Industrial Safety & Hygiene News articles from July 2006

Industrial Safety & Hygiene News archives from July 2006

Avoid common mistakes when matching garments to work tasks.
July 1, 2006... Choosing the most appropriate protective apparel can be quite a job. From assessing workplace risks and the likelihood for hazard exposures, to understanding how to apply performance data, garment ratings and international standards, the...

How systems put us in our place: "United 93" teaches lessons in human behavior.(EDITORIAL comments)(Editorial)
July 1, 2006... Paul Greengrass, the English director of the Taut, gripping docudrama United 93 (a real-time reconstruction of the doomed 9/11 flight that crashed in Pennsylvania) made several penetrating observations on the nature of human behavior in an...

President signs into law mine safety bill.(rules & REGS)
July 1, 2006... Spurred by mine tragedies in West Virginia and Kentucky this year, Congress sent to President Bush the "Mine Improvement and New Emergency Response Act of 2006" for his signature. The House passed the "MINER Act" by a vote of 381-37 on June 7...

Excavation contractor hit with quarter-million-dollar fine.(rules & REGS)
July 1, 2006... OSHA has levied $251,250 in fines against an Ohio excavation contractor for alleged willful and serious violations of safety standards. Speer Bros., Inc., Sandusky, Ohio, was hit with the fines after OSHA conducted inspections at...

OSHA to take aim on high-hazard work sites.(rules & REGS)(Occupational Safety & Health Administration)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Under its 2006 Site-Specific Targeting (SST) plan, OSHA has put approximately 4,250 high-hazard worksites on its primary list for announced comprehensive inspections over the coming year, the agency announced May 31. Worksites on the...

Two more states mandate "fire-safe" cigarettes.(rules & REGS)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... New Hampshire and Illinois have become the latest states to enhance public safety by mandating that all cigarettes sold in their state be "fire-safe." Such cigarettes are less likely to ignite fires if dropped or carelessly discarded. In...

Maintenance worker reinstated in discrimination claim.(rules & REGS)
July 1, 2006... The City of Niagara Falls, N.Y., has reinstated a city maintenance worker who was fired for complaining about workplace safety issues, according to the North Country Gazette (N.Y.). Following an investigation by the state Department of...

Respirators at issue in claims of 9/11 illnesses.(news SCAN)(occupational safety and health)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... With mounting evidence that exposure to the toxic smoke and ash at ground zero during the nine-month post-9/11 cleanup has made many people sick, attention is now focusing on the role of air-filtering masks, or respirators, that could have...

Hurricane season is here--is your business ready?(news SCAN)
July 1, 2006... With hurricane season upon us, the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) urges workplaces and communities to be prepared, and is offering a variety of safety resources to assist businesses. The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric...

Tougher security needed to prevent potential disasters?(news SCAN)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Millions of people in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania are at risk from a terrorist attack or accident at chemical plants in the Garden State, according to a report released in late May that calls for tougher security standards. The...

Correction.(news SCAN)(Correction notice)
July 1, 2006... In ISHN's June issue News Scan, we neglected to identify Benjamin Mangan, president and founder of MANCOMM and American Safety Training, Inc., companies that work together to develop and provide OSHA compliance products, as the safety expert...

NSC survey: workers underestimate the risks of injuries.(news SCAN)
July 1, 2006... American workers don't seem to realize how frequently injuries occur--both on and off the job. In the National Safety Council's 2006 American Worker Safety Survey, accidental injury--which is the leading cause of death for people under 40...

Been in an accident? PI's give tips for helping in an investigation.(TIPS)(private investigator)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... According to PInow.com, a worldwide directory of private investigators, if you are ever involved in an accident, whether at work or otherwise, knowing what to do can help you get the compensation as well as the help you need. Accident...

Bittersweet impact of an "accident": one man's story provides inspiration to actively care for safety.(PSYCHOLOGY of safety)(Column)
July 1, 2006... On a recent weekend I had one of the most profound and memorable experiences of my life. Indeed, it has affected my perspective on human existence, from appreciating family and friends to facing untimely and arduous challenges. And some of my...

