Weekly news round-up
How to get ready for the upcoming GHS label deadline, commuter railroad safety and a first for AIHce were all in the EHS-related news featured on ISHN.com this week.
Checklist gets your facility prepared for a chemical spill
The National Institute for Occupational Science and Health (NIOSH) has put together a safety checklist for dealing with chemical spills in a variety of facilities. Its elements can be tailored to the specific needs of your workplace.
Ohio company fined $139,000 for inadequate LO/TO, other hazards
A manufacturer of industrial machinery has been cited for repeatedly exposing workers to amputation and other serious hazards at its Hudson, Ohio facility.
FAQs about electric power standard
Why did OSHA decide to modify its standards for electric power generation, transmission, and distribution work? OSHA last issued rules for the construction of transmission and distribution installations in 1972. Those provisions were out of date and inconsistent with the more recently promulgated general industry standard covering the operation and maintenance of electric power generation, transmission, and distribution lines and equipment.
What parents should say to grads about celebrating safely
Graduation is a time to celebrate. But before the party starts, a government task force on drinking among you people wants parents to take the time to talk with your graduates about the dangers of misusing alcohol.
When to use safety tags and what they should contain
OSHA defines a Tag as a device made of card, paper, pasteboard, plastic or other material used to identify a hazardous condition. OSHA’s standard 1910.145(a)(1) specifies that tags should be used to prevent accidental injury or illness to employees who are exposed to hazardous or potentially hazardous conditions, equipment or operations which are out of the ordinary, unexpected or not readily apparent.
EPA proposes updates to emissions standards for refineries
After receiving input from stakeholders including community groups, industry and the states, the EPA is proposing to update the toxic air pollution standards for petroleum refineries to protect neighborhoods located near refineries. The agency describes the change as a “common-sense” proposal that includes new monitoring requirements.
Arc flash incidents: The annual toll in the U.S.
It is a widely held belief that an arc flash incident is rare. Not so. Check out these statistics compiled from various sources and pertaining to arc flash incidents in the U.S.:
Do you – and your workers – understand the new GHS labels?
Label deadline will take effect next year
As of December 1, 2014, manufacturers will no longer be allowed to ship products using old labels. Instead, they must be in compliance with the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) regulations incorporated into the Hazard Communications standard published by OSHA in 2012. Among the changes: new GHS labels.
LOTO keeps workers safe when energy is hazardous
Energy sources including electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, chemical, thermal or other sources in machines and equipment can be hazardous to workers. During the servicing and maintenance of machines and equipment, the unexpected startup or release of stored energy could cause injury to employees.
NTSB recommends ways to make commuter railroads safer
In the wake of the derailment and collision of two passenger trains in Connecticut last May, the National Transportation Safety Board – which conducted an investigation into the accident -- has issued recommendations to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and Metro-North Railroad.
Podcast: Gun violence in America
by ProPublica
By Minhee Cho
While we have clear data on murders from gun violence, no one seems to know how many Americans are shot – and survive – every year. In fact, the government’s own numbers seem to conflict on the matter.
The destructive power of an arc flash
An arc flash occurs during a fault, or short circuit condition, which passes through as arc gap. The flash can be initiated through accidental contact, equipment which is underrated for the available short circuit current, contamination or tracking over insulated surfaces, deterioration or corrosion of equipment and, or parts, and other causes.
Pool chemicals send thousands to emergency room each year
Victims are often children
Injuries from pool chemicals led to nearly 5,000 emergency room visits in 2012, according to a study released last week by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Nearly half of these preventable injuries were in children and teenagers and more than a third occurred at a home.
2014 AIHce + Stewardship will be a first for San Antonio
Hot and sunny weather expected
This will be the first time ever that the city of San Antonio, Texas hosts the 2014 American Industrial Hygiene Conference and Exposition (AIHce) + Stewardship – and San Antonio says it’s ready for the 5,000+ industrial hygiene and occupational and environmental health and safety (OEHS) professionals expected to descend upon the city May 31st through June 5th.
Looking for a reprint of this article?
From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today!
