Safety News Blog

House Democrats Introduce Legislation Requiring Regulation of Combustible Dust

2009-03-03T16:14:00.000-08:00

On February 4, 2009, Democratic House members introduced a bill that would require OSHA to issue rules on controlling combustible dust hazards.

The Worker Protection Against Combustible Dust Explosions and Fires Act of 2009 (H.R. 849) would require OSHA to issue an interim dust rule within 90 days and a final rule within 18 months and revise its hazard communication standard to warn workers of the dangers associated with combustible dust.

The bill was introduced four days before the one-year anniversary of a fatal combustible dust explosion at the Imperial Sugar refinery in Port Wentworth, Ga. The explosion killed 14 workers and injured 6. Imperial Sugar CEO John Sheptor has supported the legislation since its introduction last Congress and urged for its swift passage.

In a 2006 report, the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board identified more than 280 combustible dust incidents between 1980 and 2005 that killed 119 workers.

The House Education and Labor Committee has not yet scheduled any hearings on the bill. The bill's sponsors hope the introduction of the bill will persuade OSHA to issue a standard without congressional intervention.

Dale Walsh Presents to Board of Clark County Commissioners

2009-02-02T14:22:00.000-08:00

On January 28, 2009, Dale Walsh, ASSE Chapter President, made a presentation to the Board of Clark County Commissioners during the 2nd Southern Nevada Construction Worker Safety Roundtable on ways the county can possibly impact safety on the Strip both by their own means (e.g., permit process and inspectors) and what they might suggest to the legislature regarding things the State can do to improve safety in the construction industry. To view an overview of the presentation click here (pdf).

Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs: Do Energy-savings Outweigh Mercury Hazard?

2009-02-02T09:36:00.000-08:00

With the issue of climate change on everyone's mind these days, people are looking for ways to cut down on energy use. Many people are turning to compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs), which use 75 percent less energy and last up to 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs.
But there is also a concern because CFLs contain a small amount of mercury. One Pennsylvania resident recently emailed the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's mid-Atlantic region to ask what she should do:

"The problem with CFLs," she wrote, "is that these bulbs contain mercury and they need to be disposed of properly but the box does not give any instructions. Should we be more concerned with energy saving or mercury hazards?"

EPA's electronics recycling specialist Dan Gallo, who responded to the question, says the benefits of lower energy consumption outweigh the disadvantages but "EPA promotes and encourages the safe disposal of old CFLs to prevent the release of mercury into the environment."

"Although CFCs do contain mercury, it is present in trace amounts-five milligrams- an amount that would cover the tip of a ballpoint pen," said Gallo. "It would take 100 CFLs to equal the amount of mercury contained in older thermometers, which is about 500 milligrams."
The good news is that old CFC bulbs can be taken to Home Depot, IKEA and Ace Hardware for recycling. And Wal-mart is piloting a CFL recycling program at its stores in the Richmond, Va. area.

Since CFLs use 75 percent less energy than traditional incandescent light bulbs, if every American switched one incandescent bulb to a CFL, it would save more than $600 million in annual energy costs and prevent greenhouse gases equivalent to the emissions from 800,000 cars.

"Using CFLs is a quick and easy way for Americans to save energy and money everyday, while they also protect the environment," Gallo said.

But if a bulb accidentally breaks, proper clean-up is necessary.

"The first thing you want to do is to get everyone out of room, including pets," Gallo said. "Open a window to air out the room for at least 15 minutes. If you broke the bulb on a hard surface, take a piece of stiff paper or cardboard and scoop up as much of the debris and residue as you can."

Gallo advises to use an old glove or sock to protect hands and then wipe up any remaining residue with a moist paper towel. "If you broke the bulb on a carpeted surface, you'll want to use sticky tape to blot up any residue. Put everything in a plastic bag or a jar that can be sealed with a lid and dispose of it with the regular household trash."

