Industrial Safety & Hygiene News articles from April 2004

Industrial Safety & Hygiene News archives from April 2004

Making the most of interlock devices to protect workers.(Machine Safety)
April 1, 2004... More than ever, as automation continues to permeate the industrial workplace, interlock switches are playing a key role in machine safeguarding. These safety devices are especially important in automated factories where a variety of complex...

Internalize it! If only safety training was this easy.(Editorial)
April 1, 2004... Be your own best safety manager!" Ah, the holy grail--every man and woman a safety supervisor, aware, alert and taking charge of their own well-being. Safety nirvana. The ultimate promise of awareness and behavior change programs. What...

Job stress.(Expert Advice)
April 1, 2004... Q Why are European regulators doing more in this area than the U.S.? A This is not something new in Europe. They have long been responding to stress claims. It is just part of the social benefit package. Within the last year...

Two new OSHA alliances to aid healthcare, warehousing industries.(rules & Regs)(United States. Occupational Safety and Health Administration)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... Two new OSHA alliances are aimed at improving worker safety and health in both the healthcare and warehousing industries. An alliance formed in late February with the Association of Occupational Health Professionals (AOHP) will focus on...

OSHA mulls stronger noise rules for construction.(rules & Regs)(United States. Occupational Safety and Health Administration)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... Reducing noise exposures and hearing loss for construction workers was the focus of informal meetings held by OSHA Last month in Chicago. The meetings were aimed at helping the agency decide whether it should add a requirement for a hearing...

UPS accused of tampering with accident evidence.(United Parcel Service)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... Utah's state-run 0SHA program has accused United Parcel Service in West Valley City, Utah, of tampering with evidence connected to a fatal workplace accident and interfering with the investigation, according to an article in the Deseret Morning...

OSHA puts 13,000 firms on alert.(rules & Regs)(United States. Occupational Safety and Health Administration)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... OSHA has mailed letters to approximately 13,000 employers nationwide alerting them that their injury and illness rates are significantly higher than the national average. The notification is simply a proactive step to encourage these...

N.M. regs protect convenience store workers.(rules & Regs)(New Mexico's Environmental Improvement Board)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... New Mexico's Environmental Improvement Board has approved new regulations to protect convenience store employees from violent attacks, according to the Albuquerque Journal. The new rules require convenience stores to: * Have at least...

IBM settles birth defects lawsuit.(rules & Regs)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... IBM announced last month it had settled a New York lawsuit charging that poor working conditions at one of its factories caused birth defects, according to Reuters. Terms of the settlement to the $100 million suit were not disclosed. The...

China executes former official for accident cover-up.(news Scan)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... A former Communist Party official was executed in late February for trying to cover up a tin mine accident that killed 81 people in 2001, according to an Associated Press report of a government announcement. Wan Ruizhong, a former county...

Schedule puts cleanup workers at risk, report claims.(news Scan)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... An accelerated cleanup schedule has endangered worker safety and health at the Hanford nuclear waste complex in Washington State, according to a report by the Government Accountability Project, a nonprofit group that represents some Hanford...

Extended-hours workers face increased ergo risks.(news Scan; injury)
April 1, 2004... In a survey of more than 12,500 extended-hours workers, 30 percent of male workers and 41 percent of female workers reported "Chronic or Frequent" back pain, according to a report titled "Ergonomics Risks, Myths, and Solutions for Extended...

Where's the support?(news Scan)(companies services to employees)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... Only 21 percent of U.S. companies with extended-hours operations reported that they provided human resource coverage to evening, night and weekend shifts, according to Circadian Technologies' new 2004 Shiftwork Practices Survey. Other...

Chinese coal mine disaster claims 24 lives.(news Scan)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... At least 24 people were left dead after a gas explosion in a northern Chinese coal mine in late February, according to the Voice of America. Rescuers were still trying to locate missing miners. But China's Xinhua news agency quoted a...

