Industrial Safety & Hygiene News articles from October 2002

Industrial Safety & Hygiene News archives from October 2002

How do you manage safety? Putting a system in place beats mere rules compliance.
October 1, 2002... Occupational safety and health management systems (OSHMS) can help you improve safety performance in your company. Management systems are not, or at least should not, be foreign to you. We use systems in much of what we do and often don't...

Don't fence me in: and other attitudes that make safety a hard sell. (Editorial Comments).(behavior and demographic aspects of safety, including using seat belts)
October 1, 2002... Item: Seventy-three percent of Americans use seat belts -- the lowest rate among industrialized countries. Item: Most riders on a New York City commuter rail line say they are at least sometimes bothered by cell phone users, but they don't...

Questions & Answers. (Behavior-Based Safety).(whether behavior-based occupational safety places too much focus on employees)(Column)
October 1, 2002... Q Do behavior-based safety methods place too much emphasis on employees, not enough on management and engineering controls? A I can't prove this but I have seen and heard many companies state that their largest cause of injuries is the...

How to get out of a "safety slump"? (Questions & Answers).(safety management tips )(Brief Article)
October 1, 2002... Here's a case study that's typical of many or today's safety pros who have better-than-average injury rates. Where do they go from here? "We are an OSHA Star site, but we're still a relatively young company (15 years), and are struggling...

Readers respond.(Letter to the Editor)
October 1, 2002... "Couldn't disagree more" I couldn't disagree more with Scott Geller's conclusions in his article, "Psychology of Safety." (July, 2002 ISHN). His "safety pro" bashing and the assumptions from his dispassionate academic perch are both...

OSHA reorganizes operations: instilling a new culture of cooperation. (Rules & Regs).
October 1, 2002... OSHA has gone the way of the corporate world, announcing a reorganization that bears the stamp of the Bush administration's desire for a more user-friendly, tightly controlled agency. Every administration at some point unveils a "new" OSHA, and...

Who's worried about corporate reps? Most employees don't seem stressed. (News Scan).(employee attititudes on security at work and the importance of communications)
October 1, 2002... Not most employees in the trenches, anyway, according to a recent poll. Looks like safety pros don't have to worry about distracted workers. Maybe distracted CEOs... What effect have corporate scandals, layoffs, the battered stock market,...

Behavior-based urban legends? (News Scan).(behavior-based safety questions)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2002... How would you respond to these statements? 1 Behavior-based safety is only about observations. 2 BBS is psychology applied to safety. 3 BBS is a peer-to-peer process for hourly employees. 4 Labor unions do not support BBS. ...

Where's it safe to work? (News Scan).(New England is safer than in the Western United States)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2002... Jobs in the wild west are more dangerous than in cozy New England, according to the AFL-CIO's annual state-by-state profile of worker health and safety. Alaska, Wyoming and Montana had the highest fatality rates in 2000, while Rhode...

Safe driving campaign gears up. (News Scan).(Brief Article)
October 1, 2002... As roads become more congested and drivers experience increased anxiety, stress, fatigue and numerous distractions such as cell phone use, the Network of Employers for Traffic Safety is urging the American business community to make traffic...

Watch those long work hours. (News Scan).(people who regularly work over 60 hours per week double their risk of a heart attack)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2002... Employees who regularly work more than 60 hours a week (and consequently sleep less) can more than double their risk of a heart attack, according to new research published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. A...

Is your training getting through? (Training).(how to make meetings for dynamic)
October 1, 2002... Some meetings make you wonder if the pain of an injury wouldn't be an improvement from the pain of enduring another meeting. No matter how valuable the information is, you must fight to stay awake! But have you ever sat in on a session...

Symptom questionnaires can be misleading. (News Scan).(surveys on possible contaminated facilities (sick buildings))(Brief Article)
October 1, 2002... Symptom reporting by people in schools, office buildings and homes who believe that their facilities are contaminated produces physical complaints of dubious medical relevance, according to Ronald E. Gots, M.D., Ph.D., Principal, International...

