Archive for News
DuPont preparing for new study on Pompton Lakes contamination cleanup
DuPont is just weeks away from launching another study to see if injecting a form of food into the soil to spur microbe growth could be the long-sought solution to clean up contaminated groundwater beneath some 450 homes in Pompton Lakes. Please continue reading at: http://www.northjersey.com/news/DuPont_preparing_for_new_study_on_Pompton_Lak... Read more [...]
Labor Rights Week Is 'Everyone's Responsibility'
In recognition of Labor Rights Week, Aug. 27-31, 2012, Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis reminds everyone of the week’s theme, "Promoting Labor Rights is Everyone’s Responsibility." Solis says the week "underscores the the importance of partnerships between the Labor Department and other countries to educate migrant workers and their employers about U.S. labor laws."
Bechtel Supports STEM Education Through Ocean Exploration Program
In support of science, technology, engineering and math
(STEM) education, Bechtel is sponsoring
nine teachers and five students participating in a pair of 2012 Ocean Exploration Trust programs that
promote STEM education to a global audience.
The Educator-at-Sea Program and the Honors Research Program
combine classroom learning with ocean exploration and provide students with an opportunity
to
Poison Centers Issue Safety Alert for Portable Generator
In the wake of Tropical Storm Isaac,
poison centers are urging people to be weary of carbon monoxide poisoning
related to portable generators, says Cynthia Lewis-Younger, director of the
Florida Poison Information Center in Tampa. Referred to as a “silent killer,”
carbon monoxide has no odors or symptoms that signal a problem. When generators are placed close to
homes, in garages or outside
ASSE Joins OSHA and NIOSH in Fall Prevention Campaign
In an effort to lower the alarming number of
injuries and fatalities in the construction industry each year, ASSE is teaming
up with OSHA and NIOSH to support a new Fall Prevention Campaign. The national campaign will provide updated prevention
information and training materials on falls from roofs, ladders and scaffolds. The
literature will be translated into seven different languages and
Track Your Community's Hurricane History With NOAA Website
On the Historical Hurricane Tracks website, from National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), users can enter their zip code that brings up a map of the location that has more than 150 years of Atlantic hurricane tracking data. This data includes cyclone data, a history of cyclones, dating back to 1958 and global hurricane data dating back to 1842. Additionally, NOAA says the site provides
Glee Sends Message: Don’t Text While Driving
Eighty?two percent of young adult drivers (16?24) have read
a standard text message while driving, according to a national survey conducted
by the Ad Council. The State Attorneys General and Consumer Protection agencies,
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Ad Council
launched a public service advertising (PSA) campaign aimed at young adults to
discourage them from
JOB Posting – Environmental Compliance Consultant opportunity in Plymouth, WI. #jobs
Successful individual will have a minimum of 5 years exp in mfg or the consulting field with a Bachelor's degree in engineering or the sciences. Must have experience in environmental compliance areas applicable to small and medium sized mfgrs including air and air permitting, NESHAP requirements, wastewater, storm water, SPCC, SARA, solid and hazardous waste, and HAZWOPER. Knowledge of EMS, Green Tier and ISO 14000 IS A PLUS, as is knowledge and experience with SPCC AND FRP plans. This position Read more [...]
Cleanup Underway at Site of North Dakota Oil Well Blowout with OSHA investigating tragic death of a worker on site
WILLISTON, N.D. — Cleanup crews baled contaminated vegetation, scraped away affected soil and power washed equipment Monday after an oil well blowout south of here that sprayed oil and salt water into nearby fields. Meanwhile, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration is investigating the death of a worker who was struck by a pickup as a worker drove it away from the spewing oil. The blowout, which sprayed 400 barrels of oil and 400 barrels of produced water used for hydraulic fracturing, Read more [...]
Washington state: Possible radioactive leak at Hanford tank farm – latimes.com
A 3-foot-long piece of radioactive material has been found between the inner and outer steel walls of one of the storage tanks at the Hanford Nuclear Reservation, prompting new worries at the troubled cleanup site.
