Safety News

OSHA Establishes Hearing Conservation Program

OSHA published a new directive establishing a hearing conservation program to protect its personnel from the effects of occupational noise exposure. The directive applies to all OSHA personnel covered by OSHA Instruction PER 04-00-003, “CSHO Medical Examinations.” OSHA’s Safety and Health Topics Page for Noise and Hearing Conservation offers resources to employers and employees on preventing the adverse health effects caused by overexposure to loud noise.

NFPA: On-duty firefighter deaths rise

On-duty firefighter deaths rose last year to the highest level since 2004, a new report (.pdf file) states.

A total of 102 firefighters died on duty in 2007 – up from 89 in 2006 and 87 in 2005 — according to the latest figures from the National Fire Protection Association. The report on the figures was published in the July/August edition of the Quincy, MA-based organization’s NFPA Journal.

Of the deaths, 35 percent occurred during fireground activities, 29 percent while responding to or returning from alarms, 13 percent during training, 7 percent during nonfire emergencies, and 16 percent during other on-duty activities. Sudden cardiac death remained the deadliest cause of firefighter deaths, with 37 percent in 2007, the report found.

OSHA clarifies rules on tree trimming, removal

In a guidance directive (.pdf file) for its regional and area offices, OSHA explains changes to how it applies federal standards to tree-trimming and tree-removal operations.

The agency said tree-removal operations may have characteristics of tree-trimming or traditional tree-felling operations, or both. The directive clarifies the appropriate application of OSHA general industry standards to tree trimming and tree removal, and includes new definitions and practical examples, the agency said.

When tree-removal operations have characteristics that involve hazards present in both traditional tree felling and tree trimming, the employer will have the option of following either the agency’s logging operations standard or an alternative compliance strategy, OSHA said.

New OSHA Web Page on Flood and Tornado Cleanup and Recovery Operations

OSHA unveiled a new web page showcasing free occupational safety and health information related to flood and tornado cleanup and recovery. The flood and tornado recovery page offers more than 40 fact sheets and easy-reference QuickCards® in English and Spanish, along with links to other workplace safety and health-related web pages. These resources provide response and recovery crews with information about ways to recognize and avoid injury from cleanup and recovery hazards.

Take a safe approach to flood recovery

Many Midwestern states have recently experienced flooding, and the National Safety Council urges people to be aware of the risks associated with flooding and to take steps to avoid injury. When entering a business or home to begin flood recovery, all employees or residents should wear protective gear, including eye protection; make certain electricity is turned off before coming into contact with flood water; be aware of chemical hazards that may be in the water; and step carefully to avoid falls. The council offers a fact sheet on utility and structure safety after a flood and a list of resources to learn more about staying safe and cleaning up after a natural disaster.

NIOSH publishes emergency responder PPE guide

NIOSH has published a new guide to help emergency responders navigate between various agencies’ protection and performance level ratings for personal protective equipment.

The guide (.pdf file) is intended to provide comparison information between OSHA/EPA Protection Levels A, B and C, and Department of Homeland Security adopted PPE performance-based standards for response to chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear hazards as a result of a terrorist attack.

OSHA/EPA levels do not specify minimum performance criteria of protective clothing and respirators required for such threats, and relying solely on them could result in dangerous exposures, NIOSH said.

The guide provides details on ensemble standards that establish minimum performance standards for PPE for use in chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear terrorism incident response.

OSHA’s Hospital eTool

OSHA’s Hospital eTool focuses on some of the hazards and controls found in the hospital setting, and describes standard requirements as well as recommended safe work practices for employee safety and health. This eTool, a “stand-alone,” interactive, Web-based training tool, is just one of the many resources on OSHA's Web site that provide information to employers and employees on how to prevent workplace injuries and illnesses. Turn to your next issue of QuickTakes for tips on another safety and health topic.

Latest Safety and Health Information Bulletins Focus on Auger Drilling and Wood Chippers

OSHA published two new Safety and Health Information Bulletins to highlight specific workplace hazards. Hazards of Auger Drilling raises awareness about the serious hazards associated with operating powered augers and highlights safe workplace practices designed to protect employees from those hazards. The risk of injury or death from the improper operation of wood chippers is the reason behind the bulletin Hazards of Wood Chippers. This bulletin identifies specific work practices for employers and employees to address caught-in and struck-by hazards and prevent accidents.

Gas Regulators Recalled for Leak Hazard

Fisher Controls International, of McKinney, Texas, is recalling about 142,000 Fisher Model R622H 1st stage LP gas regulators. Gas can leak from the regulator when the diaphragm pulls inward into its casing, posing a fire or explosion hazard to consumers. FCI has received one report involving a fire in a tobacco barn.

The recalled gas regulators were manufactured from June 2006 through January 2008 and installed on LP-gas supply systems in homes and small commercial buildings. FCI sold the equipment to LP-gas dealers nationwide from June 2006 through January 2008. For a list of model and type numbers involved in the recall, visit www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08561.html.

