MIlwaukee Electric Tool Company

http://www.milwaukeetool.com/

or

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PREREL/prhtml07/07234.html

---

 

Fireworks Safety for July 4th

With the Fourth of July almost here, now is the time to revisit and reinforce fireworks safety tips. The annual chorus of advice recommending enjoyment of publicly sanctioned, professionally conducted fireworks displays, instead of the do-it-yourself backyard variety, is audible but will undoubtedly go unheard by many. If you must indulge your inner pyromaniac, for your own safety and that of the people and property around you, follow these tips for making Independence Day both safe and fun.

Legal Fireworks Only!

All legal fireworks come with the name of the item, the manufacturer's name and instructions for proper use. Anything without this information may be a federally banned explosive device.

Leave Alchemy to the Experts!
Never attempt to mix your own fireworks or buy kits that purport to make fireworks. Check with your local fire department before purchasing or setting off fireworks. They can explain which fireworks are legal in your jurisdiction.

Adults Only!
Children should never play with or ignite fireworks. Read all labels and follow directions precisely. Fireworks should only be used outdoors and a hose and bucket of water should be ready nearby in case of accidental fires.

One at a Time!

Light only one firework at a time. If it doesn't go off, do not attempt to re-light it. Wait 15 to 20 minutes and then soak it in water before putting it in the trash. All fireworks should be disposed of in this manner, regardless of "dud" status.

Where and How!

• Never put fireworks in a pocket. (Think about it.)
• Never throw or point them at other people.
• Never shoot them off from metal or glass containers.
• Handlers should wear safety glasses and never put any part of their body over the firework.
• Light the fireworks on a smooth, flat surface away from homes, dry leaves, and flammable materials.

 

Click here for more information from the National Council on Firework Safety.

Click here to view a special feature on fireworks safety from Prevent Blindness America.

Click here for information from the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

MAY IS ELECTRICAL SAFETY MONTH

Can you imagine life without electricity?   Most people can't. However, along with the huge advantages of electricity come some very real dangers. In fact, the National Safety Council reports that nearly 400 Americans (on average) are killed by electricity each year. In addition, the National Fire Protection Association reports that overloaded circuits, faulty or outdated wiring and outlets, exposed live wires, and inadequate training cause nearly 10,000 fires annually.

Improvements in the design and manufacture of electrical products, along with mandated OSHA and NFPA regulations, may be decreasing the rate of death and destruction, but accidents are still happening.   To help remind Americans of electrical hazards, the Electrical Safety Foundation has designated May as Electrical Safety Month.

The organization warns that lights dimming or flickering, or a circuit breaker tripping when an appliance is turned on, are all signs of an overloaded circuit. Faulty, worn, or outdated outlets can cause the same symptoms. A discolored or deformed faceplate is another indication that an outlet should be replaced. Any of these signs are good reason to get an evaluation from your local electrician.

Here are some other useful tips:

* If you find bare wires on an appliance, turn off the circuit breaker before unplugging the appliance. Never assume that you are safe from a shock.

* Never walk into a flooded room or basement without proper protective apparel. Electrocution is the second leading cause of flood-related deaths.   Water that reaches an outlet becomes energized and can electrocute.   Wait for water to subside before starting cleanup.

* Install ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI's) for protection against electrocution. Buildings built before 1970 are unlikely to have them, but the National Electric Code (NFPA-70, 70E) now requires GFCI's in bathrooms, kitchens and other "wet" locations. Check your buildings, facilities, and laboratories.

* Never overload electrical circuits with extension cords and multi-plug power strips. Use only one extension cord per multi-plug strip. Never "piggy-back" multi-plug strips together. Use only UL approved multi-plug strips with a circuit breaker for over-current protection (typically, 15 amp rating). Click here for more information on the safe use of extension cords and mulit-plug strips,

http://engineering.tamu.edu/safety/new/templates/flex_elec.htm

If you have young children in your home, put child safety plugs in outlets.

Maintenance on electrical components should be performed only by qualified technicians. Anyone working on or near electrical equipment should use insulated tools and wear the correct level of arc protective apparel.

Parents should remember that it is their responsibility to teach children about the dangers of electricity, just as it the responsibility of employers to train those employees who are exposed to electrical hazards in the appropriate procedures and work practices.   Faculty and PI's are responsible for ensuring that their students and research personnel have the appropriate level of electrical safety training.