Please continue reading at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nation/nationnow/la-na-nn-hanford-tank-leak-20120…
http://www.latimes.com/news/nation/nationnow/la-na-nn-hanford-tank-leak-20120…
Prevent the Spread of Illness at Work
It’s the start of back-to-school season, which means both
children and adults face a greater risk for illnesses. Cintas offers tips for
workers to stay healthy and prevent illness from spreading at this germ-filled
time of year.
Take medicine at the first signs of sickness. This will
help prevent common cold symptoms, such as coughing and sneezing, from contaminating
work areas.
Avoid
3M Offers Infographic on Insulating Apparel
An infographic is available from 3M to help simplify the ANSI/ISEA 201-2012 standard for Classification of Insulating Apparel Used in Cold Work Environments. The standard helps protect workers in extreme weather and is a tool to help employers select the appropriate workwear for their specific needs.
3M developed the infographic as an easy-to-understand how-to guide that breaks down the standard
S. 710 would direct the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish an electronic manifest system to track the handling of hazardous waste.
S. 710, the Hazardous Waste Electronic Manifest Establishment Act - This legislation would authorize the appropriation of $6 million over the 2013-2015 period for EPA to establish the system. In addition, subject to provisions in future appropriations acts, this legislation would authorize EPA to collect user fees to offset the cost of developing, operating, and maintaining the system. Under current law, individuals who handle hazardous waste must prepare a paper manifest that completely documents Read more [...]
EU Chemicals Agency Lists 38 Substances as Potential “Substances of Very High Concern”
Steve Sides (Paint.org) On Aug. 17, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) listed 38 chemicals as potential “substances of very high concern” (SVHC). This listing could mean the substances could be subject to ban or limitations on their use under the European Union's Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemical Substances, or REACH regulation. The substances were added to a “registry of intentions” for SVHC status. According to reports in BNA the EU's executive Read more [...]
ASSE Receives IACET Reaccreditation
ASSE has received reaccreditation from International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) to continue to provide continuing education units. The renewal period extends for 5 years and covers all ASSE programs offered or created within those years. Such programs include SeminarFest, ASSE's annual Professional Development Conference and Exposition, and continuing educationPlease continue reading at:http://americansocietyofsafetyengineers.blogspot.com/2012/08/asse-receives-iacet-reaccreditation.html Read more [...]
ASSE Receives IACET Reaccreditation
ASSE has received reaccreditation from International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) to continue to provide continuing education units. The renewal period extends for 5 years and covers all ASSE programs offered or created within those years. Such programs include SeminarFest, ASSE’s annual Professional Development Conference and Exposition, and continuing education
Workplace Activity and Maintaining Good Health
A combination of sitting and
standing throughout the work day can minimize the potential for adverse health consequences,
according to Humantech’s Blake McGowan, CPE. Research
shows that sitting for long periods of time can result in
higher rates of cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes and
more. However, studies
also show
that prolonged standing can lead to work-related
MSDs in the legs
Process Turns Starbucks’ Waste Into Ingredients for Consumer Products
A team of scientists is working with the Starbucks coffee chain to develop a bio-refinery process that would convert the company’s discarded coffee grounds and day-old bakery goods into a key ingredient for making plastics and other products. The process, which will be described at a meeting of the American Chemical Society, builds on existing technology that converts corn, sugar cane, and other plant-based products into the ingredients for biofuels and other consumer products. According to Read more [...]
EPA Announces Brownfields Grants for Wisconsin
Madison (August 21, 2012) -- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Regional Administrator Susan Hedman today announced EPA brownfields grants totaling $800,000 to clean up contaminated properties in Madison, Wisconsin. Hedman joined Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Secretary Cathy Stepp and Madison Mayor Paul Soglin at a brownfield site on East Washington Avenue for the announcementPlease continue reading at:http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/0/F69F8E7E38FA577F85257A610055C9C5 Read more [...]