Protecting pregnant employees in the U.S.: our government's hands-off approach is risky business.(MANAGING BEST practices)
July 1, 2006... Note: This is the first in a three-part series. When you hit rock bottom, there's no way to go but up. This seems to be the approach to ensuring a healthy pregnancy in the U.S. In 2005, the U.S. was next to dead last, just ahead of...

Gas detector tube certification: SEI's voluntary program helps with purchasing decisions.
July 1, 2006... Maintaining a safe workplace, be it a construction site, manufacturing operation or emergency response event, is a high priority for safety and health professionals. Workers are equipped with all types of personal protective equipment...

Hand protection: how to assess risk: a glove audit can reduce injuries and costs and consolidate glove usage.
July 1, 2006... Why should your company conduct a glove audit, and what is involved to execute such an audit? There are various reasons why a glove audit is necessary. In addition to compliance and due diligence issues, a glove audit can also serve as a...

An education in hand protection: teach yourself and your coworkers about proper glove use.
July 1, 2006... The workplace can be a fast-moving environment. All too often, workers are ill-prepared for workplace safety--especially when it comes to wearing the proper hand protection. Employers and employees should be educated on what types of gloves...

Permit-required confined spaces: knowing the issues could save a life, or two.
July 1, 2006... Not too long ago, I helped investigate a "double fatality" that occurred in California. The first victim was the initial entrant into a permit-required confined space. The second victim was a well-meaning fellow employee attempting a rescue...

1 Flammable liquid storage.(storage equipment)
July 1, 2006... CIRCLE 251 The Justrite[R] Deep Slimline Safety Cabinet provides compliant, fire-resistant storage for flammable liquids. Safety features include sturdy, 18-gauge welded steel with double-wall construction and 1.5" thermal insulating air...

2 Hazmat buildings.(storage equipment)
July 1, 2006... CIRCLE 250 Non-Combustible Steel Building Systems from Safety Storage are prefabricated steel buildings and lockers designed for the safe storage of hazardous materials and other chemicals. Available in numerous sizes, the FM-approved...

3 Hazmat containment.(storage equipment)
July 1, 2006... CIRCLE 255 Securall safety storage buildings ensure safe and compliant storage of hazardous materials. Standard models are available in 2-drum to 80-drum capacities. Lighting, heating, A/C or other accessories can be added to meet specific...

4 Storage wall.(storage equipment)
July 1, 2006... CIRCLE 256 The new Lista Storage Wall[R] System is a flexible storage system that combines modular drawers, shelves and roll-out trays that can be interchanged and reconfigured. The system provides high cubic density storage and can...

5 Hazmat control.(storage equipment)
July 1, 2006... CIRCLE 257 Stanley Vidmar's new Hazmat Storage and Control Center offers a complete solution for hazardous material storage and cleanup. Along with a hazardous storage safety cabinet, the unit includes a spill response cabinet that is...

6 Hazmat storage.(storage equipment)
July 1, 2006... CIRCLE 253 Versatile hazardous materials buildings from U.S. Chemical provide drum and tote storage solutions. Featuring compartmentalized designs, the structures allow for safe, custom storage of all hazardous material containers. The...

7 Sorbent Center.(storage equipment)
July 1, 2006... CIRCLE 254 SPC's new Sorbent Center is a modular cabinet designed to hold all essential sorbents, allowing for quick, easy access of cleanup products in case of leaks, drips or spills. The Sorbent Center can be stocked with a wide variety...

8 Acid/corrosive cabinets.(storage equipment)
July 1, 2006... CIRCLE 252 Acid and corrosive cabinets from Safeway are painted with acid-resistant blue paint and are clearly marked "CAUTION CORROSIVE." Available in capacities ranging from 24 to 60 gallons, the NFPA Code 30 compliant cabinets are...

1 Drum handling.(heavy loading equipment)
July 1, 2006... CIRCLE 261 The Liftomatic DCM-PW allows operator to automatically pick drums from a line or in a rack without any side interference. Ideal for use in tight spaces, the slim unit fits any forklift without needing any electrical or hydraulic...

