Industrial Safety & Hygiene News articles from April 2003

Industrial Safety & Hygiene News archives from April 2003

When sparks fly: six keys to avoiding welding danger.
April 1, 2003... An ironworker crew was modifying a temporary structural steel bridge using an oxygen/acetylene torch set up on a cart with a portable welder and a grinder. The acetylene hose developed a leak and suddenly ignited during the grinding operation....

Language lessons: is your message getting through? (Editorial Comments).(Editorial)
April 1, 2003... If the environmental health and safety field is going the way of consultants, we're going to need translators to dumb down the dreaded "consultantspeak." It's like trying to decipher Al Gore. This trend could mean full employment for the...

Questions & answers. (Careers in Safety & Health).
April 1, 2003... Q: With manufacturing jobs declining and dangerous jobs moving overseas or being automated, is the safety and health profession still a viable career option? A: Regulations, legislation and litigation will never abate. In an ideal world we...

Are you under OSHA's microscope? (Rules & Regs).(Brief Article)
April 1, 2003... OSHA is alerting 14,200 employers across the country that their injury and illness rates are higher than average and is encouraging them to take steps to reduce hazards and protect their workers. For the first time, the construction industry is...

New crane standard on the way. (Rules & Regs).(Brief Article)
April 1, 2003... OSHA will push ahead with a negotiated rulemaking process to update its cranes and derricks standard in response to broad industry support, OSHA chief John Henshaw announced. The agency is publishing a proposed list of members to serve on...

OSHA racks up another ergo alliance. (Rules & Regs).(Brief Article)
April 1, 2003... A new alliance signed between OSHA and the American Apparel and Footwear Association to reduce injuries in the industry, with a particular focus on ergonomics, is the seventh joint venture between OSHA and organizations to address ergo ills....

Minnesota to keep its OSHA program. (Rules & Regs).(Brief Article)(Editorial)
April 1, 2003... Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty has dropped the idea of returning the state's OSHA program to federal regulators. The issue had become a political hot potato, with labor unions, national societies like the American Industrial Hygiene...

OSHA in line for budget boost. (Rules & Regs).(Occupational Safety and Health Administration)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2003... President Bush has proposed a total budget for OSHA in FY 2004 of $450 million--an increase of $13 million, or about three percent over the budget request for FY 2003. "This funds OSHA's mission quite well," said agency chief John Henshaw....

OMB offers new guides for reg decisions. (Rules & Regs).(Office of Management and Budget)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2003... The Office of Management and Budget's Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (QIRA) has proposed new guidance that instructs federal agencies how to make regulatory decisions, including the specific analytical methods that should be...

Training tool for anthrax exposures. (Rules & Regs).(Brief Article)
April 1, 2003... OSHA has launched a Web-based training tool that provides detailed information on anthrax, including its potential impact on the workforce and how to develop and implement emergency action plans. The e-Tool also provides a list of links...

Time to get 'madd' about workplace deaths. (News Scan).(Brief Article)
April 1, 2003... Twenty years ago, drunken driving was among America's worst hidden epidemics--a problem that killed thousands every year but eluded the media's radar screen. Then something remarkable happened. A coalition of victims, families, nonprofits,...

Coming up short: Chinese toy manufacturer labor standards. (News Scan).
April 1, 2003... New research regarding labor issues in southern China's toy manufacturing industry reveals shortcomings in the industry that prevent compliance with the voluntary codes of conduct that name-brand companies are advocating. Toy manufacturers...

Vehicle safety driven to distraction. (News Scan).(Brief Article)
April 1, 2003... Do you have cell phone policies for your employees? Driver distraction contributes to 20 percent to 30 percent of all crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Additionally, a recent NHTSA survey finds...

Help on the way for HazMat responders. (News Scan).(Brief Article)
April 1, 2003... A $15 strip of vinyl and paper that changes colors when exposed to nerve agents, cyanide and other chemicals might protect police, firefighters and others who rush unprotected into a disaster. The HazMat Smart Strip, inspired by decades-old...

Shuttle tragedy shows value of fault tree analysis. (News Scan).(Brief Article)
April 1, 2003... In light of the February 1 Columbia shuttle tragedy, the importance of fault tree analysis and how it relates to the safety profession has garnered greater interest, says Mark Hansen, CSP, PE, president of the American Society of Safety...

