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OSHA Finalizes Powered Industrial Truck Training

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) published a final rule in the December 1, 1998 Federal Register to clarify training requirements to the Powered Industrial Truck regulation (29CFR1910.178). The revised regulation requires a combination of classroom training, demonstration/practical exercises and a successful evaluation of the operator skills prior to operating a powered truck. This final rule became effective March 1, 1999.

The classroom training can be in the form of lectures, video tape programs, interactive computer learning programs, or discussions. The classroom and practical exercises must address specific truck-related and workplace-related topics. These topics include the following:

• Operating instructions, precautions, and warnings for the type of truck to be used.
• Differences between an industrial truck and automobile.
• Industrial truck controls and instruments: location and operation.
• Steering and maneuvering.
• Visibility.
• Vehicle capacity.
• Vehicle stability.
• Vehicle inspection and service the employee may perform.
• Refueling and/or recharging of batteries.
• Operating limitations.
• Other instructions listed in the vehicle operator's manual.

• Surface conditions where vehicle will be used.
• Composition and stability of loads.
• Load stacking, un-stacking and manipulation.
• Pedestrian traffic.
• Narrow aisle and limited area operation.
• Classified hazardous locations of operation.
• Ramps and sloped surfaces.
• Closed environments with poor ventilation with the potential of high carbon monoxide levels.
• Other unique or potential hazardous conditions.

All training must be conducted by individuals who have knowledge, training, and experience to train operators and evaluate their abilities. The practical training exercises must be done under the direct supervision of the trainer in circumstances that will not endanger the trainee or others.

In order to ensure the effectiveness of the training, an evaluation of operator performance must be completed every three years. In addition, refresher training is required if an operator has driven an industrial truck in an unsafe manner, been involved in a near-miss or accident, has received an unsatisfactory evaluation, or if the truck or workplace conditions change.

Employers must certify each operator has been trained and evaluated. Certification must include the name of the trainee, the trainer, and the dates of training and evaluation. Existing industrial truck operators hired before December 1, 1999 must have initial training and evaluation by that date. New operators must have training before the assignment to operate a truck.

The final rule also includes non-mandatory appendixes that supplement the required truck and workplace topics. Additional information can be obtained at OSHA's Web site at www.osha.gov.

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Safety Incentive Programs: Traditional vs. Non-Traditional

Incentive programs are used in many industries as a tool to reward safe behavior, reduce workplace accidents and minimize recordable lost workdays. These programs are instituted by the employer and are not required by OSHA. Traditional and non-traditional are the two categories of incentive programs found within industry today.

Traditional programs reward employees based on numbers, such as no recordable injuries or lost workdays. Non-traditional programs reward employees for participation in safety activities like safety quizzes, safety meetings or exhibiting safe behavior.

While traditional programs are more commonly used, they've come under scrutiny in recent times. Because traditional programs reward employees for low numbers, employees may be reluctant to report an injury because of peer pressure. Employees could view a co-worker who reports an injury as someone who's taking away the group's reward. This type of employee mind-set does not necessarily make for a safer workplace.

For this reason, non-traditional incentive programs have come into vogue. These programs are geared to eliminate the peer pressure to not document an injury or safety concern. They use a more proactive approach to safety by rewarding participation and safe behavior to create a culture of safety awareness within a workplace. Programs like these may eventually become more commonplace than traditional programs.

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Measuring for Conductivity & Total Dissolved Solids

Conductivity and Total Dissolved Solids are measurements used in a variety of industrial and chemical processes. Here are a few basics about each measurement.

In its simplest terms, conductivity is the measure of how well electricity, or current, flows through a liquid. It is measured in siemens, micro (µS), or milli (mS) per cubic centimeter (cm). Generally, the more ions a liquid has, the easier current flows through it. For example: current flows much better through salt water than through very pure liquids like distilled water. Listed below are conductivity levels of some common liquids:

TDS is the total dissolved solid in an aqueous solution. High levels of dissolved solids produce high conductivity readings. Low levels of TDS produce low conductivity readings. Different dissolved solids produce different conductivity readings. It is measured in parts per million (ppm) or parts per thousand (ppt).

