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Pressure washers—choices and use

Pressure washers are used for many different cleaning applications, from lightduty to heavy-duty. Manufacturers offer many models and accessories to help do these jobs. It can be a challenge to select the right washer and accessories for a job. So, here’s a little guidance for the selection and safe use of pressure washers.

Selection

The key to proper pressure washer selection is to identify the major application and the requirements of the application. Ask yourself:

1. Electric or gas? 
2. What is being cleaned? 
3. What is the size of the area to be cleaned and how fast does it need to be done? 
4. Business or home use? 
5. What is the average number of hours it will be used per month? 
6. Are there any use restrictions involved, i.e., will the pressure washer be operated indoors as well as outdoors? 
7. Is mobility an issue? 
8. Is noise level a factor?

Electric pressure washers are used for light- to medium-duty applications. They are portable and lightweight, operate quietly, easy to store, designed for cleaning small areas, economical to operate, can be used in nonvented areas and are usually less costly. 

Gasoline pressure washers are used for medium- to heavy-duty applications. They can be used in remote locations (no electricity required), have higher performance ratings than electric washers, offer faster cleaning times, are designed for cleaning large areas and feature rugged frames, long-life pumps, commercial-style spray wands and accessories.

Light-duty tasks include cleaning barbeque grills, bicycles, garbage cans, garden tools, lawn and patio furniture, motorcycles, screens and swing sets. Light- to medium-duty tasks include cleaning boats, cars, gutters and downspouts, hot tubs, lawn mowers and tractors, recreational vehicles, spas, trucks and wood fences. Medium- to heavy-duty tasks include cleaning bricks, decks, concrete driveways, house siding, patios, pools and walkways. Cleaning farm equipment is an example of a heavy-duty task. 

Next, ask yourself, how much pressure, power and time is needed to do the job right? 

For example, if removing a hard, baked-on grease from an engine block with a bond breaking pressure of 2800 psi, then lower pressure units are ruled out. A higher pressure would be required to remove something that is baked onto a surface. 

Typically, breaking pressures and "work values" are published in the pressure washer’s owner’s manual. Work values are calculated by multiplying the pressure (psi) and the flow rate (gallons per minute or gpm). For example, the work value of a 3,000 psi and 2.5 gpm pressure washer is 7,500. 

Flow rate affects the time it takes to clean something. The higher the flow, the shorter the length of time it takes to clean. Pressure is the force of the water used to break a bond. Hard and firmly attached deposits require higher pressures than soft deposits not firmly attached. 

Safe use 

When it comes to hazards associated with pressure washers, most can be averted by taking some common sense precautions. 

Hoses are important. Select hoses that are rated well above the maximum operating pressure of the pressure washing unit. Follow the equipment manufacturer’s guidelines on proper pressure ratings. 

If hot water washing is required, select hoses that have the temperature range needed. Select hoses that are chemical-resistant if chemicals are used for cleaning. Do not couple hoses supplied by different manufacturers. Spring guards may be needed where hose flexing at a coupling could weaken the hose. 

Visually inspect the full length of the hose and inspect all other relevant components. Replace hoses and components when necessary. Destroy any hose deemed unserviceable so another worker will not use it later. Drain hoses after each use. Do not wind a hose so tight that kinks or flat spots will result. Do not store hoses in below freezing environments. And lastly, always follow equipment manufacturer’s specifications in hose selection. 

On-the-job precautions 

Fluids under high pressure from spray or leaks can penetrate the skin, causing extremely serious injury. Never try to stop or deflect a leak with your hand or body. Always wear proper personal protection equipment— aprons, gloves, goggles and a face shield. 

Quick coupler sleeves must be in a locked position before starting a washer. 

Avoid hoses being crushed by vehicular traffic and avoid abrasion to a hose by pulling it in sections rather than grabbing one end of the line and pulling its full weight. Also, don’t bend the hose beyond the manufacturer’s specified minimum bend radius. 

Electrical precautions 

Inspect all cords for damage. Never remove the grounding prong on the plug end. Use ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs). 

Detergent cleaning precautions 

Use only mild cleaning detergents— never toxic or corrosive chemicals. Always rinse the injection system with clean water. 

General safety precautions 

Do not override the safety controls built into hot-water washer models. Additionally, never adjust the regulating feature of the unloader valve beyond the factory setting. 