McWane plant suffers another fatality.(news Scan)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... A worker died after he slipped and fell into a machine used to separate sand from steel components at Kennedy Valve in Elmira, N.Y., in late February, marking the second job fatality at the plant in nine years, according to press reports. ...

Eye injury emergencies.(Top Ten)(United states : Bureau of Labor Statistics)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... In 2002, close to 100,000 people were treated in U.S. hospital emergency rooms for eye injuries related to the workplace, yet this figure actually only represents a small portion of the total number of injuries, says Prevent Blindness America....

Fatal explosion rips through India Space Center.(news Scan)(Indian Space Research Organization)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... In the worst accident in the history of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), an explosion ripped through the Solid Propellant Rocket Booster Plant in Satish Dhawan Space Center in late February, killing six workers. The site is...

Anxious about hazards? Safety benefits from this motivating energy.(Psychology of safety)
April 1, 2004... In the past two issues of ISHN, I addressed a person factor that influences our motivation and attitude toward safety: You can place yourself in one of four person-state categories by considering whether your approach to safety is seeking...

The $100-million wake-up call: more claims seek damages from employers for birth defects.
April 1, 2004... Did a child's birth defects occur from its mother's exposure to chemicals while at work? In March, IBM announced it had reached a settlement agreement in a $100-million lawsuit seeking an answer to this question. IBM faces approximately 50 more...

Before servicing that machine ... Is your lockout/tagout program up to speed?
April 1, 2004... Lockout/tagout standards--and principles--are still all-too-often violated. I offer a graphic reminder of the dire consequences that can be faced in such cases: Shortly after OSHA's lockout/ragout standard (29 CFR 1910.147, "The Control of...

Safety light curtain.(machine safety)
April 1, 2004... 1 SAFETY LIGHT CURTAIN CIRCLE 257 Banner Engineering's new EZ-SCREEN[TM] Safety Light Screen System is a noncontact, point-of-operation machine-guarding system. This robust, two-piece safety light curtain is easy to set up, align and...

Group lockout box.(machine safety)
April 1, 2004... 2 GROUP LOCKOUT BOX CIRCLE 260 Prinzing's new Portable Metal Group Lockout Box (LG096E) helps protect workers during large and complex group maintenance or repair work situations. The box opens from the side with a 3-in.-long hinge,...

Adjustable cable lockout.(machine safety)
April 1, 2004... 3 ADJUSTABLE CABLE LOCKOUT CIRCLE 259 Part of Master Lock's new line of Safety Series[TM] products, the adjustable cable lockout is an integrated, single-piece safety hasp and cable that adjusts to fit machines or equipment securely. The...

Circuit breaker lockout.(machine safety)
April 1, 2004... 4 CIRCUIT BREAKER LOCKOUT CIRCLE 262 IDEAL Circuit Breaker Lockout Systems enable users in a broad range of industries to prevent accidents while also complying with National Electric Code (NEC) requirements. Adhesive-backed rails allow the...

Lockout padlocks.(machine safety)
April 1, 2004... 5 LOCKOUT PADLOCKS CIRCLE 261 Wilson Bohannan's Safety Lockout Padlocks offer many options to choose from, allowing users to meet OSHA standards as well as specific company needs. Custom monogramming of company name, departments, employee...

Lockout software.(machine safety)
April 1, 2004... 6 LOCKOUT SOFTWARE CIRCLE 258 New Version 2 of Brady Lockout PRO[TM] software ensures clear, easy-to-follow procedures for locking out equipment that may expose workers to hazardous energy. The Windows-based package allows users to meet...

Evaluating hearing protectors: what are the rating numbers really telling you?
April 1, 2004... Most health and safety professionals responsible for hearing loss prevention rely heavily on hearing protection devices (HPD) as a vital part of hearing conservation programs. One essential aspect of HPD selection and use is the noise reduction...

A coaching lesson in hearing protection.
April 1, 2004... Joe spotted, Willie walking out of the cafeteria and hollered," Willie, what are you all smiles about--what's goin' on man? And what do you have in your hand?" "It's my hearing test, Joe. I had to take it again because they thought I had a...