Consumers who had an LP-gas system installed with a recalled regulator should immediately contact the company that provides their LP-gas services to determine if they should receive a replacement regulator installed free-of-charge. Regulators marked with a “D” near the inlet fitting are not part of this recall and do not need to be replaced. Dealers that purchased and installed the recalled regulators have been notified of the recall directly and instructed to replace the regulator. The companies will contact consumers with the recalled regulators. Consumers who have not been contacted directly and wish to determine if they have a recalled gas regulator should call their gas supplier directly. For additional information, contact FCI toll-free at (888) 237-1751, or visit www.fisherregulators.com.

DOL Launches 2008 Teen Summer Job Safety Campaign

U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao kicked off OSHA’s national 2008 Teen Summer Job Safety Campaign. The 2008 Teen Summer Job Safety Campaign is part of OSHA’s Young Worker Initiative, which provides information and resources to teenagers, parents, educators, and employers to ensure safe and rewarding work experiences for these summer employees. More information about workplace safety for teens is available at http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/teenworkers/.

Gamewell-FCI Recalls 3,000 Fire Alarm Control Panels

Gamewell-FCI by Honeywell, a Northford, Conn. based maker of fire control instruments, in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, has announced a voluntary recall of approximately 3,000 Gamewell-FCI 7100 Series fire alarm control panels. The panels provide control, display, and annunciation information.

Gamewell-FCI reports that the sounder on the panel’s main circuit board can fail to alert when there is a malfunction. No injuries or incidents have been reported.

The units were manufactured in the United States and were sold nationwide by authorized distributors to commercial end users in facilities such as hotels and office buildings from May 2007 through November 2007 for between $900 and $1,800. The recalled series includes the following model serial numbers and descriptions:

• 1100-1312 BK-7100-2D Basic Systems Kit, With DACT, 2 SLC
• 1100-1314 BK-7100-2D-240V Basic Systems Kit, w/DACT, 2 SLC, 240 VAC
• 1100-1352 7100 Series Basic Systems Module, With DACT, 1 SLC
• 1100-1237 7100-1 Addressable FACP w/DACT, 1 SLC with cabinet
• 1100-1311 BK-7100-2 Basic Systems Kit, 2 SLC
• 1100-1313 BK-7100-2-240V Basic Systems Kit, 2 SLC, 240 VAC
• 1100-1351 7100 Series Basic Systems Module, 1 SLC
• 1100-1238 7100-1 Addressable System, 1 SLC with cabinet

Gamewell-FCI says it is contacting customers directly and is providing a free repair kit. It notes that in the event of sounder failure during an alarm, the panels’ various other audible and visual indicators will still notify occupants of an alarm condition.

For additional information, contact Gamewell-FCI at (800) 274-4324 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the company’s Web site at www.gamewell-fci.com.

Reminder to Employers about Combustible Dust National Emphasis Program

OSHA is currently investigating a major accident involving combustible dust. The agency reminds all employers that combustible dust can present a dangerous workplace hazard, and encourages employers with such hazards to reference OSHA’s Safety and Health Information Bulletin on this topic. In October 2007, OSHA launched its National Emphasis Program on Combustible Dust to ensure compliance with existing standards, educate the industry on the hazard and methods of abatement, and to collect data for analysis. For more information, visit OSHA’s new Combustible Dust Safety and Health Topics page.

NIOSH Poster Provides Tips for Spray-on Truck Bedliner Work

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health is making available a poster that provides helpful tips on protecting workers from the hazards of isocynate exposure during spray-on truck bedliner applications. The poster reminds workers of appropriate personal protective equipment during such work and the importance of washing the hands and face afterward.

To view or download the poster, visit http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2008-109/pdfs/2008-109.pdf

New OSHA Publication Focuses on Security Personnel

Security personnel (i.e., guards) stand to benefit from a new publication by OSHA entitled Preparing and Protecting Security Personnel in Emergencies. This publication addresses emergencies involving hazardous substance releases and provides guidance for employers and their security personnel, who may be involved in the emergency response. Printed copies can be obtained by calling OSHA's publications office at 202-693-1888

Comment Period for Methylene Chloride Standard Review Extended to March 10

OSHA is reopening the comment period for its review of the Methylene Chloride Standard. The 90-day comment period ended on Oct. 9, 2007. In response to a request for additional time to comment, OSHA is reopening the comment period for an additional 60 days. Accordingly, written comments must now be submitted (sent or postmarked) by March 10, 2008.

The review is being conducted under Section 610 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act and Section 5 of Executive Order 12866 on Regulatory Planning and Review. On July 10, 2007, OSHA provided background information about the review, raised questions of special concern to the Agency, and requested public comments, which may be submitted electronically at http://www.regulations.gov.

Environmental Tip from the EPA

Public water systems that need to add treatment for one contaminant may find they also have other water-quality concerns. Choosing a treatment technology that can remove several co-occurring contaminants may be more efficient and cost-effective. EPA has developed a document that describes treatment technologies that can remove multiple contaminants, as well as summaries of related operational and waste-disposal issues. The document can be accessed in PDF format at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/treatment/pdfs/poster_treatment_technologies.pdf.