Information Sources

Click here for more information from the Electrical Safety Foundation

http://www.esfi.org/news/isub.php?l0=news&l1=releases&l2

Click here for more electrical safety information from OSHA,

http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/electrical/recognition.html

Click here for more information on GFCI's,

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/99.html

Click here for more information on arc flash safety,

http://www.labsafety.com/arcflash/?icid=6EA048

Click here for a summary of the National Electrical Code (NFPA-70, 70E),

http://www.labsafety.com/refinfo/ezfacts/ezf263.htm

Click here for more information on the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA),

http://www.nfpa.org/

With current knowledge, there are still uncertainties and lack of scientific data to support the real facts about the effects of mold-related health effects. Below is a list of facts that we do know:

• Carbon monoxide poisoning can be confused with flu symptoms, food poisoning and other illnesses. Some symptoms include shortness of breath, nausea, dizziness, light headedness or headaches. NFPA suggests the following safety tips to avoid the dangers of carbon monoxide: * Install carbon monoxide (CO) alarms (listed by an independent testing laboratory) inside your home to provide early warning of accumulating CO. CO alarms should be installed in a central location outside each separate sleeping area. If bedrooms are spaced apart, each area will need a CO alarm.
* Test CO alarms at least once a month and replace alarms according to the manufacturer's instructions.
* CO alarms are not substitutes for smoke alarms. Know the difference between the sound of smoke alarms and CO alarms.
* Have fuel-burning heating equipment (fireplaces, furnaces, water heaters, wood and coal stoves, space or portable heaters) and chimneys inspected by a professional every year before cold weather sets in.
* When using a fireplace, open the flue for adequate ventilation.
* Never use your oven or grill to heat your home.

Our Tip of the Week is courtesy of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

With current knowledge, there are still uncertainties and lack of scientific data to support the real facts about the effects of mold-related health effects. Below is a list of facts that we do know:

• In the US, about 60 million people have asthma and allergies and more than 30 percent of these people are sensitive to mold and fungal allergens.
• According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, an estimated "25 percent of airways disease and 60 percent of interstitial lung disease may be associated with moisture in the home or work environment."
• For mold to grow indoors, a source of sufficient moisture must be present. The best way to prevent indoor mold growth is to eliminate sources of excess moisture.
• Exposure to mold may potentially cause health problems in some people, such as allergies, asthma, hypersensitivity pneumonitis and other immunological effects.
• Types of mold that are known to produce mycotoxins under certain conditions include Stachybotrys chartarum, Aspergillus fumigatus, Trichoderma harzianum and Fusarium moniliforme. Exposure to mycotoxins can cause health problems in some people.
• The US Environmental Protection Agency states that "potential health concerns are an important reason to prevent mold growth and to remediate and clean up any existing indoor mold growth."
• Studies show that one-half of our nation's 115,000 schools have problems linked to indoor air quality, affecting approximately 10 percent of the US population, nearly 28 million people - mostly children.
• Recent studies also have identified Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Penicillium and Alternaria as the most common molds found in indoor environments with mold problems.
• Indoor mold growth can be confirmed through direct evidence (visual and/or microscopic exam) or by looking for indirect evidence from indoor air and dust samples.

Visit the AQS Aerias IAQ Resource Center at www.aerias.org to learn more about mold and how to minimize the indoor mold growth.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), asthma affects nearly 20 million Americans and is one of the most common and expensive diseases in the US.

Results of a recent CDC study showed that the amount of pollution from nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and small particulate matter from the air has a direct impact on the number of emergency room visits related to asthma. These results indicate that the key to asthma prevention and control is to reduce the presence of asthma triggers.
Asthma triggers include dust mite, cockroach, animal and rodent allergens, second-hand smoke, mold, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, ozone, particulates, volatile organic compounds (VOC) and dust. Up to one million children have aggravated asthma symptoms due to environmental tobacco smoke and between 10 percent and 32 percent of all persons with asthma are sensitive to fungal allergens.

Environments outside the home such as schools and workplaces can be important sources for allergens and asthma triggers. Research indicates that adults who develop asthma show a decrease in work performance.
Take a proactive approach in resolving any IAQ issues in your child's school or in your workplace. Tips include lowering the amount of moisture in your living environment, which can decrease the potential for indoor mold growth, dust mites and cockroaches. Also take steps to reduce exposure to formaldehyde and VOC emissions, keep living areas clean, control exposure to pets and avoid cooking with natural gas stoves. Make sure asthma medications are taken properly.

