Industrial Safety & Hygiene News articles from January 2006

Industrial Safety & Hygiene News archives from January 2006

Rockin' your radar: how blips on a screen can shape careers.(economic forecasts)(Editorial)
January 1, 2006... If there's a language more dense and indecipherable than consultantese, it might come from the think tanks that populate Washington, D.C. and many a comfortable campus. Here, for instance, is the Center for Strategic and International Studies...

Slew of OSHA bills introduced.(Occupational Safety and Health Administration)
January 1, 2006... Senator Michael Enzi (R-WY) introduced a package of OSHA reform bills in November, including the "Occupational Safety Partnership Act," which would create a third-party workplace review program. Employers would be allowed to hire qualified...

OSHA's reg agenda keeps shrinking.(Occupational Safety and Health Administration)
January 1, 2006... In a years-long effort to reduce the regulatory agenda, the latest semiannual agenda from OSHA seems to be making progress, according to an assessment by the American Industrial Hygiene Association. AIHA says many OSHA observers are...

EPA releases plan to test alternative method to remove asbestos.(rules & REGS)
January 1, 2006... EPA has submitted a draft Quality Assurance Project Plan for external review for the Alternative Asbestos Control Method demonstration project. An alternative method for removing asbestos from older buildings during demolition will be evaluated...

EPA chemical data cuts pose risk to communities, group says.(Environmental Protection Agency)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2006... An analysis released in December by the National Environmental Trust found that as many as one in ten U.S. communities with industrial facilities would no longer receive information on toxic releases in their communities as a result of a Bush...

New Orleans residents ignoring mold health risks?(news.SCAN)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2006... Mold spore levels in many parts of New Orleans are two to four times normal levels, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). Despite government safety warnings, residents are being allowed back into parts of the city with...

BP refinery audit uncovers widesread cracks in safety culture.(news.SCAN)
January 1, 2006... An internal BP audit that the company refused to make public for months identified an array of management and safety problems at the company's Texas City refinery in the aftermath of an explosion that killed 15 workers, according to an article...

Workplace injury & illness rates down in '04, BLS reports.(news.SCAN)
January 1, 2006... A total of 4.3 million nonfatal injuries and illnesses were reported in private industry workplaces during 2004, down from 4.4 million in 2003.These cases occurred at a rate of 4.8 cases per 100 equivalent full-time workers, according to the...

Survey: most firms prepared for disasters.(news.SCAN)
January 1, 2006... Most U.S. organizations have created or revised disaster preparedness plans to ensure employee safety and business continuity, according to a recent survey by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). Eighty-five percent of human...

Editor's note: beryllium corrections.(news.SCAN)(Correction Notice)
January 1, 2006... After reading our article on beryllium exposures in the November 2005 issue, Elton R. Hewitt, CIH, CSP, an industrial hygienist at Fluor Hanford in Washington, reminded us beryllium is not the lightest metal, but the second lightest. The...

Researchers find easier test for mercury.(University of Illinois )(Brief Article)
January 1, 2006... University of Illinois researchers have developed an easier test for toxic mercury in the environment, according to an article in the Urbana/Champaign III.) News-Gazette. More than a dozen waterways in Illinois are under a mercury advisory...

Slow down for safety? Type A personalities can't find the brake.(PSYCHOLOGY of safety)
January 1, 2006... Slow down and live in the moment. This is a worthwhile resolution for the New Year, similar to one I proposed in January 2003--"Yield the right-of-way." But slowing down, letting go and savoring the moment is difficult for some of us. Yes, I'm...

How to anticipate future issues: follow researchers to align your long-term agenda.(MANAGING BEST practices)
January 1, 2006... Have you developed plans to address safety and health opportunities that may occur over the next decade? After all, best practices for managing workplace safety and health require you to develop both short- and long-term plans. Short-term...

Safety professionals: taking the pulse of safety pros in 2006, based on responses from 101 readers with full-time safety jobs.(ISHN's 2006 White Paper profiles the EHS Nation)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
January 1, 2006... Professional snapshot '05 Increased Decreased Same EHS responsibilities 61% 1% 33% Level of job satisfaction 32% 20% 45% Job-related...

