Industrial Hygiene


Two Workers Die from Hydrogen Sulfide Inhalation, Firm Fined $166,890

The workers died due to inhalation of hydrogen sulfide gas while cleaning an underground storm drain system at the recycling facility.

Foundry Faces $146,000 Fine after National Emphasis Program Crackdown

OSHA inspectors found that workers melting and pouring casts were exposed to mechanical, welding, electrical, and confined space hazards, as well as a lack of machine guarding.

GHS Rule Being Published March 26

"This will improve chemical hazard control programs across the country," OSHA Administrator Dr. David Michaels said March 20 as he and Secretary Solis described the "right to understand" final rule.

ECHA to Align Guidance with REACH Nanomaterials Reports

The agency will update its guidance on Information Requirements and Chemical Safety Assessment later this year. Its Committee for Risk Assessment also has adopted four opinions on proposed harmonized classification and labeling of industrial chemicals and pesticide active ingredients across Europe.

AIHA Announces 2012 Award Winners

Tan Kia Tang, deputy director of the Occupational Safety and Health Specialist Department at the Ministry of Manpower in Singapore, is the Yant Award winner.

NIOSH Changes Closed-Circuit Escape Respirator Requirements

The new requirements for testing and certification become effective in 30 days, but manufactures can make and sell currently approved respirators for the next three years.

REACH Report Gets Industry's Notice

The report released Feb. 28 by researchers from the Indiana University School of Public and Environmental Affairs and the IU European Union Center is being cited by the American Chemical Council as proof REACH won't work well in the US.

ASSE Offers Post-Storm Cleanup Tips for Businesses

Provide training in the proper selection and use of PPE for your employees and yourself such as eyewear, gloves, boots, and dust masks/respirators for cleaning and other operations.



Hexavalent Chromium Hazards Add Up to Pa Firm's $82,000 Fine

OSHA found that employees performing welding work in the main fabrication area were exposed to airborne concentrations of hexavalent chromium in excess of the permissible exposure limit.

CDC: 13 Deaths Linked to Bath Refinishing Chemical

Methylene chloride vapor has been recognized as potentially fatal to furniture strippers and factory workers but has not been reported previously as a cause of death among bathtub refinishers.

GHS Rule's Review Completed

OMB completed the review on Feb. 21 and has sent the rule to OSHA, which means the final rule will be published soon.

No Whey: Dust Explosion at Milk Specialties Stirs Up OSHA Fines

OSHA opened an inspection following a report of a fire resulting from a dust explosion in a machine at the company's Fond du Lac, Wis., facility, which converts liquid whey products into dried whey protein concentrate powder.

Minor Fallout from Daiichi Plant Reached US

A study released by the U.S. Geological Survey confirms EPA measurements soon after the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami damaged the nuclear plant.

Biodiesel Plant Busted for Process Safety Management Deficiencies

After receiving a complaint, OSHA opened an inspection focused on the agency's process safety management standard for facilities that use hazardous chemicals. Proposed fines total $76,500.

Cal/OSHA Launches Confined Spaces Emphasis Program

The goals of the initiative are to increase enforcement efforts and provide resources, online materials, training, and consultation to prevent injuries and deaths in confined spaces.

Symposium to Explore Nanotechnology's Economic Impacts

Experts from around the world will participate in next month's International Symposium on Assessing the Economic Impact of Nanotechnology, which will be hosted by the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Imperial Sugar's CEO Highlights AIHce Program

John C. Sheptor, the June 20 general session keynote speaker, will discuss the company's safety transformation after the February 2008 dust explosion at its Port Wentworth, Ga., refinery.

Tool Cuts Silica Exposure for Concrete Drillers

The "highway drill jig" designed by Dr. David Rempel, Pam Susi, and Michael Cooper also is much easier on the construction laborers who are cutting these holes.

The cartridge life expectancy calculator is an interactive means to help determine when a specific cartridge should be replaced, based on length of use and concentration. (MSA photo)

How to Comply with Respiratory Protection Standards

A working knowledge of applicable standards is critical to a company's continued success. However, understanding your requirements isn't necessarily easy.

The law today requires that the atmosphere is tested to ensure that conditions are safe prior to entering the workspace. (Industrial Scientific photo)

My First Confined Space Experience

It was hot, and it immediately became difficult to breathe. The space inside the condenser was, in a word, confining.

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