Hazard Communication


OSHA Moves to Revise Fit Test Procedures, Seeks Comments

The proposed revisions would allow certain machine-based fit tests to be conducted more quickly and increase the required score for passing them.

Sweden Bans Remaining Uses of Mercury

The decision also means the country will require mercury waste generators to place the waste not on Swedish soil, but in deep repositories in other EU countries.

Oberon to Offer NFPA 70E Webinars

The sessions will cover the standard's four major principles, simplifying the industry jargon to explain when the standard is needed, who needs to comply with it, and why.

CPSC Announces Changes to Home Heating Vent Pipes Recall

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and various home heating furnace, boiler, and high-temperature plastic vent (HTPV) manufacturers are urging home owners who have not yet responded to the previously-announced 1998 recall, to do so immediately. After May 1, 2009, the remedy consumers receive under the existing program, which has been operating continuously for almost 11 years, will change.

FDA Issues Public Health Advisory Alert on Skin Numbing Products

The Food and Drug Administration recently issued a Public Health Advisory to alert consumers, patients, health care professionals, and caregivers about potentially serious and life-threatening side effects from the improper use of skin numbing products. The products, also known as topical anesthetics, are available in over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription forms.

the scales of justice

OSHA Letter May Be Big Help to Respirator Manufacturers

Acting OSHA chief Thomas Stohler is the signer of the Jan. 9 letter, which ISEA requested on May 19, 2008. The letter's impact in courts isn't certain, but there are hundreds of thousands of pending claims, according to ISEA.

Surgical Safety Checklist Drops Deaths, Complications

An international pilot study involving the Toronto General Hospital (TGH), a teaching hospital affiliated with the University of Toronto, and other hospitals from around the world, has found that using a Surgical Patient Safety Checklist significantly reduces surgical complications and mortality.

FDA Issues Guidance on Regulating Genetically Engineered Animals

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently issued a final guidance for industry on the regulation of genetically engineered animals under the new animal drug provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.



AIHA Hosts Toxicology TeleWeb

The American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) will host "Toxicology of Engineered and Incidental Nanoparticles," an intermediate TeleWeb Virtual Seminar on Jan. 27, 2009, from 2-4:30 p.m. ET.

Someone removing ice from a sidewalk

Season's Big Chills Make Slip Prevention a Must

Preventing slips, trips, and falls is paramount in many parts of the United States during January, February, and March, according to Zurich Risk Engineering.

Huntsman Celebrates Record Safety Year

The chemical company said 2008 was the best year in its history for safety, with $83 million spent on EHS programs and an additional $57 million going to capital improvements related to EHS.

Diacetyl Regs on Occupational Exposure Reach Pre-Rule Stage

OMB has 90 days to review and approve OSHA's proposal before publication in the Federal Register.

Inauguration Transportation Plan Calls for Road Closures, Restricted Zones

Public transportation to all inaugural events is encouraged as many streets in and around the Capitol and the Mall area and bridges into/out of the city will be closed to private automobiles for much of the day. Metrorail will operate rush-hour service for 17 consecutive hours on Jan. 20, from 4 a.m. to 9 p.m., and will operate on a non-rush hour schedule for two extra hours until 2 a.m.

International Safety Equipment Association President Daniel K. Shipp

ISEA Hopes for Consensus on New OSH Approach

The time is right for all parties -- including the National Association of Manufacturers and the U.S. Chamber -- to adopt a new approach, ISEA President Daniel K. Shipp said Wednesday.

OSHA: Deviance from Disassembly Plan Led to Crane Crushing Fatality

Changes in the dismantling process exposed employees to crushing and struck-by hazards due to inadequate planning, failure to control movement, and failure to ensure the structural stability of the leg during its removal, the agency found.

OSHA Issues 35 Citations to Mass. Concrete Products Manufacturer

OSHA has cited Flagg-Palmer Precast Inc. for 35 alleged repeat, serious, and other-than-serious violations of workplace health and safety standards at its Oxford, Mass., manufacturing plant. The concrete products manufacturer faces a total of $76,900 in proposed fines following an OSHA inspection prompted by employee complaints.

Nanomaterials Reporting Program Just Scratches Surface of Industry Use

The voluntary submissions EPA has received contain scant EH&S data, and much of the information they do contain is kept secret from the public because the companies submitting the data claim it is confidential business information.

OSHA Cites Arms Plant for Lead Exposure, Firing Range Hazards

OSHA has proposed $115,500 in fines against Kahr Arms of Worcester, Mass., for alleged willful and serious violations of workplace health and safety standards at its Goddard Memorial Drive manufacturing plant and testing facility.

Federal Agencies Issue Importer Practices Draft Guidance

A draft guidance was issued recently that is designed to provide guidance to importers on steps they can take to help ensure imported products are in compliance with applicable U.S. statutes and regulations. Titled "Good Importer Practices," the document was created through the combined efforts of the Departments of Health and Human Services, Agriculture, Commerce, Homeland Security, and Transportation; the Consumer Product Safety Commission; the Environmental Protection Agency; and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative.

Study Connects Worker Lead Exposure to Later Cognitive Problems

Both the developing brain and the aging brain can suffer from lead exposure, according to a report that appears in the January issue of Neuropsychology, titled "Association of Cumulative Lead and Neurocognitive Function in An Occupational Cohort" and published by the American Psychological Association. For older people, a buildup of lead from earlier exposure may be enough to result in greater cognitive problems after age 55, according to a follow-up study of adults exposed to lead at work.

Featured

Artificial Intelligence