Facility Safety


Tennessee Employers Urged to Be Fire Smart

TOSHA's safety tips for National Fire Prevention Month include controlling combustible dust, ensuring exits are available and workers are informed about hazards, and keeping heat producing equipment clean and maintained.

NY Masonry Contractor to Contest Willful Fall, Impalement Charges

"There is no way to understate the danger of fall hazards, which are the number one killer in construction work," said Diana Cortez, OSHA's area director in Tarrytown, N.Y.

Economic Crisis, Job Losses Frightening U.S. Workers

And their anxiety is rising. The International Labour Organization says as many as 20 million workers worldwide may lose their jobs because of the downturn.

A poster for Drug Free Work Week that reads, "Working Drug-Free Works."

Drug-Free Work Week Starts Today

Held every October, the public awareness campaign highlights the importance of working drug free to prevent accidents, improve productivity, and reduce costs while also encouraging people with alcohol and drug problems to seek help.

total release fogger

'Bug Bombs' Report: 466 Cases in Eight States, 2001-06

Authors of a study in MMWR conclude total release foggers are a risk for acute, usually temporary health effects among users and bystanders, and the risks should be better communicated on labels and in public media campaigns.

Chlorine Co. Pays $2,225 for Chemical Inventory, Emergency Op Violations

"We will take action against any company that fails to follow these laws that protect emergency responders and the public in the event of an accidental release," said Daniel Meer, EPA's assistant Superfund director for the Pacific Southwest region.

U.S. Forest Service Cited for 144 Safety Violations in Idaho

Fall hazards, improper storage of compressed gas cylinders, restricted exit access, lack of machine guarding, inadequate fire extinguisher maintenance, and electrical hazards were among the unsafe working conditions OSHA found at Salmon-Challis National Forest.

Report Details 90 Percent Injury Rate Reduction at Texas Dow Facility

"This case study effectively demonstrates how safety and health management systems can be successful if organizations take proactive steps to implement and encourage their use," said OSHA chief Edwin G. Foulke Jr.



NRC Updates Policy on Advanced Nuclear Power Plant Design

The policy provides expectations and guidance on safety, security and preparedness-related issues so designers can address them early in the development of advanced reactors.

Open compact fluorescent light bulb

UV Warning for Compact Fluorescent Lights

British authorities say people shouldn't be exposed for more than an hour within 1 foot of a bare "open" (single envelope) compact fluorescent light bulb of the type shown here. They're asking for this concern to be addressed in EU standards.

image of chemical drums

Reminder: Window to Pre-Register Chemicals under REACH is Closing

Chemical manufacturers that fail to meet the Dec. 1, 2008, deadline cannot continue manufacturing or importing their chemicals until they have submitted a full registration and paid the registration fee. As of Oct. 1, almost 40,000 chemicals were already pre-registered through the initiative.

Trelleborg Sealing Solutions Becomes a VPP Merit Site

The company, which manufactures sealing and bearing systems for the automotive and aerospace industries, was acknowledged for achievement in its employee safety and health program.

Effikal Recalls Gas Vent Dampers Due to Carbon Monoxide Hazard

Effikal LLC, of Orion, Mich., in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, has announced a voluntary recall of its Automatic Gas Vent Dampers.

EPA Orders Metalast to Revamp How Company Pretreats Wastewater

The EPA determined the facility is subject to federal pretreatment standards under the Clean Water Act

image of heavy truck, idling

'Bailout' Plan Includes Heavy Truck Tax Break for Idle-Reduction Devices

However, for idling reduction devices to qualify for the tax break, they must be determined by EPA in consultation with the Department of Energy and DOT to reduce idling of such vehicles at a motor vehicle rest stop or other location where such vehicles are temporarily parked or remain stationary.

ASHRAE Publishes IAQ Guidelines for Low-Rise Buildings

The new publication "is an essential resource for designers, builders, and others looking for reliable information on topics not covered in [ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 62.2-2007] or seeking to go beyond minimum for high performance construction," said committee chair Steven Emmerich.

Image of someone getting a flu vaccination

APIC Supports Required Annual Flu Immunization for Health Care Workers

In response to the low rates of influenza immunization among health care personnel, the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) has announced its support for requiring flu immunization for health care workers who have direct patient contact as well as ancillary staff.

IFMA, ASHRAE to Sign MOU Promoting Energy-Efficient Buildings

"In the new era of triple bottom line accountability on financial, social, and environmental contributions, the need for energy vigilance and conservation is greater than ever," said IFMA President and CEO David J. Brady.

CSB Releases 'Half an Hour to Tragedy' Safety Video

The U.S. Chemical Safety Board has released a new 23-minute safety video, titled "Half an Hour to Tragedy," based on the deadly propane gas explosion at the Little General convenience store in Ghent, W.Va., in January 2007.

An image of JFK airport.

$89 Million Commitment, New Rules to Improve NYC Airport Service

The Bush Administration is committing almost $90 million over the next eight years to expand capacity at John F. Kennedy International Airport, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Mary E. Peters announced yesterday. She also unveiled new rules designed to lower fares, increase consumer choices, and improve service for air travelers using JFK, Newark, and LaGuardia airports.

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