Top ten why invest in safety?(survey of employers)
October 1, 2002... A survey of employers indicates the top ten motivations for taking actions to invest in safety: 1 Cost of workers' compensation insurance (59 percent); 2 "Right thing to do" (51 percent); 3 "Increases profitability" (33 percent);...

Blue-collar workers more at risk to tobacco smoke. (News Scan).(according to research from National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health )
October 1, 2002... Employees in blue-collar and service occupations are at higher risk than other types of workers for exposure to tobacco smoke on the job, according to findings from a national workshop reported in a new publication from the National Institute...

The psychology of recovery: what I learned after cancer surgery. (Psychology of Safety).(number one: don't rush it; compares recovery after cancer surgery to occupational injury)(Column)
October 1, 2002... In my June ISHN column, I told you about the diagnosis of my prostate cancer and the proposed treatment -- a radical retropubic prostatectomy. I drew parallels between a cancer diagnosis and an occupational injury. Now I'm in the midst of...

Ready for the revolution? The Human Genome Project will change EHS work. (Managing Best Practices).(environmental health and safety)
October 1, 2002... The Human Genome Project is moving along at an astounding pace. At its current pace, within ten years, an entire human genome could be sequenced within one day. The Human Genome Project and its off-shoot technologies will revoluntionize the...

What happened to the "behavior" buzz?(behavorial safety as component in occupational safety and health )
October 1, 2002... As the fad fades, what's next? Dave Johnson Behavior-based safety, which has enjoyed a profitable run of popularity as the "in" thing to do in safety stretching back to the mid-1990s, shows signs of losing steam -- or changing its...

ILO's standard goes global.(International Labor Organization guide for occupational safety and health management systems; details by country)
October 1, 2002... Here is an update provided to ISHN by the International Labor Organization on actions being taken by member "states" after the adoption of ILO Guidelines on Occupational Safety and Health Management Systems (ILO-OSH 2001), which were finalized...

'Signs' of the times: what's it take to get people to obey?(meanings of various signs)
October 1, 2002... Signs and alarms come in such a multitude of forms. Consider the many varieties: warnings; cautionary statements; declarations of horrible consequence; specific directives, requirements and prohibitions; illustrations; lights, strobes, flashers...

Types of signs. ('Signs' of the Times).(temporary, chemical hazards and other signs to ensure occupational safety and health)
October 1, 2002... Temporary: Certain operations require The use of temporary visual warnings, such as a "wet floor" sign. Others applications include warnings placed at boundaries of electrical work areas, confined-space entry operations, or temporary...

The new single gas monitor that really "Screams".(from Thermo GasTech)
October 1, 2002... Thermo GasTech introduces the new single gas portable monitor, the Screamer. The Screamer features the industry's loudest buzzer (100 dB). The innovative design is small, impervious to RF/EMI interference and exceptionally durable - even in the...

Ambient air analyzer.(from Thermo Environmental Instruments)
October 1, 2002... Thermo Environmental Instruments' MIRAN SapphlRe Ambient Air Analyzer is the most versatile portable gas detection on the market today. Using infrared technology, this advanced, portable instrument is available in three models offering gas...

Radiation detection meter.
October 1, 2002... Thermo Eberline's E600 is an advanced, portable survey meter and data logger. Using smart probe technology, the user can instantly swap probes to accommodate any radiation detection need. www.thermoeberline.com

Weather-proof ambient particulate monitoring system.(from Thermo Andersen)
October 1, 2002... Thermo Andersen's model ADR-1200S is a particulate monitoring system designed for outdoor operation. Its weatherproof enclosure ensures safe and effective operation under a wide range of ambient environmental conditions. The ADR-1200S is...

LED technology: make your safety message real clear, in real-time.(clearly visible safety signs)
October 1, 2002... Today, safety managers are faced with more challenges than ever before. Developing new methods to increase safety awareness, while managing tighter budgets, is a daily struggle. The recent hard economic times have only magnified this situation,...

Photoluminescent markers. (Product Update).
October 1, 2002... CIRCLE 208 Way-Dot[TM] photoluminescent markers, constructed of noncombustible EverGlowHi[R] material, simplify use of safety guidance markings. Carpet Way-Dot provides a semi-permanent marking that may be relocated without carpet damage,...

