Industrial Safety & Hygiene News articles from October 2003

Industrial Safety & Hygiene News archives from October 2003

Assemble the right ensemble for chemical/bio protection.
October 1, 2003... An emergency response hazmat team is called to an incident that may involve dual-use industrial chemicals or chemical or biological terrorism agents. One of the first concerns of an emergency response incident command leader is: Does the team...

NASA's broken safety culture ... who held the hammer that caused the cracks?(Editorial Comments)
October 1, 2003... The Columbia Accident Investigation Board recently concluded that a cluster of attitudes and behaviors rooted in NASA's history--the organization's culture--is as much to blame for the second shuttle disaster as the suitcase-size piece of foam...

Online safety training.(Questions & Answers)(Interview)
October 1, 2003... Q Is online safety training gaining traction in industrial America? A It's clear that technology in the form of computers, digital imaging, the Internet and an abundance of other hardware and software tools have dramatically changed the way...

Report: EPA misled public on Ground Zero air quality.(Rules & Regs)(Environmental Protection Agency)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... A report released in late August by the EPA's Inspector General found that the White House instructed EPA officials to reassure New Yorkers that air in the vicinity of Ground Zero was safe to breathe after the calamitous Sept. 11 attacks on the...

Cross-border safety issues discussed in Mexico City.(Rules & Regs)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... OSHA chief John Henshaw met recently with the other leaders of the Trinational Occupational Safety and Health Working Group: Dr. Alberto Aguilar Salinas, Mexican director general for workplace safety and health; and Gerry Blanchard, Canadian...

EPA eases air rule for older plants.(Rules & Regs)(Enviromental Protection Agency)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... More than 500 old power plants and 17,000 other aging factories and refineries will be allowed to make significant equipment upgrades without having to install costly pollution control devices, according to a ruling issued in late August by...

Liberty Mutual signs pact with OSHA.(Rules & Regs)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... Liberty Mutual and OSHA signed a strategic alliance that will put vital safety information into more employers' hands more quickly. The partnership will help employers improve employee safety and reduce their share of the nearly $1 billion...

Voters to decide fate of Washington ergo law.(Rules & Regs)(Washington State Labor Council)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... An initiative to repeal Washington state's sweeping workplace ergonomics rules has qualified for the November ballot, election officials told The Associated Press. To appear on the ballot, Initiative 841 needed 197,734 valid signatures...

Target reactive hazards.(New Jersey Officials)(New Jersey's Department of environmental protection)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection received kudos from a federal agency for adding reactive chemicals to the list of "extraordinarily hazardous substances" that trigger the risk management planning requirements of the state's...

Judge won't postpone fine in nightclub fire.
October 1, 2003... A judge refused to postpone collection of a $1 million fine imposed on the owners of The Station nightclub in West Warwick, R.I., for failing to carry workers' compensation insurance before February's deadly fire, according to The Associated...

NECE to feature everything ergo.(News Scan)(National Ergonomics Conference and Exposition)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... Ergonomists, safety and facility managers, occupational therapists, industrial hygienists, risk, insurance, human resources and other allied professionals will gather at the largest ergonomics event in America--the 9th Annual National...

Nation's top firefighter: "how soon they forget".(News Scan)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... International Association of Fire Fighters President Harold Schaitberger says that two years after the terrorists attacks of 9/11, America's firefighters are still waiting to receive the staffing, training and equipment they need to effectively...

First responders feel exposed.(News Scan)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... Emergency responders feel inadequately protected against the dangers of chemical, biological and radiological terrorist attacks, according to a recent NIOSH-funded study by the RAND Science and Technology Policy Institute. [ILLUSTRATION...

AIHA reorganizes HQ operations.(News Scan)(American Industrial Hygiene Association)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... "We have decided to change the structure of AIHA (American Industrial Hygiene Association) to meet the current and changing needs of the profession and our members," said Steven Davis, CAE, AIHA executive director, in explaining recent changes...