Never start the washer until water is supplied to the unit. And always make sure the trigger safety lock is set when the gun valve is not in use. Lastly, when finished, always relieve the pressure in the system before uncoupling the hoses.

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Stormwater permits required by March 10 for MS4s and construction sites

The 1972 Clean Water Act (CWA) prohibits the discharge of any pollutant from a point source into a United States body of water unless that discharge is authorized by a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit. 

Congress amended the CWA in 1987. The amendment required the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish Phase I NPDES requirements for stormwater discharges. More than 100,000 industrial facilities, construction activities involving five or more acres, and medium to large municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s) were affected by this amendment. 

The EPA released Phase II requirements in December of 1999. Phase II requires all small MS4s (those serving populations of less than 100,000 people) and construction activities involving one or more acres to be permitted. All entities regulated under Phase II must have permits by March 10. 

An MS4 is a conveyance or system of conveyances—including roads with drainage systems, municipal streets, catch basins, curbs, gutters, ditches, man-made channels or storm drains— that are owned or operated by a public body. They are designed for collecting or conveying stormwater and are not a combined sewer nor part of a public treatment works. An MS4 also refers to sewer systems owned by state departments, departments of transportation, universities, military bases, hospitals and prison systems.

 Industrial sites impacted by the stormwater rule are those with regulated areas exposed to stormwater and the runoff that is generated during a significant rainfall. The regulated areas include plant yards, material handling sites, refuse sites, areas used for application or disposal of process wastewater, areas used for storage and maintenance of material handling equipment, shipping and receiving areas, raw material storage areas, and areas of past industrial activity that left significant materials exposed to stormwater. 

Construction activities larger than one acre that discharge pollutants into stormwater runoff through soil disruption are also covered by this rule. Soil disturbing activities include clearing, grating, and excavation. Other regulated construction activities include equipment storage or maintenance, truck washout areas and fueling areas. 

The EPA provides “No Exposure Exclusions” for industrial materials and activities that are protected by a storm-resistant shelter. A storm-resistant shelter must prevent exposure to rain, snow, snowmelt and runoff. The shelter must be completely roofed and walled and must prevent runoff from reaching the underside of the structure. Industrial facilities using storm-resistant shelters to prevent runoff are excluded from the permitting process. “No Exposure Exclusions” are not available for construction activities. 

NPDES permits specify the acceptable level (as determined by the EPA) of a pollutant in a discharge. The permits are issued by states that have obtained approval from the EPA or through the EPA regions in states without approval. The permits require the facility to sample its discharges in outfalls and report the results to the proper regulatory agency. Most permits are limited to five years. They can be renewed at any time after the permit holder applies. Most NPDES permits include the following: 

• A site map showing topography and/or drainage areas and site characteristics 
• An estimate of the total surface drained by each outfall
• A description of significant materials exposed to rainfall 
• Information on significant leaks and spills in the last three years 
• A stormwater pollution prevention plan

Regulated industrial facilities, construction activities and MS4s must design their stormwater pollution prevention plans to reduce their discharge to the maximum extent possible. To obtain this goal, the EPA has offered six basic Best Management Practices, or BMPs:

1. Public education and outreach 
2. Public participation and involvement 
3. Illicit discharge detection and elimination 
4. Construction site runoff control 
5. Post-construction runoff control 
6. Pollution prevention and good housekeeping

More information concerning the EPA’s Stormwater Rule can be obtained by visiting its Web site: http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/index.cfm or by visiting Lab Safety Supply’s Web site: www.labsafety.com/stormwater/

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Minimize welding hazards in your workplace

Welding is a safe occupation when measures are taken to protect welders from the vast array of potential occupational hazards. Electric shock, intense heat, radiation, fires and explosions are all dangers that welders need to understand. Following proper, safe work practices is essential. 

Equipment inspection

Improperly functioning equipment is hazardous. All equipment must be inspected regularly to ensure it is fit for service. Critical components, such as hoses, regulators and valves, should be checked daily. 

Gas cylinders should be stored in an upright position and chained or strapped to a wall or cart. If they are in a portable cart, the cart should be secured so it won’t tip over. Acetylene cylinders should never be stored on their sides. If they are tipped, they should be righted and not used for at least eight hours. 

Gas supply valves and fittings should be free of any grease or oil. For cleaning, soap and water are best. When the valves are opened, the system’s pressure needle should rise steadily and remain stable. When shut down, the pressure exerted by the diaphragm screw should be relieved to prolong the regulator’s life. 

