Choosing the Correct High Visibility Clothing for Roadway Worker Safety
Jun 7, 2010 8:52:43 AM
0 Comments Click here to read/write comments
Topics: DOT, Personal Protective Equipment, Construction H&S, Emergency Response, worker safety, Occupational Safety
Water Safety at Work
May 24, 2010 2:57:16 AM
Capt. John DeFillippo, CHMP, EMT-B
Does your company have employees that work on, near or over water? Hazardous waste site and emergency response workers, those in the construction trades, surveyors and bridge inspection/repair crews are but a few occupations where this applies. OSHA regulations (29 CFR 1926.106 for example) cover the safety of such workers including training and protective equipment requirements. Other federal and state (USCG and TSA) regulations may also apply to your operation. For example, if you are working over water, such as bridge work, you must have a rescue skiff at the ready, with trained personnel to operate it, in case someone falls in. Working at piers, refineries or other marine facilities may entail very specific security requirements.
Water can be unforgiving of carelessness. As a veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard, an EMT and a licensed captain working in the marine salvage industry, Ive seen plenty of tragedies on the water. Nearly all were avoidable. Here are some essential questions to help you assess your water safety knowledge:
The Emilcott Training Institute offers many training programs that can help keep workers safe, including an 8-hour Water Safety and Boating Basics that is approved by the NJ State Police and recognized in several other states as well. Fall Protection, Water Safety and Red Cross CPR and Basic First Aid are also offered in-house or on-site. If you have ANY questions about water safety at work, give Emilcott a call or comment below.
Read More
Does your company have employees that work on, near or over water? Hazardous waste site and emergency response workers, those in the construction trades, surveyors and bridge inspection/repair crews are but a few occupations where this applies. OSHA regulations (29 CFR 1926.106 for example) cover the safety of such workers including training and protective equipment requirements. Other federal and state (USCG and TSA) regulations may also apply to your operation. For example, if you are working over water, such as bridge work, you must have a rescue skiff at the ready, with trained personnel to operate it, in case someone falls in. Working at piers, refineries or other marine facilities may entail very specific security requirements.
Water can be unforgiving of carelessness. As a veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard, an EMT and a licensed captain working in the marine salvage industry, Ive seen plenty of tragedies on the water. Nearly all were avoidable. Here are some essential questions to help you assess your water safety knowledge:
- Is everyone wearing personal flotation devices? Are they the right type, worn correctly, and U.S. Coast Guard approved?
- What is the water temperature? In April in the mid-Atlantic region, the water is about 45 degrees F which means you can last about 15 minutes before hypothermia sets in.
- Do you understand the risk of hypothermia? Even if the water is at 80 degrees F, its the same as being in air of 42 degrees F. And, water removes heat from the body 25 times faster than air of the same temperature.
- Does everybody know how to swim? What to do if caught in a current? Will they know to swim parallel to the shore or go with it until you out of it? You can't swim against a current, even a gentle one, for very long, so dont try.
- If someone does fall in, whats the plan? Formulating a plan when you hear the splash is too late! Having the proper rescue equipment and understanding how to use it is essential.
- Who is trained in CPR and Basic First Aid? Knowing what to do in an emergency saves lives! Too many would-be rescuers become victims themselves, so leave water rescue to those who have the training and tools.
- Is the boat operator trained? Employers who would never think of allowing an untrained person to operate a crane often have no problem letting someone without proper training operate a boat on a navigable waterway. Many states, including New Jersey, now require all operators of power-driven vessels to take an approved Safe Boating Course. Fines can be steep and may get the vessel impounded.
The Emilcott Training Institute offers many training programs that can help keep workers safe, including an 8-hour Water Safety and Boating Basics that is approved by the NJ State Police and recognized in several other states as well. Fall Protection, Water Safety and Red Cross CPR and Basic First Aid are also offered in-house or on-site. If you have ANY questions about water safety at work, give Emilcott a call or comment below.