2 Load moving system.(heavy loading equipment)
July 1, 2006... CIRCLE 258 AeroGo's low-profile Load Module Systems float heavy loads, 500 to 13,000,000 lbs., on a nearly frictionless film of air. Air is channeled from user's air compressor into the AeroGo system allowing one person to move thousands...

3 Lift trucks.(heavy loading equipment)
July 1, 2006... CIRCLE 260 For use in demanding environments, the new E3000-E6500 series of AC powered lift trucks from Cat feature MicroCommand[TM] AC control, an advanced operator presence detection system and industry-leading travel, lift and lowering...

4 Material lifting.(heavy loading equipment)
July 1, 2006... CIRCLE 259 Beta Max hoists, mountings and baskets offer material lifting solutions for a variety of industries. The company's Gemini Plus portable hoist, Scaff-Trac mounting option and Equipment Basket can be combined to meet the lifting...

5 Lightweight transporter.(heavy loading equipment)
July 1, 2006... CIRCLE 263 ErgotecH's Ergo-Tranz T2 Transporter is a lightweight, maneuverable, battery-powered transporter/lift that allows an operator, regardless of their size and strength, to move and position objects up to 220 pounds without manual...

6 Pallet positioners.(heavy loading equipment)
July 1, 2006... CIRCLE 262 PalletPal[R] Level Loaders from Southworth feature two new configurations, Pneumatic (airbag) or Hydraulic. Both are powered and allow operators to precisely position loads at the most comfortable working height. Available in...

Get a handle on gas detection: instrument management systems are revolutionizing safety.
July 1, 2006... Technological innovations continually challenge the status quo with new and creative improvements to older technology. Throughout history inventions such as the cotton gin, combustible engine and the Internet have caused major shifts in...

Docking stations: let automation take the pain out of calibration.
July 1, 2006... In the world of gas detection instrumentation, the expression "better safe than sorry" certainly holds true. Manufacturers and regulatory agencies agree the safest and most conservative approach to assuring instrumentation accuracy is to...

Watch your step: proper photoluminescent markings enhance emergency evacuation.
July 1, 2006... In the post-9/11 world, "life safety" is the new standard being embraced by government officials and leaders in the real estate and construction industries throughout New York City. Rigorous new standards have been approved and adopted for...

Keys for conducting a safety meeting on the construction site.(training STRATEGIES)
July 1, 2006... Whether it's a formal safety meeting set up in a classroom, or a weekly toolbox talk the jobsite, preparation is key to successful training. If you're on a construction site, here are some tips for properly setting up a classroom-style...

30 ways to increase & improve incident reporting.(incentives & RECOGNITION)
July 1, 2006... 1--Educate managers, supervisors and employees that robust reporting of safety-related incidents leads to understanding, recognition, prevention and reduction of injuries, property damage, close calls, and related costs. 2--To gain...

Universal safety skills (part two): workers at all levels need these capabilities.
July 1, 2006... Personal injuries are often the last barrier to achieving safety goals. Curbing these injuries presents a challenge, because they are affected by the individual traits and skills of workers. Safety improvement is ultimately about shrugging off...

MSDS solution.(product NEWS)
July 1, 2006... Circle 264 3E Company's new Ariel Data Manager (ADM) Version 2 includes an application to load regulatory data into The WERCS, a leading material safety data sheet (MSDS) authoring solution. Customers utilizing both ADM and The WERCS will...

Tough-looking earplugs.(product NEWS)
July 1, 2006... Circle 265 New Skull Screws earplugs from Peltor NEXT feature a unique steely gray finish that gives them a tough-as-nails look, but are actually made of ultra-soft foam that offers all-day comfort. Along with high-impact packaging...

Fume extractor.(product NEWS)
July 1, 2006... Circle 266 Air Systems' Portable Fume-Air[TM] 750 is designed for source capture of welding smoke and fumes. Different filter combinations can make the portable fume extractor (PFE) units versatile and cost effective. The PFE series...

Lens care stations.(product NEWS)
July 1, 2006... Circle 267 Eyewear cleaning products from Allegro Industries include two metal wall-mounted refillable cleaning stations. The Deluxe Low Profile Station offers a mirror and lock. The Economy Low Profile Station is constructed from a white,...