Hoses must be inspected as well. Damaged hoses must be repaired or replaced. 

The condition of arc welding system electrode holders and cables is vital. The insulation on the holder protects the welder from electric current and should be replaced if damaged. The electrode cables need to be repaired or replaced if damaged. 

Qualified personnel must perform some welding equipment inspections. Examples include inspections of the internal workings of regulators and flash arresters as well as the required gas supply cylinder hydrostatic testing. 

Welding hazards and precautions

Protective clothing worn by welders must allow freedom of movement while providing adequate coverage against sparks, weld spatter and arc radiation. Clothing must be kept clean of grease and oil. 

Many types of clothing protect against radiation. Typically, excessive radiation exposure appears as a skin burn. Under the worst conditions, severe burns and skin cancer may result. 

Eyes must be protected from radiation exposure as well. Brief exposure can cause an eye burn known as “welder’s flash.” While this condition is not always apparent until several hours after exposure, it can cause extreme discomfort. It can result in swelling, fluid excretion and temporary blindness. Repeated or prolonged exposure can lead to permanent eye damage. The only preventative measure is the use of proper eye shading. 

Electric shock is one of the most serious and immediate risks. To prevent electric shock, develop and use safe work habits. At a minimum, wear dry gloves in good condition, do not touch the electrode or metal parts of the electrode and keep dry insulation between the body and the metal being welded or ground.

Be aware of the extreme temperatures associated with arc welding processes. The heat of the welding arc can reach temperatures of 10,000°F. Fires may result from the effects of this intense heat in the form of sparks and molten metals. These can spray up to 35 feet. 

To prevent fires, make sure there is distance of at least 35 feet between all flammables and the work area. Cover combustibles with fire blankets or shield them in some other way. Do not weld in compromised areas. It’s also a good idea to station a watchperson equipped with a fire extinguisher. 

Worker heat stress should be monitored as well. To prevent heat stress, stay hydrated, plan the work and allow for adequate cool-down periods. 

Welding fumes and gas plumes contain solid particles from the welding rods, base metal and base metal coating. General exposure symptoms include burning eyes and skin, dizziness, nausea and fever. Chronic, long-term exposure to welding fumes may lead to serious pulmonary function problems. Zinc fumes can cause metal fume fever, a flu-like illness. Brief exposures to cadmium fumes can be fatal. 

Gases that result from arc welding also present a potential hazard. Shielding gases such as argon, helium and carbon dioxide are nontoxic, but when released, they displace oxygen in the breathing air. To reduce the risk of hazardous fumes and gases, use mechanical ventilation or local exhaust to direct the fume plume away or use fixed or portable exhaust hoods to draw fumes away. It may be necessary to wear an approved respirator if sufficient ventilation cannot be provided. 

When welding in a confined space, all hazards are amplified. Precautions are even more important. Only trained personnel should weld in a confined space and all precautions and regulations must be followed. 

For more information, see: 

LSS EZ Facts® No. 109—Welding Safety  
ANSI Z49.1.88—Welding and Cutting 
OSHA 1910 Subpart Q—Welding, Cutting and Brazing

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Signs, signals, barricades ruling protects construction workers

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has revised the construction industry safety standards for traffic control signs, signals and barricades (29 CFR 1926 Subpart G). The final rule was published in the Sept. 12, 2002 Federal Register. It became effective Dec. 11, 2002 and requires compliance with either the 1993 (Revision 3) or the Millennium Edition version of Part VI of the Federal Highway Administration’s Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). 

The final rule addresses the types of signs, signals and barricades that must be used to protect construction employees from traffic hazards. Specifically, the revised standard requires: 

• Retro-reflective and illuminated devices at intermediate and longterm stationary temporary traffic control zones 
• Warning devices for mobile operations at speeds above 20 mph 
• Advance warning signs for certain closed paved shoulders 
• A transition area containing a merging taper when one lane is closed on a multi-lane road 
• Temporary traffic control devices with traffic barriers that are immediately adjacent to an open lane 
• Temporary traffic barriers separating opposing traffic on a two-way roadway

In 1970, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) assumed responsibility for publishing the MUTCD from the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). The FHWA substantially rewrites the MUTCD every 10 to 20 years and amends it every two or three years. 