Glow-in-the-dark exit signs. (Product Update).
October 1, 2002... CIRCLE 202 BradyGlo[TM] high-performance photoluminescent EXIT signs from Brady Signmark are ideal for hazardous, corrosive, humid and other harsh environments. The UL-approved, non-electric signs are especially useful for highlighting...

Photoluminescent EXIT signs. (Product Update).
October 1, 2002... CIRCLE 201 UL-listed photoluminescent EXIT signs from American Permalight are NFPA 101-Life Safety Code compliant and are tested by Underwriters Laboratories to comply with UL924 as official emergency lighting. Requiring 5 fc (54 lux) of...

Sign & label software. (Product Update).
October 1, 2002... CIRCLE 203 MaxiSoft[R] Product Safety Sign & Label Making Software from K-Sun allows users to make permanent or temporary self-adhesive labels that comply with ANSI Z535.4-1998 Standards. Custom product safety signs and labels for indoor...

RFID impact detection. (Product Update).
October 1, 2002... CIRCLE 206 The Shockswitch RFID provides a real-time impact detection data link between a lift truck in the plant and a PC in the office. The RFID transmits information on 15 discrete criteria via a radio link to a PC running ShockMate RE...

Safe-days-worked scoreboard. (Product Update).
October 1, 2002... CIRCLE 205 Accuform's new Digi-Day[TM] Electronic Scoreboard features a four-digit display with various functions and capabilities, including circuitry that automatically increases the number of safe days worked every 24 hours, from...

Floor cones. (Product Update).
October 1, 2002... CIRCLE 204 The Lamba[R] line of pedestrian floor warning signs from American Allsafe feature a four-sided design that offers ample visibility of safety hazards. Available with a variety of messages and in different languages, the Lamba...

Disposable clothing: protection against the good, the bad and the ugly jobs.(lists various applications, including opthalmic industry, painting and other messy work)
October 1, 2002... Lisa Winter, manager of production services for an FAA repair station for turbine engines, knows a dirty job when she sees one. And she's seen plenty. "We've got some grimy jobs here," she says. "Particularly gridblasting and degreasing the...

Protective garments: tips for choosing the right.(five tips to help decide)
October 1, 2002... You have just completed an exhaustive review of all applicable regulations and standards dealing with protective clothing requirements. OSHA is on your speed dial, and you are ready to look for a uniform supplier to offer apparel for every...

On the road again: post 9/11 hazmat transportation requires extra precautions.(hazardous materials)
October 1, 2002... Eighteen wheels...tons of steel...tanks with thousands of gallons of flammables...trailers full of drums. Truck drivers have always had a huge responsibility. Driving a rig on highways, across bridges, in tunnels, through communities, by...

Overhead drum lifter. (Product Update: Hazmat Safety).
October 1, 2002... CIRCLE 212 Vestil's Multipurpose Overhead Drum Lifter can be used with most types of closed-head 30- and 50-gallon plastic, steel or fiber drums with top lip. The drum lifter, which manually attaches to the drum top lip, holds up to 800...

Hand-pressurized pump. (Product Update: Hazmat Safety).
October 1, 2002... CIRCLE 216 GoatThroat pumps from Westcott Distribution increase liquid management efficiencies in a wide range of industries. The small, hand-pressurized, non-electric pump can be easily attached to any container from one-gallon jugs to...

High-visibility spill kits. (Product Update: Hazmat Safety).
October 1, 2002... CIRCLE 213 PIG[R] High Visibility MRO Spill Kits from New Pig Corp. come in lime green containers that are easy to locate even in low light. Ideal for emergency response situations, the 100-percent polyethylene spill kits are available in...

Dust collector filters. (Product Update: Hazmat Safety).
October 1, 2002... CIRCLE 214 A complete line of dust collector filter bags and cartridges from Basco is available in a variety of sizes and configurations to meet demands for high filtration efficiencies. Pulse Jet Dust Collector Filter Bags come in...

Hazmat storage. (Product Update: Hazmat Safety).
October 1, 2002... CIRCLE 215 Hazmat Storage Buildings from Environmental Products provide a cost-effective solution to safe storage, containment, mixing and dispensing of chemicals and other hazardous materials. Features include compliance to building,...

