Hazmat


MSHA Publishes Final Rule on Examinations in Underground Coal Mines

The rule is geared to enhance miners' health and safety by requiring mine operators to identify and correct hazardous conditions and violations of nine health and safety standards that pose the greatest risk to miners.

HFES Participating in USA Science and Engineering Festival

The April 28-29 event in Washington, D.C., will feature 3,000 exhibits and stage demonstrations of everything from nanotechnology-enabled suits to a tool educating young computer users about correct posture.

Meat Processor Slapped with Fines for Repeat Violations at Chicago Plant

Three repeat health violations involve failing to mark chemical containers with their contents and hazardous warning labels, as well as to provide an emergency eyewash station for employees working with corrosive chemicals such as sodium hypochlorite and anhydrous ammonia.

Dangerous Fumes, Fire Hazards Lead to $83K Fine for Auto Parts Maker

An Oct. 4, 2011, inspection—initiated based on a complaint—determined that the facility's plating line had caught fire during production earlier in the year.

Low Levels of Resistant Bacteria Found in Chicago-Area Ambulances: Study

“These results indicate that first responders are doing a good job of protecting their patients,” said James Rago, Ph.D., lead study author and assistant professor of biology at Lewis University.

Total Using Two Strategies to Kill North Sea Gas Leak

The first is to use a floating support for well kill operations, while the second involves drilling two relief wells.

Little Water Found in Damaged TEPCO Reactor

The second inspection of the Primary Containment Vessel at Fukushima Daiichi Unit 2 found only about 60 centimeters of water at the bottom of the vessel. Meanwhile, an expert IAEA team delivered its review of Japan's process for assessing nuclear plants' safety.

Two Workers Die from Hydrogen Sulfide Inhalation, Firm Fined $166,890

The workers died due to inhalation of hydrogen sulfide gas while cleaning an underground storm drain system at the recycling facility.



Former Exxon Valdez Being Scrapped

GMS, the world's largest cash buyer of ships for recycling, reportedly will scrap the ship now named the Oriental Nicety in India.

Excessive Noise Levels Add Up to $118,000 Fine for Piping Firm

OSHA issued one willful and nine serious violations following a health inspection that found workers exposed to excessive noise levels and other hazards at the company's Houston facility.

GHS Rule Being Published March 26

"This will improve chemical hazard control programs across the country," OSHA Administrator Dr. David Michaels said March 20 as he and Secretary Solis described the "right to understand" final rule.

NRC Eyes Changes to Address Station Blackout Conditions

The ANPRM published March 20, to ensure licensees are prepared for the potential loss of all AC power at a nuclear power plant, stems from the March 2011 Fukushima Daiichi disaster.

Safety Overhaul Planned for Award-Winning Bechtel Project

Bechtel Corporation announced Edward Sproat, former director of DOE's Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management, will guide senior managers of the Hanford Waste Treatment Plant in planning for a "world-class nuclear safety and quality culture."

Electrical, Mechanical Hazards Fermenting at Greek Yogurt Site, OSHA Finds

OSHA found numerous instances of unguarded moving machine parts and electrical hazards, including failing to train employees in electric safety-related work practices.

ECHA to Align Guidance with REACH Nanomaterials Reports

The agency will update its guidance on Information Requirements and Chemical Safety Assessment later this year. Its Committee for Risk Assessment also has adopted four opinions on proposed harmonized classification and labeling of industrial chemicals and pesticide active ingredients across Europe.

PG&E to Pay $70 Million in Restitution to San Bruno, CA

"The lasting legacy of Sept. 9, 2010 is San Bruno's dedication to ensure this type of disaster is never allowed to happen again," said Mayor Jim Ruane.

REACH Report Gets Industry's Notice

The report released Feb. 28 by researchers from the Indiana University School of Public and Environmental Affairs and the IU European Union Center is being cited by the American Chemical Council as proof REACH won't work well in the US.

$469,420 Fine Issued to Texas Steel Firm Following Employee Complaints

OSHA's Houston South Area Office initiated a safety inspection on Sept. 7, 2011, as a result of several employee complaints, while concurrently conducting a site-specific target inspection.

NIOSH Seeks Applications for Nanotechnology, PPE Research Grants

Extramural funding of nanotechnology-related research has been undertaken to help increase the knowledge of nanotechnology and manufactured nanomaterials as they relate to occupational safety and health.

Mine Safety Bill Nears Passage in West Virginia

Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin thanked members of the House of Delegates for unanimously passing it Feb. 28 and said he hopes for quick State Senate passage. Its most controversial provisions concern drug testing of miners.

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