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Nanoscale applications are rapidly moving from the research lab to industrial and commercial settings. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), examples of workplaces that may use nanoscale materials (nanomaterials) include chemical or pharmaceutical laboratories or plants, manufacturing facilities, medical offices or hospitals, and construction sites. Yesterday we explored nanomaterials hazards and ways […]
OSHA and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recently issued a joint hazard alert about protecting workers from significant crystalline silica exposure during manufacturing, finishing, and installing natural and manufactured stone countertops. Protect workers in this and other industries from silica exposure with the safety measures outlined below. Preventing Silica Exposures Because […]
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have adopted regulations to protect workers from exposure to asbestos-containing materials, asbestos-containing building materials, and presumed asbestos-containing materials (PACMs). An Operations and Maintenance (O&M) program is a formulated plan of training, cleaning, work practices, and surveillance to maintain the ACM in […]
Yesterday we looked at the hazards of methylene chloride, a common paint-stripping chemical with many industrial uses—and many hazards, including cancer. Today, let’s talk about how to protect workers from exposure to this narcotic, corrosive, carcinogenic chemical.
Is your workplace a mess? If so, it’s time to get employees to clean up their act, for the sake of their safety and health. A messy workplace is more than just unsightly. It has the potential to create hazards, including: Fire! Paper garbage, wood shavings, combustible dusts, rags soaked with flammable chemicals—if not disposed […]
Contractors performing almost any work that disturbs paint in residences, apartments, schools, and daycare centers built before 1978 must comply with the Lead-Based Paint Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) rule. Yesterday, we reviewed recent violations of this rule, and today we will look at some of the frequently asked questions about who and what are […]
Asbestos fibers are tough, flexible, heat- and fire-resistant, and it provides effective insulation and soundproofing. Typically, it may be found in ceiling and floor tiles, insulation materials, in car brake and clutch linings, and in heat-resistant clothing. When the fibers stay bonded together, asbestos is safe. Make your employees aware of asbestos and its potential […]