Industrial hygienists: taking the pulse of industrial hygienists in 2006, based on responses from 15 readers with full-time industrial hygiene jobs.(ISHN's 2006 White Paper profiles the EHS Nation)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
January 1, 2006... Professional snapshot '05 Increased Decreased Same EHS responsibilities 53% 0% 47% Level of job satisfaction 13% 40% 40% Job-related...

Money-makers: taking the pulse of pros from profitable companies in 2006, based on responses from 163 readers who work for companies whose sales and profits have grown in the past 12 months.(ISHN's 2006 White Paper profiles the EHS Nation)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
January 1, 2006... Professional snapshot '05 Increased Decreased Same EHS responsibilities 54% 4% 36% Level of job satisfaction 27% 16% 52% Job-related...

Money-losers: taking the pulse of pros from unprofitable companies in 2006, based on responses from 43 readers who work for companies whose sales and profits have declined in the past 12 months.(ISHN's 2006 White Paper profiles the EHS Nation)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
January 1, 2006... Professional snapshot '05 Increased Decreased Same EHS responsibilities 30% 14% 49% Level of job satisfaction 17% 14% 57% Job-related...

U.S.-based facilities: taking the pulse of pros in U.S. companies in 2006, based on responses from 246 readers who work for companies that operate facilities only in the United States.(ISHN's 2006 White Paper profiles the EHS Nation)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
January 1, 2006... Professional snapshot '05 Increased Decreased Same EHS responsibilities 41% 5% 47% Level of job satisfaction 23% 14% 55% Job-related...

Multinationals: taking the pulse of pros in multinational companies in 2006, based on responses from 87 readers who work for companies that operate facilities in foreign companies as well as in the U.S.(ISHN's 2006 White Paper profiles the EHS Nation)
January 1, 2006... Professional snapshot '05 Increased Decreased Same EHS responsibilities 59% 5% 27% Level of job satisfaction 22% 24% 47% Job-related...

Small facilities: taking the pulse of pros in small operations in 2006, based on responses from 134 readers who work in facilities with less than 50 employees.(ISHN's 2006 White Paper profiles the EHS Nation)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
January 1, 2006... Professional snapshot '05 Increased Decreased Same EHS responsibilities 39% 2% 47% Level of job satisfaction 21% 6% 62% Job-related...

Mid-size facilities: taking the pulse of pros in mid-size operations in 2006, based on responses from 97 readers who work in facilities with 100-499 employees.(ISHN's 2006 White Paper profiles the EHS Nation)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
January 1, 2006... Professional snapshot '05 Increased Decreased Same EHS responsibilities 54% 7% 36% Level of job satisfaction 29% 25% 44% Job-related...

Large facilities: taking the pulse of pros in large operations in 2006, based on responses from 39 readers who work in facilities with 1,000 or more employees.(ISHN's 2006 White Paper profiles the EHS Nation)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
January 1, 2006... Professional snapshot '05 Increased Decreased Same EHS responsibilities 58% 5% 34% Level of job satisfaction 29% 32% 37% Job-related...

5 steps to industrial hygiene exposure assessments.
January 1, 2006... The exact number of occupational diseases that occur in the United States is unknown; however, most occupational disease cases that are litigated involve multiple defendants. By implementing a systematic exposure assessment and control process,...

Dockable single-gas monitor.(gas detection)
January 1, 2006... Featuring interchangeable "smart" sensors, GasBadge[R] Pro can be quickly adapted to monitor unsafe levels of oxygen or any one of a wide range of toxic gases. The single-gas monitor communicates directly via an infrared interface to optional...

Multi-gas detection.(gas detection)
January 1, 2006... Easy to operate, use and carry, GfG's G 650 is well-suited for both confined space safety and for work in an open area. The portable gas monitor detects up to six gases simultaneously, protecting from hundreds of unknown toxic gases utilizing a...