Multi-gas detector.(product NEWS)
July 1, 2006... Circle 268 The OdaLog[R] 6000 multi-gas monitor from App-Tek is designed for confined space entry and other hazardous applications. Measuring up to six gases simultaneously, the gas detector features double o-rings, sealed battery pack...

Emergency oxygen.(product NEWS)
July 1, 2006... Circle 269 The LIFE[R] 02 SoftPac[TM] is a lightweight emergency oxygen unit that provides supplemental oxygen to a breathing victim or oxygen-enriched CPR to a non-breathing victim. Weighing only six pounds, the unit features a constant...

Dockable gas detection.(product NEWS)
July 1, 2006... Circle 270 The GasAlertMicroClip multi-gas (H2S, CO, 02, LEL) detector from BW Technologies now is available in a module that is compatible with BW's expandable MicroDock II automatic test and calibration station. Offering additional cost...

Laminated tags.(product NEWS)
July 1, 2006... Circle 271 Color-coded laminated tags from Carlton come with a choice of simple hole punch, 1/4" brass or large size non-conductive 1/2" plastic grommet. User simply writes on the tag and overlays it with laminate cover. Nylon ties are...

Lens cleaning cloth.(product NEWS)
July 1, 2006... Circle 272 The Chumois (pronounced chu'-mee) from CHUMS is a cleverly designed Microfiber lens cleaning cloth that workers can easily keep within reach to help keep safety glasses clean. The 6x6" cloth is secured to the inside of a...

Intelligent fall protection.(product NEWS)
July 1, 2006... Circle 273 Now available on all DBI-SALA fall protection harnesses, the new i-Safe[TM] Intelligent Safety System provides real-time solutions for inspection, inventory control and information management, i-Safe combines Radio Frequency...

Duplex wireless.(product NEWS)
July 1, 2006... Circle 274 Digicom from Eartec is a new full duplex wireless that provides simultaneous talk communications. To operate the system simply turn the units "on" and talk through the headsets just like on a telephone. The digital transceivers...

Protective eyewear.(product NEWS)
July 1, 2006... Circle 278 MSA's Voyager eyewear meets the ANSI Z87.1-2003 (high-impact) eye protection standard for industrial eyewear, is comfortable and lightweight, and offers 99.9% protection against harmful UV. Voyager features one-piece wrap-around...

Hearing protection.(product NEWS)
July 1, 2006... Circle 275 Noisebuster[R] Electronic Noise Canceling (ENC) earmuff from Pro Tech protects against a wide range of noise frequencies, especially low-frequency noise generated by industrial engines, motors and tans. The earmuff can be worn...

Compliance software.(product NEWS)
July 1, 2006... Circle 276 Essential Suite[TM] Version 6.3 from ESS includes new global and module-specific functionality to enhance international collaboration and improve reporting. Users can access the software in their native language, which can be...

Multi-gas monitor.(product NEWS)
July 1, 2006... Circle 277 For use in a confined space or open area, GfG's new G450 multi-gas monitor is easy to operate, read and carry. The lightweight (10 oz.) unit monitors 02, H2S, CO and combustible gases. Features include automatic calibration;...

Gas leak detector.(product NEWS)
July 1, 2006... Circle 279 The BOLO[R] from Nova Systems is a microprocessor-controlled instrument designed for precise detection of combustible gas leaks. Featuring a unique folding sensor wand, the portable gas leak detector is sensitive to very low...

Cooling wrist band.(product NEWS)
July 1, 2006... Circle 280 Made from a four-way stretchable, breathable material, the Steele Cooling Wrist Band does not hinder hand and arm movement and is very comfortable. After placing the wrist wrap flat in a freezer until frozen, user inserts hand...

Safety knives.(product NEWS)
July 1, 2006... Circle 281 Safety Knife offers a range of safety knives for all industries, featuring no exposed blades to protect employees against lacerations. The innovative knives cut only cardboard deep, thereby helping to preserve product. The...