Storage for flammable liquids. (Product Update: Hazmat Safety).
October 1, 2002... CIRCLE 211 New Sure-Grip[TM] storage cabinets from Justrite are code-compliant for housing flammable liquids and feature an attractive, flush-mounted handle. The flip-out style handle doesn't protrude into aisles, eliminating the potential...

PPF certification: security for HazMat responders; what you should know about NEPA standards.(personal protective equipment (PPE) guide)
October 1, 2002... When it comes to relying on protective clothing and equipment to protect your hazardous materials responders, how do you choose quality gear? Emergency response safety and health professionals are concerned, naturally, with quality....

From the ground up: proper flooring and floor maintenance is a foundation for safety.(to avoid slips, rips and falls, which account for 15% of all accidental deaths (second only to auto accidents))
October 1, 2002... If there's one type of incident that seems to plague general industry more than any other it would have to be slips, trips and falls. In fact, OSHA says this category of incidents constitutes the majority of general industry accidents....

Salt in the wound: the reality & stigma of workers' compensation.(workers' compensation news of interest to safety professionals; discusses fraud and cost of treatment to claimants)
October 1, 2002... Common Courage Press, a publisher for "an informed democracy" just released an expose on the American occupational health and safety scene. Written for the public by Lisa Cullen, a CIH and first-time book author, "A Job to Die For" weaves...

Using metrics: selling safety to managers.
October 1, 2002... Managers constantly challenge safety and health pros to justify their programs and initiatives. So how do you get buy-in and ownership? You need metrics -- meaningful prospective data that management can understand. Retrospective safety...

Solving the problem of strains & sprains: 12 keys to your strategic attack.
October 1, 2002... Why will some organizations try "anything" to reduce strains and sprains? They're expensive, pervasive, frustrating and hurt your safety record and performance. Unfortunately, many companies learn to their disappointment that there are no...

Particulate respirator. (National Safety Congress & Expo).
October 1, 2002... CIRCLE 242 The CFR-1 particulate respirator from North combines a reusable half-mask with formed, disposable filters to offer a cost-effective alternative to conventional disposable dust masks. The elastomer facepiece provides increased...

Nitrile-coated glove. (National Safety Congress & Expo).
October 1, 2002... CIRCLE 253 Perfect Fit's New Pure Fit[TM] 375 glove features a seamless knit, 100-percent nylon shell that offers outstanding comfort, grip and protection. The 375 palm, coated with gray nitrile, provides a superior grip and abrasion...

IAQ monitor. (National Safety Congress & Expo).
October 1, 2002... CIRCLE 244 Two new indoor air quality monitors from Quest each provide users a single device for recording, reporting, charting and analyzing IAQ hazards. The compact, handheld AQ5000Pro is used for surveys and long-term datalogging of a...

Reusable earplug. (National Safety Congress & Expo).
October 1, 2002... CIRCLE 267 The new Fusion earplug from Howard Leight uses advanced multi-materials molding technology to fuse soft outer flanges to a firm inner core material, offering all-day comfort and precision fit. The patented process results in an...

Hazmat Kits. (National Safety Congress & Expo).
October 1, 2002... CIRCLE 241 Gastec deluxe Hazmat Kits from Nextteq meet the needs of hazardous chemical spill response teams by quickly identifying unknown airborne compounds. The rugged, portable kit is housed in a water-tight case and contains all the...

Premium eyewear. (National Safety Congress & Expo).
October 1, 2002... CIRCLE 230 Crews'[R] new Medallion[R] Collection premium brand of innovative protective eyewear features an Aspheric lens design, providing superior optics, unique designs and cutting-edge frame and lens options. The Triwear[R] and Triwear...

Sleek earmuffs. (National Safety Congress & Expo).
October 1, 2002... CIRCLE 239 Featuring an iridescent color and a sleek shape, Moldex's M Series earmuffs offer workers an attractive look. The Ml Premium Muff (NRR 29) features a black-chrome spring steel headband that can be folded. The M2 Multi-Position...