Gas detector with PID.(gas detection)
January 1, 2006... The new Lumidor MicroMAX PID from Honeywell Zellweger offers portable multi-gas detection with flexible sensor options to utilize photoionization detector (PID) sensors and inflated OR) cells. Utilizing MicroMAX's reliable field-proven design,...

Compact gas detector.(gas detection)
January 1, 2006... BW introduces the rugged, ultra compact GasAlertMicroClip--a tough, small, easy to use and low price multi-gas detector. Simultaneously displaying I-I2S, CO, 02 and I.EI. gas concentrations with simple one-button operation, the slim...

Plume measurement system.(gas detection)
January 1, 2006... PlumeRAE from RAE Systems is a portable plume measurement and prediction system that enables first responders to rapidly track airborne clouds of gas and other toxic materials. The integrated system combines AreaRAE GPS sensors in a Rapid...

Gas monitor with pump.(gas detection)
January 1, 2006... The GX-2003 personal five-sensor gas monitor pulls samples from up to 40 feet and measures 100% volume combustibles in addition to LEL, 02, CO and H2S. LCD displays all gas readings, battery level and time. Standard alarms include vibration,...

Gas detector/plug-in PID.(gas detection)
January 1, 2006... Offering advanced engineering in a portable gas monitor, the Scout from Scott Health & Safety features plug-in PID sensor technology and built-in intelligence for simple and intuitive operations. Built-in flexibility means that Scout is...

Breath life into your safety program: keys to using air purifying respirators (APRs).
January 1, 2006... The basis of any good respiratory protection program is the trained program administrator required by 29 CFR 1910.134 (c). This person must not only know and understand the requirements of a respiratory protection program but must understand...

New safety eyewear designs balance style, protection & comfort.(LOOKING GOOD)
January 1, 2006... Thick-lensed frames that pinched your face. Glasses sliding down your nose. Distorted vision. And probably a headache by the end of the day. These are all characteristics of safety eyewear from days gone by. But today's modern protective...

Get serious about fall protection: combine new, user-friendly products with the right training for success.
January 1, 2006... Years ago fall protection equipment was heavy and uncomfortable. Buckles and D-rings were clumsy, bulky forgings. Harness webbing was stiff and abrasive. No wonder workers avoided wearing them, even when they understood the risks. Several...

Anchorage connector.(fall protection)
January 1, 2006... MSA's FP Stryder Anchorage Connector features simple, single-hand installation; low-friction wear pads with Teflon for easy gliding along the beam flange; and an integral load indicator that alerts the user if the unit has been exposed to a...

Horizontal lifeline.(fall protection)
January 1, 2006... For use on any structure, the new Evolution horizontal lifeline favors movements along the line, protects workers from falls, and is discreet, blending into the building without compromising its aesthetics. The horizontal lifeline is comprised...

Rooftop anchor.(fall protection)
January 1, 2006... The Constant Force post rooftop anchor effectively manages the load between itself and the roof limiting the load on the roof to a safe pre-determined level that ensures integrity of the fixings and avoids inflicting damage on the roof. The...

Fall protection harness.(fall protection)
January 1, 2006... North Safety's Rite-On harness features a design that is easy to don and comfortable to wear. The back pad fully covers not only the back portion of the user, but it also has full frontal coverage for a more effective padded support. The...

FP Railing.(fall protection)
January 1, 2006... RAILGUARD 200 from Garlock is now available with permanent mounting brackets--either top, side or floor depending on user's need. Rails can be easily removed, and a completely portable model that requires no drilling in substrate is also...

Full-body harness.(fall protection)
January 1, 2006... The Miller Revolution[TM] Harness features PivotLink[TM] connection--a unique rotary design that provides improved bending/mobility and an attachment point for belts/tools/accessories. The full-body harness also features: ErgoArmor[TM] back...

LED lighting: its future in safety applications is bright.(light emitting diodes)
January 1, 2006... The incandescent bulb was once the preferred way to light a flashlight. But in the past 15 to 20 years, LEDs have steadily evolved from the VCR and EQ gauge to an integral part of safety lighting in today's industrial, safety and manufacturing...

