort (SEC). EEOICPA provides compensation and medical benefits to employees who became ill as a result of working in the nuclear weapons industry. Survivors of qualified employees may also be entitled to benefits.

USFA, NVFC Release Volunteer Fire, Emergency Services Guide

The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), working with the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC), has issued a revised Health and Wellness Guide for the Volunteer Fire and Emergency Services.

DOL Pays $100 Million in Benefits to Florida Residents

The Department of Labor recently announced that it has paid more than $100 million in compensation and medical benefits to Florida residents under the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act (EEOICPA).

HHS, FDA, CDC Pool Peanut Butter Recall Resources into Social Media Site

The Department of Health and Human Services, Food and Drug Administration, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have joined their efforts to provide important information about the recall of certain peanut butter and peanut-containing products that are associated with the recent Salmonella Typhimurium outbreaks through a new social media Web page at www.cdc.gov/socialmedia.

CDC Publishes Inaugural Emergency Response Report

CDC's Coordinating Office for Terrorism Preparedness and Emergency Response (COTPER) has released its inaugural report on CDC activities in public health emergency preparedness, titled Public Health Preparedness: Strengthening CDC's Emergency Response.

ASSE Kuwait Chapter Seeks Middle East SH&E Excellence Nominees

Companies will be evaluated on their ability to demonstrate that their SH&E management system led to proven success in their SH&E practices and enhanced productivity.

MDNA Puts Trade Show Updates Online

A blog and information available on Twitter and Flickr may help safety professionals and others who can't take business trips right now.

AIHA Obtains IACET Authorized Provider Approval

The American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) recently announced that it has been approved as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) through May 31, 2011.

AHA Recommends Caution When Obtaining Cardiac Imaging Exams

At the radiation dose levels used in cardiac imaging exams, such as cardiac CT or nuclear medicine scans, the risk of potentially harmful effects from ionizing radiation are low; however, since the exact level of risk is not known, people without symptoms of heart disease should think twice about seeking, or agreeing to, these types of cardiac studies. This is the conclusion of an advisory committee convened by the American Heart Association's Council on Clinical Cardiology and Council on Cardiovascular Radiology and Intervention. A Mayo Clinic cardiologist led the committee.

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