What a surprise: rest breaks could reduce accident risks. (News Scan).(Brief Article)
April 1, 2003... Researchers in Wales believe increasing the number of rest breaks for factory workers could reduce the risk of accidents. After studying the accident records from a United Kingdom car assembly plant over a three-year period the team from...

Use "ESP" to estimate risk: analyze your exposure - severity - probability. (Psychology of Safety).(Column)
April 1, 2003... Critics of behavior-based safety (BBS) claim injury prevention requires a holistic, system-level approach. Behavioral observation and feedback among line workers is not enough. Plus, management must not use BBS as an excuse to shirk its...

Protection's low cost...compared to injury $$$s. (In the Zone).
April 1, 2003... Road construction companies pay out some $65 million more for visibility-related injuries than it would cost them to equip all of their visibility-haza rd-exposed workers with high-visibility apparel. That is the bottom line for road...

New OSHA regs update traffic control rules. (In the Zone).
April 1, 2003... OSHA has revised its construction industry safety standards to require that traffic control signs, signals, barricades or devices protecting workers conform to Part VI of either the 1988 Edition of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)...

Pa. sets headlight law. (In the Zone).(Brief Article)
April 1, 2003... Drivers in Pennsylvania now must turn on their headlights when they drive through construction zones. The new law is intended to increase the safety of workers in these high-danger zones. Enforcement won't begin until new signs are posted...

Defining the zone. (In the Zone).(Brief Article)
April 1, 2003... A work zone crash is a motor vehicle traffic crash that occurs in the vicinity of highway construction, highway maintenance or work. Defining whether a crash occurred in a work zone differs from state to state, due largely to different...

Competitive bidding a hazard? (In the Zone).(Brief Article)
April 1, 2003... Larry Edginton of the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE), a highway construction workers' union, says That not enough is being done to protect workers in construction zones and that some initiatives to improve highway...

Driver never heard warnings. (Case Study).(Brief Article)
April 1, 2003... On July 7, 1998, a 35-year-old male laborer was run over by a dump truck during resurfacing operations on a two-lane municipal road. The victim, part of an eight person paving crew, was assigned to rake and finish the edge of the abutment...

Make the case for safety toolkit h**ps convince bosses & workers. (In the Zone).
April 1, 2003... Want to give your construction worker safety program an energy boost? The International Safety Equipment Association's (ISEA) new 'Making the Case for Safety Equipment" communications toolkit is ready to help. The "Making the Case" toolkit...

Run over by asphalt roller. (Case Study).
April 1, 2003... On October 23, 1997, a 37-year-old male construction laborer died after being run over by an asphalt roller during a highway paving operation. A seven-person crew was engaged in paving the westbound lanes of a four-lane U.S. highway. At...

Work zones expect the unexpected. (In the Zone).(Brief Article)
April 1, 2003... In any work zone along any road, major or minor, expect the unexpected! Normal speed limits are reduced, traffic lanes may be changed, and people and vehicles may be working on or near the road. All this means that motorists must be even more...

Laws doubling traffic fines in work zones are on the books in 20 states. (State Laws).(Brief Article)
April 1, 2003... Laws doubling traffic fines in work zones are on the books in 20 states, including Arkansas, Texas, Florida and Kentucky. Fourteen other states have special provisions regarding fines and/or jail terms for drivers caught speeding in work zones....

Q&A all about MUTCD. (In the Zone).(Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices )
April 1, 2003... The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) publishes the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), which contains all national design, application, and placement standards for traffic control devices. The purpose of these devices, which...

Adaptive Micro Systems, Inc. (Corporate Profiles: Advertisement).
April 1, 2003... Adaptive Micro Systems, Inc. is the industry's leader of industrial LED displays for use in safety-related applications. Our LED displays provide employees, supervisors and managers with real-time safety information anywhere in your facility....

Crowcon Detection Instruments. (Corporate Profiles: Advertisement).
April 1, 2003... Four-gas protection from one-touch monitor--A new four-channel personal gas monitor combines sophisticated data management features with the simplicity of operation normally found in basic one-gas instruments. Although controlled by only one...

