Industrial Hygiene


EPA Releases Data on Compliance with Hazwaste, Air Regulations

The reports include online graphs, trend information on enforcement and compliance in each state, and comparative reports. Data such as compliance monitoring activity, violations discovered, enforcement actions taken, and penalties assessed are available.

EPA Seeks Input on Pesticide Labeling, Children's Exposure to Spray Drift

"The new labels will carry more uniform and specific directions on restricting spray drift while giving pesticide applicators clear and workable instructions," said Steve Owens, assistant administrator for EPA's Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances.

AIHA Hosts Webinar on OSHA's Proposal to Adopt GHS Hazard Communication

The American Industrial Hygiene Association® (AIHA) will host "OSHA's Proposal to Adopt the Globally Harmonized System for Hazard Communication," an intermediate TeleWeb Virtual Seminar on Nov. 19, 2009, from 2-4:30 p.m. ET. Featured speakers are Jennifer Silk and Denese Deeds, CIH.

A+A 2009 Equals 2007's Attendance

"For the companies, they have to be at this show if they want to be in the market," said Birgit Horn, A+A 2009 director.

An image of people at A+A Messe Dusseldorf.

Huge Crowds Fill A+A's Halls

Attendees from around the world are filling some of the lavish booths occupied by the largest PPE companies, including the Uvex unit of Sperian Protection, Honeywell Safety Products, MSA, Ansell, and more.

Dr. David Michaels, Ph.D., MPH, assistant secretary of Labor for occupational safety and health

HELP Committee Decides to Bypass Full Hearing for Potential OSHA Chief

The Senate panel overseeing Dr. David Michaels' nomination has instead chosen to go with a mostly written question-and-answer format, with an option for individual members to meet with the nominee if they choose.

Bechtel Group's $10K Donation to ASSE Puts OHS Scholarships Up for Grabs

To be eligible for one of the three Bechtel Group Foundation scholarships resulting from this donation, a student must be enrolled full-time (12 hours or more per semester) and pursuing an undergraduate degree in occupational safety and health or a closely related field, preferably with an emphasis on construction safety.

EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson laid out new principles for revising the Toxic Substances Control Act in late September.

A New Kid on Our Block

Seen by some as OSHA's much bigger brother, EPA waded into several big safety issues this fall.



Study Shows How Carbon Nanotubes Can Affect Lining of Lungs

Carbon nanotubes are being considered for use in everything from sports equipment to medical applications, but a great deal remains unknown about whether these materials cause respiratory or other health problems.

text mesaging with a cellphone

Cell-All Could Put Chemical Sensors Everywhere

Everywhere there is a cell phone, that is. First-generation lab prototypes will be demonstrated tomorrow in San Diego by the Department of Homeland Security's Science and Technology Directorate.

Armored Car Facility Found Electrically Unsafe, Faces Nearly $113K in Fines

"Electricity moves--and can kill or injure--at the speed of light. It doesn't give you a second chance," said C. William Freeman III, OSHA's area director in Hartford, Conn.

OSHA Levies $82,500 Fine to Ohio Steel Mill

"Steel mills remain a dangerous place to work, and it is inexcusable to fail to correct serious dangers, particularly after they've already been identified by OSHA. . . . We expect better," said OSHA Area Director Jule Hovi in Toledo, Ohio.

Safety Pact Formed on $557M Military Medical Complex Project

The venture, which will employ about 1,200 workers during peak construction activities, is an expansion and extension of Brook Army Medical Center and Fort Sam Houston and will create a medical complex encompassing both Army installations.

Researcher Questions Adequacy of Meth Lab Cleanup Methods

When authorities discover a "meth house," they decontaminate it by removing chemicals, getting rid of carpeting, cleaning walls, and airing the place out for a few days. Dr. Glenn Morrison, an associate professor of environmental engineering at Missouri University of Science and Technology, is concerned as to whether such decontamination methods are sufficient to protect future occupants from exposure to methamphetamine and other chemicals.

Fugitive Polluter Gets Maximum Jail Time for Criminal, Environmental Violations

One of the hazardous wastes the Utah man was accused of illegally dumping was nonylphenol, a powerful organic chemical and heavy-duty industrial cleaner that is toxic to aquatic life. The man’s actions allegedly caused a nearby wastewater treatment plant to violate permit limits for acute toxicity 22 times.

Embalming Fluid Facility Cited for Formaldehyde Hazards

Inspections conducted over the past several months by OSHA's area office in Andover, Mass., also identified various chemical, mechanical, and electrical hazards--41 violations in all, with proposed penalties totaling $138,000.

Using biodiesel in engines equipped with a diesel oxidation catalyst reduces total carbon levels in the air where miners work, especially when the engine works hard.

Biodiesel Gets Stronger OK from MSHA

A Program Information Bulletin to underground metal and nonmetal mine operators and manufacturers of diesel-powered equipment used in those mines confirms using biodiesel in engines equipped with a diesel oxidation catalyst reduces total carbon levels in the air where miners work.

Pet Food Facility Fined for Combustible Dust Hazards, Lockout/Tagout Issues

In April, a fire at the facility sent three workers to a local hospital. The resulting inspection revealed nine alleged willful, four serious, two repeat, and two failure-to-abate violations.

ConocoPhillips Cited for Repeat Workplace Safety, Health Hazards

"The identified violations leave employees at the refinery at risk of accidents that could result in injury or possible death," said Patricia Jones, area director of OSHA's office in Avenel, N.J.

Confined Space-Related Death Leads to $207,800 Fine for Chemical Recycler

The investigation found 32 serious violations, including failing to evaluate the worksite for exposures to hydrogen sulfide, develop procedures for waste stream processing, develop decontamination procedures, and train workers on the hazards associated with confined space entry on barges.

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