OSHA and the American Foundry Society (AFS) have renewed their alliance, according to an OSHA press release, with a continued goal of providing safety and health information related to personal protective equipment, heat stress, and reducing and preventing exposure to silica among employees in the metalcasting industry.

"OSHA and AFS have made significant accomplishments over the past two years," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Edwin G. Foulke, Jr. "Our alliance will continue to work together to provide AFS members and metalcasting businesses with free guidance and training resources to protect the well-being of employees in the foundry industry."

Through the alliance, AFS developed a manual titled "Control of Silica Exposure in Foundries" that provides information to help control the potential hazards of respirable crystalline silica. AFS also developed the "Guide for the Selection and Use of Personal Protective Equipment and Special Clothing for Foundry Operations" to help reduce the risks of exposure to foundry hazards.

In addition, OSHA and AFS representatives spoke at conferences and meetings including the AFS 19th Environmental Health and Safety Conference and the 111th Metalcasting Congress, the press release said. AFS representatives continue to serve on the editorial boards of OSHA Safety and Health Topics pages regarding Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout); Heat Stress; Lead; Powered Industrial Trucks; Silica, Crystalline; and Ventilation.

AFS is an international organization founded in 1896 with approximately 10,000 members in 47 countries. The AFS Environmental, Health and Safety Committee assists foundries in providing a work environment free of identifiable safety and health hazards.