Drench shower/eyewash.
January 1, 2006... The Barrier-Free Recessed Mounted Drench Shower and Eyewash from Bradley is ideal for areas where maximizing space is a concern, including facilities such as laboratories, hospitals and schools. The barrier-free design is flush-mounted into the...

Reflective vests.(product NEWS)
January 1, 2006... Magid's CRV2340 and CRV4430 reflective safety vests are one-size-fits-all featuring two side ties and a front Velcro closure that enables size adjustments. Two vertical silver retro-reflective stripes extend from the front to the back of the...

Outdoor work glove.(product NEWS)
January 1, 2006... Offering superb grip along with winter protection, Global Glove's ice Gripster[R] incorporates an etched rubber palm and a heavy nap shell to provide an ideal work glove for outdoor use. The launderable Ice Gripster[R] offers workers a cold...

High-visibility earmuffs.(product NEWS)
January 1, 2006... New Bilsom[R] Leightning[R] Hi-Visibility Earmuffs provide both maximum attenuation and high visibility, especially outdoors or in low-lighting situations such as roadway construction and utility work. Fluorescent green earcups contrast against...

Gas detection.(product NEWS)
January 1, 2006... The new 2020gasPRO from Photovac, part of the company's complete offering of photoionization detectors (PIDs), utilizes pre-filter tubes to operate as a single-gas detection instrument. The pre-filter tubes are able to detect the presence of...

Protective rain wear.(product NEWS)
January 1, 2006... PolyConversions' new three-piece VR Rainsuit includes jacket with storm flap, detachable hood and bib-style pants with adjustable elastic suspenders. Features include reinforced crotch and underarms and strong thermal seals. VR is an impervious...

Safety in a flash: how to evaluate flame-resistant clothing to protect your workers.
January 1, 2006... Over the past decade the market for flame-resistant (FR) protective clothing has continued to expand. This growth was initially fueled by the OSHA 1910.269 regulation for electric utilities, and it has been accelerated by the recent revisions...

Culture change: it starts at the top and requires everyone's involvement.(training STRATEGIES)
January 1, 2006... In the past ten years, the "behavioral approach" has been considered innovative and in many companies has made significant headway in improving safety. However, while the process of pinpointing desired behaviors and observing/measuring them has...

Pulling together teams & individuals: Willie and Joe on the power of incentives.(incentives & RECOGNITION)
January 1, 2006... "Willie, what's that?" "Ah Joe, it's one of those iPod music things. My wife got it from her company. It was some kinda safety gift." Joe wanted to know more. "What'd she have to do to get it?" "Don't know. She couldn't tell me."...

Dock safety.(product NEWS)
January 1, 2006... Rite-Hite's new STR-4000 Dok-Lok[R] Vehicle Restraint is designed to minimize the potential for chronic personnel injuries at the loading dock resulting from "trailer drop." The system vertically supports the rear of the trailer during loading...

Stylish safety eyewear.(product NEWS)
January 1, 2006... Protege[TM] safety eyewear from Uvex offers workers lightweight comfort and sports-styling while providing wrap-around protection. Weighing less than one ounce, the eyewear features Uvex's proprietary Floating Lens[TM] technology, which...

Trace gas analysis.(product NEWS)
January 1, 2006... The new InterceptIR[TM] provides research-grade performance, speed and sensitivity for trace gas analysis in demanding process environments and monitors air separation units for hydrocarbon buildup, thus leading to safer manufacturing...

Air Systems International.(white paper SPONSORS)
January 1, 2006... Air Systems International offers a portable carbon monoxide airline monitor for intermittent or continuous sampling. This portable monitor unit connects easily to any high or low pressure compressed breathing air source and monitors the air for...

Banom provides hand protection solutions.(white paper SPONSORS)
January 1, 2006... With over 50 years experience in cut-resistant gloves, we specialize in the sheet metal, glass, paper, and food industries for hand protection. Products include: Terminator[R]--abrasive cut resistant gloves for sheet metal assembly....

Bulwark[R] Excel-FR[TM] White Paper.(white paper SPONSORS)
January 1, 2006... When everyday work tasks are hazardous for the worker, employers are mandated by the federal government to take steps to mitigate that hazard. This may include engineering changes, employee training or providing primary protective equipment...