NRC Orders Criminal History Checks to Access Radioactive Material

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) issued an order Dec. 5 to nearly 1,000 licensees to begin fingerprinting and criminal history checks for all people granted unescorted access to certain radioactive materials. The order, including details of how the new requirements are to be implemented, will be published soon in the Federal Register. For more information, contact NRC at http://www.nrc.gov.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of Milwaukee Power Plus NiCd battery packs. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Milwaukee Power Plus, Chicago Pneumatic, and Extractor 14.4 and 18 volt 2.4 Ah NiCd battery packs.

OSHA to perform Saturday construction site inspections

OSHA is working overtime during the busy construction season to ensure builders are following proper safety and health standards for their employees. The Agency is conducting unannounced Saturday inspections of construction work sites as part of its Summer Weekend Construction Inspection Program.

OSHA says it has a "vigorous" enforcement program, having conducted more than 38,000 inspections last year and exceeding its inspection goals in each of the last seven years. In fiscal year 2006, the Agency found nearly 84,000 violations of its standards and regulations. The Summer Weekend Construction Inspection Program has been very successful since its inception three years ago, the Agency says.

The building and construction industry is one of the most dangerous for employees. The private construction industry accounted for 1,186 fatal work injuries in 2005, the most of any industry sector, and representing about one out of every five fatal work injuries in all industries, according to OSHA.

THE Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has published a final report titled "Unit Costs of Medium/Heavy Truck Crashes," completed by the Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation (PIRE) that provides latest estimates of unit costs for highway crashes involving medium- and heavy-duty trucks.

Based on the latest data available, the estimated cost of a police-reported crash involving a truck with a gross weight rating of more than 10,000 pounds averaged $91,112 (in 2005 dollars). Crashes in which truck-tractors with two or three trailers were involved were the rarest, but their cost was the highest -- $289,549 per crash. The cost per nonfatal injury crash averaged $195,258, and fatal crashes cost more than any other crashes at $3,604,518 per crash.

Safety analysts use such crash cost data for a variety of purposes, from analyzing effectiveness of a particular roadway enhancement to measuring impact of seatbelt use. Crash costs also are used to calculate and compare cost-effectiveness of proposed safety regulations.

A copy of the complete study can be viewed on the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) Web site under the MCS Discipline section at http://www.aamva.org.

NIOSH publishes ergonomic guidelines for manual material handling

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has published a booklet for managers and supervisors in industries that involve the manual handling of containers. The publication, Ergonomic Guidelines for Manual Material Handling, offers suggestions to improve the handling of rectangular, square, and cylindrical containers, sacks, and bags.

Among other things, the booklet lists the benefits of improving work tasks. It also contains information on risk factors, types of ergonomic improvements, and effective training, and sets out a four-step proactive action plan. The plan helps companies identify problems, set priorities, make changes, and follow up.

The booklet also provides ways to improve lifting, lowering, filling, emptying, or carrying tasks by changing work practices and/or the use of equipment. Guidelines for safer work practices are also included.

And the booklet provides ideas for using equipment instead of manually handling individual containers. Guidelines for safer equipment use are also included.

To view the booklet, click here.

Chemical facilities should register under anti-terrorism rule

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recommends that chemical facilities begin the registration process to gain access to the Chemical Security Assessment Tool (CSAT) system. This is a voluntary registration process for facilities that think they may be covered by DHS’s Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards located in 6 CFR Part 27 and that would like to initiate the process to determine whether or not they are covered by the rule. Although the Interim Final Rule does not go into effect until June, DHS strongly recommends that facilities begin the registration process as soon as possible to gain access to the Chemical Security Assessment Tool (CSAT) system.

The CSAT is a suite of four applications, including the User Registration, Top-Screen, Security Vulnerability Assessment, and Site Security Plan, through which DHS will collect and analyze key data from chemical facilities. Facilities will submit information to DHS through a web-based component of the CSAT system. CSAT user registration is the first step in the process of determining whether or not facilities are covered by the Interim Final Rule.

DHS will provide approved users with user identifications and passwords in the weeks just before the interim final rule becomes effective (i.e., June 8, 2007). By beginning and encouraging early user registration, DHS believes that it will facilitate the efficient roll-out of the Interim Final Rule. Until the effective date of the rule, this is a voluntary registration process for facilities that think they may be covered by DHS’s Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards located in 6 CFR Part 27 and that would like to initiate the process to determine whether or not they are covered by the rule.

By registering with DHS, facilities will obtain access to the CSAT system, so that they can obtain a user registration and password, complete the Top-Screen, etc. In addition, DHS notes that it has established a help desk for CSAT users. The phone number for the help desk is located on the CSAT website.

To begin the CSAT registration process, facilities should go to www.DHS.gov/chemicalsecurity and follow the instructions for gaining access to the CSAT system.

August Deadline Set for End to Central Sprinkler O-Ring Sprinkler Recall Property Owners Should Act Now To Request Replacement of Sprinkler Heads

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Central Sprinkler Company are urging residential and commercial property owners who have O-ring sprinklers covered under the previously-announced recall and have not yet filed a claim to replace them, to contact Central Sprinkler immediately. Home and commercial property owners need to submit their claim within the next 120 days, as the program for receiving free replacement heads will end on August 31, 2007.