BW Technologies. (Corporate Profiles: Advertisement).(Advertisement)
April 1, 2003... Headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, BW Technologies is one of the fastest growing companies in the gas detection industry. With a full line of portable, fixed and stand-alone equipment, BW Technologies uses advanced programming and...

Elvex Corp. (Corporate Profiles: Advertisement).
April 1, 2003... Elvex DeTune Communications Earmuffs--Elvex DeTune electronic earmuff is using a new approach for improving communications in noisy environments. It allows the user to adjust the frequency range that is transmitted through the circuitry and...

ERGOMAT. (Corporate Profiles: Advertisement).
April 1, 2003... ERGOMAT[R] Expands Safety Product Offering With DuraStripe[R] ERGOMAT (Westlake, Ohio) used the occasion of ProMat 2003 in Chicago earlier this year to introduce DuraStripe, an economical aisle striping system that eliminates the problems...

ERGOSOURCE. (Corporate Profiles: Advertisement).
April 1, 2003... The LEVITECH LIFT SYSTEM is a bolt-on adjustable leg system that provides adjustability to users of conventional tables and machine stands. Ideal for improving ergonomics in standing or seated work applications. Now any workstation can be...

OraSure Technologies, Inc. (Corporate Profiles: Advertisement).
April 1, 2003... Intercept[R] oral fluid drug test Oral fluid drug testing can bring convenience and savings to drug-free workplace programs, without sacrificing accuracy and reliability. Sound impossible? Consider the new Intercept[R] oral fluid testing...

GfG Instrumentation, Inc. (Corporate Profiles: Advertisement).(Advertisement)
April 1, 2003... GfG is a world leader for gas detection and measurement technology. For over 40 years GfG has specialized in designing, developing and producing the safest and most reliable equipment and sensors available. GfG provides you with uncompromising...

Kirk Key Interlock Co. (Corporate Profiles: Advertisement).
April 1, 2003... Since 1932, KIRK [R] has been the industry leader and brand name associated with keyed safety interlock systems. Our wide range of mechanical and electromechanical interlocks can ensure that a predetermined sequence of operation is followed....

Mezzanine Safeti-Gates, Inc. (Corporate Profiles: Advertisement).
April 1, 2003... Mezzanine Safeti-Gates continues to provide innovative safety devices for the materials handling industry. Its latest product protects employees and products in multi-level pallet flow rack systems. In many distribution centers, pick...

Moldex-Metric, Inc. (Corporate Profiles: Advertisement).(Advertisement)
April 1, 2003... Moldex manufactures and markets respirators and hearing protectors for the safety and personal protection of workers in industry and healthcare. We strive to design and engineer products that provide comfort and style for wearers and cost...

Quest Technologies, Inc. (Corporate Profiles: Advertisement).(Advertisement)
April 1, 2003... New personal vibration monitor Quest Technologies has added a new product to our family of instruments. Over 8 million workers worldwide are exposed to occupational vibration hazards everyday. Interest is growing around the world in the...

West Chester Holdings, Inc. (Corporate Profiles: Advertisement).
April 1, 2003... West Chester offers top quality gloves and protective clothing. West Chester Holdings, Inc., a leading supplier of work gloves, rainwear, garden gloves and protective clothing, recently marked an industry milestone: more than 200 years of...

Sempermed. (Corporate Profiles: Advertisement).(Advertisement)
April 1, 2003... SemperGuard[TM] Nitrile - industrial Nitrile powdered and powder-free gloves SemperGuard[TM] Industrial Nitrile powdered and powder-free gloves by Sempermed are the ideal solution for individuals at risk of becoming sensitive to natural...

Shat-R-Shield, Inc. (Corporate Profiles: Advertisement).(Advertisement)
April 1, 2003... In today's economy, most industries and manufacturers constantly have three things in mind -- time, money and reputation. Aside from the usual considerations of stock prices, product reliability and employee satisfaction comes an often...

Workrite Uniform Co. (Corporate Profiles: Advertisement).(Advertisement)
April 1, 2003... Welcome to Flame-Resistant Leadership Protecting workers from thermal mishaps, expanding a rich heritage of innovation and superior quality, and concentrating exclusively on flame-resistant garments -- these are Workrite cornerstones. A...