0 Comments Click here to read/write comments
Topics: OSHA, Personal Protective Equipment, health and safety, General Industry H&S, Construction H&S, Emergency Response, H&S Training, worker safety, Occupational Safety, emergency response training, Occupational Training, water safety, Water Response Plan
Learning from H1N1 Employers Need to Consider Continued Pandemic Threats
May 3, 2010 4:48:24 AM
Genya Mallach - CSP
Most recently, we have had to educate ourselves on the wide-spread outbreak of influenza virus, H1N1, and the precautions necessary to break the pandemic, which is far from over. Not to downplay the risk of the H1N1 virus, a virulent, drug resistant form of Tuberculosis (TB) has appeared in the United States. This disease is so ancient that it has been found in the spine of a 4,400-year-old Egyptian mummy. Tuberculosis is still the top single infectious killer of adults worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, it lies dormant in one out of three people. Of those, 10 percent will develop active TB, and about 2 million people a year will die from it.
It was just six months ago that word was leaked to the public of a case of TB that was originally diagnosed in 2007, and has greatly alarmed the medical community. Oswaldo Juarez, a then 19-year old Peruvian visiting US to study English was diagnosed with XXDR (Extremely Drug Resistant) TB. This is a strain of TB that had never before been seen in the U.S.
Dr. David Ashkin, one of the nations leading experts on tuberculosis, described this form of tuberculosis as so rare that only a handful of people in the world are thought to have had it.The treatment of an XXDR TB is an equivalent to aggressive chemotherapy, requires strict quarantine and costs hundreds of thousands of dollars to treat.
The questions we must now ask are: Should we consider testing of TB in the work environment? Should periodic testing of all workers be required? Should we be worried of another pandemic?
Read More
Most recently, we have had to educate ourselves on the wide-spread outbreak of influenza virus, H1N1, and the precautions necessary to break the pandemic, which is far from over. Not to downplay the risk of the H1N1 virus, a virulent, drug resistant form of Tuberculosis (TB) has appeared in the United States. This disease is so ancient that it has been found in the spine of a 4,400-year-old Egyptian mummy. Tuberculosis is still the top single infectious killer of adults worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, it lies dormant in one out of three people. Of those, 10 percent will develop active TB, and about 2 million people a year will die from it.
It was just six months ago that word was leaked to the public of a case of TB that was originally diagnosed in 2007, and has greatly alarmed the medical community. Oswaldo Juarez, a then 19-year old Peruvian visiting US to study English was diagnosed with XXDR (Extremely Drug Resistant) TB. This is a strain of TB that had never before been seen in the U.S.
Dr. David Ashkin, one of the nations leading experts on tuberculosis, described this form of tuberculosis as so rare that only a handful of people in the world are thought to have had it.The treatment of an XXDR TB is an equivalent to aggressive chemotherapy, requires strict quarantine and costs hundreds of thousands of dollars to treat.
The questions we must now ask are: Should we consider testing of TB in the work environment? Should periodic testing of all workers be required? Should we be worried of another pandemic?
0 Comments Click here to read/write comments
Topics: indoor air quality, health and safety, General Industry H&S, Emergency Response, H&S Training, worker safety, Occupational Health, emergency response training, Exposure, hygiene standard
What is a Certified Industrial Hygienist?
Apr 23, 2010 5:47:54 AM
Sarah Stibbe Damaskos
Where were you the first time that someone casually mentioned that they were a Certified Industrial Hygienist? Chances are you immediately pictured some type of space-suited dental hygienist flossing the worlds most horrific tooth grunge. Or maybe you heard the term industrial hygiene and the frightening image of super-sized Teflon underwear floated into your head? The good news is that you were almost right conceptually.
Certified Industrial Hygienists (CIH) are cool. Sometimes they do get to wear Major Tom kind of protective clothing and poke around dirty places but most of the time theyre more like a squad of Super Safety People and their goal is to protect you. According to the American Board of Industrial Hygiene (www.ABIH.org) Industrial hygiene is the science of protecting and enhancing the health and safety of people at work and in their communities.