Earthworms soak up heavy metal, from solid waste from domestic refuse collection and waste
Earthworms could be used to extract toxic heavy metals, including cadmium and lead, from solid waste from domestic refuse collection and waste from vegetable and flower markets, according to researchers writing in the International Journal of Environment and Waste Management.Please continue reading at:http://phys.org/news264342496.html Read more [...]
Bacteria in tap water can be traced to the water treatment process
(Phys.org) -- Most of the bacteria that remain in drinking water when it gets to the tap can be traced to filters used in the water treatment process, rather than to the aquifers or rivers where it originated, University of Michigan researchers discovered.Please continue reading at:http://phys.org/news264669752.html Read more [...]
EPA Identifies Substitutes for Toxic Flame Retardant Chemical
From: EPA In its quest to identify possible substitutes for a toxic flame retardant chemical known as decabromodiphenyl ether (decaBDE), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released a draft report on alternatives. This comprehensive assessment, developed with public participation under EPA’s Design for the Environment (DfE) program, profiles the environmental and human health hazards on 30 alternatives to decaBDE, which will be phased out of production by December 2013. DecaBDE is Read more [...]
ISO Improves Its Standards Browsing Platform
International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has revamped its Online Browsing Platform. The agency improved it’s website to provide users with a "simpler, faster and better way to use ISO standards and publications."
Users can search and access more than 1,000 ISO standards and their translations (if applicable), codes, symbols, and terms an definitions. The agency reports additional
Bad Reaction to Cosmetics? Report It
The FDA is asking all consumers to report any bad reaction to cosmetics, whether that be a negative reaction to makeup or a personal hygiene product. Though
most personal care products are safe, some cause problems, even fatal ones, and
that’s when the the agency needs to get involved. “Even though these products are
widely used, most don’t require FDA approval before they’re sold in stores,
Agriculture is nation’s biggest water polluter but usually goes unpunished.
Forty years after Congress passed the Clean Water Act, a case heading to the Washington State Supreme Court this fall highlights one of the biggest failings of this bedrock environmental law: farms are exempted from federal water-pollution regulation.Please continue reading at:http://www.invw.org/article/agriculture-is-nations-bi-1293 Read more [...]
50 MW Plasma Gasification Facility to Treat Waste in Tees Valley – expected to divert up to 350,000 tonnes of non-recyclable waste from landfill per year
Allentown, Pennsylvania based gas processing technology developer, Air Products (NYSE: APD) is to build and operate a 50 MW advanced gasification waste to energy facility in Tees Valley, UK.The company claimed that the plant, located at the New Energy and Technology Business Park, near Billingham, Teesside, will be the first of its kind in the UK, and the largest of its kind anywhere in the world. According to Air Products the facility has good access and connectivity to the local Read more [...]
Nuclear burial: disposing hazardous spent fuel, currently no permanent site for high level radioactive waste disposal.
The clock is ticking for governments as they try to find permanent disposal sites for spent fuel while ageing nuclear plants close. But can this hazardous substance be disposed of in such a way that it has a minimal impact on the environment, and can we recycle its properties to make other fuel sources?Plans for new nuclear power generation are far from concrete, particularly in western Europe, where politicians and industry experts are chewing over the economic viability of such schemes.But irrespective Read more [...]
DOT Safety Bulletin Discusses Motorcoach Safety, Tire Blowouts
DOT’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has issued a safety bulletin that reminds motorcoach companies to take action to prevent tire blowouts and safety risks. The agency, along with National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, has examined recent incidents involving blowouts on passenger buses, due to the exceeding tire weight limits and overloading. Risks may be avoided by
OSHA Issues Rule on Cranes and Derricks in Construction
OSHA has issued a direct final
rule applying the requirements of the August 2010 cranes and derricks in
construction standard to demolition work and underground construction. This
rule, which hopes to protect workers from hazards associated with hoisting
equipment, is already in use by other construction sectors. It will become
effective November 15, 2012, unless the
agency receives a
Free Resource For Fire Service Members Explains Unwanted Fire Alarms
NFPA and International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) have released a 17-page document, available for download, that offers guidance on how to respond to unwanted fire alarms. The "Fire Service Guide to Reducing Unwanted Fire Alarms" provides knowledge for firefighters, fire officers and fire prevention personnel on how alarm systems and devices work and what could cause them to go off when no
Test Your Disaster Preparedness
Take a brief Red Cross quiz to see if you’re ready for a disaster. For other preparedness tips, click here.