Both measurements have many applications in industrial and scientific processes. For instance, in semiconductor manufacturing applications there's a need to monitor the purity of rinse water that cleans the semiconductors. High conductivity values alert operators to change the rinse water. In industrial cleaning, sterilizing and plating operations conductivity is used to monitor effectiveness; in addition, the strength of readings will indicate whether solutions can be recycled for further use or must be replaced.

The following are some commonly asked questions pertaining to conductivity and TDS:

Q: How are conductivity and TDS related?
A: Salts, minerals and even dissolved gases contribute uniformly to the conductivity of a solution. This means that the conductivity can be used as an indicator of the amount of dissolved material in a solution. TDS can be used fairly accurately when comparing the status of a single source, such as sodium chloride (NaCl), but errors can arise when trying to compare two different types of solutions. It is necessary to calibrate the meter using the same dissolved materials that are in the test solution.

Q: How do I calibrate my conductivity meter?
A: Calibrate using a standard solution in the range of the samples you are testing. Place the probe in a standard solution condition, rinse the probe in a second sample of standard solution, use a third sample of standard solution to calibrate, and then adjust the cell until the specified value is displayed.

Q: The standardization solution I purchased has three TDS values listed on it. Which one should I use?
A: It depends on what you are measuring. If the solution you are measuring is close to NaCl use ppm/NaCl. If you are measuring natural water, use ppm/442. If the solution is similar to potassium chloride (KCl) use ppm/KCl.

What is the difference between microsiemen and micromhos?
A: There is no difference. Micromhos is more common in the US, while microsiemens is more common in Europe.

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OSHA Adds Interactive Advisory Programs

Users Can Get Answers on 11 Safety Topics

OSHA has added a service called "OSHA Advisors" to their Web site. This interactive service allows users to pick a safety or compliance related topic, then answer questions about their own workplace. Some of the programs will write a report as a reference guide to assist in developing a company program.

Presently, there are 11 topics available. Of these 11, six are public test versions. Public test versions do not represent official OSHA policy. The OSHA Advisors can be accessed at OSHA's Web site at http://www.osha.gov under "Outreach OSHA Advisors."

Of the more notable topics, one can find a Respiratory Protection Advisor, a Hazard Awareness Advisor, and an Asbestos Advisor.

The Respiratory protection Advisor addresses the proper selection of respiratory protection as well as the development of change-out schedules for gas/vapor cartridges. While this Advisor is still a public test version, it is none-the-less one more source of information for employers seeking guidance on OSHA's revised Respiratory Protection Standard.

In terms of respirator selection, this Advisor discusses exposure assessment and the factors that can influence selection under the "Learn How To Select an Appropriate Respirator" heading.

For those seeking guidance determining cartridge change-out schedules, the Advisor Genius is accessible under the "Learn How To Develop a Change Schedule" heading. The Advisor Genius takes information on the physical parameters of the compound you're working with and calculates a change-out schedule. Because of the amount of detailed information required, it's wise to have your MSDS ready when accessing the Advisor Genius.

The Hazard Awareness Advisor, also a public test version, asks the user about the workplace and continues with follow-up questions based on the previous answer. When the survey about workplace environments has been completed, the program writes a customized report about possible hazards and related OSHA rules.

The Asbestos Advisor is the original program that started the interactive advisory program. This Advisor interviews you about a building; asks follow-up questions and writes a report on your reponsibilities under the Asbestos rules.

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Computer Vision Syndrome: Is It Affecting Your Bottom Line?

Employees who spend long periods of time in front of computer monitors are prime candidates for a workplace malady called computer vision syndrome (CVS). Symptoms of CVS run the gamut from tired, dry, burning eyes, to watery eyes, headaches, neck/shoulder pain, blurred or double vision, and general fatigue.

