Industrial Safety & Hygiene News articles from July 2005

Industrial Safety & Hygiene News archives from July 2005

Fear of chemicals: fight fright with facts.
July 1, 2005... Most people think of chemicals as a completely separate hazard from the everyday hazards found in most industrial settings. For example, a worker who operates heavy equipment will be very confident working with and around equipment that is...

Is leadership going backwards? Consultant says the clampdown is coming.(Editorial)
July 1, 2005... Sometimes it's just easier to scream. I say that just having spent the past three months coaching a "B" squad of 13- and 14-year-old boys, hormones on the rampage, in a lacrosse league. I also say it after reading an article by Margaret...

Truck driver jailed following fatal accident.(rules & REGS)
July 1, 2005... An Ontario, Canada truck driver has been sentenced to 20 days in jail following a workplace accident that killed a construction worker, according to employmentlawtoday.com. On Aug. 10, 2002, a worker was struck by a reversing truck and died...

Contractor penalized for failing to remove lead-based paint.(rules & REGS)
July 1, 2005... OSHA has fined a painting contractor $106,800 for failing to protect employees removing lead-based paint from an apartment project in Pittsburgh. Mike McGarry and Sons, Inc., of Cleveland, Ohio, was cited for 12 alleged willful, serious and...

Untidy clean-up nets $171k fine.(rules & REGS)
July 1, 2005... A dangerous clean-up operation following a 33-gallon spill of muriatic acid at Solvox Manufacturing Co., a subsidiary of Hydrite Chemical Co., Milwaukee, has resulted in a proposed fine of $171,000 and workplace safety and health violations...

Bridge builder to pay $293,000 fine for deadly accident.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... A bridge-building company cited in a Toledo, Ohio accident that killed four workers has agreed to pay $293,000 in fines and increase safety oversight, according to OSHA. Fru-Con Construction Corp. agreed that it will now have at least one...

Comments wanted on OSHA's lead-in-construction standard.(Occupational Safety & Health Administration)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... OSHA has called for comments on its lead-in-construction standard, which requires testing for lead exposures, provisions to protect workers from exposure where lead is present, and medical monitoring of exposed workers. The agency is...

Disaster site training program launched by OSHA.(rules & REGS)
July 1, 2005... OSHA's new "Disaster Site Worker Outreach Training Program" trains workers who provide support in emergency response and recovery operations at disaster sites. Through the new program OSHA wants to raise awareness that pre-incident training is...

Amphetamines use in the workplace continues to grow.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... The use of amphetamines among general workforce employees continued to grow in 2004, according to the semi-annual Drug Testing Index[R] released this spring by Quest Diagnostics, Inc., a leading provider of employer drug-testing services in the...

AIHA, NIOSH partnership: goal is improved workplace safety.(news SCAN)
July 1, 2005... The American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) has signed a partnership agreement with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), creating an alliance that will aim to advance the protection of workers, promote best...

Painkillers put miners at risk.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... For the first time, the Kentucky Office of Mine Safety and Licensing has begun training its inspectors to identify miners who might be under the influence, reports the Associated Press. "We realize the drug culture is out there in our...

Artists have aches and pains, too.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... The hazards of artistic performance are getting more attention in the medical community, according to The Houston Chronicle. One recent study found 66 percent of performers in Broadway shows had sustained injuries on the job. Another found...

Quotable.(Steve Owens quatations in Safety )(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... "Today, more than ever as safety professionals we have not only the opportunity but also the toots to be key drivers in the improvement of results for the whole of the businesses we serve, not just fat the safety processes we lead. Because the...

Wellness in the workplace crucial to business success, employers say.(RESEARCH)
July 1, 2005... The American Association of Occupational Health Nurses (AAOHN) released its employer research findings that uncover employer perceptions of and attitudes toward employee health and wellness. The findings, released in May, will be used as a tool...

People-Based Safety[TM] in action: 5 distinctions from behavior-based safety.(PSYCHOLOGY of safety)
July 1, 2005... In a Total Safety Culture, people Act to prevent injuries, Coach one another to identify barriers to safe acts and provide constructive behavior-based feedback, Think in ways that activate and support safe behavior, and focus and scan to See...