Welding in tight spaces: be aware of hazards in the air.
April 1, 2004... The task of welding entails a myriad of physical hazards that can potentially threaten worker safety. Protective clothing is a necessity to shield workers from burns that may result from metal flash and the welding or cutting element itself....

Reflective apparel.(high visibility/work zone)
April 1, 2004... 1 REFLECTIVE APPAREL CIRCLE 256 A new range of high-visibility apparel from Vizcon, LLC provides improved nighttime conspicuity of people in the work zone. Vizcon Silhouette[TM] Reflective Apparel products utilize illumiNITE[R] ultraBRITE...

Lightweight vest trims.(high visibility/work zone)
April 1, 2004... 2 LIGHTWEIGHT VEST TRIMS CIRCLE 253 Reflexite Americas' Brilliance[TM] line of vest trims includes Brilliance Vest-Lite and Brilliance Comfort. Both high-visibility vest trim products are significantly lightweight, comfortable and easy for...

Protective outerwear.(high visibility/work zone)
April 1, 2004... 3 PROTECTIVE OUTERWEAR CIRCLE 252 With Envisage[TM] from NASCO, workers are made visible to oncoming traffic even when the job diverts their attention away from traffic hazards. Waterproof breathable and ANSI 107 compliant, Envisage is...

Reflective trim.(high visibility/work zone)
April 1, 2004... 4 REFLECTIVE TRIM CIRCLE 254 Airex[TM] Breathable Reflective Trim reflective product meets U.S. standards in visibility for occupational workwear while providing durability, comfort and style. The patterned trim allows air to flow through...

Traffic cones.(high visibility/work zone)
April 1, 2004... 5 TRAFFIC CONES CIRCLE 251 Direct Safety provides a complete selection of traffic products, including cones, barricades, drums and more, to meet work zone safety requirements. All-weather traffic cones or handy stacker cones help convert a...

High gloss trims.(high visibility/work zone)
April 1, 2004... 6 HIGH GLOSS TRIMS CIRCLE 250 Scotchlite Reflective Material from 3M is available in Series 7100 and Series 6100R High Gloss Trims. Offering water hold-out, the Series 7100 provides ANSI/ISEA 107 certified performance in fluorescent...

High-visibility rainwear.(high visibility/work zone)
April 1, 2004... 7 HIGH-VISIBILITY RAINWEAR CIRCLE 255 Tingley, Rubber's Comfort-Brite Fluorescent Yellow-Green .35mm PVC on Polyester suit with 2-inch reflective tape is a durable, affordable solution for high-visibility rainwear that meets the ANSI/ISEA...

Hand protection.(Questions & Answers)
April 1, 2004... Q What advances in glove comfort and durability should buyers be on the lookout for? A There have been tremendous advances in product design combined with the integration of high-tech materials which provide more comfort,...

Drug-free work zone: communication, preparation are keys to establishing a drug testing program.
April 1, 2004... As I wrote in this publication last summer, illicit drug use among construction workers is on an upward trend (see Current Safety Trends Construction" ISHN Contractor Safety, July 2003). In recent studies by the Department of Health and Human...

Stand-alone detection system.(product News)
April 1, 2004... Circle 264 BW Technologies' new Rig Rat III stand-alone detection system provides efficient wireless monitoring for toxic gases, combustibles and oxygen hazards in such applications as drilling rigs, hazmat and perimeter monitoring. The...

Prescription eyewear.(product News)
April 1, 2004... Circle 267 The new N-Vision 5600 Series protective eyewear from North allows prescription lenses to be inserted on the new Flexi-fit nosepiece, a three-point non-slip nosepiece that eliminates excessive pressure on the nose. Available in...

Flammables storage.(product News)
April 1, 2004... Circle 266 New Safesite[TM] Safety Chests from Justrite are ideal for the safe storage of flammables. Designed for portable, outdoor use, the worksite chests are built to OSHA and NFPA specifications, providing protected storage for fuels,...

