Industrial Hygiene


OSHA Takes a Pass on FirePASS; Firm's VP Cites 'Uphill Battle'

FirePASS's William Costello said the technology could have prevented February's Imperial Sugar Refinery explosion in Port Wentworth, Ga. OSHA chief Edwin Foulke Jr. responded with a letter clarifying the agency's denial of variance for the system.

Child Labor Gets Spotlight Treatment at AIHce 2008

The issue of child labor has experienced a recent surge in prominence in the collective consciousness. From April 1-10, the International Labour Organization convened a meeting of experts to discuss several labor topics, including how to obtain accurate child labor statistics. The resulting "Report 1 - Child Labour Satistics" will be submitted to ILO at the organization's 18th International Conference of Labour Statisticians (Geneva, Switzerland, Nov. 24 - Dec. 5, 2008) for the proposal of a standard.

OSHA, ILMA Focus on Lube Industry, Storage Tank Safety

"Over the course of our alliance relationship, we have spoken at each other's events, written for each other's periodicals, and created a series of first-rate materials that have had a material impact on improving health and safety in workplaces where lubricants are used," said ILMA's John Burke.

Coarse Air Pollution Not Linked to Hospital Admission for Respiratory Disease

A study in the May 14 issue of JAMA reports that it found no statistically significant association between exposure to coarse particulate matter air pollution--such as from agricultural activities, windblown dust, and mechanical grinding--and emergency hospital admissions for respiratory and cardiovascular diseases among Medicare patients.

An Ailing Economy Raises Many Concerns for AIHce 2008 to Address

Despite where you may stand on the issue, there's no debating that the signs of a recession are here: plunging home sales, a volatile stock market, layoffs, and hiring and salary freezes. In this economic downturn, all are affected. Additionally, rising fuel prices have many faced with the dilemma of where best to spend their $4--on a gallon of gas, or a gallon of milk?

Annual Awards Presented at AIHce 2008

The American Industrial Hygiene Association will present many awards at AIHce 2008 that are intended recognize exceptional accomplishments and significant contributions to the industrial hygiene and environmental health and safety (EHS) professions.

Clear Your Schedule for These Events

AIHce 2008 events will include a mix of old favorites and new. Here are a few worth noting.



NY Ice Plant Cited for Hazards, Mainly PSM Deficiencies

"Process safety management demands constant, effective attention and commitment because the consequences of a leak or other incident can be severe and catastrophic," said Arthur Dube, OSHA's area director in Buffalo.

New Law Requires American IAQ Council Certification

As of Oct. 1, every person who works on a residential mold remediation project in the state of Maryland will be required to hold an individual certification from the council, an independent certifying body based in Glendale, Ariz.

MSHA Now Enforcing Lower Diesel Particulate Matter Limit

The agency implemented the change on Tuesday, issuing a program policy letter telling mine enforcement personnel how to sample for DPM.

Hearing NIOSH's Howard May Not Return, ASSE Urges Reappointment

The highly popular NIOSH director has championed important work such as nanotechnology research, which is turning up new concerns about carbon tubes.

E-A-R to Host Hearing Protection Webinar, June 19 & 26

The two-part event, led by hearing conservation expert Elliott Berger, will discuss hearing protection performance ratings, overall effectiveness of hearing protection, the potential impact of changing NRR standards on the horizon, and communications in noise.

NASA Develops, Licenses Nano-Based Biosensor Technology

Initially, the biosensor will be configured to detect the presence of common and rare strains of microorganisms associated with water-borne illnesses and fatalities, officials said.

Electronics Maker Cited for 29 Violations, Faces $151,100 in Fines

"The citations address a variety of hazards which, left uncorrected, expose employees to chemical burns, fire, electrocution, lacerations, amputation, falls and crushing injuries, and impede their ability to exit the workplace swiftly in the event of a fire or other emergency," said Christopher Adams, OSHA's area director in Syracuse, N.Y.

After Considering Comments, OR-OSHA Changes Silica PEL

The new standard, OR-OSHA Administrative Order 6-2008 for general industry and construction, will be effective July 1.

Time's Running Out: In Two Weeks, IH Takes Center Stage

This photo show's the historic Third Avenue Bridge in downtown Minneapolis, where AIHce 2008 will open its doors May 31.

Coarse Particulate Exposures Not Linked to Hospital Admissions

Evidence concerning the health risks of coarse particulate matter of greater than 2.5 micrometers and 10 micrometers or less in aerodynamic diameter is limited, and findings have been mixed, researchers say.

Annual Event Provides Chance to Get Out, Raise Scholarship Money

A recent study extolling the virtues of physical activity toward lowering women's risk of breast cancer before menopause should provide plenty of incentive to take part in this year in AIHce's 24th Annual American Industrial Hygiene Foundation's Fun Run/Walk.

The City of Lakes and IH

If there are any industrial hygienists out there that are feeling a little bit unappreciated, don't despair. It's time once again for the annual American Industrial Hygiene Conference and Expo (May 31-June 5). Hosted this year in the great city of Minneapolis, thousands of professionals are expected to flock to the Minneapolis Convention Center.

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