Until the Millennium Edition was published in December 2000, the most recent edition was the 1988 edition. The 1988 edition consisted of 10 parts, including Part VI, “Standards and Guidelines for Traffic Controls for Street and Highway Construction, Maintenance, Utility, and Incident Management Operations.” The FHWA substantially revised and reissued Part VI in 1993 (Revision 3). 

Online copies of the Millennium Edition are available for downloading from DOT’s Web site: mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/kno-millennium.htm.

Copies of the 1988 Edition of the MUTCD (Revision 3, dated 9/93, with the November 1994 Errata No. 1) are available for downloading from OSHA’s Web site: www.osha.gov/doc/highway_ workzones.

Additional information 

For more information on construction worker safety, contact these organizations: 

American Traffic Safety Services Association 
15 Riverside Parkway Suite 100 
Fredericksburg, VA 22406 
Telephone 800-231-3475 
Fax 540-368-1722 
www.atssa.com 

Institute of Transportation Engineers 
1099 14th Street NW Suite 300 
West Washington, DC 20005 
Fax: 202-289-7722 
www.ite.org 

American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials 
Telephone: 800-231-3475 
Fax: 800-525-5562 
www.aashto.org

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Dental professional risks, regulations, guidelines

Dental professionals are at risk for exposure to many biological, chemical, environmental, physical and psychological workplace hazards. The following describes several regulations and guidelines that are of primary concern to the dental industry. 

Bloodborne pathogens 

In December of 1991, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) enacted the Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens (BBP) Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030). The standard applies to all occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials. Dental care professionals are at risk for occupational exposure to blood and bloodborne pathogens. 

The BBP standard set forth requirements for employers with workers exposed to blood or other potentially infectious materials. In order to reduce or eliminate the hazards of occupational exposure, employers must implement an exposure control plan for the work site with details on employee protection measures. Among other provisions, the plan must describe engineering and work practice controls, use of personal protective clothing and equipment. Employers must provide training, medical surveillance, hepatitis B vaccinations and the use of proper signs and labeling. Engineering controls are the primary means of eliminating or minimizing employee exposure. 

Needlesticks and sharps 

More than 10 years have passed since the BBP was published. Since then, many different medical devices have been developed to reduce the risk of needlesticks and other sharps injuries. Despite these advances, such injuries continue to be a concern. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that healthcare workers sustain nearly 600,000 percutaneous injuries annually involving contaminated instruments or sharps. As a result, Congress passed the Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act. This Act directed OSHA to revise the BBP standard to require employers to identify and make use of effective and safer medical devices. This revision became effective on April 18, 2001 and involves changes in the exposure control plan. Employers must: 

• Take into account innovations in medical procedures and technological developments that reduce the risk of exposure. 
• Document consideration and use of appropriate, commercially available and effective safer devices. 
• Select devices that will not jeopardize patient or employee safety or be medically inadvisable and that will make an exposure incident involving a contaminated sharp less likely to occur. 
• Solicit feedback from nonmanagerial employees concerning the use of the new devices. 
• Keep a sharps injury log, including the type and brand of device involved in the injury, the location of the incident and description of the incident. 

Dentists are required by law to comply with OSHA. They should also follow CDC and American Dental Association (ADA) guidelines to protect patients, employees and themselves from the transmission of infectious diseases. 

Waste anesthetic gases 

Dental professionals may be exposed to respiratory hazards as well. Waste anesthetic gases of concern are nitrous oxide and halogenated vapors such as halothane, enflurane, methoxyflurane, trichloroethylene and chloroform. Some potential effects of exposure to these gases are nausea, dizziness, headaches, fatigue and irritability, as well as sterility, miscarriages, birth defects, cancer and liver and kidney disease. The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends a onehour exposure limit of two parts per million (ppm) for halothane, enflurane, methoxyflurane, trichloroethylene and chloroform and a TWA exposure limit of 25 ppm for nitrous oxide.

The principal source of waste anesthetic gas is leakage from anesthetic equipment. A scavenging system is the basic engineering control for this problem. These systems collect waste gas and vent it from the room. The equipment must be regularly monitored for leakage, improper design and tubing defects. PPE is not needed or recommended if an adequate control program is in place. However, monitoring should be done and PPE should be available in case of an emergency. 

Dental professionals must be trained to recognize, understand, monitor and reduce the health and safety risks associated with their profession.

CBD a dental lab risk 

A risk for dental professionals, especially those working with alloys containing beryllium, is chronic beryllium disease (CBD). This lung disease can be disabling and even fatal. 