BW Technologies.(white paper SPONSORS)
January 1, 2006... BW Technologies is proud to present the GasAlertMicro 5 PID. The latest in multi-gas detection, the GasAlertMicro 5 PID provides simultaneous monitoring of up to five gases including oxygen, combustible gases, a range of toxic gases and...

Howard Leight Industries.(white paper SPONSORS)
January 1, 2006... From our beginnings as a one-man operation more than 30 years ago, Reward Leight Industries has grown into one of the largest manufacturers of in-ear hearing protection in the industrial market and the recognized innovator in protection and...

Industrial Scientific Corporation.(white paper SPONSORS)
January 1, 2006... Industrial Scientific designs, manufactures and markets portable and fixed instruments and services for detecting, measuring and monitoring hazardous gases to protect and preserve life and property. Headquartered in an advanced ISO...

J.J. Keller.(white paper SPONSORS)
January 1, 2006... Since 1953, J. J. Keller has been helping companies comply with OSHA, EPA, DOT, FDA and USDA regulations. The company's diverse product line includes technical publications; computer software; video-based, online and CD-ROM training programs;...

KeeGuard[R].(white paper SPONSORS)
January 1, 2006... KeeGuard[R] OSHA-Compliant Roof Edge Railing Systems are independently tested to meet or exceed OSHA Standard CFR 29 1910.23 and 1926.500, which require the presence of a barrier within six feet of roof edges. The modular, freestanding...

DBI/SALA and Protecta.(white paper SPONSORS)
January 1, 2006... DBI/SALA and Protecta, the world leader in fall protection and rescue equipment, has been protecting workers from potential fall hazards for more than 30 years. We not only design and manufacture quality safety equipment that meets or exceeds...

E-A-R.(white paper SPONSORS)
January 1, 2006... E-A-R, leading the advancement of hearing protection worldwide, provides truly innovative products, including foam, premolded and push-in foam earplugs. Products include the Classic[R], E-A-Rsoft[R], SuperFit[R], UltraFit[R] and our latest...

Peltor.(white paper SPONSORS)
January 1, 2006... Peltor, preferred by professionals everywhere, has long been considered the leader in protective communication headsets and earmuff hearing protectors. Ali Peltor products are designed to provide the optimum attenuation, maximum comfort, and...

World leaders in emergency eye care.(white paper SPONSORS)
January 1, 2006... Since 1950, Fend-all has manufactured and distributed leading safety and health products worldwide. Fend-all is the well-respected market leader in portable eyewash stations and is recognized for its wide range of emergency eyewash products,...

GfG Instrumentation.(white paper SPONSORS)
January 1, 2006... GfG Instrumentation is a world leader for gas detection and measurement technology. For over 40 years the company has specialized in designing, developing, and producing the safest and most reliable equipment and sensors available. Offering an...

MCR Safety.(white paper SPONSORS)
January 1, 2006... MCR Safety is committed to our vision of "Exceeding Expectations... Protecting Your Quality of Life." Our mission is to provide additional value to our distributors by offering one of the most comprehensive personal protective equipment...

Moldex.(white paper SPONSORS)
January 1, 2006... With 25 years of innovation in respiratory and hearing protection, Moldex[R] is one of the most recognized and respected names in worker safety. Our products provide comfort and style for wearers and cost savings for employers. Our ongoing...

MSA.(white paper SPONSORS)
January 1, 2006... Since 1914, MSA has been a leading manufacturer of a full line of safety products and personal protection equipment. Today, we provide products to a number of industries, including fire service, construction, homeland security and law...

RAE Systems.(white paper SPONSORS)
January 1, 2006... RAE Systems is the proven expert in PID technology for monitoring VOCs, benzene, and other hydrocarbons and toxic chemicals. RAE Systems instruments are used in confined spaces, oil refineries, hazmat cleanup and environmental remediation. RAE...