A professional paradox: the more you learn, the less you know.(MANAGING BEST practices)
July 1, 2005... Working in industrial hygiene presents an interesting paradox--the more you learn the less you know. Consider a material safety data sheet. As a novice industrial hygienist you can study its contents and know a lot about the hazards of the...

Integrating gas detection technologies: open path gas detection & continuous point combustible sensors.
July 1, 2005... Incorporating open path or "beam" gas detection into traditional continuous point monitoring systems requires acceptance of less familiar technology. Educating users to the benefits eases the transition. Plus, understanding optical sensing...

Servicing gas monitoring instruments: maintain your monitors just like you care for your car.
July 1, 2005... Each day as you take your portable gas monitor to the field and put it to use, you rely on the fact that it's in good working condition to protect you from unseen dangers that may lurk in your environment. You count on the functionality of...

Why use FID gas detection? Versatile and reliable, flame ionization detectors offer widespread application.(flame ionization detector)
July 1, 2005... There are two primary groupings of gases that are generally monitored in industry: 1) combustible/organic compounds, and 2) toxic/inorganic compounds. And there is some considerable overlap between these broad categories. Organic (hydrocarbon)...

Cutting-edge hand protection: emerging trends in testing, products & safety.
July 1, 2005... Heightened standards for safety testing, scientific advancements in materials, and improved levels of product performance are raising the bar for cut protection of hands. Let's examine several trends worth noting. Trends in testing ...

Work gloves.(HAND protection)
July 1, 2005... CIRCLE 265 Radians offers a new line of DEWALT High Performance Work Gloves, designed to provide maximum comfort and dexterity with superior durability and toughness. The DPG20 all-purpose synthetic leather gloves feature reinforced padded...

Cut-resistant glove.(HAND protection)
July 1, 2005... CIRCLE 264 The new Pure Fit[TM] 555 glove from Perfect Fit[R] combines Dyneema[R] fiber and fiberglass to offer advanced cut resistance (ANSI Level 4) and increased comfort without sacrificing tactile sensitivity. Polyurethane coating...

Cut protection.(HAND protection)
July 1, 2005... CIRCLE 259 Offering cut protection and comfort, new Vantage[TM] gloves from Ansell utilize Intercept Technology[TM], jointly developed by Ansell and DuPont[R], incorporating KEVLAR[R] Stretch Armor for cut resistance, lightweight...

Mechanics style glove.(HAND protection)
July 1, 2005... CIRCLE 260 The HexArmor[R] HiDex[TM] CPR FX mechanics style glove offers excellent fit and feel while incorporating a significant amount of cut and puncture resistance to the palm, fingers and thumb area. The durable protective glove...

Multi-purpose gloves.(HAND protection)
July 1, 2005... CIRCLE 263 The Mecano series of multi-purpose gloves from North provide excellent comfort, dexterity and flexibility. The Expert features flexible deerskin grain leather on the palm and a spandex back for a secure fit. The Senior-Pro has a...

Hand and arm protection.(HAND protection)
July 1, 2005... CIRCLE 268 The T-Flex[R] Sleeve from Best is a 15-gauge seamless knit glove offering high cut-resistant hand and arm protection. Made with Dyneema[R]-Spectra[TM] engineered fibers, the lightweight T-Flex Sleeve offers breathable Level 4...

Waste handling glove.(HAND protection)
July 1, 2005... CIRCLE 267 The new TurtleSkin Waste Handler Glove incorporates a patented two-glove system that offers high-level puncture resistance to 28-gauge hypodermic needles, a frequently used size that is difficult to block because they are so...

Nitrile/general purpose.(HAND protection)
July 1, 2005... CIRCLE 261 KRONIT[R] 386 & 387 heavy-duty Kevlar[R]-lined nitrile gloves from MAPA offer reinforcement in hand areas that are consistently exposed to mechanical cut hazards. Kronit 386 achieved Level 3, and Kronit 387 Level 4 cut-resistant...

Mechanics gloves.(HAND protection)
July 1, 2005... CIRCLE 266 Valeo's new Cold Weather Mechanics Gloves are insulated for warmth and have a water-resistant liner. Additional features include GripTight patches on the fingertips, thumb and palm for added dexterity; synthetic leather palm;...

