Hazard Communication


USFA Releases New Technical Report

The United States Fire Administration (USFA) has released a new technical report titled "Chemical Fire in Apex, North Carolina." This report examines the response of the Apex Fire Department, the value of pre-planning efforts, and the impact of a well coordinated response in the worst of conditions.

NIOSH to Seek Input on Hexavalent Chromium Draft Guidance Document

A public meeting focusing on the draft document's thoroughness and scientific and technical soundness is slated for Jan. 22, 2009 in Cincinnati. Written comments are being accepted from Oct. 15, 2008, through Jan. 31, 2009.

EPA Issues Final Yucca Mountain Radiation Standards

In addition to limiting the radioactive waste dose limit to 15 millirem per year for the first 10,000 years after disposal, the final standard will require the Department of Energy to consider the effects of climate change, earthquakes, volcanoes, and corrosion of the waste packages to safely contain the waste during a 1 million-year period.

CDC Starts Get Smart About Antibiotics Week

The weeklong campaign uses podcasts, ads, brochures, and other communications tools to spread the word about the importance of proper use of antibiotics.

Viessmann U.S. Recalls Boilers Due to Fire Hazard

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Viessmann Manufacturing Co. Inc., of Canada, have announced a voluntary recall of the Vitodens 200 boilers due to fire hazards.

Fire Prevention Week

USFA Kicks Off National Fire Prevention Week Today

The annual commemoration of National Fire Prevention Week begins today with the theme "Prevent Home Fires."

Merit Energy and Shell to lower emissions after clean air violations

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced Thursday that it has reached an agreement with Merit Energy Co. LLC and Shell Exploration & Production Co. that resolves federal allegations that the companies continued to operate a facility in Michigan after Shell had made improper modifications to the plant.

Image of someone getting a flu vaccination

Harvard Journal Stresses Importance of Flu Prevention, Treatment

According to the report, in a typical year about 36,000 die from influenza infection.



International Paper Plant Renews MIOSHA Star

The Sturgis Converting & Distribution Center, considered a high-hazard site, achieved a 0.0 total case incidence rate in 2005 and 2007, the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration said.

EPA Fines 99 Cent Stores for Pesticide Violations

Store sold and distributed unregistered and misbranded products.

FDA Awards $2.5 Billion to Modernize Information Technology

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently announced the selection of ten contractors to receive up to a total of $2.5 billion for information technology (IT) and data center management services over the next ten years.

2008 Mold Update: Manage Your Risks

Now that American industry seems to have focused all of its energies on the newest hot topic—going “green”—many issues that formerly seemed to grab so much attention, such as the health effects of mold, have faded into the background. The fact is that mold continues to be a problem in the residential, commercial, and industrial markets, and it must be dealt with on an ongoing basis. This article takes a look at the state of mold remediation and what’s new in the area.

EU Project Trying to Lower Adolescent Injury Deaths

20,000 Europeans ages 15-24 per year die from fatal injuries, twice as many as from all other causes combined, according to EuroSafe, the European Association for Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion.

FDA Issues Latest Melamine Contamination Alert

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is alerting consumers that seven Mr. Brown instant coffee and milk tea products are being recalled by the Taiwanese company, King Car Food Industrial Co. Ltd., due to possible contamination with melamine.

EPA Fines Firm for Failing to Report Info Needed by First Responders

"Facilities that use toxic chemicals must provide complete and accurate information about these chemicals so residents and emergency responders are aware of possible chemical hazards in the community," said Enrique Manzanilla, Communities and Ecosystems director for EPA's Pacific Southwest region.

ASSE, U.S. Chamber, NAM Support DOL's Risk Management Rule

Favorable comments by the 33,000-member American Society of Safety Engineers' president are the biggest surprise among 20 posted this week.

Gotham Lighting Recalls Ceiling Lights that Can Fail to Work in an Emergency

The product, Gotham Compact Fluorescent Downlights, was manufactured in the United States and China between Nov. 1, 2007, and July 31, 2008, and sold by electrical distributors and sales representatives nationwide through July 2008 for between $250 and $350.

ASSE Kicks off Annual 'Safety-on-the-Job' Poster Contest

ASSE has launched its 7th annual kids' "Safety-on-the-Job" poster contest, which is open to ASSE members' children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, and will have a Valentine's Day, Feb. 14, 2009, deadline.

Sept. 26: Red 'Letter' Day for OSHA

The agency posted 14 letters of interpretation last Friday on topics ranging from HazCom to emergency eyewash, safe sharps, and construction safety training.

DHS Revises Chemical-Terrorism Vulnerability Procedures Manual

The revisions take into account feedback from the private sector and the experience gained since implementing Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) in April 2007, the department said.

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