CBD can develop when laboratory technicians inhale dust containing beryllium when casting, cutting, grinding, polishing or finishing items such as dental crowns, bridges and partial denture frameworks made from beryllium alloys. 

OSHA permissible exposure limits (PELs) for beryllium are 2 micrograms per cubic meter of air as an eight-hour time-weighted average, 5–25 micrograms for up to 30 minutes at a time, and a maximum of 25 micrograms. Beryllium is also classified as a known carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. 

CBD symptoms resemble pneumonia or bronchitis and may include: coughing, shortness of breath, fatigue, weight loss, loss of appetite, fever or night sweats. It may develop within months of beryllium exposure or years later. Usually, only workers who have become sensitized to beryllium develop CBD. A sensitized worker develops an allergic reaction to beryllium. 

To reduce the risk of CBD, use proper engineering controls, work practices, personal protective equipment and training, such as: 

• Where possible, use alloys that do not contain beryllium. 
• Procedures related to cutting, grinding, polishing and finishing beryllium alloys should be conducted using proper ventilation systems with high efficiency particulate filters. 
• Substitute work practices that generate less dust for procedures that produce more dust. 
• Monitor employee exposure to airborne beryllium dust and fumes on a regular basis to ensure exposures are below OSHA PELs. 
• Use respiratory protection. 
• Wear protective clothing (gloves, arm sleeves, lab coats, booties and other garments that cover skin, hair and personal clothing) when casting, cutting, grinding, polishing or finishing dental items containing beryllium alloys. Do not leave the workplace wearing protective clothing or equipment. 
• Wash face, hands and forearms before eating, drinking, smoking or applying cosmetics. 
• Store street clothes apart from work clothes in a clean area. 

Employers must comply with the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200). Employees exposed to beryllium must be trained about CBD and how to reduce their risk of exposure.

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Flood cleanup requires safety precautions

There are many hazards to consider when performing flood cleanup operations. Hazards must be determined and the proper precautions taken. These may include deep water, electrical hazards, chemical hazards, contamination and more. 

Proper personal protection equipment can offer protection. For example, safety shoes, gloves, long pants and safety glasses should be worn during cleanup operations. A hard hat should be worn if there is any danger of overhead falling debris. Use a respirator when cleaning up moldy materials or decaying vegetation. 

Use proper lifting techniques when moving heavy, water-laden items. In hot environments, drink plenty of fluids. Hands should be washed frequently to avoid contamination— especially before eating, drinking or applying cosmetics. 

When working in areas under water, use a wooden stick to check for pits, holes or protruding objects. Use a life vest when working in areas that contain deep water. 

Do not handle downed power lines or any objects in contact with these lines. Also, be aware of overhead and underground lines when cleaning debris. Use ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) when working in wet locations and ensure that all cord-connected, electrically operated tools and equipment are grounded or double insulated. 

Beware of containers filled with unknown chemicals. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) should be contacted for information on proper disposal. Hazardous materials, such as asbestos or lead, require special precautions. 

Flood clean-up operations can pose many hazards, but the dangers can be reduced by taking the proper safety precautions.

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SCBAs designed and approved for terrorist activity response

In January 2002, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) began accepting chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) agent approval applications for self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). 

A SCBA approved for CBRN agents will provide first responders with the respiratory protection needed to respond to terrorist activities involving chemicals, pathogens or radioactive materials. 

The requirements for CBRN SCBA approval are: 

• NIOSH approval of the SCBA under 42 CFR Part 84 
• Compliance of the SCBA to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1981 
• Approval of the SCBA under 42 CFR Part 84.63 (c) special tests 

The special tests include chemical permeation and penetration resistance against sarin (GB) and distilled sulfur mustard (HD) and Laboratory Respirator Protection Level (LRPL) tests. 

Test protocols and updates to the CBRN SCBA standard can be viewed online at the NIOSH Web site: www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/scbasite.html.