Industrial hygienists (rather than be called Super Safety People which is so much better for T-shirts) fall into a large group more commonly known as Environmental, Health and Safety experts but CIH focus exclusively on Health Occupational Health and Environmental Health.
The American Industrial Hygiene Association (www.AIHA.org) has created this handy list of typical EHS roles:
Essentially it means that a group of highly-trained, certified professional are able to prevent, investigate and address work and community safety issues so that you can live a longer, healthier life. Specifically, industrial hygienists are focused on
If you own a business and your operation has the potential to expose employees or subcontractors or neighbors to possible health hazards, you need an industrial hygienist to reduce your risk, save money and, of course, offer everyone peace of mind. If you would rather pretend that environmental, safety or health issues are not important, I suggest you purchase a pair of Teflon underwear and super-size it.
How do you feel about being called an Industrial Hygienist? What would be an improved or more descriptive job title?
Read More
Where were you the first time that someone casually mentioned that they were a Certified Industrial Hygienist? Chances are you immediately pictured some type of space-suited dental hygienist flossing the worlds most horrific tooth grunge. Or maybe you heard the term industrial hygiene and the frightening image of super-sized Teflon underwear floated into your head? The good news is that you were almost right conceptually.
Certified Industrial Hygienists (CIH) are cool. Sometimes they do get to wear Major Tom kind of protective clothing and poke around dirty places but most of the time theyre more like a squad of Super Safety People and their goal is to protect you. According to the American Board of Industrial Hygiene (www.ABIH.org) Industrial hygiene is the science of protecting and enhancing the health and safety of people at work and in their communities.
Industrial hygienists (rather than be called Super Safety People which is so much better for T-shirts) fall into a large group more commonly known as Environmental, Health and Safety experts but CIH focus exclusively on Health Occupational Health and Environmental Health.
The American Industrial Hygiene Association (www.AIHA.org) has created this handy list of typical EHS roles:
- Investigate and examine the workplace for hazards and potential dangers
- Make recommendations on improving the safety of workers and the surrounding community
- Conduct scientific research to provide data on possible harmful conditions in the workplace
- Develop techniques to anticipate and control potentially dangerous situations in the workplace and the community
- Train and educate the community about job-related risks
- Advise government officials and participating in the development of regulations to ensure the health and safety of workers and their families
- Ensure that workers are properly following health and safety procedures
Essentially it means that a group of highly-trained, certified professional are able to prevent, investigate and address work and community safety issues so that you can live a longer, healthier life. Specifically, industrial hygienists are focused on
- Chemical, Biological, Physical and Other Hazardous Agent Exposure
- Emergency Response Planning
- Community Impact and Awareness
- Workplace Conditions / Occupational Safety
- Detection, Planning and Control
If you own a business and your operation has the potential to expose employees or subcontractors or neighbors to possible health hazards, you need an industrial hygienist to reduce your risk, save money and, of course, offer everyone peace of mind. If you would rather pretend that environmental, safety or health issues are not important, I suggest you purchase a pair of Teflon underwear and super-size it.
How do you feel about being called an Industrial Hygienist? What would be an improved or more descriptive job title?
0 Comments Click here to read/write comments
Topics: Emilcott, indoor air quality, health and safety, General Industry H&S, Construction H&S, Emergency Response, H&S Training, Hazardous Waste Management, Compliance, worker safety, Lab Safety & Electrical, Fire Safety, Public Safety, Working Green
The Regulators Awake: Proposed Changes to the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard
Oct 13, 2009 6:50:04 AM
Paula Kaufmann, CIH
Both OSHA and the EPA seemed to have recently awoken from their regulatory slumber. OSHA has announced its first major rulemaking during the Obama administration with a proposed change to the agencys Hazard Communication (HazCom) Standard. The existing OSHA HazCom Standard provides workers with the right to know the hazards and identities of the chemicals they are exposed to while working, as well as the measures they can take to protect themselves. This standard was originally adopted in November 1983 and has been enhanced a few times with the latest revision in February 1994.