AQS recently published an in-depth research paper titled "Asthma and Damp Buildings: Making the Connection." The paper lists some of the known facts on asthma and describes studies that connect damp buildings to the development of asthma. The paper is available free of charge on the Aerias-AQS IAQ Resource Center website, under the White Paper section in the Premium Content tab at www.aerias.org.

Public health experts are contemplating the possibility of influenza season arriving as early as November. With an expected shortage of flu vaccine, some employers who in previous years were able to offer flu shots to their employees are now facing the possibility of no shots and the resulting economic impact of significant numbers of lost work hours.
With this in mind the American Association of Occupational Health Nurses (AAOHN) is promoting employee health education. Because adjusting attitudes toward smart hygiene decisions may be the best way to build a strong line of defense against oncoming waves of influenza, the nurses are encouraging employers to educate employees about the kinds of behaviors that can help to avoiding contracting the flu.
Here are some of them:
• Avoid close contact, especially with people who are obviously ill.
• Don't share food and drinks.
• Cough into your sleeve, not your hands.
• Sneeze or cough into a tissue if one is available.
• Wash hands frequently throughout the day using an antibacterial soap.
• Use a towel to shut off faucets and pull restroom door handles after washing your hands.
• Eat a well-balanced diet, including fruits and vegetables.
• Drink plenty of fluids especially water and juices rich in vitamin C.
• Reduce the stress that makes your body susceptible to illness by getting more exercise and rest.
• Step outside for fresh air during your breaks.
Learn to recognize the difference between flu symptoms and those of other common ailments. Flu is accompanied by high fever, headache, muscle aches, extreme fatigue, dry cough, sore throat, stuffy nose, runny nose and gastro-intestinal symptoms. If you do get the flu, stay home! In the long run, you'll help productivity at work by NOT putting your co-workers at risk.
Click here for a selection of cold medications.
Click here for information on hand washing.
Click here for information on influenza from CDC.

Where do adult Americans face the greatest risks to their personal safety? Many of us might guess the workplace, especially for workers in high-risk industries. But in fact, the percentage of people who die on the job, any kind of job, has been declining.
According to statistics from the National Safety Council (NSC), the rate of workplace deaths has dropped by 17 percent since 1992. At the same time the rate of deaths occurring outside work has jumped 14 percent. In 2004, twice as many workers were seriously injured away from work as were on the job.
Smart business operators understand that injured workers cost them money regardless of where the injury occurs. In fact, off-the-job injuries may actually be more costly. NSC statistics show that during 2004, businesses incurred $330 billion in expenses related to all employee injuries and that $200 billion of those costs, almost 60%, resulted from injuries sustained away from work. Off-the-job injuries accounted for 165 million lost work days, compared to 80 million days lost as a result of workplace injuries.
Given the significant costs of the lost time and lost productivity associated with off-the-job injuries, some business have responded with modifications to their safety programs. An NSC survey found that 58 percent of companies that have incorporated off-the-job safety training into their safety programs have reported reductions in the number of injuries occurring outside of work.
Click here for the NSC news release on off-the-job safety.
Click here to for the NSC "Off-The-Job Safety Program Manual."

