Industrial Hygiene


AIHA Co-Sponsors NIOSH DREAM Workshop

The American Industrial Hygiene Association will co-sponsor the 2008 National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Direct-Reading Exposure Assessment Methods (DREAM) Workshop that will take place Nov. 13-14, 2008, at the Hilton Crystal City in Washington, D.C.

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.

AIHA to Host Nonionizing Radiation Webinar

The American Industrial Hygiene Association will host "Cell Phones, Microwaves, Pacemakers and More . . .Nonionizing Radiation Myths and Realities," an introductory TeleWeb Virtual Seminar on Oct. 22, 2008, from 2-4:30 p.m. ET.

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.

EPA Halts Sale of Unsubstantiated 'Anti-MRSA' Cleaning Products

"The sale of these products not only puts the public at risk through unjustified reliance upon their usefulness as pesticides, but also unfairly undercuts legitimate businesses that have registered their products," said Katherine Taylor, associate director of EPA's Communities and Ecosystems Division for the Pacific Southwest region.

Pennsylvania Enacts Ban on Health Workers' Mandatory OT

Gov. Ed Rendell also signed bills that create a State Board of Crane Operators to oversee licensing and discipline of crane operators and raise the monthly benefit from $125 to $175 for silicosis or black lung sufferers.

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.



EU Scientists Warn of Hearing Loss From Music Players

The European Commission had asked an independent scientific committee to examine this issue, given the widespread use of personal music players and the surge in the number of young people exposed to such noise.

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.

Furniture Installation Company Fined for Repeat Idling Violations

Idling typically wastes almost a gallon of fuel per hour, puts more wear and tear on an engine than driving, and causes pollution that contributes to ozone smog, fine particle pollution, and increased carbon dioxide emissions, EPA notes.

A picture of a construction worker welding together steel beams from high above the ground.

OSHA Task Force: Fall Hazards No. 1 Violation at NY Construction Sites

The agency detailed 12 inspectors to conduct 96 safety inspections at 46 construction sites throughout the city from June 23 to July 3. Citations were issued to 60 contractors for 129 violations with a total of $247,400 in proposed fines during the period.

Wynnewood Refining Co. in Wynnewood, Okla.

Oklahoma Refinery Fined $91,000 for Process Safety Management Violations

The company was cited for failing to document and implement provisions of OSHA's PSM standard concerning equipment deficiencies, operator training, and safe working practices, among other things, following an explosion in April resulting from the release of flammable liquid and vapor from an open piping system during preparation for maintenance.

picture of DuPonts Holliday

DuPont Chairman & CEO Picked for '09 Palladium Medal

The award honors "distinguished contributions to the chemical industry," and on May 6, 2009, Charles O. Holliday Jr. will be the third DuPont leader to receive it.

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