Salisbury.(white paper SPONSORS)
January 1, 2006... Salisbury is the solution to your electrical hazards, with arc flash face shields, insulated rubber gloves, insulated tools, temporary grounding equipment, voltage detectors and a variety of rubber insulating products. The PRO-WEAR[TM]...

Sensidyne.(white paper SPONSORS)
January 1, 2006... If you need to sample for personal exposure to gases, vapors, dusts, and other aerosols, you've come to the right place. Sensidyne offers a broad array of products for your air sampling needs, which includes just about any device called for by...

American Red Cross.(white paper SPONSORS)
January 1, 2006... The American Red Cross has released new guidelines for first aid as part of the 2005 Guidelines for CPR and ECC. The 2005 National First Aid Guidelines are the results of an American Red Cross and American Heart Association jointly...

Summit Training Source.(white paper SPONSORS)
January 1, 2006... Summit Training Source is the premier resource for training solutions. With over 600 environmental, health, and safety training titles in multiple formats, including OSHA approved 10 & 30 Hour Online, Online, CD-Rom, and video, Summit provides...

Therm-Omega-Tech Inc.(white paper SPONSORS)
January 1, 2006... Established in 1983, Therm-Omega-Tech Inc. is an ISO 9001 certified manufacturer of self-operating, temperature-actuated valves that respond to fluid temperature, ambient temperature or surface temperature. Our products are commonly used to...

Uvex.(white paper SPONSORS)
January 1, 2006... That's because for decades Uvex has set the standard for comfort, protection and style in the workplace by providing innovative products that meet and exceed the requirements of safety personnel and workers alike. Over the years, Uvex has...

Willson.(white paper SPONSORS)
January 1, 2006... Industrial Strength Style. Hard-working Price. Willson[R] has the hottest looks in sport-inspired eyewear. When workers wear Willson, they'll look good and stay safe. And because Willson provides exceptional value, you can give your workers...

Willson[R].(white paper SPONSORS)
January 1, 2006... Willson[R] has provided respiratory protection around the world for over 100 years and was acquired by Dalloz Safety in 1989. In 2001 Dalloz joined with Bacou to form the Bacou-Dalloz Group, the world leader in the design, manufacturing and...

Tingley Rubber Corp.(gets certification from International Organization for Standardization)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2006... Tingley Rubber Corp., a leading supplier of protective footwear and clothing, has achieved ISO 9001:2000 certification. The quality management principles of ISO 9001:2000 emphasize the involvement of employees at all levels, a process approach,...

Think Safe, Inc.(opens headquarters at Hiawatha, Iowa)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2006... Think Safe, Inc., a new manufacturer of injury management products, has officially opened its national headquarters facility in Hiawatha, Iowa. Think Safe's flagship product, First Voice[TM], is the first interactive Self-contained Emergency...

Honeywell Zellweger Analytics.(signs contract with British Telecommunications PLC)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2006... British Telecom (BT), the UK's largest provider of telecommunications services, has signed a contract with Honeywell Zellweger Analytics for the supply of approximately 15,000 Impact portable multi-gas detectors. The contract will be fulfilled...

The Answer Book Series: OSHA Compliance Resources.(LITERATURE)
January 1, 2006... The Answer Book Series: OSHA Compliance Resources, from Safety Certified, provides simplified explanations of all of OSHA's standards and compliance requirements. Included in the series of helpful guides are The OSHA Training Answer Book, The...

Industrial Scientific Corp.(MOVES)
January 1, 2006... Justin McElhattan has been elected to the newly created position of vice president, operations at Industrial Scientific Corp. McElhattan will be responsible for developing worldwide strategies for increasing productivity and effectiveness in...

RAE Systems.(MOVES)
January 1, 2006... RAE Systems has named Ray Dauterive as new regional sales manager covering the Gulf Coast region of Texas and Louisiana. Dauterive has 26 years' experience in technical sales and selling safety, environmental monitoring and measurement...

Inficon.(MOVES)
January 1, 2006... INFICON has named Steve Schill director of product marketing for its Intelligent Sensor Solutions Business Unit, focusing on the semiconductor industry and the environmental health and security markets. Additionally, INFICON has appointed John...