Ergonomic Backrest. (Product News).
October 1, 2002... Circle 220 Biofit has introduced a larger ergonomic backrest for new chairs and seating in service. Measuring 19 in. high by 18 in. wide, the Ergonomic Managerial Backrest provides lower and upper back support along with the comfort of a...

Half-mask Respirator. (Product News).
October 1, 2002... Circle 223 QuickLatch [TM] from AOSafety is a patent-pending cartridge half-mask respirator with a latch that flips up to release the facepiece off the face and flips down to pull the facepiece back into its original fitting position. The...

Protective transit cases. (Product News).
October 1, 2002... Circle 224 Ameripack's Road Warriors air- and watertight transit cases, made in the U.S., protect valuable contents in virtually any environment. The protective cases feature custom foam inserts; military-specified recessed stainless steel...

Protective glove. (Product News).
October 1, 2002... Circle 225 The new HyFlex NBR glove from Ansell offers outstanding abrasion resistances and oil repellency. Designed for abrasive applications that involve the handling of small- to medium-sized parts, the HyFlex NBR is suitable for the...

High-visibility gloves. (Product News).
October 1, 2002... Circle 226 The N-DEX [R] Free Ultimate from Best extends the world's first accelerator-free disposable nitrile glove into an 11' high-visibility green EMT-version. Along with a longer and wider cuff, this glove features increased thickness...

Loose-fitting facepieces. (Product News).
October 1, 2002... Circle 227 Bullard's new 20LFL and 20LFM Loose Fitting Facepieces protect against a wide range of respiratory hazards. The patent-pending facepieces are MOSH-approved for use as either a CC2O Series SAR or a PA20 Series PAPR. Features...

Multi-gas detection. (Product News).
October 1, 2002... Circle 228 BW Technologies' GasAlertMicro, a gas detector for H2S, 02, CO and combustibles (field-selectable to measure 0-100 percent LEL or 0-5.0 percent methane by volume), features four-gas display, audible/visual alarms, internal...

Splash & impact goggles. (Product News).
October 1, 2002... Circle 232 Featuring a design inspired by ski goggles, new Visionaire [TM] safety goggles from Elvex offer splash and impact resistance, a 2.2mm-thick base six polycarbonate lens with SupeCoat [TM] anti-fog treatment and four indirect...

Safety harness. (Product News).
October 1, 2002... Circle 231 The ExoFit[TM] harness from DBI/SALA is designed as a single piece of material, constructed in the shape of an "X" that wraps around the worker. The harness features soft, lightweight webbing on the outside and padding and vents...

Portable gas detector. (Product News).
October 1, 2002... Circle 233 The Target Series portable multi-gas detector from ENMET can be supplied with sensors for up to six gases. Having recently been awarded intrinsic safety approval by Canadian Standard Association (CSA), the personal gas monitor...

Portable shower. (Product News).
October 1, 2002... Circle 234 A new portable emergency shower from Haws, the 8800 Rapid Response Portable Decontamination Shower, can be deployed in less than two minutes to provide an average of 30 gallons of water per minute via its eight-direction preset...

Cool hardhat. (Product News).
October 1, 2002... Circle 240 MSA's new V-Gard[R] Advance[TM] Cap has six large cooling vents along the crown for improved air circulation and comfort. Stocked with 4- or 6-point ratchet suspension, the hardhat features lateral contours above the ear for...

Hazmat boot. (Product News).
October 1, 2002... Circle 273 Tingley Rubber's HAZPROOF boot has been tested to Military Standard 282 and surpasses protective footwear requirements of ASTM F 1001 (21 chemicals). Ideal for hazardous chemical emergencies, the HAZPROOF boot protects against...

Confined space system. (Product News).
October 1, 2002... Circle 243 Protecta International's new AK300 Series Confined Space System is lightweight, portable, rugged and designed to meet various confined space entry and retrieval needs. This versatile system, which meets all applicable ANSI/OSHA...

Zero-maintenance gas detector. (Product News).
October 1, 2002... Circle 245 The BadgeRAE zero-maintenance personal gas detector for H2S provides two years of continuous, economical protection from the day of activation. The LCD displays current and peak readings, operational life remaining and bump test...