RAE Systems, Inc. and Aegison Corp., a digital surveillance systems company, have signed a cooperation agreement to deliver sensor-driven digital video systems for security applications.(BUSINESSES)
July 1, 2006... RAE Systems, Inc. and Aegison Corp., a digital surveillance systems company, have signed a cooperation agreement to deliver sensor-driven digital video systems for security applications. This will be the first system to deliver chemical and...

Capital Safety, a leading fall protection equipment manufacturer and parent of the DBI-SALA and PROTECTA brands, recently moved to a new location to accommodate growth.(Unique Concepts Ltd. acquired)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Capital Safety, a leading fall protection equipment manufacturer and parent of the DBI-SALA and PROTECTA brands, recently moved to a new location to accommodate growth. Featuring a 135,000-square-foot building located in Red Wing, Minn., the...

Royal Philips Electronics has announced it will distribute the Heartsaver AED Anytime program in an effort to broaden access to cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillator (AED) training across the country.(BUSINESSES)
July 1, 2006... Royal Philips Electronics has announced it will distribute the Heartsaver AED Anytime program in an effort to broaden access to cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillator (AED) training across the country. The...

3M Occupational Health and Environmental Safety Division has announced the winners in its 20th Annual Industrial Hygiene Scholarship Program.(AWARDS)
July 1, 2006... 3M Occupational Health and Environmental Safety Division has announced the winners in its 20th Annual Industrial Hygiene Scholarship Program. The winners are: Kalia Blake Benton-Vitz, Colorado State University; Katherine A. Clark, Johns Hopkins...

Wells Lamont Industry Group was recently presented with Grainger's prestigious Partners in Performance Supplier Award for 2005.(AWARDS)
July 1, 2006... Wells Lamont Industry Group was recently presented with Grainger's prestigious Partners in Performance Supplier Award for 2005. Grainger presents the award annually to a select group of suppliers for outstanding performance throughout the year....

The Conference Board.(RESEARCH)
July 1, 2006... The Conference Board is launching an expanded maturing workforce research initiative, an effort that recently received a three-year, $2 million grant from the Atlantic Philanthropies USA, Inc. for the purpose of studying the inclusion and...

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).(ASSOCIATIONS)
July 1, 2006... New officers of the board of directors of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) were elected last month. Warren E. McDaniels, who retired from his position as superintendent of New Orleans Fire Department in 2002, has been elected to...

Industrial Scientific Corp.(MOVES)
July 1, 2006... Industrial Scientific Corp.'s board of directors has elected Kent D. McElhattan to the newly created position of chairman and chief executive officer. Kent has been CEO since the corporation's founding in 1985.

OK*1 Safety & Ergonomics.(MOVES)
July 1, 2006... OK*1 Safety & Ergonomics, a manufacturer of workplace safety and ergonomics products, has appointed Jeff S. Huff as director, sales & marketing, and Jagala Robinson as sales & marketing administrator.

Farr Air Pollution Control (APC).(MOVES)
July 1, 2006... Lee Morgan has been named president of Farr Air Pollution Control (APC), a leading manufacturer of dust collection equipment for IAQ control and product recovery. Morgan will oversee all activities of the Farr APC operating unit, which has been...

ECRI.(REFERENCES)
July 1, 2006... ECRI (www.ecri.org) offers a new resource specifically developed to help acute care and long-term care organizations prevent falls in their facilities. Falls Prevention Strategies in Healthcare Settings, a comprehensive resource guide and...

DIGITAL 2000, Inc.(REFERENCES)
July 1, 2006... A new documentary on DVD, OSHA 35 Still Alive, discusses basic features of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSH Act) and its landmark statutory achievements across three decades, as experienced through the eyes of experts who...

Events.(Brief article)(Calendar)
July 1, 2006... august 13th Biannual International Conference on Respiratory Protection for Health Care Workers, First Responders and Emerging Hazards, Aug. 27-Sept. 1, Toronto, Canada, International Society of Respiratory Protection (ISRP),...

Safety's bread 'n butter: 20 essentials for any program (part two).(petersen's page)
July 1, 2006... Last month q June issue J and in this column. we are studying 20 essential elements of a safety system. You can assess the current status and need for improvement in any of these categories by using audits, interviews, perception surveys, or...