Protective boots.(product News)
April 1, 2004... Circle 265 LaCrosse has expanded its cold environment product line with the Polar PFT[TM], a lightweight, insulated, safety toe boot. Designed with construction and cold storage workers in mind, the boots weigh just 4.5 lbs. per pair and...

Data management.(product News)
April 1, 2004... Circle 268 OHM/ASP[TM] provides a turnkey operation to simplify data management while lowering costs. All of your data can be hosted on secure servers utilizing OHM/Web[TM]. You need just a browser and Internet connection; only pay for the...

Foam ear plugs.(product News)
April 1, 2004... Circle 269 Ther-Max 30[TM] PVC Foam Ear Plugs from Tasco become continually softer while being rolled and after being inserted into the ear. This response to body heat produces an improved fit and far less pressure than conventional foam...

Vibration-damping measurement.(product News)
April 1, 2004... Circle 270 The IHVM 100 from Larson Davis is used to test the effectiveness of various vibration-damping gloves and materials as described by ISO Standard 10819 (glove transmissibility measurement). Hand-arm vibration exposure measurements...

Modular sound enclosures.(Literature Spotlights)
April 1, 2004... Acoustic Systems manufactures modular sound enclosures for hearing screening and audiometric testing. Hearing screening booths are available in several sizes and are maintained in stock for quick delivery. Acoustic Systems' representatives help...

Exit sign.(Literature Spotlights)
April 1, 2004... The Fail-Safe EverGlowHi[R] EASY EXIT[TM] sign is a problem solver in areas of high breakage. The tough unitized metal construction will not peel, crack, or burn. Made from recycled aluminum and plastic-free, the photoluminescent replacement...

Wall case line.(Literature Spotlights)
April 1, 2004... Allegro Industries has introduced a comprehensive line of Wall Cases. New to the line are five defibrillator cases. The four white metal cases come in corrosion-resistant steel with defibrillator graphics dominantly displayed. They include...

Containers and cases.(Literature Spotlights)
April 1, 2004... Ameripack is a manufacturer-distributor of carrying, shipping, rack-mount, and panel-mount cases. Ameripack injection molded and rotational molded cases are airtight, watertight, crushproof, dustproof and meet or exceed ATA and military...

Abrasion-resistant gloves.(Literature Spotlights)
April 1, 2004... HyFlex[R] NBR gloves from Ansell Occupational Healthcare are designed for abrasive applications that involve handling small-to-medium-sized parts. The nitrile coating helps keep oil away from the hands. An excellent dry grip makes the gloves...

Free video CD.(Literature Spotlights)
April 1, 2004... Learn how other companies are using employee recognition programs to reduce injuries without injury hiding; improve morale; and increase Bright Idea Money Saving Suggestions. The video includes case history studies and offers insight into...

Eye/Face washes.(Literature Spotlights)
April 1, 2004... The ANSI compliant Swing-Down Eye and Swing-Down Eye/Face Wash units provide space savings and flexibility, fitting into any work environment. Available in universal counter or wall-mount design, the units operate by simply pulling down the...

Kuri Tec[R] Catalog.(Literature Spotlights)
April 1, 2004... The Kuri Tec[R] PVC Hose & Tubing Catalog features nontoxic PVC products to handle industrial hygiene and air breathing line applications. Available are clear, non-reinforced tubing, clear yarn reinforced PVC hoses and clear wire reinforced...

Fall protection.(Literature Spotlights)
April 1, 2004... Ultra-Safe Inc. is now offering a 24-page, full-color Fall Protection Catalog free to all who request it. The catalog includes photographs and complete descriptions of Full Body Harnesses, Ropes, Cable and Nylon Web Lanyards with or without...

Emergency oxygen.(Literature Spotlights)(Advertisement)
April 1, 2004... For industrial and office workplace first aid programs, LIFE[R] OxygenPac is SIMPLE and EASY to use to give crucial lifesaving oxygen until medical help arrives. Portable with handle in durable case with clear cover, the unit hangs on the wall...

