Industrial Hygiene


EPA Issues Nanomaterials Reporting Rule

The information is to include the specific chemical identity, production volume, methods of manufacture and processing, exposure and release information, and existing information concerning environmental and health effects, "insofar as known to or reasonably ascertainable by the person making the report," it states.

AIHA Receives Grant to Grow Pathway Outreach Program

The grant was received as part of the American Society Association Executives Foundation’s Innovative Grant Program.

New Chair Approved for Nanotechnology Advisory Panel

Dr. Ajit Jillavenkatesa, Ph.D., of NIST has been approved as chair of the U.S. Technical Advisory Group to the International Organization for Standardization Technical Committee 229, Nanotechnologies. ISO TC 229 has five working groups, including health, safety, and environment (WG 3).

OSHA Issues Beryllium Final Rule

The rule will cut the eight-hour PEL from the current level of 2.0 micrograms per cubic meter to 0.2 micrograms per cubic meter. Above 0.2, employers woiuld have to take steps to reduce the airborne concentration of beryllium, and the rule requires additional protections that include personal protective equipment, medical exams, other medical surveillance, and training.

Pictograms are required safety data sheet elements that are intended to convey specific hazard information visually.

Hazard Communication Program — Training is the Key

Employees are to be trained when they are initially assigned to work with a hazardous chemical. Additional training is to be done whenever a new health or physical hazard is introduced into the work area.

ECHA Agreement Addresses Nanomaterials Information

The European Union Observatory for Nanomaterials (EU-ON) will be developed in three phases, with phase one set to go live in summer 2017.

2016 NPOY Contest Winners Honored

OH&S congratulated winners of the eighth annual contest during the 2016 National Safety Congress & Expo.

Avoid Toxic Gas Exposures

Two 2016 OSHA enforcement cases are object lessons in the importance of using the latest gas monitoring technology to protect workers.



John Henshaw Elected as AIHAF Member-at-Large Trustee

"AIHF donors have been very generous in the past and my personal goal, as a member of the Board of Trustees, is to assure we continue to secure contributions, fulfill the expectation of our donors, and create the greatest positive impact possible in our profession," said Henshaw, a former AIHA president and OSHA assistant secretary.

According to IOSH, research suggests that each year in Britain approximately 800 people die from lung cancer caused by prolonged exposure to RCS at work, and 900 new cases are being diagnosed annually.

EU Publishes Respirable Crystalline Silica Guide

In putting together the guide, the working group considered the practices of hundreds of inspectors from the 28 member states of the European Union. The first release is in English and it will be translated to all official languages in the EU.

AIHA's Professional Pathway Program Wins MarCom Gold Award

It was created from a desire to align AIHA's resources and development opportunities with the various career stages of the profession.

NIOSH Proposes RELs for Diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione

"We know these flavoring compounds can pose a great risk for workers who may be exposed on the job, causing serious and irreversible damage to their lungs," said NIOSH Director Dr. John Howard, M.D., MPH.

While 80 percent of cases were classified as low severity, 18 percent were moderate severity, and 1 percent were high severity. Two workers died.

Study Finds 2,600 Acute Pesticide Exposure Cases 2007-2011

While 80 percent of cases were classified as low severity, 18 percent were moderate severity, and 1 percent were high severity. Two workers died.

Sources of chemical pollutants come from five main categories: products used in the building, products that can get pulled into the HVAC system from outside the building, accidental spills, products used during construction activities, and byproducts of combustion such as carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and nitrogen dioxide.

Basics of Indoor Air Quality in the Workplace

OSHA suggests that a proactive approach be taken to address IAQ concerns. Failure to respond expeditiously and effectively to IAQ concerns can quickly lead to more numerous or serious adverse health issues.

You also might want to consider having your ducts cleaned, or at least inspected. If they contain mold, dirt or vermin, increasing the airflow through them actually might exacerbate your sick building problem.

Sick Building Syndrome: What It Is and Tips for Prevention

Telltale clues include increased absenteeism, a large number of occupants complaining about vague but similar symptoms, and a common history of symptom resolution when people are not in the building.

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Our Anaheim Excursion

Get ready for 2016's biggest U.S. safety show by viewing dozens of the new products exhibitors will be displaying.

AIHA Foundation Seeks Nominations for Member-at-Large Trustee

The trustee would help shape the future for students in the IH profession.

OH&S Announces 2016 NPOY Winners

Twenty-two companies, including four multiple winners, won in the magazine's eighth annual New Product of the Year contest. Winners will receive their trophies at the 2016 National Safety Congress & Expo in Anaheim.

Time's Running Out to Submit AIHce 2017 PDC Proposals

The deadline to submit a proposal to present at the June 4-7 conference in Seattle is Sept. 14, so get moving if you're interested.

REACH Having the Desired Effect

The REACH regime used in the European Union is creating a strong push for end users to substitute less-hazardous chemicals, according to a study conducted by Joel Tickner and Molly Jacobs from the University of Massachusetts Lowell Centre for Sustainable Production.

Product Showcase

  • SlateSafety BAND V2

    SlateSafety BAND V2

    SlateSafety's BAND V2 is the most rugged, easy-to-use connected safety wearable to help keep your workforce safe and help prevent heat stress. Worn on the upper arm, this smart PPE device works in tandem with the SlateSafety V2 system and the optional BEACON V2 environmental monitor. It includes comprehensive, enterprise-grade software that provides configurable alert thresholds, real-time alerts, data, and insights into your safety program's performance all while ensuring your data is secure and protected. Try it free for 30 days. 3

  • Magid® D-ROC® GPD412 21G Ultra-Thin Polyurethane Palm Coated Work Gloves

    Magid’s 21G line is more than just a 21-gauge glove, it’s a revolutionary knitting technology paired with an advanced selection of innovative fibers to create the ultimate in lightweight cut protection. The latest offering in our 21G line provides ANSI A4 cut resistance with unparalleled dexterity and extreme comfort that no other 21-gauge glove on the market can offer! 3

  • Safety Knives

    The Safety Knife Company has developed a quality range of safety knives for all industries. Designed so that fingers cannot get to the blades, these knives will safely cut through cardboard, tape, strapping, shrink or plastic wrap or a variety of other packing materials. Because these knives have no exposed blades and only cut cardboard deep, they will not only protect employees against lacerations but they will also save product. The Metal Detectable versions have revolutionary metal detectable polypropylene knife bodies specifically for the food and pharmaceutical industries. This material can be detected and rejected by typical detection machines and is X-ray visible. 3

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