Photoluminescent markings. (Literature Spotlights Paid Advertisements).
April 1, 2003... Safety-Glow Maxxi Treads and Visual Nosings, in rubber or vinyl, have embedded photoluminescent stripes, which will glow in the dark during an emergency. The stair treads are charged under normal interior lighting conditions. When the lights go...

World's first all-plastic infrared sensor. (Literature Spotlights Paid Advertisements).
April 1, 2003... Dynament has launched this sensor to complement its existing stainless steel UL & BASEEFA certified version. The plastic sensor is intended for use in certified housings and non-certified applications. It is the same miniature industry-standard...

Octave band analyzer. (Literature Spotlights Paid Advertisements).
April 1, 2003... The CESVA SC-30, Type 1 real-time octave band analyzer. From 31.5 Hz to 16 kHz. One 23 to 140 dB range, T60, and a phenomenal memory. A&C simultaneous. Comes with software and all necessary to download measurements. For industrial noise, HVAC...

Emergency oxygen in wall case. (Literature Spotlights Paid Advertisements).
April 1, 2003... This simple and easy to use LIFE[R] OxygenPac gives crucial lifesaving oxygen until medical help arrives. Portable with handle in durable case with clear cover, the unit hangs on the wall with your first aid supplies. It is an Inhalator for a...

Low-maintenance respirator. (Literature Spotlights Paid Advertisements).
April 1, 2003... Save money, save time, and save the hassle of removing headstraps, hardhats and safety eyewear. The EZ Drop has a slide release strap that allows the mask to easily slide down the straps and rest on the two ends of the contoured neck buckle....

Rescue tool. (Literature Spotlights Paid Advertisements).
April 1, 2003... RES-Q-ME is a small, versatile tool that can save your life! This ingenious device is intended to be placed with your car keys. It contains a spring-loaded tool steel pin that will break any tempered glass window and a stainless steel blade for...

Non-slip safety coatings. (Literature Spotlights Paid Advertisements).
April 1, 2003... Kelley Technical Coatings offers Convoy non-slip safety coatings that help meet OSHA and insurance requirements by eliminating slippery areas and reducing injuries. Convoy coatings provide economical, non-slip protection for virtually any...

Environmentally safe cleaners. (Literature Spotlights Paid Advertisements).
April 1, 2003... Spartan's Green Solutions Product Line has been created with current and future global environmental concerns in mind. It is the pro-active choice for the professional who is selecting environmentally preferred, worker-safe cleaners for...

Cooling products. (Literature Spotlights Paid Advertisements).
April 1, 2003... Cool Offs are a neck or head wrap designed to protect and provide comfort to workers who must function in environments with excessive heat. Cool Offs feature unique, non-toxic cooling crystals that are activated by water, allowing this...

Telemetry system. (Literature Spotlights Paid Advertisements).
April 1, 2003... Mil-Ram introduces MPT multi-process wireless telemetry system. FCC-approved (no user license required) radio transceivers utilize 902-928 MHz (2.4GHz available) frequency hopping spread spectrum technology to transmit/receive any 4-20mA signal...

Eyewash station. (Literature Spotlights Paid Advertisements).
April 1, 2003... Encon offers its gravity fed, self-contained eyewash station (model # 01104050). The eyewash station is easily maintained and has a low-profile when wall-mounted. This product is made of high-visibility yellow ABS plastic. Optional cart...

Heat strain monitor. (Literature Spotlights Paid Advertisements).
April 1, 2003... Quest Technologies' new QUESTemp[degrees] III personal heat strain monitor simplifies heat stress management with a miniature datalogging instrument for monitoring individual physiological strain in response to heat. Part of the QUESTemp Series...

Chemical splash goggle. (Literature Spotlights Paid Advertisements).
April 1, 2003... Designed specifically to protect against chemical splashes, the Revolution[TM] is a goggle like noother! The proprietary CrossVent technology, created exclusively for the Revolution, utilizes an indirect ventilation system made up of intricate...