Many multinationals lack evacuation plans.(News Scan)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... Despite employing workers in high-risk locations around the world, many multinational companies have not adopted a formal policy to evacuate employees in cases of security threats or health-related issues, according to a new survey by Watson...

Workplace violence: deadly summer at worksites.(News Scan)(Chronology)
October 1, 2003... A startling number of work-related killings took place this past summer throughout the U.S. in workplaces ranging from restaurants to warehouses to real estate offices. Here is a summary of murders that occurred from July through Labor Day: ...

Report finds fatal flaws in NASA's safety culture.(News Scan)
October 1, 2003... The concept of safety culture received a blast of publicity August 26 when the board investigating the Columbia space shuttle catastrophe issued its final report. It ripped the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's "broken safety...

Not an overnight sensation ... building self-directed participation takes time.(Psychology of Safety)
October 1, 2003... I recently heard one of my partners at SPS (Safety Performance Solutions), Dr. Sherry Perdue, deliver a thoughtful and practical presentation on behavior-based safety (BBS) coaching. Her well-attended session, entitled "Getting the most from a...

Are you vulnerable? New laws require security assessments.(Managing Best Practices)
October 1, 2003... Have you participated in a vulnerability assessment yet? If not, chances are you will. Federal, state, and local laws are mandating this assessment for a variety of EHS processes and activities since 9/11. More requirements are expected. ...

Selecting protective apparel: for chemical safety, penetration testing may be apropos.
October 1, 2003... When selecting protective garments, there are two primary ways to evaluate chemical barrier performance: permeation testing and the less-known and less-understood penetration testing. Permeation testing typically applies to Level A garments...

Protective clothing.(Product Update)
October 1, 2003... 1 FLAME-RESISTANT COVERALL CIRCLE 262 Workrite offers a flame-resistant "gripper" coverall featuring INDURA[R] fabric. The FR performance is guaranteed for the life of the garment. Featuring a "visual green" color, the coverall...

New eye protection standard features several key changes.(A Clear View of ANSI Z87.1-2003)
October 1, 2003... Safety professionals who understand the need for and use of protective eyewear may nonetheless be perplexed by the recently revised ANSI Z87.1-2003 Standard. The revisions of the American National Standards Institute's voluntary, though...

Eye protection.(Product Update)
October 1, 2003... 1 ANTI-FOGGING SOLUTION CIRCLE 255 Bausch & Lomb[TM] Fog Shield XP is specifically formulated for extended anti-fogging protection in extreme working environments (hot to cold and cold to hot). The anti-fogging solution features a...

PowerPoint Tips to help safety trainees get the point.
October 1, 2003... Some companies believe that safety and health training means reading written safety procedures or rules to the audience after handing out copies for them to follow along. While this may be the quickest and easiest way to put together a training...

10 classroom tips for training non-English speaking employees.
October 1, 2003... After addressing the audience, the safety trainer asks the students if they understand. Twenty heads all shake yes, but when the instructor calls on one employee to repeat the instructions, he just sits there silent. Why? Because the...

Confined space safety: it's a matter of procedure.
October 1, 2003... The term "confined space" is intimidating in itself. It brings up thoughts such as closets and elevators and small, tight areas. We have all had those times in our lives when we felt uncomfortable because we were in a small space. ...

Your best choices for emergency showers.
October 1, 2003... An emergency shower is a fairly basic apparatus, drenching victims with substantial quantities of water. But the equipment is rarely used in its "simplest terms." Victims are often exposed to hazardous chemicals such as corrosives (acids...

Powder-free latex gloves: circle 279.(Product News)
October 1, 2003... SAS Safety's new Dyna Grip[TM] powder-free latex gloves feature Dyna-Flex 8-mil latex formula for superior dexterity and reduced hand fatigue. The high-quality gloves are manufactured with a unique treatment process to assure easy on/off, and...

Portable Eyewash: circle 272.(Product News)
October 1, 2003... Haws' new Model 7500EB.12V Portable Eyewash features a lightweight, portable design that is ideal for use in remote, cold areas. The gravity-fed eyewash employs a fold-down arm that activates flow automatically. Flushing water is heated via a...