Claustrophobics hate them, and most everyone else prefers not to spend long periods of time in them. Like the proverbial "tight spot," confined spaces are almost always places we would just as soon get out of as soon as possible.
In the context of health and safety, "confined space" can mean any area or enclosure with limited means of ingress or egress, or with a lack of natural ventilation that could result in the production or accumulation of dangerous air contaminants. Pits, silos, vats, reaction vessels, storage tanks, sewers, tunnels, underground utility vaults and pipelines are some examples.
By definition, confined spaces are not intended for continuous human occupancy, but people can unintentionally wind up in them. The damage caused this year by hurricanes, flooding and earthquakes remind us that natural catastrophes can create confined space hazards out of the rooms, basements and attics of what had been habitable buildings-homes, offices and industrial facilities.
Confined spaces can turn into killers, causing fatalities from lack of sufficient oxygen or the presence of toxic gasses, and they are not unique to specific situations or industries. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) warns that confined spaces can be encountered in virtually any occupation. Recognizing when a space can become hazardous and what the potential hazards are, is the first step toward preventing fatalities.
Anyone working in and around confined spaces should be familiar with accepted entry procedures and rescue techniques. Every entry into a confined space should have a well-designed, workable rescue plan. According to NIOSH, more than 60 percent of those that die in confined spaces are would-be rescuers.
These guidelines recommended by NIOSH can apply in an industrial environment or in the wake of a natural disaster:
• Assume that any confined space may be hazardous.
• Before entering a space, check for structural soundness and the danger of falling debris.
• Judging the safety of air in a confined space requires more than sense of smell. Atmospheres should be tested by trained personnel using calibrated air monitors.
• Monitor the atmosphere continuously throughout the entry procedure.
• Provide adequate ventilation to the space throughout the entry procedure.
• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment.
• Have a trained attendant immediately outside the confined space ready to come to the aid of those inside, should they need assistance.
• Have a safe, reliable means of communication between the attendant and those inside the confined space.
• Have all the equipment required for emergency rescue on hand and ready.
In situations where a safe atmosphere in the confined space cannot be maintained, determine whether the task can be completed without entering the confined space. Never enter a confined space to attempt a rescue unless you have the necessary personal protective equipment and the appropriate training in entry procedures and rescue techniques.
Click here for NIOSH guidelines on working in confined spaces.
Click here for a PDF version of the NIOSH Guide to Safety In Confined Spaces.

LOUD NOICE LINKED TO BENIGN TUMOR FROM HEALTHDAY NEWS

FRIDAY, Jan. 6 (HealthDay News) -- People regularly exposed to loud
noise over several years are about 1.5 times more likely to develop a benign tumor called an acoustic neuroma that causes hearing loss, new research found.
The study by Ohio State University researchers included 146 people with
acoustic neuroma and 564 people without the tumor. All were interviewed
about their history of exposure to loud noise (at least 80 decibels --the sound of city traffic) from machinery, power tools, construction,motors, music, screaming children, or at sports events or in restaurants and bars.The study participants were also asked about their use of hearing protection.

People exposed to loud music were 2.5 times more likely to develop
acoustic neuroma, while those exposed to machines, power tools and/or
construction were 1.8 times more likely to develop the tumor. Exposure
to motors increased risk by 1.3 times while regular exposure to
screaming children, sports events and/or bars and restaurants increased
the risk by 1.4 times, the researchers said.
http://tinyurl.com/9g6yj

Feb- 2006
KEEPING AN EYE ON EYE SAFETY

Behind every public awareness campaign about a health or safety issue lurks a disturbing statistic. Consider this one for the month of February: each day of the year, an average of at least two thousand American workers sustain a job-related eye injury. That adds up to roughly 730,000 eye injuries per year, a number large enough to make workplace injury the leading cause of ocular trauma. Between 10 and 20 percent of these injuries result in temporary or permanent loss of vision, and all of them can result in years of visual disability and lost work days, not to mention high medical bills and often costly litigation.
None of us would willingly give up our eyesight, but many of us may be guilty of taking it for granted. In order to help everyone protect their eyes while at work, the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) has declared February Workplace Safety Month.
The best eye protection in the workplace is an aggressive safety program. Any such program will encourage the wearing of approved ANSI Z87.1 eyewear whenever required on the job. Ninety percent of all job-related eye injuries can be prevented by simply wearing proper protective eyewear. Many workers who sustain injuries didn't think they needed eye protection, or were wearing eyewear inappropriate for the job. If your workplace has no safety program in place, take it upon yourself to wear safety glasses, even when you aren't sure whether or not you need them.
An emerging problem is eye fatigue. Anyone who spends long hours looking at a computer screen is at risk. Symptoms include difficulty focusing and general discomfort or soreness of the eyes. The screens themselves don't cause physical damage to the eye, but overuse can result in eye strain. The AAO suggests taking more frequent breaks to rest the eyes, and having your eyes tested for corrective eyewear.
Environmental conditions can cause another common problem: dry eyes. The problem occurs when insufficient tears are produced to keep the eye comfortable. Symptoms include a stinging or burning sensation in the eyes, a feeling of scratchiness or that there is something in the eye, an excess of tears, or difficulty wearing contact lenses. Because not all eyes react favorably to the same levels of temperature and humidity, it is difficult to create an "ideal" workplace climate. The AAO suggests using over-the-counter eye drops to relieve dry eyes.
Click here for more AAO advice about safeguarding your eyesight at work.
Click here for more eye safety information.

