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October Online Specials!

Go to LSS.com and take advantage of temporarily reduced prices on these great products:

This offer ends on October 31, 2008, but you'll find new special offers every month at LSS.com. Add it to your favorites. You'll always have instant access to over 130,000 products.


Influenza season is upon us

Influenza, a.k.a. “the flu,” is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness and can lead to death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), each year up to 20% of America’s population gets the flu, more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications and about 36,000 people die from flu.

Symptoms of flu typically include fever, headache, tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Flu viruses spread mainly from person to person through the coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. Sometimes people become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouths or noses. Most healthy adults can infect others beginning one day before symptoms develop and up to five days after becoming sick.

Older people, young children and people with certain health conditions, such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease, are at high risk for serious flu complications. Complications of flu can include bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, dehydration and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma or diabetes.

The single best way to prevent the flu is to get an annual flu vaccination. Yearly flu vaccinations typically start in September (or as soon as vaccine is available) and continue throughout the influenza season. Influenza activity peaks in January or later.

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Lab Safety Supply, Inc.
401 S. Wright Rd,
Janesville, WI 53547-1368,
USA Tel: 800-356-0783
Fax: 800-543-9910 http://www.labsafety.com

Contact Information

If you have any specific questions about product specifications, applications or compliance issues, call one of our Technical Support Specialists at 1-800-356-2501 or e-mail them at: TechSvc@labsafety.com

If you have any questions about the list or its contents, send an e-mail to the Editor at:T.Ostendorf@labsafety.com

Saf-T-News is copyrighted by LSS, Inc. Those wishing to re-publish a Saf-T-News piece in any other form or medium must first receive permission from LSS, Inc. To request permission, e-mail: G.Lee@labsafety.com

The goal of Saf-T-News is to provide accurate information on the subject matters covered. However, it is impossible to guarantee absolute accuracy of the materials. Therefore, the publisher cannot assume any responsibility for omissions, errors or misprinting contained within this publication.



 

 

 

Anyone who wants to reduce their chances of getting the flu can get vaccinated. However, certain people should get vaccinated each year either because they are at high risk of having serious flu-related complications or because they live with or care for high-risk persons. There are some people who are not ideal candidates for the vaccine. The key is to consult with your physician before getting the flu vaccine.

There are other tools to prevent getting the flu and spreading it. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Frequent handwashing and avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth will help stop the spread of germs. If you are sick, stay home. Also, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.

For all you need to know and more about seasonal flu, please refer to: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/

For a selection of LSS hand sanitizers and surface disinfectants, please see: http://www.labsafety.com/store/Safety_Supplies/Biosafety/Biohazard_Cleaners/

For more information on hand hygiene, please check out the LSS EZ Facts® summary at: http://www.labsafety.com/refinfo/ezfacts/ezf285.htm

Click here for a selection of multi-symptom, fever, pain, congestion or cough medication. Click here for hands-free automatic faucets.

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Alcohol-Free Hand Sanitizer

Want to ward off the flu? Keep your hands clean with this hygienic, safe Hand Sanitizer that’s easy on your skin. Foaming action makes total coverage easy. Nontoxic, nonflammable and biodegradable formula kills 99.99% of germs in seconds. You can even apply it to cuts or scrapes without stinging. Click here to get yours:

http://www.labsafety.com/search/157930/60277/157930/

Alcohol-Free Hand Sanitizer

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NSC seeks to raise radon awareness

The National Safety Council (NSC) has designated the week of Oct. 19-25 as National Radon Action Week.

Radon is a radioactive gas that is colorless, odorless and tasteless. It is formed by the natural radioactive decay of uranium in rock, soil and water. Naturally existing, low levels of uranium occur widely in the Earth's crust.

The Surgeon General has warned that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. Nearly one out of every 15 homes has a radon level that the EPA considers to be elevated. The only way to know if radon is present is to test for it.