Online compliance tools. (Product News).
October 1, 2002... Circle 246 Gain access to EH&S regulatory information and tools from one Web site, www.setonresourcecenter.com. Choose from three different resource centers: workplace safety, transportation and environmental. Free resources include safety...

Headband flashlight. (Product News).
October 1, 2002... Circle 252 No Photo The new HeadsUP Lite[R] Series from Pelican Products combines Xenon, Halogen and LED lamps making the flashlights well suited for heavy-duty industrial and rugged outdoor applications. Available in five styles and in...

Protective garments. (Product News).
October 1, 2002... Circle 238 The new Tuff 'n Lite series of protective aprons, sleeves and smocks are bacterial resistant and impermeable to water and grease. The garments can be recycled. LaCrosse Rainfair Safety Products, Inc., Racine, WI. BOOTH 3336

Single gas monitor. (Product News).
October 1, 2002... Circle 236 The T40 Rattler[TM] is a low-cost single gas monitor for personal protection from hydrogen sulfide (H2S) or carbon monoxide (CO). The 3.5-oz. monitor features a large LCD display for real-time gas readings in PPM, peak/hold...

'SMART' knife. (Product News).
October 1, 2002... Circle 251 The Maxisafe is one of several "SMART" knives available through MARTOR Solingen. The knife senses when the blade reaches the edge of the item being cut or when surface contact is lost, and the blade then automatically retracts...

Respiratory kit for mold. (Product News).
October 1, 2002... Circle 221 3M[TM] OH&ESDs new 3M Mold Remediation Respirator Kit contains everything needed for full facepiece respiratory protection. Included in the kit are: one 3M full facepiece respirator 6000 Series, two pairs of 2097 fillers and an...

Protective lamps. (Product News).
October 1, 2002... Circle 247 Plastic-coated, shatter-resistant shrouded metal halide lamps from Shat-R-Shield offer optimum metal halide lighting protection. The lamps include a special quartz shield designed to contain an arc tube should the lamp rupture,...

Safety readers. (Product News).
October 1, 2002... Circle 248 Available from Olympic Optical, the stylish new Remington Safari[TM] safety glasses feature magnifying reader inserts of 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 powers. Ideal for workers who require magnification, the sleek, comfortable industrial...

Incentives program. (Product News).
October 1, 2002... Circle 254 Peavey offers Safety Jackpot, a gamecard-based incentives and awards program that requires minimal administration and includes all materials, awards, newsletters, posters and program guide. Gamecards are redeemed for merchandise...

Multi-gas detector. (Product News).
October 1, 2002... Circle 255 IST-Aim is debuting the Commander, a high-powered, user-friendly multi-gas detector. The all-in-one solution features five interchangeable "Smart" plug-and-play sensor options, easy-to-change configuration software, battery run...

GAS detector calibration. (Product News).
October 1, 2002... Circle 256 The new Draeger E-Cal system automatically calibrates up to 10 Draeger gas monitors and documents the entire process making it ideal for ISO-9001 compliance. E-Cal also performs bump tests, downloads stored information, charges...

Contemporary eyewear. (Product News).
October 1, 2002... Circle 258 Featuring contemporary styling, Harley-Davidson(r) safety eyewear from Uvex includes the limited edition HD 100 Series, an aerodynamic design resembling sports glasses. The sleek, wrap-around frame comes in metallic silver and...

Latex gloves. (Product News).
October 1, 2002... Circle 259 The SemperGuard Industrial Latex PowderFree Glove from Sempermed provides optimal baffler protection while eliminating aerosolization of glove powder, yet is easy to don and doff. The natural rubber latex glove provides superior...

Protective eyewear. (Product News).
October 1, 2002... Circle 261 Featuring contoured styling, Encon's new NASCAR[R] GT protective eyewear combines aesthetics and comfort with superior protection. SEI-certified to ANSI Z87S standards, the safety eyewear incorporates a one-piece wraparound...

High Traction footwear. (Product News).
October 1, 2002... Circle 263 New Spiderz[TM] High Traction[TM] footwear from Jordan David reduces slips and falls in indoor slippery conditions such as water, oil and grease. Available in sizes S-XL, Spiderz increases traction and fits conveniently over...