FYI: UPDATED ANSI GLOVE SELECTION GUIDE

The International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) recently released an updated version of their glove selection guide. The American National Standard for Hand Protection Selection Criteria (ANSI/ISEA 105-2005) provides workers and employers with guidelines for selecting gloves that comply with OSHA regulations. The new guide includes recommended glove selection procedures, reference information on special conditions, and a section on function, fit and comfort.
Click here for more information from ISEA.

Friday, 28-Oct-2005
Health Education Alert
FLU PREVENTION AT WORK

Public health experts are contemplating the possibility of influenza season arriving as early as November. With an expected shortage of flu vaccine, some employers who in previous years were able to offer flu shots to their employees are now facing the possibility of no shots and the resulting economic impact of significant numbers of lost work hours.
With this in mind the American Association of Occupational Health Nurses (AAOHN) is promoting employee health education. Because adjusting attitudes toward smart hygiene decisions may be the best way to build a strong line of defense against oncoming waves of influenza, AAOHN nurses are encouraging employers to educate employees about the kinds of behaviors that can help to avoiding contracting the flu.

Here are some of them:
• Avoid close contact, especially with people who are obviously ill.
• Don't share food and drinks.
• Cough into your sleeve, not your hands.
• Sneeze or cough into a tissue if one is available.
• Wash hands frequently throughout the day using an antibacterial soap.
• Use a towel to shut off faucets and pull restroom door handles after washing your hands.
• Eat a well-balanced diet, including fruits and vegetables.
• Drink plenty of fluids especially water and juices rich in vitamin C.
• Reduce the stress that makes your body susceptible to illness by getting more exercise and rest.
• Step outside for fresh air during your breaks.
Learn to recognize the difference between flu symptoms and those of other common ailments. Flu is accompanied by high fever, headache, muscle aches, extreme fatigue, dry cough, sore throat, stuffy nose, runny nose and gastro-intestinal symptoms. If you do get the flu, stay home! In the long run, you'll help productivity at work by NOT putting your co-workers at risk.

For More Information - Click here

Molds are the great natural recycling agents of our planet. Give these ubiquitous little organisms enough time and moisture, and they will turn just about anything you have into a pile of dust, everything from that fruit you left out too long, to your drywall, to John Brown's body. Nothing personal, they're just doing their job.Molds travel far and wide by producing tiny spores that drift through the air. Not surprisingly, molds turn up just about everywhere: homes, offices, schools and all kinds of public and commercial buildings. The spores settle on damp surfaces and begin to grow and digest whatever material they are on. Buildings exposed to flooding or persistent moisture are prime environments for mold. Controlling moisture is the key to controlling mold growth. To keep mold from taking hold, water-damaged areas should be dried within 24 to 48 hours.

Because molds travel by air, and because humans have to breathe air, chances are that if you're alive, you are routinely inhaling and ingesting mold spores, not to mention collecting them on your skin. This contact between mold and humans is the cause of a variety of health problems, especially for those with mold allergies.

There are no currently assigned threshold limit values (TLVs) for airborne concentrations of mold spores, nor have regulations or standards for airborne mold contaminants been established by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or Occupational Safety Health and Administration (OSHA). Despite the absence of a measurable definition of the health risks posed by molds, common sense suggests that if you're working where mold is present you should take steps to prevent or reduce exposure.

PPE (personal protective equipment) may not eliminate the risk of illness or exposure, but it can help reduce it. Depending upon the potential exposure level, workers should consider wearing gloves , goggles, full-body coveralls , and respiratory protection .

When cleaning small areas of mold growth, an N95 respirator , gloves should be worn. For larger mold remediation jobs, or in situations where high levels of airborne dust or mold spores are likely or long-term exposures are expected, the EPA suggests a full-face, powered air purifying respirator (PAPR) equipped with HEPA filters along with disposable coveralls , gloves and shoe covers.

Never undertake any large mold remediation task without first receiving training from a qualified professional.

Links for further Information:

Click here for information from the CDC on molds .

Click here for the EPA mold resources page .

Click here for information from OSHA on mold in the workplace .

Click her for guidelines from the CDC on how to reenter a flooded home .