The American Optometric Association says CVS is a "complex of eye and vision problems...experienced during or related to computer use." If employees are spending three hours or more a day working at their computers they're susceptible to the aforementioned CVS symptoms. For some workers, CVS symptoms can be precursors to low morale and reduced productivity (a decrease of 4 to 8%) according to laboratory studies).

If you or your employees experience any of the CVS symptoms mentioned above, try implementing the following steps to ease the discomfort:

• Keep computer screen slightly below eye level--the center of the screen should be 4 to 9 inches below eye level.
• Maintain 20-26 inches between your eyes and the computer.
• Maintain your screen at moderate brightness and maximum contrast.
• Keep the screen clean.
• Modify lighting to eliminate glare and reflections.
• Take frequent mini-breaks. Look away periodically to give your eyes a rest.
• If your eyes feel dry, blink rapidly to remoisten them.
• In some cases, special glasses may help to alleviate many of the symptoms.

At this time, there is no scientific evidence that computer use causes long-term eye damage. However, if CVS symptoms persist, see your eye doctor. Let your doctor know which symptoms you have and how often they occur.

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Most Cited OSHA Standards: '98 vs '91

The December 1998 issue of Safety + Health Magazine compares the most frequently cited OSHA Standards from fiscal '98 to those from fiscal '91. The article, "OSHA's Big 10", includes statistics that reveal a decrease in the number of citations for paperwork-related standards over the seven year period.

While the Hazard Communication Standard in general industry topped the list both years, the total number of HazCom violations dropped from 19,116 violations in '91, to 7,505 in '98. In '91 HazCom in the construction industry ranked second in the total number of citations; in '98 it ranked number 64.

The following are statistics presented in the article comparing OSHA's top 10 most frequently cited standards for '98 and '91:

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BBP Standard's Exposure Control Plan

The Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (BBP) 29 CFR 1910.1030 has been in existence for seven years. When this standard became law in 1991, there was considerable confusion on the part of employers and their employees on what their responsibilities were regarding compliance.

One of the critical components of the BBP Standard is the employer's Exposure Control Plan. This is the written program that sets the policies and guidelines for employees who may be exposed to bloodborne pathogens during their work activities. The exposure control plan should be designed so that it eliminates or minimizes employee exposure. To eliminate or minimize exposure, the plan needs to contain the following components:

Exposure Determination. The exposure determination shall contain a list of job classifications in which all employees may have occupational exposure to BBP, and a list of job classifications in which some employees may have exposure. A list of all tasks and procedures in which exposure occurs in these classifications shall also be listed.

Methods of Compliance. Universal precautions should be observed to prevent contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials. All body fluids should be considered potentially infectious material. Engineering and work practice controls should be used to eliminate or minimize exposure. Where there is a chance of exposure, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) must be used. There are many directives in the section "Engineering and Work Practice Controls," including procedures for capping needles, sharps disposal, handwashing, etc., that must be followed. These are found under the Exposure Control Plan (d)(2) portion of 1910.1030.

The standard also includes guidelines for specific conditions found in high risk environments or for crucial procedures such as:

HIV and HBV Research Laboratories and Production Facilities which is found at paragraph (e) of the standard applies to facilities which are engaged in the culture, production, concentration, experimentation, and manipulation of HIV and HBV.

Hepatitis B vaccination and post-exposure evaluation. This section, (f), outlines the criteria for the employer's responsibilities for medical evaluations and procedures regarding the Hepatitis B vaccination of affected employees. Also outlined is the employees' right of refusal of the vaccination, post-exposure procedures and evaluations.

Communication of hazards to employees. This paragraph explains the information and training that needs to be given to the employees on labeling and signage required under this standard. The use of colors and symbols for biohazards are also clarified in this paragraph.

Once the plan is complete it needs to be reviewed annually or whenever procedures or tasks change, or if any new routes of exposure become apparent. The plan needs to be accessible to employees within the time frame of their work-shift.