J&J not going to start removing Harsh Chemicals From Products until 2015… But that’s a start
NY Times - The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics began pushing J&J in May 2009 to remove harsh and toxic chemicals from its brands to protect consumers and workers. The coalition includes more than 175 nonprofit groups representing about 1.7 million members, from the Environmental Working Group and Friends of the Earth to the American Nurses Association and Physicians for Social Responsibility."This is a good step in the right direction," said Lisa Archer, the campaign's national director. "In Read more [...]
PHMSA Publishes Long-Awaited HM-215L Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to Harmonization the Hazardous Materials Regulations with International Standards
The DOT Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) published the long-awaited HM-215L Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) today. The NPRM proposes a number of amendments to align the Hazardous Materials Regulations; 49 CFR Parts 171-180 (HMR) with the latest … Continue reading → Read more [...]
DOE Report Shows Growth in Wind Energy
A report from U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and Lawrence Berkley National Laboratory discusses "strong growth" during 2011 in the U.S. wind energy industry. The report says that by the end of 2011, wind power capacity reached 47,000 megawatts and has since increased to 50,000 megawatts, which is enough to power 12 million homes each year.
DOE also reports that as technology for wind power
For new nuclear chief, concerns over plant safety.
The new chairwoman of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission says she believes a permanent nuclear waste repository can eventually be set up. But, the bad news is, she considers the industry’s evaluation of earthquake vulnerability to be inadequate.Please continue reading at:http://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/14/us/new-nuclear-commission-chief-faces-waste-storage-questions.html Read more [...]
Firefighter killed as wildfires rage across West.
A firefighter was killed in Idaho and another firefighter in Oregon suffered burns after she had to deploy her emergency fire shelter as wildfires continued raging across the Western United States.Please continue reading at:http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Firefighter-killed-as-wildfires-rage-across-West-3784822.php Read more [...]
Chevron considered replacing faulty pipe at Richmond refinery.
Chevron Corporation officials initially deemed the pipe that failed dramatically last week, causing a major fire at its Richmond, Calif., refinery, as possibly needing replacement last year. But they ultimately cleared it for five more years of service.Please continue reading at:http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Chevron-considered-replacing-pipe-3785841.php Read more [...]
Ingredient in hundreds of household products may causes heart problems.
A chemical commonly used in lipsticks, face washes and toothpaste may cause heart and muscle problems, according to new research in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.Please continue reading at:http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2188012/Lipstick-chemical-alert-Ingredient-hundreds-household-products-causes-heart-problems.html Read more [...]
ASSE Nominations Due Tomorrow, August 15
ASSE is accepting nominations for qualified professional members to serve on its Board of Directions and/or Regional Operating Committees in the 2013 Society Elections. This is a great opportunity to volunteer your time and talents to the Society. Nominations are due Aug. 15, 2012.
In addition to Regional/Area positions, the following are up for election:
Senior Vice President
Vice
Webcast on NFPA 70E
ASSE’s Virtual Classroom will feature a webcast on the
application NFPA 70E to real-world situations. Speaker Daryn Lewellyn of Lewellyn Technology
will discuss what employers and safety managers can do to keep employees safe
from electrical hazards at the workplace. The online class will be held on
Wednesday, Aug. 15 at 11:00 AM CENTRAL. A live Q&A with the speaker will follow. Click here to
