Respiratory


Using biodiesel in engines equipped with a diesel oxidation catalyst reduces total carbon levels in the air where miners work, especially when the engine works hard.

Biodiesel Gets Stronger OK from MSHA

A Program Information Bulletin to underground metal and nonmetal mine operators and manufacturers of diesel-powered equipment used in those mines confirms using biodiesel in engines equipped with a diesel oxidation catalyst reduces total carbon levels in the air where miners work.

Confined Space-Related Death Leads to $207,800 Fine for Chemical Recycler

The investigation found 32 serious violations, including failing to evaluate the worksite for exposures to hydrogen sulfide, develop procedures for waste stream processing, develop decontamination procedures, and train workers on the hazards associated with confined space entry on barges.

Nighttime Inspection Spotlights Silica Hazards, Respiratory Violations

"Employers should not assume that OSHA will not conduct inspections because much of this work is done at night," said Paul Mangiafico, OSHA's area director for Middlesex and Essex counties. "We will conduct inspections where and when we must to ensure that employers implement and maintain effective controls to minimize this hazard to their workers."

EPA Publishes Meth Lab Cleanup Guidelines

Although there is a decline in the domestic production of meth in recent years, vigilance is warranted because of the destructive nature of the drug and the environmental hazards caused by meth labs, the agency said.

EPA Begins New Study of Atrazine's Cancer Effects

One of the most widely used agricultural pesticides in the United States, atrazine can be applied before and after planting to control broadleaf and grassy weeds.

This HHS widget leads to the best federal government site for updated flu information.

Flu Cases Widespread in U.S., Northern Europe

Flu-like cases are widespread in Ireland, Israel, Belgium, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and Cypress, with flu activity in Japan continuing above what is usually seen during flu season, WHO reports.

Sulfuric Acid Manufacturer to Spend $30M on Air Pollution Controls

"The more than 7,000 tons per year of sulfur dioxide reductions secured by this settlement will produce significant and measurable public health benefits for downwind communities," said EPA’s Cynthia Giles.

A new card helps health workers and their safety and compliance officers keep track of fit tests and respirator training.

AOHP/OSHA Alliance Creates Respirator Fit Testing Card

The Association of Occupational Health Professionals in Healthcare's alliance with OSHA brainstormed the idea during a conference call that included NIOSH’s National Personal Protective Technology Lab.



Contractor Faces $50K in Fines for Lack of Asbestos Safeguards

The company allegedly did not monitor to determine asbestos exposure levels, use wet methods to clean up debris, or provide HEPA vacuum cleaners to collect debris and dust, among other serious violations.

H1N1 Vaccine Due This Month; Seasonal Flu Serum Shortage Predicted

A study on the self-reported health of Americans ages 18 to 64 revealed that the flu is responsible for 200 million days of diminished productivity, 100 million days of bed disability, and 75 million days of work absence. Each episode of illness translates into five to six days of symptoms and between a half-day and five days of work missed.

Sustaining Acceptable Indoor Environmental Quality

I'm fortunate to practice industrial hygiene for an employer with millions of square feet of space, the most aggressive modernization plan in decades, and a talented group of leaders, facility managers, engineers, technicians, and ES&H professionals.

ASHRAE Wants Carbon Monoxide Alarms in Homes

The proposed change to ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 62.2-2007, Ventilation and Acceptable Indoor Air Quality in Low-Rise Residential Buildings, would require them to be installed outside each sleeping area. Comments are due by Oct. 26.

Research Update: Roots of Hospital Workers' Asthma Examined

"Work-related respiratory symptoms in hospital workers may be associated with diverse biological contaminants," the researchres concluded.

This DualDraw, LLC photo shows a worker using the TB3048 downdraft booth with vented back.

Control of Airborne Particles

The responsibility of today's maintenance and engineering managers to maintain a clean indoor air environment has increased markedly in recent decades.

A+A 2009 will take place amid the lovely scenery of Dusseldorf, including its harbor.

Are You Taking in 2009's Biggest Safety Shows?

Between the National Safety Congress and A+A, taking place amid Dusseldorf's lovely scenery, the world's PPE providers and safety professionals will have plenty to chew on before the holidays.

GHS pictogram used for carcinogens, respiratory sensitizers, and germ cell mutagens.

OSHA Finally Brings GHS to America

The Globally Harmonized System was developed to provide a single, consistent system to classify chemicals, labels, and safety data sheets for workers, employers, and chemical users. Under GHS, labels would include signal words, hazard and precautionary statements, and pictograms such as the one shown, used for carcinogens, respiratory sensitizers, and germ cell mutagens.

Trucking Firm to Pay $42K for Spill Violation, Another $22,500 for Training

According to EPA, one the company's drivers failed to provide immediate notification to authorities following a 920-pound release of anhydrous ammonia while making a delivery to a farm.

the logo of the NNI nanoEHS series

Open Forums to Update nanoEHS Progress

The Oct. 6-7 and Nov. 17-18 events in Arlington, Va., are part of the National Nanotechnology Initiative's nanoEHS series.

Metal Hose Plant Cited for Noise, 43 Other Violations

The site's lack of eyewash or shower stations near where employees were exposed to corrosive materials were among the 10 serious health violations for which OSHA cited the Georgia company.

The 2nd Annual Ohio Mine Safety Competition is Oct. 1.

Public Invited to Mine Safety Competition in Ohio

Nine Ohio mine rescue teams will be assigned the same emergency problem and will be evaluated by state and federal mine inspectors on their procedures and speed. Two courses will run simultaneously and teams will be sequestered until it is their turn to compete.

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