Water tempering station: circle 274.(Product News)
October 1, 2003... New PowerStation from Powers is a fully assembled water tempering and recirculation station that provides a temperature control range of 40[degrees]F-160[degrees]F. Designed to optimize safe water distribution and return throughout a facility's...

2004 OSHA 300 software: circle 280 no photo.(Product News)
October 1, 2003... SafetyOffice[R] products maintain and print required OSHA reports including new 2004 hearing loss requirements. The software analyzes all incident data, identifies accident-causing problems, manages and tracks training scheduling, certifies...

Fire Blanket: circle 270.(Product News)
October 1, 2003... Newtex's new Zetex Fire Blanket features proprietary fibers that won't burn during the extinguishing of small fires. The 6-ft. X 4-ft. blanket comes in a storable canister with pull-tab handles for quick and easy opening and securing the...

Tracking software: circle 282.(Product News)
October 1, 2003... TISCOR has released six new software applications to simplify facilities' processes for tracking assets, tools, general files, inventory, legal evidence documents and laboratory equipment. Each application offers the latest in mobile hand-held...

Fashionable eyewear: circle 281.(Product News)
October 1, 2003... AOSafety[R]'s 2003 X-FACTOR[TM] Safety Sunwear Collection offers users five styles that combine fashion and eye protection. Featuring trendy unisex styles that are comfortable and lightweight, the OSHA-compliant eyewear incorporates tinted...

PDA case: circle 283.(Product News)
October 1, 2003... Protect your PDA with Ameripack's Armor 3600, a heavy-duty, rugged case that is waterproof, dustproof and crushproof. The airtight case allows you to use the PDA through a recessed, clear plastic screen and includes portals for printer, GPS and...

Continuous Gas Monitor: circle 284.(Product News)
October 1, 2003... The PureAire Air Check Advantage Extractive Gas Monitor continuously monitors gas storage areas, process tools, scrubber systems and other areas where maintenance access is limited or undesirable. An electronic "brain" is built into the sensor...

Protective Garments: circle 285.(Product News)
October 1, 2003... SafeGard[R] 76 SMS Protective Garments from Lakeland incorporate three layers of breathable material along with triple stitching with serged seams. The two outer layers consist of spunbonded filaments to withstand tearing and abrasion. The...

Communications System: circle 273.(Product News)
October 1, 2003... The new ClearCommand HCS Helmet Communications System from MSA simply snaps over the nape strap of any MSA industrial-style helmet with ratchet suspension. No tools or batteries are required. Noise-reducing bone-conduction microphone transmits...

Full-body harnesses: circle 275.(Product News)
October 1, 2003... The new generation full-body DuraFlex Ultra and DuraFlex Python[TM] Ultra harnesses from Miller offer increased comfort and mobility. New quick-connect buckles have been added to the chest and leg straps, and a dual-tab release mechanism...

FP harness: circle 271.(Product News)
October 1, 2003... DBI/SALA has introduced the new generation ExoFit XP hamess, which features lightweight, 3-D mesh padding for increased comfort and a removable backpad for easy cleaning. Spring-loaded "stand-up" back D-ring ensures easy connections....

Mold sampling pumps: circle 276.(Product News)
October 1, 2003... Allegro offers a broad line of mold sampling pumps for monitoring mold, lead, asbestos and other particulates. The line includes the air-driven Venturi Sampling Pump, requiring only 40 psi to draw samples; the Dual Sampler, a rotary vane unit...

Puncture-resistant gloves: circle 277.(Product News)
October 1, 2003... Warwick Mills' new TurtleSkin Aramid Plus gloves feature an additional layer of material that provides puncture resistance and increased cut resistance versus a regular aramid glove. The added protection is built into the palm and fingers of an...

3E Company[TM].(Businesses)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... 3E Company[TM] has announced the first comprehensive Business Process Outsourcing (BPO)-based solution for managing EH & S compliance, starting with a cross-platform suite of services for hazardous material information management. 3E's BPO...