For more information on CFLs go to:
http://www.epa.gov/osw/hazard/wastetypes/universal/lamps/index.htm
http://www.epa.gov/osw/hazard/wastetypes/universal/lamps/faqs.htm

Article from U.S. EPA News Feeds

Top 10 OSHA Violation Categories in 2008

2009-01-07T10:45:00.000-08:00

The top 10 most frequently cited OSHA standards in fiscal year 2008 (October 2007 through September 2008) included:

Scaffolding, general requirements, construction (29 CFR 1926.451)
Fall protection, construction (29 CFR 1926.501)
Hazard communication standard, general industry (29 CFR 1910.1200)
Control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout), general industry (29 CFR 1910.147)
Respiratory protection, general industry (29 CFR 1910.134)
Electrical, wiring methods, components and equipment, general industry (29 CFR 1910.305)
Powered industrial trucks, general industry (29 CFR 1910.178)
Ladders, construction (29 CFR 1926.1053)
Machines, general requirements, general industry (29 CFR 1910.212)
Electrical systems design, general requirements, general industry (29 CFR 1910.303)

For more information, visit the OSHA website.

New Contact Information and Location for OSHA Training Institute Education Center

2008-12-01T09:18:00.000-08:00

Effective November 25th the new contact information and location for the CSN OSHA Training Institute Education Center is as follows:

Abigail Rakvica - Workforce Specialist Occupational Health and Safety Programs & OSHA Training Institute Education Center
Phone: 702-651-7570
Fax: 702-651-5503
6375 W CharlestonBuilding B Room 119- W1B
Las Vegas, NV 89146
abigail.rakvica@csn.edu
http://www.csn.edu/pages/853.asp

The classroom location remains the same.

EPCRA reporting: 30-day limit on change notifications

2008-12-01T09:11:00.000-08:00

Effective Dec. 3, 2008, and thereafter, facility owners and operators have just 30 days to notify their local emergency planning committee (LEPC) after changes occur at a facility that may be relevant to emergency planning.

Prior to the revisions finalized in this rulemaking, the old 40 CFR 355.30(d) stated that facility owners or operators were required to inform the LEPC of any changes occurring at the facility which may be relevant to emergency planning. No real time period was specified.

In re-designating all the sections in Part 355, EPA had proposed that this requirement be moved to §355.20 and include the term ''promptly'' in order to be consistent with EPCRA section 303(d)(2). Many commenters supported this revision, but suggested that the agency provide a specific time period, such as 10, 20 or 30 days, rather than using a vague term.

EPA agreed with the commenters, but also notes that the changes that may occur at a facility could be important for developing and maintaining emergency plans. Therefore, EPA is requiring that information about changes at a facility relevant to emergency planning must be submitted within 30 days of such changes.

Changes relevant to emergency planning may include, but not be limited to:
· Notifying that the facility is no longer in operation,
· New extremely hazardous substances (EHSs) are present at the facility,
· EHSs are moved to a different location at the facility,
· EHSs are no longer present at the facility, and
· Other changes relevant to emergency planning.

Check out the new 40 CFR 355.20 at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/pdf/E8-25329.pdf.

ASSE Newsletters Going Electronic

2008-11-25T11:50:00.000-08:00

Fall is in the air and that can mean only thing: Yes -- it is time to start thinking about electronic delivery of your practice specialty technical publications this winter. You might also want to think about including a practice specialty membership for your co-workers as a gift this holiday season. Okay – okay – perhaps that is overdoing it, but we at least have to try!

Anyway, you have hopefully seen by now the communications that we are going "All-Electronic" with the delivery of practice specialty publications starting January 2009. We see this as an exciting development and added benefit for practice specialty members. Publications will be delivered to you in a multi-media manner, which will make your practice specialty membership experience more enjoyable. With "All-Electronic" delivery we have more opportunity in regards to length of technical publications, the inclusion of full-color pictures and graphs, direct Internet links, and search capabilities. We think you will be impressed for what is being planned in 2009. Without sounding too hokey – the word "nifty" comes to mind.

In addition, the membership – and that means you – have consistently asked us to take this step. Going electronic allows for more efficient and effective means of delivery. This will have a number of benefits including environmental as the use of paper and materials for the printing process will no longer be needed. Hey – we are the American Society of Safety Engineers, and we are dedicated to the protection of people, property, and the environment. So, per our mission statement we have to do something to put more "E" into SH&E. In short, we need to practice what we preach. So what does this mean? Starting in January, all practice specialty technical publications will be sent to you by email instead of regular mail. They will also be accessible through a secured website. All practice specialty members will receive directions for accessing these publications before the transition takes place.

Please note that ASSE will need to have your e-mail address on file by November 30, 2008. If you change your e-mail address, visit http://www.asse.org/about/addresschange.php to update your information or contact Customer Service at (847) 699-2929.

