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Proper testing of a confined space

Confined Spaces: We Have a Failure to Communicate

Given the statistics on confined space deaths, shouldn't rescuers know about atmospheric conditions before entering and attempting rescue? And shouldn't the attendant know about the entrants' readings in real time anyway?

There are a few gloves on the market today that meet or exceed NIOSH recommendations for safety, allowing no permeation of either fentanyl or gastric acid for greater than 240 minutes. (Ansell photo)

NIOSH Invites Manufacturers to Add Fentanyl-Protective Products to PPE Database

This expansion of the database will allow end users to find products confirmed by the manufacturers as compliant with CDC’s Fentanyl PPE Guidance.

Salmonella Linked to Raw Chicken Being Investigated in Many States

CDC reported that testing shows the outbreak strain of Salmonella is resistant to multiple antibiotics that may be used to treat people with severe Salmonella infection.



NIOSH-Funded Studies Show Ways to Reduce Silica Exposure in Concrete Cutting

The pneumatic drill generated 444 times the OSHA permissible exposure level of silica dust, while the electric drill generated 11 times the OSHA level. The pneumatic drill's noise level was also greater than that of the electric drill, according to one study highlighted in NIOSH's October 2018 Research Rounds.

NYDOL Aiding Workers After Tonawanda Coke Shuts Down

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is overseeing the safe shutdown of operations at the facility. The coke battery consists of 60 ovens, of which 30 remained in operation at the time of shutdown; on Oct. 15 the last of the remaining 30 ovens were fully emptied, marking the end of coke production at the facility.

Incentive Federation Welcomes New OSHA Clarification

An Oct. 11 memo clarifies OSHA's position that 29 CFR 1904.35(b)(1)(iv) does not prohibit workplace safety incentive programs or post-incident drug testing.

Solar-Powered Outdoor Lights Recalled for Fire Hazard

Cooper Lighting, LLC has recalled about 362,000 All-Pro and Defiant solar-powered outdoor LED light fixtures because their batteries can overheat and cause the light fixture's housing to melt, posing a fire hazard.

NRC Holding Public Meeting on Status of TVA's Work Environment

The Oct. 18 meeting concerns corrective actions the Tennessee Valley Authority agreed to make at its nuclear plants and corporate offices after NRC staff in 2016 expressed the concern that some operations employees may not have felt comfortable raising safety concerns at the Watts Bar nuclear plant.

Great Central U.S. ShakeOut Set for Oct. 18

States participating in the ShakeOut are Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nebraska, Missouri, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Tennessee.

The impairment argument is incredibly complex. Many employers use the term in workplace drug and alcohol policies but this may not be the most prudent choice as marijuana impairment cannot necessarily be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

Recreational Marijuana Now Legal in Canada

In its Fall Economic Statement 2017, the government announced $546 million over five years to ensure appropriate capacity to license, inspect, and enforce all aspects of the Cannabis Act and to undertake public education and awareness activities.

INTERPOL Chemical Awareness Film Wins Prize

The film is part of a larger campaign to raise awareness and increase the capacity of law enforcement and other agencies who suspect anyone of preparing a bomb so they can be stopped before an attack takes place

Pennsylvania State Grant to Buy Mechatronics Equipment for UMW Training Center

"Workers and their families in southwest Pennsylvania have seen their share of challenges, with many former coal workers seeking new jobs in manufacturing but lacking the necessary job skills to do so," Gov. Tom Wolf said. "UMWACC's renovated training center is providing opportunities for those workers, and this new grant enables UMWACC to expand that training even further into the in-demand field of mechatronics."

NJ's Paid Sick Leave Law Takes Effect Oct. 29

The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development has published both proposed regulations to implement the law and a new mandatory workplace poster.

Ohio BWC, OSHA Working with State's Craft Brewery Associations

"The alliance will unify efforts to support safety in Ohio breweries, and we are optimistic it will also reduce injuries and increase business efficiencies," said Matt Stinchfield, safety ambassador for the Brewers Association.

Big OSHA Fine Issued in Electrocution Case

The agency has placed the contractor in its Severe Violator Enforcement Program. "Electrocution is one of the leading causes of death in the construction industry," said OSHA Pittsburgh Area Office Director Christopher Robinson. "Complying with OSHA safety and health standards is not optional. Employers are required to take necessary precautions to prevent tragedies such as this."

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