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	Ask a Tech Rep - Global Positioning Systems
	by Jack Technical Representative
Q.	What is the most important feature to look for when selecting a GPS receiver?
A.	The most important feature in a GPS receiver greatly depends on the application. All GPS receivers share a few common characteristics—all determine the user’s present location based on a selected map datum, all are able to store that location and all allow the user to return to that location. Some features that enhance a GPS include WAAS-enabling, external memory and turn-by-turn capabilities. Because a WAAS-enabled GPS tends to improve accuracy, this is a major benefit even for recreational users. External memory allows the user to display additional specialized maps on the GPS. This can be beneficial when performing topographical studies or when street-level detail is needed. If the intended use of the GPS is for driving, then a receiver with turn-by-turn capabilities and a remote antenna are most important.
Q.	What is WAAS?
A.	WAAS is an acronym for Wide Area Augmentation System. This space-based system consists of two geostationary satellites that transmit integrity information and correction data as determined by ground reference stations. The goal of this is improved accuracy for GPS users. These two satellites are positioned over either coast of the United States and any GPS receiver that is WAAS-enabled receives the signal. WAAS-enabled GPS receivers have been shown in field tests to provide horizontal accuracy to within 2–3 meters in most situations.
Q.	What is a waypoint?
A.	Waypoints are locations or landmarks worth recording and storing in a GPS. They may be checkpoints on a route or significant ground features, such as a fork in a trail or base camp. Waypoints may be defined and stored in the GPS manually or by taking the coordinates from a map or other reference. Stored waypoints not only allow a user to return to a location, but also provide a means of estimating distances from one location of interest to another.
Q.	Can a GPS be used under a forest canopy or near tall buildings?
A.	Any obstructions to open sky tend to decrease signal strength. Forest canopies, tall buildings and even transmissions from microwaves can affect GPS signal reception. While some GPS units tend to capture satellite signals under light forest cover better than others, all will begin to lose satellite reception in dense cover.
Q.	Can I compute property acreage using a GPS receiver?
A.	Currently, only a few receivers allow the user to calculate acres or hectares on-screen. These include the 76 Series and eTrex Venture, Legend and Vista from Garmin. Area calculations can be performed using most GPS receivers, however, as long as the receiver has the ability to transfer data to a computer. There are multitudes of mapping software packages available that will perform this function.
Q.	How can I tell if I can download maps to the GPS receiver?
A.	The ability of a GPS receiver to upload and store data is governed by the amount of memory available. If the description of a GPS mentions internal or external memory of 1MB for example, then the user will be able to upload 1MB of information.

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worth noting . . .

Alliance: The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the American Biological Safety Association (ABSA) have established an alliance to protect health and prevent illness and injury in the workplace from biological hazards. They will use their collective expertise to enhance workplace health and safety and assist employers in developing a preventive focus for biological safety issues in the workplace.

Evacuation: OSHA’s eTool, “Evacuation Plans and Procedures,” is designed to help small, low-hazard service or retail businesses implement an emergency action plan. It helps these businesses comply with the OSHA standards for 1910.37 Exit Routes, 1910.38 Emergency Action Plans and Fire Prevention Plans, 1910.157 Portable Fire Extinguishers, 1910.160 Fixed Extinguishing Systems, 1910.164 Fire Detection Systems and 1910.165 Employee Alarm Systems. This eTool is at www.osha.gov/SLTC/ evacuation_etool/index.html.

Smallpox: The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Smallpox Response Plan and Guidelines (Version 3) now contains an important addition to smallpox preparedness efforts—a comprehensive annex titled, “Smallpox Vaccination Clinic Guide.” This new section describes the operations and logistical considerations associated with implementing a large-scale voluntary vaccination program in response to a confirmed smallpox outbreak. It provides details on all aspects of immunization clinic operations and staffing and includes an example of a model smallpox vaccination clinic.

Construction: OSHA’s eTool, “Construction Industry,” provides stand-alone, interactive, Web-based training tools on construction topics. They are highly illustrated and use graphical menus as well as expert system modules. These modules enable the user to answer questions and receive reliable advice on how OSHA regulations apply to their work site. This eTool is at www.osha.gov/SLTC/ construction_ecat/index.html.

Emergency: The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recently issued its first approval of respirators for use by emergency responders to protect against chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear exposure. The approved respirators are self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) that provide users with air from a pressurized cylinder or tank carried on the user’s back. Spiromatic models 9030, 6630 and 4530 have been approved.

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TECHlines^® is published bi-monthly by Lab Safety Supply Inc., PO Box 1368, Janesville, Wisconsin 53547-1368.
TECHlines^®'s goal is to provide accurate information on the subject matter covered. However, it is impossible to guarantee absolute accuracy of the materials. The publisher, therefore, cannot assume any responsibility for omissions, errors or misprinting contained within this publication.
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