Customized literature.(Literature Spotlights)(Advertisement)
April 1, 2004... Shat-R-Shield, the leader in plastic-coated, shatter-resistant lamps, offers a full line of customizable literature. Space is allowed on each literature piece for printed contact information. Shat-R-Shield literature pieces are also available...

Remove grease & overpower odors.(Literature Spotlights)(Advertisement)
April 1, 2004... Consume Micro-Muscle industrial strength super surfactant concentrate, boosted with active microbial grease digesters, quickly removes petroleum-based soils and continually controls nuisance odors. It also augments downstream waste treatment....

Saves lives ... and money!(Literature Spotlights)(Advertisement)
April 1, 2004... Bulwark Protective Apparel announces the introduction of its new "value" FR cotton coverall--the CCD2. Priced over 15 percent lower than other Deluxe Cotton Coveralls, the CCD2 is available in khaki, navy, orange, and royal; features a 7.7...

Quick-ship program.(Literature Spotlights)
April 1, 2004... BioFit[R] Engineered Products offers immediate shipping on hundreds of ergonomic chair models for industrial, laboratory, high-tech and office applications. If BioFit cannot ship within two working days (after credit approval), BioFit will pay...

Single-gas monitor.(Literature Spotlights)(Advertisement)
April 1, 2004... GasAlert Extreme offers cutting-edge protection in a wide range of applications and environments. Weighing 3 ounces, GasAlert Extreme detects H2S, SO2, CI2, CO, HCN, NO2, O2, NH3, PH3, ETO, NO, CIO2 or O3. Compact and durable with a built-in...

All-season bomber jacket.(Literature Spotlights)(Advertisement)
April 1, 2004... The all-season bomber is made with 13 oz. INDURA[R] Ultra Soft[R] for the shell and has a 5.5 oz. twill cloth lining. This jacket helps protect and keeps you comfortable throughout the change of seasons. The garment is NFPA-70E compliant and...

Interactive CD and catalog.(Literature Spotlights)(Advertisement)
April 1, 2004... Casella USA offers the new 2004 interactive CD and catalog for interested industrial hygienists and safety professionals. The CD provides useful product and application information in an easy-to-use interactive website-like format. Casella USA...

Concrete bolt anchor.(Literature Spotlights)(Advertisement)
April 1, 2004... DBI/SALA has introduced a simple, versatile and safe anchorage system specifically designed for concrete applications. The concrete D-ring anchor contains no fragile parts and is extremely rugged, which is vital in the dusty, debris-laden...

Anti-reflective lens.(Literature Spotlights)(Advertisement)
April 1, 2004... Essilor has launched Crizal Alize, an anti-reflective (AR) lens that offers relief from tired, strained eyes caused by artificial light, computer glare and night driving, provides two-sided scratch resistance, and also cleans like a breeze....

Glove accessory.(Literature Spotlights)(Advertisement)
April 1, 2004... Glove Guard[R] and Utility Guard[TM] are two quality products meeting two goals: 1) reduce hand injuries by keeping gloves available, and 2) reduce glove replacement costs. Non-conductive product with a patented safety center break-away...

Tempered water systems.(Literature Spotlights)
April 1, 2004... Cooler temperature water passing over a warmer object removes heat from that object, in a phenomenon called Evaporative Cooling. Evaporative cooling can lead to hypothermia in people using emergency showers and eyewashes supplied by municipal...

Gas detection.(Literature Spotlights)
April 1, 2004... 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...

Protective eyewear.(Literature Spotlights)
April 1, 2004... Odyssey's first-of-its-kind, patented SoftFlex[TM] nosepiece has extra-soft polymer "fingertips" and pivots on a hinge to offer unparalleled conformity to the bridge of the wearer's nose. The eyewear also has a patent-pending Italian design...

EH&S software suite.(Literature Spotlights)
April 1, 2004... This popular solution provides MSDS Management (MSDSFinder[R]), Environmental Reporting (including SARA 313 & TIER II), MSDS Authoring, Chemical Inventory Tracking, Container Labeling, MSDS Database Building Service and more. Designed as an...