Form-fitting glove.(HAND protection)
July 1, 2005... CIRCLE 262 MCR Safety's new Mako[TM] is a sleek, form-fitting glove that retains its grip even when wet. The textured, dexterous latex style glove is available in a 12-in. gauntlet; component materials comply with all relevant federal...

Protective clothing: 3 essentials to cover your workers.
July 1, 2005... One of my signature keynote stories involves a favorite television program of mine from the '70s and '80s, Fantasy Island. Predictably, near the beginning of each episode, viewers find the two co-stars on the beach, discussing the imminent...

OSHA proposes updated electric arc clothing protection.
July 1, 2005... In mid-June, OSHA proposed updates to it existing standard for the construction of electric power transmission and distribution installations, along with changes to its general industry standard addressing the maintenance and repair of electric...

Electrical safety: don't get zapped by common misconceptions.
July 1, 2005... When it comes to electrical safety in today's workplace, there seems to be some misconceptions. For instance, many people believe that arc flash can only be hazardous when working with high voltage or voltage above 600v. Statistics, however,...

High NRR earplugs.(HEARING protection)
July 1, 2005... CIRCLE 254 Moldex has introduced a new formulation that achieves an NRR 33 for its SparkPlugs[R], Pura-Fit[R], Camo Plugs[R] and Softies[R] brand foam earplugs. The independently tested NRR 33 is the result of a new softer foam that adds...

HPD Selection literature.(HEARING protection)
July 1, 2005... CIRCLE 258 Quest's application note, Practical Approaches to Hearing Protection Device (HPD) Selection, discusses the issue of potential overprotection by HPDs, which is often overlooked in workplaces and can lead to worker resistance to...

Disposable earplugs.(HEARING protection)
July 1, 2005... CIRCLE 253 Magid offers economically priced disposable earplugs in uncorded (SS200) or corded (SSC100) versions. Made from soft urethane foam for extra comfort, the firm-fitting tapered earplugs provide an NRR of 29dB. The dirt-resistant,...

Two-way radio headsets.(HEARING protection)
July 1, 2005... CIRCLE 257 Peltor's PowerComPLUS two-way radio headsets come with 22 preprogrammed UHF channels, and can be reprogrammed with up to 30 channels between 462-467 MHz. Able to transmit up to two miles, PowerComPLUS also has 38 sub-channel...

Noise dosimeter.(HEARING protection)
July 1, 2005... CIRCLE 256 OHD and Cirrus Research have introduced a new version of the doseBadge personal noise dosimeter system. The CR:110A doseBadge has an increased measurement range, logging of tree Peak (C), and an increased infra-red...

Helmet/muff combinations.(HEARING protection)
July 1, 2005... CIRCLE 255 New hearing protection lines from MSA feature a patented tension adjuster for over-the-head muffs and third-party testing for slotted helmet/muff combinations. New passive and multi-functional electronic type muffs, in headband...

Corded earplugs.(HEARING protection)
July 1, 2005... CIRCLE 252 Howard Leight's Matrix[TM] earplugs are available in a corded model, ideal for use in a wide range of process industries. Like the original Matrix earplugs, the corded version features a semi-rigid core that provides lateral...

Musical muffs.(HEARING protection)
July 1, 2005... CIRCLE 251 QuieTunes 660 muffs from Elvex provide AIVI/FM reception so that workers can enjoy listening to music or talk radio while wearing hearing protection. The electronics in the contemporary looking earmuffs are separated from the...

Contemporary earmuffs.(HEARING protection)
July 1, 2005... CIRCLE 250 Bilsom's Leightning noise-blocking earmuffs combine maximum protection and contemporary design with modern stereo headset-styled earcups. Offering long-wearing comfort and durability in rugged environments, Leightning comes in...

You get what you pay for with emergency equipment.
July 1, 2005... Specifying emergency showers and eyewashes is a challenging task. While many of us have done it for years, the challenge comes from increasingly stringent regulations and almost daily advancements in the state-of-the-art response products...

How NASA is assessing & improving culture & climate: part three: widespread & systemic change.
July 1, 2005... In the first installment of this series, the initial assessment of NASA's culture and safety climate was described and the agency-wide results presented (see ISHN May 2005 issue). The second installment outlined the pilot culture enhancement...