Global Glove and Safety Manufacturing.(Businesses)
October 1, 2003... Global Glove and Safety Manufacturing opened its doors for business in August. Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minn., Global Glove is a provider of a complete line of industrial and general-purpose work gloves. Founded by Craig Wagner, a former...

Vubiz.(Businesses)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) and Vubiz, a strategic e-learning solutions company, have partnered to create an information service for the Safe Handling of Hospital Chemicals (SHHC). The initiative is aimed at...

Coble, Taylor & Jones Safety Associates.(Businesses)
October 1, 2003... Coble, Taylor & Jones Safety Associates is observing its 25th anniversary in providing safety services for clients worldwide. The company started as Ennis, Lumsden, Boylston and Associates in 1978. CTJ Safety Associates can be contacted at...

Zellweger Analytics.(Businesses)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... Zellweger Analytics has merged the two portable gas detection product groups of Neotronics and Lumidor into one all-encompassing brand. The new brand, which will operate under the Lumidor name, will offer the first "no gaps" range of portable...

Summit Training Source.(Businesses)(Safety, health and other training sessions now offered at new building )(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... Summit Training Source celebrated the opening of a new building and headquarters in Grand Rapids, Mich., on August 19. The move will provide for the addition of 12 new positions at Summit.

Sempermed USA, Inc.(Businesses)(Glove supplier to North American Ambulance Alliance(N3A))(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... Sempermed USA, Inc. has been selected to be the exclusive disposable glove supplier to members of the North American Ambulance Alliance (N3A). The products chosen by the members of N3A include powder-free latex and synthetic medical grade...

AOSafety[R].(Businesses)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... AOSafety[R] will begin full-scale sales of its own brand of fall protection equipment on Nov. 1. Earlier this year, AOSafety/Aearo Co. acquired SafeWaze[R] Fall Protection. The new line will include body harnesses, lanyards, lifelines, anchor...

Business & Legal Reports.(Internet)
October 1, 2003... Business & Legal Reports has launched Safety.BLR.com, a subscription-based Web site that offers safety professionals a full range of compliance and training solutions. The site, http://safety.blr.com, provides analysis of regulations, daily...

Ansell Occupational Healthcare.(Moves)(Raymond Morris)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... Raymond Morris has been promoted to eastern regional sales manager by Ansell Occupational Healthcare. Morris will oversee sales in 17 states along the eastern seaboard, in the Midwest and as far south as Puerto Rico. He'll be responsible for...

Environmental Support Solutions (ESS).(Moves)(Scott Gilbert)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... Environmental Support Solutions (ESS) has appointed Scott Gilbert to its management team as chief financial officer. Gilbert has 12 years of financial leadership experience in the environmental and software development sectors. ...

The Nontoxic CEO.(References)
October 1, 2003... A new book, The Nontoxic CEO, outlines an innovative strategy of chemical management, focused on reducing hazardous chemicals while saving money. Author Mark Wysong, president and CEO of Dolphin Software, Inc., provides guidelines to motivate...

Direct Safety Co.(References)
October 1, 2003... Direct Safety Co. Catalog provides a complete array of products to meet all safety requirements. The 284-page master catalog offers a wide selection of personal protection, industrial safety, traffic control products, and more. Call (800)...

MSA.(References)
October 1, 2003... MSA's latest products to protect and assist workers are featured in its updated 170-page full-color "Safety Equipment Catalog 2003-2004." Contact MSA at 1-800-MSA-2222 and ask for Bulletin 5555-82-MC.

Events.(Calendar)
October 1, 2003... october 47th Annual Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Meeting, Oct. 13-17, Denver, CO, HFES, (310) 394-1811, www.hfes.org Behavioral Safety Now Conference, Oct. 14-16, Reno, NV, Behavioral Safety Now 2003, (281) 593-1987,...

Safety's top 10 stories: news you should know about. ISHN continues to track these developments.(What's the buzz?)
October 1, 2003... 1 Wave of violence Scoop: Eight incidents of fatal workplace violence in the span of two months this summer. The toll: 28 employees murdered, 18 injured, all by gunshot. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Two of the incidents were suspected...