Ultra-lightweight assembly gloves. (Literature Spotlights Paid Advertisements).
April 1, 2003... HyFlex Foam--the original foam nitrile coating--helps reduce hand fatigue while providing maximum comfort and dexterity. The foam nitrile coating channels oil away from the glove surface, for a sure grip in light oil applications. Ansell offers...

Single-gas detection. (Literature Spotlights Paid Advertisements).
April 1, 2003... Ideal for use in confined space and other harsh, industrial applications, the new PULSAR+ Single-Gas Detector from MSA features a gas concentration display and replaceable sensor and battery. The PULSAR+ detects 00, H2S or 02, and offers...

Glove accessory. (Literature Spotlights Paid Advertisements).
April 1, 2003... Reduce glove loss and hand injury with Glove Guard, by keeping work gloves available to workers at all times. Safety features include non-conductive material, resistance to flex fatigue and a safety break-away. Standard or custom safety slogans...

Cleanroom glove. (Literature Spotlights Paid Advertisements).
April 1, 2003... Perfect Fit Glove's New Class 10 cleanroom laundered Pure Fit[TM] glove offers the most extreme levels of particle/fiber control for critical environment applications such as: semiconductor, electronics, biomedical, pharmaceuticals, film...

FR garments. (Literature Spotlights Paid Advertisements).
April 1, 2003... Westex's INDURA[R] Ultra Soft[R] flame-resistant fabrics are a blend of 88 percent cotton and 12 percent high-tenacity nylon, offering soft comfort while increasing abrasion resistance. The abrasion-resistant performance of the product's nylon...

Online training. (Literature Spotlights Paid Advertisements).
April 1, 2003... TrainCaster is the fastest and easiest way to turn your "mission critical" training content into online courses. Benefits include: easy update of training materials; measure results with tracked assessments, and real-time training reports. Get...

Gas detection. (Literature Spotlights Paid Advertisements).
April 1, 2003... CEA Instruments has been a leading supplier of gas detection equipment with pocket-size, portable, and wall-mounted instrumentation available in single and multichannel configurations since 1972. Numerous monitors, analyzers, and sensors are...

Lockout padlocks. (Literature Spotlights Paid Advertisements).
April 1, 2003... Verton[R] MFX Lockout Padlocks from American Lock are the ideal products for lockout applications that require exceptionally tough, lightweight, arc, and spark-resistant padlocks. These padlocks are perfect when you need nonconductive padlocks...

Break away from the pack. (Literature Spotlights Paid Advertisements).
April 1, 2003... The Kiondike[R] Series from Crews[R] features safety and style at an affordable price to separate you from' the pack. In the workplace or at home, Klondike's matted black frame finish, 11 base curve lens, adjustable temples and proprietary gel...

Multi-gas monitor with ToxAlert[TM]. (Literature Spotlights Paid Advertisements).
April 1, 2003... The groundbreaking G 650 Series multi-gas monitor, with ToxAlert sensor technology, detects up to five gases simultaneously for protection from hundreds of unknown toxic gases. The ToxAlert sensor enables the user to obtain overall reading of...

Gamecard program for incentives/awards. (Literature Spotlights Paid Advertisements).
April 1, 2003... Peavey offers Safety Jackpot, a gamecard-based incentives and awards program that requires minimal administration and includes all materials, awards, newsletters, posters, and program guide. Gamecards, which are redeemed for merchandise, can be...

Particulate respirators. (Literature Spotlights Paid Advertisements).
April 1, 2003... EZ-ON respirator uses just one strap to hold it comfortably to your face. A single cloth strap with FLEXWING[TM] and head harness provides a secure fit. The Dura-Mesh[R] shell maintains its shape throughout the workday. It's naturally contoured...

Oval table quick-ship program. (Literature Spotlights Paid Advertisements).
April 1, 2003... BioFit[R] Engineered Products introduces quick shipping on its patented oval tables for cafeterias. BioFit's easy-to-fold-and move table seats 10, while others seat eight--resulting in fewer tables to clean, move and store. Bio Fit offers...

Protective eyewear. (Literature Spotlights Paid Advertisements).
April 1, 2003... The near perfect styling and contour of the New NASCAR[R] GT makes this generation of NASCAR[R] protective eyewear the best yet! Its aesthetic appearance, coupled with impeccable comfort and superior protection, is proof positive that safety...