Protecting workers everywhere "global" chemical management: do you trust the accuracy of your chemical inventory database?
July 1, 2005... One of today's buzz phrases is "global enterprise." While the phrase describes companies with international operations, it also often refers to U.S. companies with no foreign facilities that maintain multiple locations around the country....

Confined space safety.(QUESTIONS & ANSWERS)
July 1, 2005... (Q) What atmospheric conditions need to be tested prior to confined space entry, and how can I be sure it is safe to enter? (A) Prior to working in any confined space, OSHA stipulates that the area must be evaluated prior to entry and...

Carhartt.(Contractor Safety PROFILES)
July 1, 2005... Carhartt now offers its FR twill shirt in a new color--dark navy. The 7-oz. shirt, which is still also available in medium blue and khaki, features the same premium attributes as always with FR melamine buttons, double-stitched shoulders for...

Uvex safety.(Contractor Safety PROFILES)
July 1, 2005... Faces come in all different shapes and sizes. Uvex[R] now introduces one safety eyewear style for your whole workforce. With unique fitting points, the Uvex FitLogic[TM] adjusts to fit more faces comfortably. An expandable browbar self-adjusts...

Willson.(Contractor Safety PROFILES)
July 1, 2005... From the world leader in Safety Eyewear, The Vapor[TM] II offers sports styling at an affordable price. The 9-base wraparound lenses and sport temples provide the wearer a comfortable and compliant fit. Lenses are optical grade durable...

IAQ sampling device.(product NEWS)
July 1, 2005... Circle 270 Allegro's new dual M2 Multi-Mold Cassette is a disposable sampling device designed to read Indoor Air Quality at commercial sites and on inspections, in addition to remediation operations. The efficient M2 operates in accordance...

CPR mask.(product NEWS)
July 1, 2005... Circle 271 The LIFE[R] CPR Mask universally fits both adults and children, featuring contoured soft medical PVC that conforms to any face for a superior seal. One-way valve and filter provide hygienic protection. 3-M Filtrete hydrophobic...

VOC gas monitor.(product NEWS)
July 1, 2005... Circle 274 The new Casella VOCpro gas monitor measures the concentration of volatile organic compounds in the air using a standard 10.6 eV ultraviolet lamp that can detect concentrations ranging from 0.5 to 2,000 ppm. An optional 11.3 eV...

Safety helmet.(product NEWS)
July 1, 2005... Circle 276 The new Glo-Mega[TM] Omega II[R] Safety Helmet from ERB Safety glows in the dark after being exposed to light, allowing others to locate the wearer in a dark environment. Ideal for night construction workers and miners, the...

Gas detection.(product NEWS)
July 1, 2005... Circle 272 BW Technologies' new GasAlertMicro 5 PID is rugged, water-resistant and capable of simultaneously monitoring up to five gases including combustible and toxic gases, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Options include...

Mini gas detector.(product NEWS)
July 1, 2005... Circle 275 The new one-to-four gas mini-G Portable Gas Detector from General Monitors features an easy-to-read blue backlit LCD screen and glow-in-the-dark buttons. The unit combines an intelligent microprocessor with power-efficient...

Cooling vest.(product NEWS)
July 1, 2005... Circle 279 The SteeleVest, an ideal cooling option for homeland security and power industry personnel, provides optimum cooling for up to four hours, using no pumps, batteries or tether lines. Approved for U.S. Navy shipboard use, the...

Protective case.(product NEWS)
July 1, 2005... Circle 278 Pelican Products' new 1560 Case provides more than 2,800 cubic inches of storage space in a high-impact, all-purpose watertight case. Ideal for keeping valuable equipment safe and secure, the case features stainless-steel...

Protective clothing sealing.(product NEWS)
July 1, 2005... Circle 277 ChemTape[R] from Kappler, a specialty adhesive tape for the protective clothing market, improves barrier protection against chemicals at glove/sleeve and cuff/boat interfaces, as well as over zippers and storm flaps. ChemTape...

Electrical safety testing.(product NEWS)
July 1, 2005... Circle 280 The SafeCheck 8 safety tester from Clare Instruments enables companies to conduct electrical safety testing quickly and easily on power tools and appliances used in the workplace. The compact, bench-top unit performs...