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Digital Multimeters: Uses and Features

One of the most popular, versatile, and useful electrical testing instruments is the Digital Multimeter, also known as a DMM. DMMs are considered the best overall meter available for use with energized as well as de-energized electrical circuits.

Selection of a DMM should be made based upon the measurements needed. For example: a precision DMM is required if you need more exact, small value measurements in resistance and current and the capability to check transistors and diodes. Digital meters are generally accurate to within 0.1% to 0.5% of the reading.

Autoranging, or dialing, is also a useful feature to look for in a DMM. It allows the user to quickly move from the instrument's various measuring scales while maintaining accurate readings.

Another important feature to consider when selecting a DMM is whether it's a True RMS (Root Mean Square) meter. An RMS value is also called the effective or heating value of an AC signal. The RMS value is equivalent to DC voltage that provides the same amount of heat generated by a resistor as AC voltage would if applied to that same resistor. Since an AC signal's voltage rises and falls with time, it takes more AC voltage to produce a given RMS voltage. A handy formula to remember is peak volts AC x .707=VRMS (volts root mean square). A power grid that must produce 169 volts peak AC turns out to be 120 volts RMS (.707 x 169). What does all this mean? The typical DMM is not a True RMS (Root Mean Square) meter and, as a result, it will produce misleading voltage readings when used to measure anything other than a DC signal or sine wave. DMM's featuring "True RMS Measurement" are for non-linear voltage and current loads. This feature is necessary when taking AC Voltage and Current measurements.

There are several methods to incorporate the RMS feature into a DMM. Each handles AC differently. The following are three basic types:

• A rectifier type multimeter indicated RMS values for sinewaves only. It does this by measuring average voltage and multiplying it by 1.11 to find RMS. Trying to use this type of meter with any wave form other than a sine wave will result in erroneous RMS.
• Average reading digital volt meters are just that, they measure average voltage for an AC.
• A True RMS meter uses a complex RMS converter to read RMS for any type of AC waveform.

Unfortunately, True RMS reading meters are very expensive; thus careful consideration should be given as to what type DMM will best suit your specific needs.

The most important factor to keep in mind is that electrical test equipment should be used with respect and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's guidelines. As with all electrical test equipment, individuals using a DMM should receive training in its proper operation.

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An Overview of Kynar®

Kynar®, or polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) resin is a fluoropolymer that is highly resistant to chemicals. It is used in piping, tubing, vessel fabrication, molded valves and fittings, tower packing, nozzles and other items intended for corrosive fluid handling. Its inherent chemical resistance and high purity makes it ideal for applications in contact with high purity water, acids, chlorine, halogenated solvents and petrochemical mixtures.

Physical properties of Kynar that make it specially suited for laboratory applications are outlined in the following chart:

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NIOSH Issues Noise Exposure Criteria

With about 30 million workers exposed to hazardous levels of noise, hearing loss is among the most common workplace diseases in the country. In 1972, NIOSH published their Criteria for a Recommended Standard: Occupational Exposure to Noise, which provided the basis for a recommended standard to reduce the risk of developing permanent hearing loss as a result of occupational noise exposure. NIOSH recently evaluated the latest scientific information and subsequently revised some of its previous recommendations. The 1998 recommendations go beyond attempting to conserve hearing by focusing on preventing occupational noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). The following are some of the highlights from the new NIOSH recommendations.

NIOSH proposes a new recommended exposure limit (REL) of 85 decibels, A-weighted, as an eight-hour time-weighted average. Exposures above this level would be considered hazardous. The new risk assessment reaffirms support for the 85 DBA REL. Additional research has shown that at the REL the risk of developing NIHL will be reduced to 8% as compared to 25% at the 90 DBA permissible exposure limit currently enforced by OSHA and the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA).

A recommended change involving audiometric evaluation will aid in early identification of advancing hearing loss. In workers whose hearing threshold loss has increased because of occupational noise exposure, NIOSH no longer recommends age correction on individual audiograms. This will allow timely intervention to prevent further hearing loss from occurring. OSHA currently allows age correction only as an option. The recommended change to the criterion for significant threshold shift will be an increase of 15 DBA in the hearing threshold level at 500 Hz, 1000 Hz, 2000 Hz, 3000 Hz, 4000 Hz, or 6000 Hz in either ear, as determined by two consecutive tests.

The Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) calculation is modified under the new NIOSH recommendations. In 1972, NIOSH recommended the use of the full NRR value; NIOSH now recommends "derating" by subtracting from the assigned NRR 25% for earmuffs, 50% for formable earplugs, and 70% for all other earplugs. OSHA derates the NRR by one-half for all types of hearing protectors. NIOSH's recommended variable derating scheme takes into consideration the performance characteristics of different types of hearing protectors.

NIOSH also provides recommendations for the management of hearing loss prevention programs for workers whose noise exposures equal or exceed the REL. The program would include exposure assessment, engineering and administrative controls, proper use of hearing protectors, audiometric evaluation, and program audits and evaluations. These program management components are not articulated in the 1972 criteria document and are not included in the OSHA and MSHA standards.

OSHA is not likely to revise its occupational noise standard any time soon. Susan Hall Fleming, an OSHA spokeswoman, said, "We're looking at the new information." No official course of action has been decided at this point.

To obtain a copy of this criteria document contact NIOSH at 1-800-356-4674 and request publication number 98-126. The document can also be accessed on their Web site at http://www.cdc.gov/niosh.

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Employee Input Increases Under Confined Space Revisions

During the final quarter of '98 OSHA amended its Confined Space Standard (29 CFR 1910.146). The rule amends the requirements on permit-required confined spaces to provide for enhanced employee participation in the employer's program. The changes became effective Feb. 1, '99.

What OSHA did, specifically, is revise paragraphs (d), Permit-Required Confined Space Program, and (e), Permit System, and add a new paragraph (l), Employee Participation, to allow for greater employee participation and access to information. OSHA also revised paragraphs (c), General Requirements, and (d) to specify that the employers must provide those employees must provide those employees who are authorized permit-space entrants, or their authorized representatives, an opportunity to observe any testing of the space that is conducted prior to entry or subsequent to such an entry.

OSHA believes these revisions are necessary to ensure permit space entrants, whose work often requires entry into potentially life-threatening atmospheres, have the information necessary to protect themselves ad their co-workers from confined space hazards.

In addition, paragraph (k), Rescue and Emergency Services, was revised to clarify the criteria employers must satisfy when selecting a rescue team or service to rescue incapacitated permit space entrants. To further address this area a non-mandatory appendix was also added to the standard to assist employers in selecting appropriately training and equipped rescuers.

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Beware of Beryllium: An Overview of a Deadly Dust

Beryllium is a hard, grayish metal. It is commercially mined for use in electrical parts, machinery, aircraft parts and computers. Beryllium is the lightest structural metal known and has high heat capacity and thermal conductivity. It is commonly used as an alloying agent to produce materials with desired lightness, stiffness, and dimensional stability. As an alloying agent for beryllium copper, it is used in manufacturing nonsparking tools.

Health Effects
Despite its many attributes, beryllium poses some very real hazards. Exposure to beryllium can cause chronic beryllium disease (CBD), an incurable illness that is characterized by shortness of breath and a nonproductive cough. The onset of CBD follows sensitization and immune response to the inhalation of beryllium or its alloys. CBD may involve other organs, but the lungs are the primary target. It can appear after a long latency, with years passing between exposure and the onset of illness. Although incurable, treatment with steroid drugs can add a measure of comfort to sufferers of CBD. The Department of Health and Human Services has determined that beryllium and certain beryllium compounds "may reasonable be anticipated to be carcinogens." This determination is based on animal studies and studies of workers. While none of the studies provide conclusive evidence, they indicate that long-term exposure to beryllium in the air results in an increased incidence of lung cancer.

