AIHA Against Amending Enforcement of Fit Testing for TB
FAIRFAX, VA – In a letter sent to members of Congress, the AIHA is opposing any attempt to stop OSHA from enforcing annual fit testing of respirators for tuberculosis.

The House Appropriations Committee defeated an amendment last week that would have blocked a rule requiring annual testing of respirators that protect against tuberculosis. Rep. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) tried to reinstate this amendment to eliminate the fit requirement.

“It’s important that OSHA is not restricted in doing its mission of protecting workers’ health and safety,” said AIHA President Donald J. Hart, PhD, CIH. “Allowing enforcement of the General Industry Respiratory Protection Standard (1910.134) will support this mission.”

The letter was sent to members of the U.S. House of Representatives in response to discussions that there may once again be an attempt to add a rider to the House fiscal year 2008 Labor, Health and Human Services and Education appropriations bill regarding the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) enforcement of respiratory protection requirements for tuberculosis.

AIHA believes the actions undertaken by OSHA are in the best interest of workers who could be exposed to M. tuberculosis. The General Industry Respiratory Protection Standard (1910.134) is the regulatory standard applied to a wide range of respiratory hazards in the majority of workplaces in the United States. M. tuberculosis is not significantly different from a host of other respiratory hazards.

The appropriations bill is scheduled to hit the floor this week.

The AIHA letter is available at http://www.aiha.org/ under “Government Affairs.” For more information regarding AIHA comments to Rep. Miller or other AIHA Government Affairs issues, contact Aaron Trippler, AIHA director of government affairs, at (703) 846-0730 or atrippler@aiha.org.

Founded in 1939, the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) is an association of occupational and environmental health and safety professionals. AIHA’s 11,600 members play a crucial role on the front line of worker health and safety every day. Members represent a cross-section of industry, private business, labor, government, and academia.  

For more information, go to http://www.aiha.org/.

It has been this sites policy NOT to publish articles with regards to companies who get fined by OSHA, DOT, FAA, or EPA.  I know other sites will often list what companies have gotten fined, and how much.  Please let me know your thoughts on this decision. 

First Responders to Get WISER, Thanks to DOT, HHS
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, the 2008 Emergency Response Guidebook is the go-to reference for first responders to help them quickly identify hazardous material classifications, determine the best response, and protect themselves and the public immediately after an incident. Now, because of a joint effort between DOT and the Department of Health and Human Services, responders will for the first time have electronic access to the guidebook’s info through laptops and PDAs for potentially even faster fact finding.

Signed in late June, an agreement between the DOT Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and the HHS National Library of Medicine led to the development of a special software application called the Wireless Information System for Emergency Responsers, or WISER, which makes the electronic guidebook accessible through palm devices like the Blackberry and other PDAs, some phones, and Windows-based laptops and desktops.

“This new digital tool will give our police, firefighters, and other emergency responders first on the scene the information they need to make the rapid-fire decisions necessary to protect the public and themselves,” said Ted Willke, PHMSA associate administrator for hazardous materials safety.

For more information, visit http://hazmat.dot.gov/pubs/erg/gydebook.htm/ . For information on WISER visit http://wiser.nlm.nih.gov/.

Business Roundtable, an association of 160 chief executive officers of leading U.S. companies, announced a new policy statement on climate change, acknowledging that climate change poses a serious risk and that the time for action is now.

After reviewing the science, the policy statement concludes that “the consequences of global warming for society and ecosystems are potentially serious and far-reaching” and that “steps to address the risks of such warming are prudent now even while the science continues to evolve.” The roundtable’s new policy statement, announced on July 17, proposes a series of benchmarks and principles against which climate change policy proposals should be measured.

“Today marks the first time that a broad cross-section of business leaders from every sector of the U.S. economy have reached consensus on the risks posed by climate change and the need for action,” said John J. Castellani, president, Business Roundtable. “The Business Roundtable’s diverse membership stands ready to work with policymakers on proactive solutions that address climate change while sustaining economic growth.”

The climate change position was developed through a consensus-driven process led by Business Roundtable’s CEO members that included outreach to senior members of Congress and leading climate scientists. Chad Holliday, chairman and CEO, DuPont, and chairman of Business Roundtable’s Environment, Technology and the Economy Task Force, commented: “The thinking of U.S. CEOs on climate change is evolving significantly. A growing number of CEOs view it as a major issue for their companies and many of us have called for timely U.S. action.”

The policy statement calls for “collective action that will lead to the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions on a global basis, with the goal of slowing increases in greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere and ultimately stabilizing them at levels that will address the risks of climate change.” (more…)

Tips: Power Tool Safety from Oncor.com

THE same yard tools that help us trim, edge, weed and mow can pose outdoor hazards if safety is ignored.  The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has reported that 8 percent of accidental electrocutions in the United States each year are related to small appliances. Another 7 percent are attributed to power tools, and 4 percent are linked to lawn, garden and farming equipment.

Oncor Electric Delivery offers tips to help people avoid injury while making the most of labor-saving yard and gardening equipment. Before flipping the “on” switch, a basic inspection is in order to see that:

• The tool is intended for outdoor use and is certified by a recognized testing lab. A tag or label on either the tool or the power cord will indicate that the equipment was designed and manufactured in accordance with established safety standards.
• Cords, plugs and wiring are in good condition.
• Extension cords are intended for outdoor use. Extension cord gages should match the amperage rating of the power tool.
• Safety guards or shields on mowers, saws and other outdoor tools are in place. Never remove the safety guard from an electric-powered tool or appliance.

Once tools and accessories are inspected, the following safety rules will help protect you as well as children, pets, and other bystanders:

• Carry power tools by the handle, never by the cord.
• When using an electrical device, hold it by the insulated gripping surface to avoid electrical shock.
• Turn off and lock appliances when installing attachments such as mower baskets or saw blades.
• Never leave a power tool unattended, even temporarily. If there is a key, remove it. Put the tool where children cannot misuse it.
• Keep the power cord and extension cords out of way — not draped over a hedge or in the path of the mower, for example.
• Wear safety goggles or other protection when mowing, trimming or edging. Avoid loose clothing or jewelry that could get caught in moving parts.
• If an appliance cord becomes hot, or if the power tool has tripped a protective device such as a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI), avoid using it until it has been checked by an authorized service provider or professional electrician.

Visit http://www.oncor.com/ for more electrical safety tips.

The American Red Cross has an online preparedness plan with can be accessed by clicking on this link.  This is perfect for your employees, their families and friends.

According to 29 CFR 1910.34, all workplaces in general industry except mobile workplaces such as vehicles or vessels must have a fire prevention plan. Your facility’s fire prevention plan must include, at a minimum, the following elements, as specified in 29CFR 1910.39(c):