Odyssey Investment Partners LLC has acquired Norcross Safety Products LLC, one of the world's leading suppliers of personal protective equipment, from an investor group that includes funds controlled by Trimaran Capital Partners, John Hancock Life Insurance Company and CIVC Partners.(BUSINESSES)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... Odyssey Investment Partners LLC has acquired Norcross Safety Products LLC, one of the world's leading suppliers of personal protective equipment, from an investor group that includes funds controlled by Trimaran Capital Partners, John Hancock...

The InterTech Group, Inc. has purchased the polybenzimidazole fiber and polymer business (PBI) from Celanese Corp.(BUSINESSES)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... The InterTech Group, Inc. has purchased the polybenzimidazole fiber and polymer business (PBI) from Celanese Corp. PBI Performance Products, Inc. was formed to complete the acquisition and operate the business as a wholly owned subsidiary of...

Perfect Fit Glove.(appointments at Perfect Fit Glove Company Inc..)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... Perfect Fit Glove, a Bacou-Dalloz company headquartered in Buffalo, NY, has realigned its senior management team to facilitate growth. Greg Wall has been named vice president/general manager, and Matt Reid will serve as senior product manager....

Red Wing Shoe Co., manufacturer and marketer of Red Wing, WORX[TM] and Carhartt brands of safety footwear, has announced that it is transitioning from the previous ANSI (American National Standards Institute) safety footwear standard which was recently withdrawn, to the recently approved standard from ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials).(BUSINESSES)
July 1, 2005... Red Wing Shoe Co., manufacturer and marketer of Red Wing, WORX[TM] and Carhartt brands of safety footwear, has announced that it is transitioning from the previous ANSI (American National Standards Institute) safety footwear standard which was...

Thermo Electron Corp. has purchased Rupprecht and Patashnick Co., Inc. (R&P), a leading company in continuous particulate monitoring instrumentation for the ambient air, emissions monitoring and industrial hygiene markets.(BUSINESSES)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... Thermo Electron Corp. has purchased Rupprecht and Patashnick Co., Inc. (R&P), a leading company in continuous particulate monitoring instrumentation for the ambient air, emissions monitoring and industrial hygiene markets. The company had 2004...

Deserving student receives ISEA scholarship.(industry BRIEFS)(International Safety Equipment Association)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... Daniel A. Pijanowski of Lockport, NY, has won the 2005 Lincoln C. Bailey Memorial Scholarship presented by the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA). Pijanowski is a student at Medaille College in Buffalo, NY, and a full-time...

Crowcon.(appointments.)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... Alan Skinner has been appointed business development manager for Crowcon's fixed gas detection systems. This appointment will help the company consolidate its position in the fixed systems market, a major growth area for Crowcon. Crowcon is a...

ICS Laboratories.(AWARDS)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... ICS Laboratories has received the U.S. Army's Certificate of Appreciation for Outstanding Support under an award contract for testing and functional performance verification of soldiers' ballistic protective eyewear.

John Howard, M.D., director of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), has been named the recipient of the American Society of Safety Engineers' (ASSE) prestigious President's Award.(AWARDS)
July 1, 2005... John Howard, M.D., director of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), has been named the recipient of the American Society of Safety Engineers' (ASSE) prestigious President's Award. Howard was acknowledged for his...

International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA).(appointments.)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... Mike McLain, chairman, president and CEO of Aearo Co., has been elected chairman of the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) Board. Bill Lambert, president of MSA North America, is the new vice chairman. 3M vice president Mike...

The Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP) last month signed an agreement with the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) recognizing each organization's designation and their related educational, experience and examination standards.(ASSOCIATIONS)
July 1, 2005... The Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP) last month signed an agreement with the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) recognizing each organization's designation and their related educational, experience and examination...

Events.(Calendar)
July 1, 2005... august Fire-Rescue International 2005, Aug. 11-14, Denver, CO, International Association of Fire Chiefs, (703) 273-0911, www.iafc.org Charting the Human Factor--36th Annual Conference of the Association of Canadian Ergonomists, Aug....

The ABCs of safety: your real formula for success.
July 1, 2005... Behavior-based proponents are correct: safety excellence cannot be achieved without proper behaviors. But culture builders are also correct: proper behaviors cannot be obtained without the right culture. And the real hook? The right...