After several years, the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) is still waiting for approval of its proposed regulatory changes to the Lockout/ Tagout (LO/TO) Standard (1910.147). First proposed in 2012, and then again at the end of 2016, the former administration attempted to make the changes under OSHA’s Standards Improvement Project-Phase IV (“SIP IV”)1. These changes are still pending under the current administration.
Category: HETI Horizons Newsletters
An Update On The OSHA Silica Rule
On June 23, 2018, new standards for silica exposure became effective for all operations in general industry as well as in maritime. The standards for the construction industry went into effect last year on September 23. So what does this mean for employers whose workplaces have exposure to crystalline silica? Continue Reading →
The Impact of Ventilation On Indoor Air Quality In Schools
School indoor air quality (IAQ) affects the health, performance and comfort of school staff and students. Routine classroom and school activities – such as art, biology and chemistry – can contribute to indoor pollutants. Normal cleaning and sanitizing of school buildings can release particulates and hydrocarbons. In newly-constructed school facilities, exposure to indoor air pollutants has increased due to a variety of factors – including construction of tightly-sealed buildings; reduced ventilation rates to save energy; off-gassing from synthetic building materials and furnishings, such as medium density fiberboard; use of personal care products; and increased use of vehicles and power equipment within and around the buildings. Aging and poorly-maintained school facilities are also affected by some of these issues, as building materials decay and water infiltration can lead to fungal growth.
Formaldehyde: It’s Found Everywhere
There is renewed concern for the quality of indoor air both in the workplace and the home environments. Many indoor air contaminants – including formaldehyde – can pose serious human health risks. Continue Reading →
Delayed Indoor Air Quality Issues with Hurricane-Related Claims
The United States experienced several large hurricanes over the past few years, resulting in loss of life and billions of dollars in property damage. Hurricane force winds damaged roofs, building envelopes, and electrical power distribution systems. Overwhelmed and obstructed public drainage systems allowed falling rainwater to accumulate and flood the lower levels of residential and commercial facilities. For most of these hurricane events, the rapid moisture intrusion, combined with the inability to remove and/or dehumidify the water-damaged building materials, resulted in odors and visible mold inside of wall cavities, on building interior surfaces, and on contents. Some of these damaged facilities were addressed promptly and properly, however many were not. This edition of HETI Horizons discusses the residual effect on indoor air quality (IAQ) that may occur when insufficient remediation efforts are conducted to address large water intrusion events.
Perfluoroalkyls − A Newly Recognized Health Hazard
If you heard the chemical names PFOA or PFOS, you may not recognize them. They are better known by the products in which they are found – Teflon™, Gore-Tex™, Scotch Guard™ and many other commercial goods. Over the past ten years, these chemicals have become recognized as serious environmental pollutants and human health hazards.
The Global Harmonized System & OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard: Where Are We?
By now, most employers and industry environmental health & safety (EHS) professionals should be familiar with the general requirements of the Global Harmonized System (GHS) and how it affects the 2012 OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) update. However, being familiar does not always directly translate into being compliant and/or having the needed understanding of these requirements.
Road Salt: The “More The Better” Attitude Under The Microscope
Winter is in full force and with it comes ice and snow-laden roadways that create hazardous travel conditions. For many years, U.S. municipalities have turned to use of “road salt” (sodium chloride) as a cost-effective solution that provides a first line of defense to minimize vehicular and pedestrian accidents. More than 20 million tons of road salt were reportedly spread on U.S. roads, parking lots, sidewalks, and driveways last year – attempting to lower the melting point of ice. Three times as much salt is used on roadways as is consumed through food. Unfortunately, road salt usage has spiraled out of control. Usage has increased dramatically to almost “unlimited” use – with the mantra, ‘the more the better”. But with overuse comes unintended damages and potential long-term environmental impacts – requiring balancing the economic and social benefits and short-term safety risks with long-term acute and permanent consequences to the environment. Continue Reading →
Glyphosate Issues In California…And Beyond
In 1986, California voters approved Proposition 65, an initiative to address growing concerns about exposure to toxic chemicals. Proposition 65 requires the State to publish a list of chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects, and other reproductive harm. This list, which is updated at least annually, has grown to include 800 chemicals since it was first published in 1987.1
Fall Protection: An Update
Fall protection issues made a “Top Ten” list again, but that’s not a good thing. The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) Fall Protection Standard (1926.501) ranks first on OSHA’s latest top ten list for most frequently cited standards and citations.