Respiratory


MSHA Seeks Input on Retrospective Study of Respirable Coal Mine Dust Rule

MSHA aims to solicit comments, data, and information from stakeholders to assist in developing the framework for a study to assess the dust rule’s health effects.

Cal/OSHA Issues Worker Safety Advisory for Wildfire Regions

Wildfire smoke contains chemicals, gases, and fine particles that can be harmful to health.

Report Finds More Protections Needed to Address Black Lung

Report Finds More Protections Needed to Address Black Lung

The Coal Mining industry needs go to beyond current regulations in order to combat the increase in cases of black lung disease, according to a new report released Thursday by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.

The proposed PEL of 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air as an eight-hour time weighted average is half of the current PEL for quartz, the most common form of crystalline silica, in general industry and far below the now-obsolete PELs for crystalline silica applied to construction and shipyards.

Respirable Crystalline Silica: Regulations and Considerations

OSHA requires that engineering controls be used to achieve necessary exposure reductions unless infeasible; organizations may not simply issue respirators and "be done with" their attempts to lower exposures.

Managing an OSHA-compliant respiratory program today means understanding the risk of toxic substances and environments that are not only more prevalent for many workers, but very dangerous should they not be adequately protected. (Grainger photo)

Seven Respiratory Hazards Every Safety Manager Should Understand

Different equipment protects against different risks. Ensure your equipment matches the risk.

NIOSH Publishes Final Research Agenda for Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing

The agenda document says during 2011-14, seafood processing workers experienced the highest injury/illness rate among all maritime workers: 6,286 injuries and illnesses per 100,000 workers, according to 2016 BLS data.

Silica Standard Enforcement Begins with Compliance Assistance

Most provisions of the standard become enforceable on June 23. OSHA announced it intends to issue interim enforcement guidance until a compliance directive on the new standard is finalized.

EPA Publishes TSCA Formulation Documents, Asbestos Rule

"These actions provide the American people with transparency and an opportunity to comment on how EPA plans to evaluate the ten chemicals undergoing risk evaluation, select studies, and use the best available science to ensure chemicals in the marketplace are safe," EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt said. "At the same time, we are moving forward to take important, unprecedented action on asbestos."



NIOSH Studying Condition of Stockpiled Respirators, Surgical Gowns

Federal, state, city, and medical partners of NIOSH are awaiting its findings about the stockpiled PPE. Researchers are in the second year of a three-year project.

NIOSH and FDA Collaborate to Streamline Regulatory Oversight for N95 Respirators

NIOSH and FDA Collaborate to Streamline Regulatory Oversight for N95 Respirators

Subject to conditions and limitations, some N95s will be exempt from FDA premarket notification requirements, meaning that N95 manufacturers will be able to submit a single application to NIOSH rather than submitting paperwork for clearance and approval from both agencies.

NIOSH Extends Comment Period on Draft Agenda for Respiratory Health

Comments may be submitted, identified by CDC-2018-0024 and Docket Number NIOSH-302, either via www.regulations.gov or by mail.

Washington State Construction Safety Day Set for May 11

During the Puyallup event, which will run from 7 a.m. to 3:45 p.m., speakers will cover topics including fall protection, trenching, biohazards, lockout/tagout, and silica exposure prevention.

OSHA Changing General Industry Beryllium Rule

A direct final rule clarifies the definitions of Beryllium Work Area, emergency, dermal contact, and beryllium contamination, and it clarifies provisions for disposal and recycling and provisions that OSHA intends to apply only where skin can be exposed to materials containing at least 0.1 percent beryllium by weight.

Dust collection systems include a shroud that surrounds the drill bit and connects to a hose leading to a dust canister, where collected dust is stored. (E-Z Drill photo)

Don't Get Left in the Dust

Here's how to easily and successfully meet OSHA standards with your concrete drill.

IOSH Survey Finds More Education Needed on Asbestos Exposure Risks

IOSH Survey Finds More Education Needed on Asbestos Exposure Risks

"We are calling on everyone, including employers, to do the right thing; to protect the people who work for them," IOSH President Craig Foyle said. "IOSH has an array of resources designed to assist employers put measures in place which protect their workforce."

European Commission Setting New PELs for Five Carcinogens

According to the commission, the new limits would improve working conditions for more than 1 million EU workers and prevent more than 22,000 cases of work-related illness, including cancers.

MSHA Has Reopened Diesel Exhaust RFI for Comments

MSHA sought information and data on the effectiveness of its current standards and policy guidance on controlling miners' exposure to diesel exhaust -- standards that date to 2001, when an MSHA final rule established new health standards for underground metal and nonmetal mines that use equipment powered by diesel engines.

New NIOSH Documents Out on Nanotechnology Workplace Design

Four new documents offers tips on the design and use of exposure controls for nanomaterial production, post processing, and use. They are posters that pose questions employers and workers should consider before starting work with a nanomaterial and list options to reduce exposures to nanomaterials based on the physical form.

EU-OSHA Partners Preparing for Dangerous Substances Campaign

The campaign will address dangerous substances that can cause chronic or acute illness, such as respiratory diseases, cancer, mesothelioma, poisoning, skin diseases, reproductive problems and birth defects, and allergies.

WorkSafeBC Ammonia Inspection Initiative Now in Second Phase

Phase one focused on ice rinks and recreational facilities. Of the 223 sites inspected, 181 were using ammonia refrigeration systems. Inspecting officers issued 1,134 orders, three compliance agreements were created, and one stop use order was issued.

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