The proposed changes set the stage for the United States to catch up with the global community in the use of globally consistent methods for chemical hazard classification, hazard labeling, and the format of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS). The proposed changes will align the HazCom Standard with the United Nations Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling (GHS). The GHS was adopted by the UN in 2003 with a goal of implementation in 2008. Most multinational companies have been following both the global system and the current OSHA Hazard Communication Program in recent years. The US Department of Transportation has already modified the DOT requirements to make them consistent with international UN transportation requirements and the GHS. Now it is time for OSHA.
The proposed changes will significantly improve the quality and consistency of information provided to workers, employers and chemical user by having a standardized approach to identifying the hazard, labeling the hazard on containers and equipment, and documentation of the hazard on a MSDS. The most pronounced change that chemical purchasers and workers will see is a consistent hazard warning statements and warnings (including pictograms) along with MSDSs will always have the same information located in the same place. These changes are critical not only for everyday users of the chemicals but also emergency responders and medical personnel.
However, the changes wont be required next week and probably not even next year. The process for moving through a major revision to an established regulation can be long and loud (with input from all vantages points on the changes). OSHA took the first step of this process in September 2006 with an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPR). The recent step, in September 2009, is detailing the changes to HazCom with the publishing of a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM). Next is the comment period (90 days December 29, 2009) and then public hearings scheduled for early 2010. OSHA will then draft a Proposed Standard which will have to be reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget and will consult with the Small Business Administration. The Proposal Standard will then get published in the Federal Register, and will most likely have a comment period. FINALLY, OSHA will incorporate changes from comments into the Final Standard, which will be published in the Federal Register with the provisions taking effect over the following months or years.
Its a long process. Regulators dont have the window of time to slumber.
Read More
Both OSHA and the EPA seemed to have recently awoken from their regulatory slumber. OSHA has announced its first major rulemaking during the Obama administration with a proposed change to the agencys Hazard Communication (HazCom) Standard. The existing OSHA HazCom Standard provides workers with the right to know the hazards and identities of the chemicals they are exposed to while working, as well as the measures they can take to protect themselves. This standard was originally adopted in November 1983 and has been enhanced a few times with the latest revision in February 1994.
The proposed changes set the stage for the United States to catch up with the global community in the use of globally consistent methods for chemical hazard classification, hazard labeling, and the format of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS). The proposed changes will align the HazCom Standard with the United Nations Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling (GHS). The GHS was adopted by the UN in 2003 with a goal of implementation in 2008. Most multinational companies have been following both the global system and the current OSHA Hazard Communication Program in recent years. The US Department of Transportation has already modified the DOT requirements to make them consistent with international UN transportation requirements and the GHS. Now it is time for OSHA.
The proposed changes will significantly improve the quality and consistency of information provided to workers, employers and chemical user by having a standardized approach to identifying the hazard, labeling the hazard on containers and equipment, and documentation of the hazard on a MSDS. The most pronounced change that chemical purchasers and workers will see is a consistent hazard warning statements and warnings (including pictograms) along with MSDSs will always have the same information located in the same place. These changes are critical not only for everyday users of the chemicals but also emergency responders and medical personnel.
However, the changes wont be required next week and probably not even next year. The process for moving through a major revision to an established regulation can be long and loud (with input from all vantages points on the changes). OSHA took the first step of this process in September 2006 with an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPR). The recent step, in September 2009, is detailing the changes to HazCom with the publishing of a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM). Next is the comment period (90 days December 29, 2009) and then public hearings scheduled for early 2010. OSHA will then draft a Proposed Standard which will have to be reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget and will consult with the Small Business Administration. The Proposal Standard will then get published in the Federal Register, and will most likely have a comment period. FINALLY, OSHA will incorporate changes from comments into the Final Standard, which will be published in the Federal Register with the provisions taking effect over the following months or years.
Its a long process. Regulators dont have the window of time to slumber.
