Hazard Communication


DOT Releases New Safety Guidelines for Transmission Pipelines

The guidelines, developed by the Pipelines and Informed Planning Alliance (PIPA), mark the first time a set of recommendations for development near existing transmission pipelines has been issued.

MSHA Increases Focus on Exposure Monitoring at Metal, Nonmetal Mines

"We want to ensure that miners are protected from overexposure to harmful contaminants and mine operators have required safety and health programs in place to meet that objective," said Joseph A. Main, assistant secretary of labor for mine safety and health.

Late 2011 Action Set for Construction Confined Spaces Rule

Semiannual agendas published Monday in the Federal Register are later than usual. Those from the Labor Department's units are sparse.

An NTSB official inspects a section of pipe.

Few Clues So Far in San Bruno Pipeline Investigation

No evidence of external corrosion, no physical indications of excavation damage, and no physical evidence suggesting a pre-existing leak has been found so far on the damaged pipe.

MSHA Initiative Highlights Dangers Related to Mobile Equipment Use

Through a new safety initiative, MSHA is calling special attention to the potential dangers that shuttle cars and scoops in underground coal mines pose to miners. Between January 2000 and September 2010, nearly 800 miners have been injured and 16 killed in coal mine accidents involving shuttle cars and scoops. Three of those deaths occurred this year.

The centerpiece of CSA is the Safety Measurement System (SMS), which will analyze all safety-based violations from inspections and crash data to determine a commercial motor carrier’s on-road performance.

FMCSA Launches CSA 2010 for Commercial Trucks, Buses

The centerpiece of CSA is the Safety Measurement System (SMS), which will analyze all safety-based violations from inspections and crash data to determine a commercial motor carrier’s on-road performance.

Comment Period Under Way for Australia's Model Regs

The deadline to comment on the 582-page document is April 4, 2011, and government safety agencies are urging employers and workers to participate as Australia moves toward harmonized regulations.

Upcoming Summit Targets Bedbugs

The summit is open to the public and will focus on ways the federal government and others can continue to work together on management and control of bedbugs.



Worker Killed While Operating Laser Cutting Machine; Company Fined $78,500

OSHA's inspection resulted in one willful violation for the company's failure to have guards in place on its automatic laser cutting machine. The worker who died was struck within the "point of operation" zone of the machine.

ACOEM Releases New Musculoskeletal Treatment Guidelines

The 3rd edition contains more than 12,650 references and 2,500 recommendations—a comprehensive collection of evidence-based musculoskeletal medical recommendations—with supporting evidence levels and tables.

OSHA Hammers Furniture Maker for PPE, Training Violations

OSHA began its inspection in June, resulting in the issuance of two repeat violations and two serious citations.

Verisk Analytics Acquiring 3E Company

The $110 million transaction is expected to close this month, pending shareholders' and regulatory approvals, according to the companies.

IAFC, IAFF Launch Carbon Monoxide Awareness Campaign

The new education campaign urges firefighters to take personal responsibility for their health and safety by recognizing the occupational hazards of carbon monoxide exposure and wearing protective masks during both active fire and overhaul operations to prevent unnecessary risks.

NFPA Offers Holiday Fire Safety Tips

Cooking, decorating, and entertaining present increased fire risks.

The document contains suggested formats and procedures for fall prevention, hazard identification, and more.

Tower Erectors' Group Updates Safety Guide

The updated document, available to NATE members, contains 18 sections. Everything from hazard identification to RF exposure, emergency response, training, and the HazCom Standard is covered.

ChemStewards 2010 Performance Improvement Awards Presented

Three facilities will be honored with Gold Awards during the Dec. 6 presentation in New York City.

NHTSA: Drugs Linked to 1 in 5 Fatal Car Crashes

"Today’s report provides a warning signal that too many Americans are driving after having taken drugs, not realizing the potential for putting themselves and others on the highway at risk," said NHTSA Administrator David Strickland.

A number of employees nationwide who have been exposed to diacetyl have developed the serious respiratory illness which in some cases has resulted in patients being placed on lung transplant wait lists or dying.

California Becomes First State to Set Safety Guidelines for Diacetyl

The new standard requires employers covered by the standard to create a regulated area for each process using diacetyl, unless the process is enclosed. Employers must also provide safeguards for employees who work with diacetyl at certain concentrations.

Use Good Practices Throughout Your Facility

Good housekeeping helps you comply with seven OSHA regulations.

Foam Manufacturer Fined for Failing to Manage Flammable Materials, More

"For the safety of its workers, this employer must ensure that protective measures are taken to prevent the catastrophic release of flammable vapors, which can lead to fires and explosions," said Greg Baxter, OSHA's regional administrator in Denver.

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