For additional information on radon, please visit:

http://www.nsc.org/resources/Factsheets/environment/radon.aspx

Click here to read more on Radon – Awareness, Detection and Remediation.

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Drug-free workplaces spotlighted by DOL

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has named Oct. 20-26 as Drug-Free Work Week. Its goal is to highlight the benefits that drug-free workplaces bring to employers, employees and communities. Accident prevention, improved productivity and employee assistance are just a few of benefits. For more information, please refer to:
http://www.dol.gov/asp/programs/drugs/workingpartners/DFWW-Introduction.asp

Click here for Rapid Drug Screen Cards and Breath Alcohol Detector.

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New OSHA eTool for powered industrial trucks

Powered industrial trucks are a common fixture in many workplaces. OSHA has recently unveiled a new Web-based safety training eTool that addresses this equipment. It includes four modules that examine the types of forklifts, safe operating practices, workplace conditions affecting operation and operator training. The eTool is located at: http://www.osha.gov/dcsp/products/etools/pit/index.html

Take a look at Jungheinrich Powered Stackers and Pallet Jacks.

Click here for information on Forklift Operator Training.

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NFPA Fire Prevention Week clarification

In the “Fire Prevention Week focuses on home fires” article in the previous issue of Saf-T-News, we incorrectly stated that the leading causes of home fires are cooking, electrical, smoking materials and candles. According to the NFPA, cooking, heating, electrical and smoking materials are the leading causes of home fires.

Saf-T-News apologizes for our misinterpretation of the NFPA’s information and thanks our loyal reader Donnie for catching our error and allowing us to set the record straight.

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Safety FAQ

Q: What is the difference between bump testing and calibrating an air monitor and when should I do both?

A: Bump testing an air monitor consists of applying a known concentration of gas to the monitor to see if its sensor reacts within 90-120% of the expected value. If the monitor doesn’t respond accurately, then it should be fully calibrated. Bump testing should be performed prior to each day’s use. Calibrating an air monitor can be done in two ways, depending on the features of the monitor and the calibration equipment used.

A manual calibration consists of entering the monitor’s calibration mode, (usually through its menu), then applying a constant flow of calibration gas that is within the manufacturer’s specifications at the correct flow rate. Using incorrect gas concentrations or a regulator with the incorrect flow rate can cause the monitor to produce inaccurate readings. Some air monitors require the user to adjust what the monitor is reading to match the concentration of the calibration gas for each sensor, while other monitors will test all sensors at the same time and require no user adjustments.

Automatic calibration is performed using a docking station with calibration gas and a demand flow regulator that pulls a sample of gas only when it is needed. This not only conserves calibration gas, but can also extend the life of the sensor because it limits the exposure to the gas. Most docking stations start calibrating the monitor once the monitor is placed in the docking bay and do not require adjustments by the user.

Regardless of how the calibration is performed, it should be done in accordance with the manufacturer’s specification, which is usually annually or when there is doubt of the sensor’s accuracy. Don’t take a chance with your life, verify the accuracy frequently.

Click here for more FAQs on Air Monitors.

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SAF-T-TRIVIA

Last Week's Question:

How can you tell if your glasses are compliant safety eyewear?

A. The temple or lens will be marked with Z358.
B. The temple will be marked with “OSHA Approved.”
C. The temple will be marked with “Z87.”
D. The temple will be marked with “Safety Eyewear.”

The answer is C. The temple will be marked with “Z87.”

This week's winner is Thomas from Friendswood, TX. Congratulations! Thomas wins a Stanley MaxGrip® self-adjusting pliers!

This Week's Question:

Which of the following describes a Class I hazardous location?

A. Electrical fires may be expected
B. Metal fires may be expected
C. Explosive dust may be present
D. Flammable vapors and gases may be present

Submit your answer to SafTTrivia@labsafety.com by Monday, October 13th. We'll select one lucky winner from all the correct entries we receive to win a Stanley MaxGrip® self-adjusting pliers. If you are selected, we will notify you by e-mail. Good Luck!

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Lab Safety Supply