0 Comments Click here to read/write comments
Topics: Emilcott, OSHA, DOT, health and safety, General Industry H&S, Construction H&S, EPA, Emergency Response, H&S Training, Hazardous Waste Management, HazCom, worker safety, Occupational Health, Occupational Safety, MSDS, Hazard Communication Standard, Occupational Training, Safety Training in Spanish
September is National Preparedness Month
Sep 8, 2009 2:36:44 AM
Martha Hernandez
An effort to raise awareness - You never know when an emergency is going to happen. You must be and stay prepared for the unexpected at home, in school, at the workplace and in your community. Some emergencies which may happen: A Biological Threat , Blackouts, Earthquakes, Explosions, Fires, Floods, Hurricanes, Influenza Pandemic, Tornadoes, Wildfires, Winter Storms
Follow these simple steps for confidence during a disaster or crisis which may occur
1. Create a kit of emergency supplies (placing everything in a backpack is a great idea in case you have to evacuate quickly)
Items to include in your kit should be:
Copies of your important documents placed into a waterproof container
Birth certificates
Photo ids
Insurance cards
Copies of credit cards and ATM cards
Extra set of keys to your house and car
Cash or Travelers checks (stored in a waterproof container)
A weeks supply of medications and a list of the medications you take
Dosages, doctors names, doctors phone numbers
Flashlight and extra batteries
First aid kit
Battery operated radio and extra batteries
Bottled water and non-perishable food
Personal Toiletries
Whistle
2. Create an emergency stash of Items to keep in your home (in case you are told to stay indoors)
Items to include should be:
Three days' supply of water
Rule of thumb: a total of one gallon per person per day = 3 gallons per person
Manual (non-electric) can opener
Utensils
Three days' supply of canned, non-perishable, ready-to-eat food
Canned fruit, beans
Special Needs items:
Infant care items
Items for elderly family members
Items for relatives with disabilities
Items for your pets
Phone that does not require electricity
3. Make a plan for you and your family
Determine and practice:
Where to go where is your location to reunite
Church, school, or a community center are ideal public places?
How to find one another
** Each family member must carry contact information
Phone numbers for work, school and each family member
A name a phone number of a relative who lives out of state they can become your main number to call in case you get separated
How to use different routes to get to your meeting place
4. Stay Informed
Learn what could happen where you live
Learn how to respond to different emergencies
Learn about the emergency plans that your community has set up
Read More
An effort to raise awareness - You never know when an emergency is going to happen. You must be and stay prepared for the unexpected at home, in school, at the workplace and in your community. Some emergencies which may happen: A Biological Threat , Blackouts, Earthquakes, Explosions, Fires, Floods, Hurricanes, Influenza Pandemic, Tornadoes, Wildfires, Winter Storms
Follow these simple steps for confidence during a disaster or crisis which may occur
1. Create a kit of emergency supplies (placing everything in a backpack is a great idea in case you have to evacuate quickly)
Items to include in your kit should be:
Copies of your important documents placed into a waterproof container
Birth certificates
Photo ids
Insurance cards
Copies of credit cards and ATM cards
Extra set of keys to your house and car
Cash or Travelers checks (stored in a waterproof container)
A weeks supply of medications and a list of the medications you take
Dosages, doctors names, doctors phone numbers
Flashlight and extra batteries
First aid kit
Battery operated radio and extra batteries
Bottled water and non-perishable food
Personal Toiletries
Whistle
2. Create an emergency stash of Items to keep in your home (in case you are told to stay indoors)
Items to include should be:
Three days' supply of water
Rule of thumb: a total of one gallon per person per day = 3 gallons per person
Manual (non-electric) can opener
Utensils
Three days' supply of canned, non-perishable, ready-to-eat food
Canned fruit, beans
Special Needs items:
Infant care items
Items for elderly family members
Items for relatives with disabilities
Items for your pets
Phone that does not require electricity
3. Make a plan for you and your family
Determine and practice:
Where to go where is your location to reunite
Church, school, or a community center are ideal public places?