The Council on Practices and Standards is pleased to be able to offer you its publications in a more efficient and environmentally sound manner. We appreciate your continued support.
Any questions or comments should go to Tim Fisher at TFisher@ASSE.org or Rennie Heath at RHeath@ASSE.org.

Thanks and Regards - Your Council on Practices and Standards

New ASSE Occupational EHS Profession Brochure

2008-11-05T09:57:00.000-08:00

ASSE has produced a new brochure called, "Your Guide to a Career in the Occupational Safety, Health & Environmental Profession,".

New EPA Definition of Solid Waste, Final Rule

2008-10-30T10:05:00.000-07:00

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published a final rule that revises the definition of solid waste to exclude certain hazardous secondary materials from regulation under Subtitle C of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). EPA is revising the definition of solid waste to exclude from regulation under Subtitle C of RCRA (42 U.S.C. 6921 through 6939(e)) certain hazardous secondary materials which are being reclaimed. The rule describes the three principal regulatory revisions that are finalized in this rule: (1) an exclusion for certain hazardous secondary materials legitimately reclaimed under the control of the generator within the United States or its territories; (2) a conditional exclusion for hazardous secondary materials that are transferred for the purpose of legitimate reclamation; and (3) a case-by-case non-waste determination procedure.

http://www.epa.gov/osw/hazard/dsw/downloads/dsw-rule08.pdf

MSA Inspection Advisory Dyna-Lock Self-Retracting Lanyard - 20ft. Models

2008-08-28T08:38:00.000-07:00

Below is a link to the MSA Inspection Advisory regarding the Dyna-Lock Self-Retracting Lanyard in question. If you have one of these lanyards, MSA will replace the defective parts, inspect and clean the whole unit and express ship it back to you free of charge.

http://media.msanet.com/www/PDFs/MSANorthAmerica/SafetyNotices/08022-01(Dyna-lockAdvisory).pdf

Take a Survey: Education

2008-08-27T14:58:00.000-07:00

To better serve the ASSE Southern Nevada chapter, the Education Committee requests chapter members to take their education survey to help assist them in providing high quality professional development courses through out the chapter year.

Please take a few minutes to fill out the survey form and either email it to Angela Torres at torresa1@nv.doe.gov or turn it in at the next monthly membership meeting.

2008 ASSE Swing For Education Golf Tournament

2008-07-28T15:13:00.000-07:00

The Southern Nevada Chapter of the American Society of Safety Engineers’ Fourth Annual Swing for Education will be held on October 4, 2008. To compete in this Four-Person Golf Scramble for fun and prizes, fill out the registration form shown below to reserve your spot in this popular tournament. Your tax deductible donation will benefit the ASSE Southern Nevada Chapter Education Foundation and selected professional academic initiatives. Company sponsors will receive special playing privileges for their support.

Click here to download Tournament Brochure & Registration Form

New 2008-2009 ASSE Chapter Officers

2008-06-30T11:39:00.000-07:00

The following members of the Southern Nevada Chapter ASSE have been elected as Chapter officers for 2008-2009. We appreciate their commitment to the Chapter, and their willingness to give of their time to assist in developing the future of the Chapter:

President: Dale Walsh, MS, CIH, CSP, CEM, Converse Consultants
Vice-President: Angela Torres, National Security Technologies/Bechtel
Secretary: Alfonzo Mendez, Sun City Landscapes, Inc.
Treasurer: Ty Salazar, CEM, OHST, The Westmark Group
Member-At-Large (Hospitality): Sam Lybarger, CSHM, CSP, Safety S.A.M & Associates
Member-At-Large (Construction): Rick C. Erickson, CHST, MAL Construction
Member-At-Large (Hospitality): Sam Lybarger, CSHM, CSP, Safety S.A.M & Associates
Member-At-Large (CHMM): Diane Hale, CEM, CHMM, HERServices, Inc.
Member-At-Large (Industry): Don Fritz, CSP, Las Vegas Power Company, LLC
Member-At-Large (Industry): Sandra Kirkwood, City of Las Vegas Fire & Rescue

Past Presidents:

Doug Sharp, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Gloria Heatherington, Heatherington Consulting Group
Wayne Matherly, Riviara Hotel & Casino

We are always looking for individuals to help out as committee chairs and meeting presentations. If you are interested, please contact one of the new chapter officers.