11-Jul-2005
SUNSCREEN 101

Whether for work or play, most of us find plenty of opportunities for outdoor activity during the summer months. And all of us need protection from the sun's rays. Covering your skin with clothing is one way to protect your health during the summer. The other important protective ingredient is sunscreen. But simply using sunscreen without understanding how it works or how to apply it correctly can leave you inadequately protected.

All sunscreens are rated with a "Sun Protection Factor" (SPF). The Food and Drug Administration defines SPF in 21 CFR 352.3(d) as the ratio of the minimum amount of ultraviolet (UV-A or UV-B) energy it takes to produce the first signs of redness on skin that has been protected with sunscreen (2 milligrams per square centimeter) versus the amount of UV energy for the same result on unprotected skin. For example, a sunscreen with an SPF of 2, if applied properly, would take twice as much UV energy to burn the skin compared to skin that is unprotected.

Here are some tips to remember when selecting a sunscreen:

Most regulatory agencies recommend that sunscreens with a minimum of SPF 15 should be used every time you step outside, even on cloudy days. A higher SPF should be selected if your outdoor activities include strenuous work or you plan on being outdoors for long periods of time. Be sure to choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen which provides protection against both UV-A and UV-B rays.

Not all sunscreens contain the same active ingredients. If you have experienced any sensitivity to a particular product, try one with different ingredients. Be aware of the expiration date on the bottle. Some sunscreens can degrade and lose their effectiveness.

Follow these tips for applying sunscreen:

• Shake bottle before use.
• Apply the sunscreen 30 minutes before exposure to sun. This provides ample time for the product to absorb into the skin.
• Apply generous amounts to all exposed skin.
• As a general rule, a handful (1 oz) to cover your entire body.
• Reapply sunscreen every 1 ? hours or less if working in full sun or doing strenuous work. Select a water-resistant sunscreen if exposed to water (swimming or heavy perspiration).

For more information on sunscreens, go to:

http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5104a3.htm

11-JUL-2005
ORTHOSTATIC INTOLERANCE & FALL PREVENTION

You've identified the fall hazards around your workplace. Your fall protection program is written down. Your personnel are trained to use the equipment correctly and effectively. Sounds like youÕre ready if a workplace fall occurs, but before you get too comfortable, ask this question: does your plan include procedures that ensure a rescue that is both safe and speedy?

In March of 2004, OSHA issued a Safety and Health Bulletin. It warned of the traumas that a worker can sustain from the effects of a fall, but also of the dangers of prolonged upright suspension. The bulletin defined orthostatic intolerance as "a serious injury sustained by an individual while remaining in suspension after a fall." It described how the condition can occur, identified the symptoms, and offered recommendations for prevention and safe rescue.

It turns out that time is extremely important, so much so that it can make the difference between life and death for a suspended worker. Contrary to what has been a common assumption until recently, a worker cannot safely hang suspended, even in an upright position, for an extended length of time.

Just how long can a worker remain hanging upright and motionless before suffering serious health consequences? Many variables can come into play, but according to OSHA, "suspension in a fall-arrest device can result in unconsciousness, followed by death, in less then 30 minutes." If your fall protection program depends on outside emergency rescue personnel, if your rescue procedures have weak spots, if training is inadequate, or if it's been too long since your last drill, your workers are at risk for hanging in fall arrest for longer than 30 minutes.

Any fall rescue program should be as safe as possible and take as little time as possible to bring a fallen worker to safety. When a fall occurs, any number of factors can create challenges to the effective rescue of the victim. Weather conditions, physical obstacles and the condition of victim can consume time and create hindrances for rescue personnel.

Any rescue plan should be regularly reviewed to ensure that the procedures are manageable and realistic in their time estimates. Employers act in their own best interests by implementing the safest and quickest rescue plan and by practicing procedures to maximize preparation for a real emergency.

OSHA recommends these general guidelines:

• Rescue suspended workers as quickly as possible.
• Be aware of the potentially life threatening risks of orthostatic intolerance and suspension trauma.
• Be aware of signs and symptoms of orthostatic intolerance.
• Be aware that suspended workers who are unconscious or have head injuries are particularly at risk for orthostatic intolerance.
• Be aware of the factors that can increase the risk of suspension trauma.
• Be aware that some authorities advise against moving the rescued workers to a horizontal position too quickly.
  