How to find one another
** Each family member must carry contact information
Phone numbers for work, school and each family member
A name a phone number of a relative who lives out of state they can become your main number to call in case you get separated
How to use different routes to get to your meeting place
4. Stay Informed
Learn what could happen where you live
Learn how to respond to different emergencies
Learn about the emergency plans that your community has set up
0 Comments Click here to read/write comments
Topics: Emergency Response, H&S Training, Hazardous Waste Management, emergency response training, Fire Safety, Medical Records
Top Ten Things You Need to Know About Lab Safety
Aug 18, 2009 10:30:46 AM
Laurie de Laski
1. The OSHA Standard for regulating hazardous chemicals in research and development laboratories is: Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories (29 CFR 1910.1450). The standard does not apply to production or QA/QC labs. Please refer to last weeks post for specific requirements of this standard.
2. Proper chemical handling and storage needs to be maintained in labs, including: appropriate spill control methods, separation of incompatible materials, flammable storage, chemical waste storage, dating of dangerous or short shelf life materials.
3. Hazard Assessments should be performed on new or highly hazardous operations or tasks. Basic lab procedures and controls may not be sufficient for some processes or chemicals.
4. Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) should be written for all lab practices. SOPs should include control methods, such as the type of personal protective equipment (PPE) to be used. SOPs can also used as part of the Chemical Hygiene program for R&D labs.
5. Chemical Fume Hoods must be available, maintained, and used properly. Hoods must be 100% exhausted and the type of hood is dependent on the chemicals and volumes to be used. Large equipment should not be placed in hoods, but should be provided with alternative local exhaust ventilation. Hood should be monitored and ventilation rates maintained within 20% of the approved face velocity.
6. Personal protective equipment (PPE) must be selected based on the Hazard Assessments conducted and should address all potential exposes to chemicals, infectious agents, or physical hazards (UV, lasers, sharps, etc.). A lab coat, safety glasses and exam-type nitrile gloves may be acceptable for small potential splashes of low hazard chemicals and biologicals, however, larger quantities, high hazard materials, or hazardous operations require additional PPE.
7. Emergency Equipment must be available and well maintained. This includes: spill kits, first aid kits, fire extinguishers, fire blankets, eye wash stations, emergency showers, and PPE. Emergency equipment should be inspected and/or tested at least monthly.
8. Cleaning and decontamination of lab surfaces and equipment should be conducted on a regular schedule. Surfaces, like lab benches and floors, with a high potential to have spilled chemical or biological materials, should be decontaminated at the end of each shift or immediately when contaminated. Other surfaces to consider are computer keyboards, mouse, cabinet and door knobs, equipment (including buttons and doors), and other surfaces that are handled, perhaps with gloves, during normal operations. These surfaces should be cleaned and decontaminated periodically.
9. Special hazards (radiation, lasers, and highly hazardous chemicals) require special controls and procedures. These special hazards should always have a specific SOP to address the additional controls needed, including: training of users and awareness of others in the lab, signs/warnings, special PPE, emergency equipment.
10. Training of lab workers is essential to control hazards and reduce accidents. Lab operations change frequently and it is important for the worker to understand the basics of hazard identification and control in addition to the specifics of the chemical, physical, and biological hazards they may be exposed to in the lab. Though the lab environment tends to be clean, there are many hazards and potential injuries that can occur, including life threatening ones. For example, the recent death of a post-grad student in a lab that spilled a highly flammable chemical on her clothes, and died of her burn injuries.
Read More
1. The OSHA Standard for regulating hazardous chemicals in research and development laboratories is: Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories (29 CFR 1910.1450). The standard does not apply to production or QA/QC labs. Please refer to last weeks post for specific requirements of this standard.
2. Proper chemical handling and storage needs to be maintained in labs, including: appropriate spill control methods, separation of incompatible materials, flammable storage, chemical waste storage, dating of dangerous or short shelf life materials.
3. Hazard Assessments should be performed on new or highly hazardous operations or tasks. Basic lab procedures and controls may not be sufficient for some processes or chemicals.
4. Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) should be written for all lab practices. SOPs should include control methods, such as the type of personal protective equipment (PPE) to be used. SOPs can also used as part of the Chemical Hygiene program for R&D labs.
5. Chemical Fume Hoods must be available, maintained, and used properly. Hoods must be 100% exhausted and the type of hood is dependent on the chemicals and volumes to be used. Large equipment should not be placed in hoods, but should be provided with alternative local exhaust ventilation. Hood should be monitored and ventilation rates maintained within 20% of the approved face velocity.
6. Personal protective equipment (PPE) must be selected based on the Hazard Assessments conducted and should address all potential exposes to chemicals, infectious agents, or physical hazards (UV, lasers, sharps, etc.). A lab coat, safety glasses and exam-type nitrile gloves may be acceptable for small potential splashes of low hazard chemicals and biologicals, however, larger quantities, high hazard materials, or hazardous operations require additional PPE.
7. Emergency Equipment must be available and well maintained. This includes: spill kits, first aid kits, fire extinguishers, fire blankets, eye wash stations, emergency showers, and PPE. Emergency equipment should be inspected and/or tested at least monthly.
8. Cleaning and decontamination of lab surfaces and equipment should be conducted on a regular schedule. Surfaces, like lab benches and floors, with a high potential to have spilled chemical or biological materials, should be decontaminated at the end of each shift or immediately when contaminated. Other surfaces to consider are computer keyboards, mouse, cabinet and door knobs, equipment (including buttons and doors), and other surfaces that are handled, perhaps with gloves, during normal operations. These surfaces should be cleaned and decontaminated periodically.
9. Special hazards (radiation, lasers, and highly hazardous chemicals) require special controls and procedures. These special hazards should always have a specific SOP to address the additional controls needed, including: training of users and awareness of others in the lab, signs/warnings, special PPE, emergency equipment.
10. Training of lab workers is essential to control hazards and reduce accidents. Lab operations change frequently and it is important for the worker to understand the basics of hazard identification and control in addition to the specifics of the chemical, physical, and biological hazards they may be exposed to in the lab. Though the lab environment tends to be clean, there are many hazards and potential injuries that can occur, including life threatening ones. For example, the recent death of a post-grad student in a lab that spilled a highly flammable chemical on her clothes, and died of her burn injuries.
0 Comments Click here to read/write comments
Topics: OSHA, Personal Protective Equipment, health and safety, General Industry H&S, Emergency Response, H&S Training, Hazardous Waste Management, Lab Safety & Electrical, Occupational Training, Lab Safety
Top 10 Things to Know BEFORE Shipping Hazardous Materials
Aug 4, 2009 8:34:54 AM
Dian Cucchisi, PhD, CHMM
1. Is the material hazardous? This can be determined by looking at the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) or the label.
2. Does the Department of Transportation consider the material a hazardous material for transportation? Check the Hazardous Material Table (HMT) found in 49 CFR 172.101.
3. Is the material listed by name in the HMT? If so, that would be the proper shipping name.
4. Is the material not listed by name in the HMT but is a hazardous material due to flammability, corrosivity, etc.? If so, a generic proper shipping name would be used. The generic proper shipping names are also located in the HMT.
5. Do you have personnel trained according to 49 CFR 172.704?
6. Do you have the proper label(s) as required by 49 CFR 172.400 - .450?
7. Is the packaging approved for the shipment of hazardous materials according to 49 CFR 173?
8. Have you completed the Shipper's Declaration of Dangerous Goods?
9. Is the listed emergency response telephone number answered by a "live person?"
10. Failure to ship hazardous materials properly has resulted in monetary fines in the hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Read More
1. Is the material hazardous? This can be determined by looking at the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) or the label.
2. Does the Department of Transportation consider the material a hazardous material for transportation? Check the Hazardous Material Table (HMT) found in 49 CFR 172.101.
