PPE


Coking Plant Cited for Respiratory, Industrial Hygiene, PPE Violations

Specifically, the facility failed to adequately train workers on respirator selection, use, storage, and maintenance; did not supply positive-pressure filtered air to all work cabs; did not label containers of coke-contaminated clothing; allowed food and beverages to be consumed in an area with visible accumulations of coke-oven emissions; and more, according to investigators.

Studies as recently as 2009, including by CDC, found weaknesses in respiratory, hand hygiene, PPE, staff training, and written procedure guidelines.

OSHA Seeks Data on Health Care Infectious Agents

Requesting comments by Aug. 4, the agency noted, "The lack of adherence to voluntary infection control procedures is of particular interest to OSHA."

Buyout of Sperian Protection on Track

The company on Wednesday said work continues on filing a voluntary public tender offer by Menelas France SA, with agreement by Sperian's banks "close to being obtained."

OSHA Seeks Input for Proposed 'I2P2' Rule

The agency is hosting three meetings next month -- one on June 3 in East Brunswick, N.J., another on June 10 in Dallas, and the final on June 29 in Washington, D.C. -- to gather comments. Registration will remain open until the meetings are full.

OSHA Blasts Chicago Sandblasting Firm for Inadequate PPE, Lead Exposure, More

This contractor has been inspected by OSHA 25 times since 1991 and has been issued numerous willful, serious, and repeat violations, including many lead violations, the agency said.

Metalworking fluids can cause respiratory problems including occupational asthma from aerosol exposure and dermatitis from skin absorption.

Dermatitis Reference Being Added to Metalworking Standard

A revision of ASTM E2148-06, Standard Guide for Using Documents Related to Metalworking or Metal Removal Fluid Health and Safety, will add a reference to the new E2693-09, Standard Practice for Prevention of Dermatitis in the Wet Metal Removal Fluid Environment.

Failing to develop procedures and provide training for locking out machine power sources to prevent unexpected startup brought a serious citation in the case.

Postal Service Hit with $558,000 Fine

OSHA announced Friday that the U.S. Postal Service received eight willful citations after inspectors found four untrained or unqualified workers performing tests on live electrical equipment.

This photo of the famed Chicago skyline comes from the tourism office of the city.

Act Now to Present at ASSE's Centennial Conference

July 16, 2010, is the deadline for proposals from potential speakers eager to be on the program of the June 12-15, 2011, meeting, which will be in the perfect location: downtown Chicago.



Cal/OSHA shut down 16 work sites in 2009 for imminent heat hazards, and the agency issued nearly $2 million in fines and 1,158 citations for alleged violations of its Heat Illness Prevention Standard.

Heat Season Starts Now

Outdoor workers should be protected against excessive heat exposure, and particularly if they are wearing protective apparel.

Arc Flash and Molten Metal — the Hidden Hazard

Since the inception of the NFPA 70E 2000 Edition 10 years ago, there has been a major evolution in our understanding of the electric arc flash hazard.

This F17 laser safety eyewear from Laservision, a St. Paul, Minn., company, can be fitted with several types of filters or prescription lenses.

New Non-Ionizing Radiation Duties for UK Employers

The Control of Artificial Optical Radiation at Work Regulations took effect April 27 and make employers responsible for analyzing visible light hazards, such as from lasers, and protecting and training workers exposed to them.

FEMA Accepting 2010 FIRE Act Grant Applications

The application period will close May 28. The grants help fire departments and nonaffiliated EMS units with staffing, training, and equipment.

Fall Violations Included in Two Enforcement Cases

Combined penalties proposed in citations against Birdair Inc. and National Wrecking Co. in Chicago total $105,000.

OSHA gave an October 2010 date to complete analyzing comments submitted in 2008 about a proposed confined spaces rule for the construction industry.

Construction Confined Spaces Rule Still in Proposed Stage

The latest semiannual regulatory agenda does not advance the rulemaking except to give an October 2010 date to complete analyzing comments submitted in 2008. EPA's agenda says NPRMs will be issued in July 2011 to enhance pesticide protection for applicators and agricultural workers.

Irish OSH Agency Offers Useful Slip Guidance

"Get a grip: Stop slips & trips" includes a comprehensive checklist and advises users to remember the acronym SHOES for Spills, High-risk areas, Over-used signs, Environmental cleanliness, and Shoes.

Company to Offer Free Safety Screenings, DVD During 'Better Hearing Month' in May

Failing to hear smoke detectors and take quick action is the major reason adults 65 or older are more than twice as likely as any other age group to die in a home fire.

Woodworker's Partial Hand Amputation Opens Door to 26 Citations

"Our inspection found that the blades on this and other saws lacked the guarding designed to prevent just this type of accident," said Diana Cortez, OSHA's area director in Tarrytown, N.Y.

Flammable Vapors Lead to Fatality, $127K Fine

Cited violations against the company include failing to provide safe work practice procedures for hot work in a confined space, failing to prevent cutting operations in the presence of explosive atmospheres, and the lack of procedures for summoning resuce and emergency services.

Agricultural Health Study Rolls On

The first 15 years of investigations involving 89,000 individuals in Iowa and North Carolina were completed last year.

The DC Circuit decision upholds per-instance OSHA citation of an employer in willful or egregious cases.

DC Circuit Upholds Per-Instance Penalties

Friday's decision by a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit says the U.S. Labor secretary has the authority to penalize employers on a per-instance basis in willful or egregious cases.

Product Showcase

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  • The MGC Simple Plus

    The MGC Simple Plus is a simple-to-use, portable multi gas detector that runs continuously for three years without being recharged or routinely calibrated after its initial charge and calibration during manufacturing. The detector reliably tests a worksite’s atmosphere for hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide, oxygen and combustible gases (LEL). Its durability enables the detector to withstand the harshest treatment and environments, hence earning it an IP 68 rating. The MGC Simple Plus is also compatible with a variety of accessories, such as the GCT External Pump. Visit gascliptech.com for more information. Read More

  • Kestrel 5400 Heat Stress Tracker WBGT Monitoring for Workplace Safety

    Ensure safety with the Kestrel® 5400 Heat Stress Tracker, the go-to choice for safety professionals and endorsed by the Heat Safety & Performance Coalition. This robust, waterless WBGT meter is ideal for both indoor and outdoor environments, offering advanced monitoring and data logging essential for OSHA compliance. It features pre-programmed ACGIH guidelines and alert settings to quickly signal critical conditions. Integrated with the cloud-based Ambient Weather Network, the 5400 allows managers to view, track, and log job site conditions remotely, ensuring constant awareness of potential hazards. Its capability for real-time mobile alerts and remote data access promotes proactive safety management and workplace protection, solidifying its role as a crucial tool in industrial hygiene. Read More

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