Confined space sampling pump. (Literature Spotlights Paid Advertisements).
April 1, 2003... Ideal for pre-entry and continuous confined space work, the new Sampler motorized sampling pump is the perfect complement to the GasAlertMicro multi-gas detector. Simply attach the Sampler to any GasAlertMicro for reliable remote sampling from...

One-touch gas monitor. (Literature Spotlights Paid Advertisements).
April 1, 2003... A new four-channel personal gas monitor combines sophisticated data management features with simplicity of operation. Although controlled by only one button, Cardinal from Crowcon features datalogging, data transfer to a PC and automatic...

New lanyard. (Literature Spotlights Paid Advertisements).
April 1, 2003... DBI Introduces the Wrapbax, a new lanyard designed for tieback use, eliminating the need for anchor straps. The new hook and pistol grip provide one-handed operation and 360-degree protection--5,000 lbs. in any direction to the worker. DBI,...

Protective eyewear. (Literature Spotlights Paid Advertisements).
April 1, 2003... The NEW Point[TM] protective eyewear combines sporty styling with exceptional protection and comfort. This new eyewear is available in red, black and clear frames with seven different lens offerings. The wraparound design and side tapered lens...

Aisle striping system. (Literature Spotlights Paid Advertisements).
April 1, 2003... ERGOMAT has introduced DuraStripe, an economical aisle striping system that eliminates the problems associated with alternative striping methods. DuraStripe is an easily installed, durable product that applies like tape, bonds immediately to...

Emergency eyecare. (Literature Spotlights Paid Advertisements).
April 1, 2003... The Pure Flow 1000 meets ANSI Z358.1-1998 Eyewash and Shower Standard, and offers users a more comfortable alternative to flush for a full 15 minutes without the irritation that can occur with plumbed tap water stations--which can contain...

Decontamination shower. (Literature Spotlights Paid Advertisements).
April 1, 2003... The hazmatshower.com high-performance Pro 70-T Shower delivers portable, endless hot water anywhere, anytime. The Pro 70 shower is ideal for providing instant hot water for meth, chemical, & WMD decon. Easy to use--just connect to water source,...

Single-gas monitor. (Literature Spotlights Paid Advertisements).
April 1, 2003... The new T40 Rattler is a low-cost, single-gas monitor for personal protection from hydrogen sulfide (H2S) or carbon monoxide (CO) gas. A large liquid crystal display (LCD) provides continuous real-time readings with peak/hold memory, and when...

5-minute workplace safety talks. (Literature Spotlights Paid Advertisements).
April 1, 2003... This manual provides fingertip access to 75 five-minute safety talks addressing 50 key workplace safety topics, including hazard communication, lockout/tagout, machine guarding, personal protective equipment, and dozens more. Only $199. Call...

Access door interlock. (Literature Spotlights Paid Advertisements).
April 1, 2003... Kirk Key Interlock Company launches the new Type DM Access Door Interlock that is ideal for machine guarding. The lock body can be mounted to the equipment and the chain can be bolted or welded to the guard with the proper amount of "slack to...

Human vibration exposure monitor. (Literature Spotlights Paid Advertisements).
April 1, 2003... Exposure to Hand-Arm and Whole-Body vibration can cause injury and decreased worker performance. The IHVM-100 by Larson Davis simplifies exposure monitoring of adverse vibration levels. Supplied with sensors and supported by Blaze analysis and...

Personal fall limiter. (Literature Spotlights Paid Advertisements).
April 1, 2003... The new Miller[R] Scorpion[TM] Personal Fall Limiter (SRL) is a lightweight alternative to shock-absorbing lanyards. In a head-to-head comparison, the Scorpion SRL requires less fall clearance, offers more versatility and provides greater...

Ear muffs. (Literature Spotlights Paid Advertisements).
April 1, 2003... MSA's Soprano Ear Muffs are designed to be worn with full-brimmed helmets (hats), providing hearing protection with an NRR of 25. Priced comparably to cap-style muffs, this hardhat accessory quickly attaches to MSAs Topgard[R], V-Gard[R], and...