3. Is the material listed by name in the HMT? If so, that would be the proper shipping name.
4. Is the material not listed by name in the HMT but is a hazardous material due to flammability, corrosivity, etc.? If so, a generic proper shipping name would be used. The generic proper shipping names are also located in the HMT.
5. Do you have personnel trained according to 49 CFR 172.704?
6. Do you have the proper label(s) as required by 49 CFR 172.400 - .450?
7. Is the packaging approved for the shipment of hazardous materials according to 49 CFR 173?
8. Have you completed the Shipper's Declaration of Dangerous Goods?
9. Is the listed emergency response telephone number answered by a "live person?"
10. Failure to ship hazardous materials properly has resulted in monetary fines in the hundreds of thousands of dollars.
0 Comments Click here to read/write comments
Topics: OSHA, DOT, health and safety, General Industry H&S, Emergency Response, H&S Training, Hazardous Materials, Occupational Health, Occupational Safety, emergency response training, MSDS, Respiratory, Occupational Training, Safety Training in Spanish
Top 10 Things to Know About Respiratory Protection & Fit Testing
Jul 28, 2009 9:18:19 AM
Kevin Zeller
1. OSHA regulation 29 CFR 1910.134 details the requirements for a Respiratory Protection Program.
2. A Respiratory Protection Program is mandatory if any employee is required to wear any type of respirator during the course of their job.
3. The establishment and maintenance of a Respiratory Protection Program is the responsibility of the employer and must of: a written program, employee training, fit testing and medical surveillance.
4. All employees who will be issued respiratory protection must be medically cleared to wear a respirator before fit testing and donning a respirator
5. Only respirators which have been certified by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) should be used
6. Fit testing for respirators is done to determine the correct size respirator for the employee.
7. Fit testing is required for all positive and negative pressure tight fitting facepieces.
8. Fit testing can be accomplished by using either a qualitative agent (eg Bitrex) or quantitatively (eg., PORTACOUNT®) with a probed face piece.
9. Fit testing must be conducted: prior to initial issuance of a respirator; when a different facepiece is used; when an employees physical changes may affect facepiece fit; and annually thereafter.
10. Employees must conduct a user seal check each time they wear a respirator to assure they have donned and adjusted the facepiece correctly.
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1. OSHA regulation 29 CFR 1910.134 details the requirements for a Respiratory Protection Program.
2. A Respiratory Protection Program is mandatory if any employee is required to wear any type of respirator during the course of their job.
3. The establishment and maintenance of a Respiratory Protection Program is the responsibility of the employer and must of: a written program, employee training, fit testing and medical surveillance.
4. All employees who will be issued respiratory protection must be medically cleared to wear a respirator before fit testing and donning a respirator
5. Only respirators which have been certified by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) should be used
6. Fit testing for respirators is done to determine the correct size respirator for the employee.
7. Fit testing is required for all positive and negative pressure tight fitting facepieces.
8. Fit testing can be accomplished by using either a qualitative agent (eg Bitrex) or quantitatively (eg., PORTACOUNT®) with a probed face piece.
9. Fit testing must be conducted: prior to initial issuance of a respirator; when a different facepiece is used; when an employees physical changes may affect facepiece fit; and annually thereafter.
10. Employees must conduct a user seal check each time they wear a respirator to assure they have donned and adjusted the facepiece correctly.
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Topics: NIOSH, OSHA, health and safety, General Industry H&S, Construction H&S, Emergency Response, H&S Training, Hazardous Waste Management, Compliance, Occupational Health, Occupational Safety, Lab Safety & Electrical, emergency response training, Fire Safety, Respiratory, Occupational Training, Safety Training in Spanish, EMT, Fit Testing
Top Ten Things You Need to Know About HEAT STRESS
Jul 14, 2009 7:54:55 AM
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Topics: OSHA, health and safety, General Industry H&S, Construction H&S, Emergency Response, H&S Training, Hazardous Waste Management, Occupational Health, Occupational Safety, emergency response training, Fire Safety, Exposure, Respiratory, Occupational Training, Safety Training in Spanish