Personal gas monitor.(Literature Spotlights)
April 1, 2004... MSA's new Solaris[TM] Multigas Detector is an economical, pocket-sized, personal gas monitor. One of the smallest, lightest and easiest to use four-gas monitors available, the Solaris detector is also easy to maintain. Encased in a rugged,...

Cleanroom glove.(Literature Spotlights)
April 1, 2004... 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: semi-conductor, electronics, biomedical, pharmaceuticals, film...

Safety knives.(Literature Spotlights)(Advertisement)
April 1, 2004... Reduce cutting injuries and workers' compensation claims. Our full line of safety knives have no exposed blades, protecting the goods and the user. Ergonomically designed to promote proper cutting technique and ensure user comfort. The Safety...

Universal sideshields.(Literature Spotlights)
April 1, 2004... The Aye-Mate[TM] B-52+ and Wing-Mate[TM] B-26+ universal sideshields are quickly adapted to a wide range of metal and plastic frames. Can be installed or removed quickly without tools. Eliminates guesswork, time and effort required to replace...

High visibility rainwear.(Literature Spotlights)(Advertisement)
April 1, 2004... Tingley Rubber introduces the Comfort-Brite fluorescent yellow-green .35mm PVC on polyester suit with two-inch reflective tape. Comfort-Brite rainwear is the affordable solution for high-visibility rainwear that is compliant with the new...

NFPA 70E compliance.(Literature Spotlights)
April 1, 2004... INDURA Ultra Soft[c] has already proven itself as the fabric of choice for NFPA 70E compliance. INDURA Ultra Soft provides protection from electric arc flash with flame resistance that is guaranteed for the life of the fabric while still...

'Dockable' photoionization detector.(Literature Spotlights)(Advertisement)
April 1, 2004... Industrial Scientific takes the VX500 forward in VOC monitoring with the release of the VX500 Docking Station[TM] Module, making its VX500 the industry's first 'dockable' photoionization detector. The VX500 delivers responsive detection of...

Non-slip safety coatings.(Literature Spotlights)(Advertisement)
April 1, 2004... 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...

Fixed gas monitors.(Literature Spotlights)(Advertisement)
April 1, 2004... From parking garages to petrochemical plants, IST-Aim offers a wide selection of fixed gas monitoring systems for all applications and situations. IST-Aim utilizes leading-edge technology to provide maximum protection while offering equipment...

Photo-ionization detector.(Literature Spotlights)(Advertisement)
April 1, 2004... The MultiRAE Plus combines a PID with the standard four gases (O2, LEL, and two toxic gas sensors) in one compact monitor. Its new and improved case allows quick and easy access to both the battery and sensors simply by using a coin. With ATEX...

Forklift Hazard Perception Challenge.(Literature Spotlights)(Advertisement)
April 1, 2004... This new program uses a series of fast-paced visual encounters followed by "challenge questions" that force forklift operators to think about what they saw, relate it to their work settings, and respond to multiple choice and write-in...

Emergency response guide.(Literature Spotlights)
April 1, 2004... The North American Emergency Response Guidebook is the definitive reference for proper emergency action and first aid in transportation incidents involving hazardous materials. Three-digit guide numbers quickly direct you from the material...

Protective clothing.(Literature Spotlights)
April 1, 2004... MicroMAX[R] NS is the newest member of the protective clothing family from Lakeland Industries. This line of general purpose protective clothing can be used in any non-hazardous environment where dirt, grime, splashes and spills are present....

PlugStation[R].(Literature Spotlights)
April 1, 2004... The PlugStation[R] earplug dispenser is affordable enough to be placed near every work area. High-visibility station increases worker awareness. Features a clicking mechanism for smooth dispensing of plugs directly into your hand. Eliminates...

Air purifying respirator.(Literature Spotlights)
April 1, 2004... First responders, law enforcement, hazmat, emergency medical, homeland security, biological, chemical and nuclear response, medical, plant and lab emergencies. Neoterik's low-cost FR3 features full hood, neck seal, adjustable headgear, visor,...