For more information on the OSHA bulletin on orthostatic intolerance and rescue, please go to:

www.osha.gov/dts/shib/shib032404.html

19-April-2005
PINCH POINTS

What's a pinch point? The OSHA Machinery and Machine Guarding standard (Subpart O) defines it as "áany point other than the point of operation at which it is possible for a part of the body to be caught between the moving parts of a press or auxiliary equipment, or between moving and stationary parts of a press or auxiliary equipment or between the material and moving part or parts of the press or auxiliary equipment."

To protect workers from pinch points, employers need to first try to engineer the hazard out of the work environment. If a machine or process can be redesigned to eliminate the pinch point, that should be the first step. If eliminating the pinch point is not an option the employer needs to find a way to install machine guards to protect workers from the hazard. According to Subpart O, the guard itself must not create pinch points between guard and moving machine parts.

Once engineering and guarding practices have been implemented, employers should still put up equipment labels at the pinch point spot to inform workers of the danger.

For more information on the OSHA standard for machine guarding, go to:
www.osha.gov

• Wear light-colored, smooth-finished clothing. Avoid perfumed soaps, shampoos, deodorants. Don't wear cologne or perfume.
• Avoid bananas and banana-scented toiletries. Bathe daily and wear clean clothing-sweat makes bees angry.
• Cover your body with clothing as much as possible. Avoid flowering plants. Check for new nests during the warmer hours of the day during July, August and September when bees are most active.
• Clean up. Social wasps thrive around places where humans eat or discard food-grills, outdoor eating areas, garbage cans, and dumpsters.
• If a single stinging insect is flying around you, remain still or lie face down on the ground. Your face is the most likely place for a bee or wasp to sting, and swinging or swatting at it may cause it to sting.
• If you are attacked by several stinging insects at the same time, run away. When bees sting they release a chemical that alerts other bees to the presence of an intruder.
• Get indoors or underwater. If there are no buildings or bodies of water around, shaded areas tend to be a better refuge than open areas.
• If you notice a bee inside your vehicle while you are driving, carefully slow down, pull over and open all the windows.
  
  For more information on bee stings, go to: www.cdc.gov
  

April 18 2005
FLAME RETARDANTS DANGEROUS?

PBDEs found in blood levels Levels of commercial flame retardants in human blood samples have risen sharply since the 1970s, reports a study in the March Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.

Researchers found that levels of polybrominated diphenyl ether flame retardants (PBDEs) in frozen blood samples from 1973 were generally too low to measure. However, levels of PBDEs in 2003 blood samples were approximately 90 times higher than in 1973. The levels of PBDEs found in 2003 U.S. blood samples were the highest yet measured from any country.

PBDEs are synthetic flame retardants used widely in consumer products such as Styrofoam, electronic equipment and fabrics. So far, no studies have been done to assess the possible health hazards of PBDE exposure in humans. Animal studies suggest a wide range of toxic effects.

Bottom line: Because of the "ubiquitous, persistent and toxic nature of these compounds," studies of the human health effects of PBDEs are "urgently indicated," the study concludes.

March 17, 2005
PREVENTING EYE INJURIES

Stats show younger men most at risk

In an effort to raise awareness about the importance of occupational eye safety, Prevent Blindness America (PBA) has designated March as "Workplace Eye Health and Safety Month."

PBA notes that, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as many as 2,000 employees in America suffer work-related eye injuries every day and 81 percent of those cases are men. Workers 25 to 44 years old account for 62 percent of eye injuries.

PBA offers these tips for promoting eye safety in the workplace:

"ANSI Z87" must be clearly marked on all protective safety glasses or goggles. Workers should know where the nearest eyewash station is at their job site, and how to use it.

Employees should have regular eye exams to ensure their vision is adequate to do their job safely.

Those who already have reduced vision should consider prescription safety glasses or goggles.

Regular prescription eyeglasses are not usually approved for safety glasses under ANSI Z87.

Source: Safety Currents, Volume 3, Number 6, Tue, 15-Mar-2005

Chemical	Reaction
acetic acid and acetaldehyde	polymerization of acetaldehyde
copper (II) sulfide and cadmium chlorate	explosive reaction
hydrogen peroxide and iron (II) sulfide	reacts vigorously
sodium nitrite and sodium thiosulfate	explosive when heated