2008 Chapter Awards Banquet

2008-05-28T08:35:00.000-07:00

Dear ASSE Members:

It is my plearsure to invite you and your spouse or guest to the Southern Nevada Chapter Awards and New Officers Installation Event from 6:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. on Friday, June 13, 2008. We will be meeting in the Claddagh room inside Hennesseys Tavern located on Fremont Street in downtown Las Vegas. Hot appetizers will be served buffet style and there will be a cash bar. There is no charge for ASSE members, and a charge of $20.00 per guest.

Joining us at my invitation will be Las Vegas Sun reporter Ms. Alexandra Berzon who will speak with us briefly about her experiences reporting the circumstances pertaining to the alarming number of fatalities on construction sites in Las Vegas recently. We will have an opportunity to ask her questions and continue our efforts to become positively involved in measures to promote safety in our community. I will be presenting awards to our departing officers and executive committee members, and introducing our executive staff for the 2008-2009 Chapter Year.

Please RSVP for the June 13 Awards and New Officer Installation Event to Doug Sharp as soon as possible and no later than June 6.

I look forward to an enjoyable evening celebrating our Chapter's efforts of the past year to promote the professional practice of occupational safety in our community and I thank you for your partnership.

Sincerely,

Douglas C. Sharp, CSP, OHST
President
Southern Nevada Chapter American Society of Safety Engineers

Map & Directions

New Chapter Website

2008-05-19T11:22:00.001-07:00

On May 19, 2008, the Southern Nevada Chapter unveiled a new look to their asselv.org website. The new design improves the overall look and provides easier navigation to the most visited pages. The new website also incorperates three new chapter blogs allows all members to post chapter news, safety training announcements, and safety discussions without having them added directly to the chapter website. The new blogs also allow members to post comments on any of the posts.

To view the new website got to: http://www.asselv.org.

ASSE Young Professionals Group

2008-05-07T13:07:00.001-07:00

Recently a common interest group was formed to help groom young professionals in the Society. The newly formed, Young Professionals (YP) Common Interest Group (CIG), will be having its first networking meeting in Las Vegas on Wednesday, June 11th, 2008 at the Las Vegas Hilton Hotel in Conference Room #6.

The YP CIG targets graduating college and university seniors and those with up to 7 years of SH&E experience. Experience begins with the first full time employment as an SH&E professional. This also includes those who may be entering the field mid-career.

This networking meeting is open to all who are interested in learning more about the group (i.e. members, mentors, sponsors, students, etc.).

The Executive Committee of the YP CIG would like to encourage professionals who are new to the Society or the Safety, Health, and Environmental (SH&E) field to attend this event. We are asking that you help us publicize the newly formed CIG by making an announcement at your chapter meetings, providing information on your website, by emailing your chapter members, and/or publishing information in your newsletter.

There is a flyer attached for your review and distribution. Please advise members to RSVP to selena.schmidt@libertymutual.com or tfalin@northcoastenergy.com if they are planning to attend.

The website for YP CIG is currently under construction, but can be viewed at http://www.asse.org/practicespecialties/yp/index.php for more information.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the executive committee. Contact information is listed on the website.

2008-2009 Chapter Officer Nominations

2008-05-06T16:16:00.000-07:00

It’s time again for Chapter Elections! The term of office is from July 2008 – June 2009. The current nominations for the Southern Nevada Chapter officers for the 2008-2009 year are as follows:

View the 2008-2009 officers currently nominated (pdf)

The vote will be conducted during the May 2008 Chapter Memebership Meeting on May 14, 2008.

May Membership Meeting

2008-05-06T16:05:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, May 14, 2008
7:00 am - 12:00 pm
Cashman Convention Center
Rooms 101/102 850
Las Vegas Blvd N
Las Vegas, NV 89101
Joint Meeting of the ASSE Southern Nevada Chapter, Las Vegas Chapter of the Indoor Air Quality Association, and Nevada Section of the American Industrial Hygiene Association.

Presentation: Construction Safety Forum, Road Dust & Green Building Air Quality. Sponsored by LVI Environmental of Nevada - A subsidiary of LVI Services

Map & Directions
Agenda (pdf)
Flyer (pdf)

Welcome

2008-05-05T15:59:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the new ASSE Chapter News Blog sponsored by the Southern Nevada Chapter of the American Society of Safety Engineers. The ASSE Chapter News Blog has been developed to provide a forum for chapter news and information. We hope that all visitors to this blog will contribute and provide information to further the profession in Southern Nevada.