An internal NIST committee found that a failure in the safety management system, exacerbated by a "casual and informal research environment that appears to have valued research results above safety considerations," is the most probable root cause of the incident.
Anhydrous ammonia is one of the most dangerous chemicals used in refrigeration and agriculture today, EPA noted. Those who work with it must be trained to follow exact handling procedures.
The awards were presented Tuesday at the NORA Symposium 2008 that NIOSH sponsored.
The investigation and subsequent citation followed a Jan. 23 incident in which an employee was caught in an unguarded conveyor.
EPA's Region 5 alleged that the printing plant violated national emission standards for hazardous air pollutants for the printing and chromium electroplating industries.
The 4CF sensors are being recalled by City Technology, a British company, because they may fail without warning to respond to CO that is present.
At its San Joaquin County facility, at least 16,000 pounds of anhydrous ammonia used in the refrigeration system mandated a risk management plan, which the company quickly provided to EPA officials.
The 11 contaminants include naturally occurring substances, pesticides, herbicides, and chemicals used, or once used, in manufacturing.
The American Industrial Hygiene Association is now accepting presentation proposals for the 2009 American Industrial Hygiene Conference and Exposition (AIHce), to be held May 30-June 4, 2009, in Toronto, Canada. AIHce, cosponsored by AIHA and the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH®), is the premier conference for occupational and environmental health and safety (OEHS) professionals.
In the era of legally enforceable exposure limits, deaths in the 15-44 age group should be lower, two NIOSH researchers concluded.
"Because of the way it collects other pollutants, particularly sulfate that is originated from power plants, soot can have much larger effects on visibility and cloud formation," says TAMU Professor Renyi Zhang, adding that it also can result in significant breathing problems for people because particles can be deposited on human lungs.
The agency has issued more than 242 citations since the summer began, primarily for failing to have written heat illness prevention plans. During heat waves, special compliance teams are dispatched to outdoor work sites to ensure workers are being properly protected.
Results from the one-day event will lead to a better understanding of how future research can encourage ongoing development of better-fitting respirators without compromising long-term protection, NIOSH said.
The events, both happening in August, "will discuss topics ranging from risks that companies face due to environmental hazards to the implications of recent rulings," said AWMA Executive Director Adrianne Carolla.
The society currently has 92 active research projects, including ones focusing on hospital operating room air distribution and air quality on board commercial aircraft.
EPA has released the final "Integrated Science Assessment for Oxides of Nitrogen—Health Criteria," the agency's latest evaluation of the scientific literature on the potential adverse human health effects resulting from exposures to oxides of nitrogen, particularly nitrogen dioxide. There are significant new health data, particularly epidemiological studies, since the last scientific review document released in 1993.
Among the new requirements up for discussion, fumigant registrants will have to adopt more stringent worker protection measures and develop training for fumigation handlers and workers to enhance their knowledge and skills and to promote product stewardship.
The one-hour course covers the factors that affect the quality of indoor air as well as applicable standards and legislation.
New idling time limits took effect July 1 in Maine and South Carolina, and Florida's five-minute limit takes effect Dec. 15. Three other states--Georgia, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania--are developing new regulations of their own.
Water provided onboard aircraft through lavatory and galley faucets must meet standards for human consumption, which includes uses such as washing face or hands; brushing teeth; consuming beverages made with onboard water; and drinking the water from galley or lavatory water taps.