Exposure Limits
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) restricts the amount of beryllium that industries may emit into the environment to 10 grams in a 24 hour period, or to an amount that would result in atmospheric levels of .01 micrograms (µg) per cubic meter, averaged over a 30 day period.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends exposure limits of .5µg of beryllium per cubic meter of workroom air during an 9-hour shift.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets a limit at 2µg of beryllium per cubic meter of workroom air for an 8 hour shift.

Personal Protective Equipment
Engineering controls such as ventilation systems should be implemented to control airborne concentrations. In addition, personal air samplers should be used to determine exposure levels. In terms of respiratory protection, it's best to consult with the respirator manufacturer for the appropriate filter and its maximum use concentration. Most manufacturers suggest air purifying respirators equipped with N100 of P100 filters, while others state N95 filters are sufficient. Impervious gloves, boots, and clothing should be used to prevent prolonged or repeated skin contact. Good housekeeping practices are mandatory, and work clothing should be changed and not taken home for cleaning.

Additional sources of information on beryllium include:

• WebElements: Beryllium http://www.shef.ac.uk/chemistry/web-elements
• National Emissions Standard for Beryllium http://www.epa.gov/docs/epacfr40/chapt-I.info/
• International Chemical Safety Cards: Beryllium http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/ipcs/ipcs0226.html

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	Ask a Tech Rep
	by Mark MahoneyTechnical Representative
Q.	I recently received the results from a noise level survey in our plant. The results show the employees are exposed to a 80% accumulated dose over an 8 hour period. The safety director is asking me what the results are as an 8-hour TWA (time weighted average).
A.	To convert an accumulated dose exposure in percent to an 8-hour time weighted average reading, use the following formula. TWA = 16.61 log10 (D/100) + 90 To illustrate the example with 80% dose would be calx TWA = 16.61 log10 (80/100) + 90 TWA = 16.61 log10 (.8) + 90 TWA = 16.61 (-0.09691) + 91 TWA = -1.6096751 + 90 TWA = 88.39 Therefore an accumulated dose of 80% = an 8-hour TWA of 88.39. Table A-1 published in 29 CFR 1910.95, The occupational noise exposure regulation, offers conversions from percent noise exposure of "dose" to 8-hour time-weighted average.
Q.	I have just been asked to purchase hearing protection for our employees on the shop floor. The results of a recent noise level survey show the employees are exposed to a time weighted average (TWA) of 105 dBA (decibels on the A scale). When looking through the Lab Safety Supply catalog I noticed ear muffs with an NRR (Noise Reduction Rating) of 29 dB. If we purchase these what will the noise exposure be to the employees when wearing the earmuffs? Is there any way to increase this NRR?
A.	With noise readings that are recorded on the A scale from a noise monitoring instrument, the following would be the calculation to estimate the adequacy of the hearing protectors. 29 dBA - 7 dB (OSHA's adjustment factor) = 22 dBA would be the protection factor. 105 dBA - 22 dBA = 83 dBA would be the noise exposure with hearing protectors. OSHA also recommends using a 50% safety factor for calculation because the NRR is based on testing in ideal conditions. Therefore the NRR in this situation would be 29 - 7 = 22/2 = 11. 11 db would be the NRR with the 50% safety factor applied. For noise measurements taken on the C scale the adjustment of 7dB is not used. For example with an exposure of 105 dBC and hearing protectors with an NRR of 29 you would subtract 29 from 105. This results in a noise exposure of 76 dBC. There is one way that you can improve the NRR of the hearing protectors. That is to use ear plugs and ear muffs in combination. When this is done OSHA allows 5 dB to be added to the greater of the two NRRs.

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worth noting . . . . . .

. . . An informational "Fact Sheet" offering guidelines for protecting workers from the cold was published by OSHA in December. The document, entitled "Fact Sheet: Protecting Workers in Cold Environments" is available at OSHA's Web site (http://www.osha.gov) under December '98 News Releases . . .

. . . The House passed bill H.R. 4037 to amend OSHA's hazardous communication (Hazcom) standard. This bill requires OSHA to recognize electronic copies of material safety data sheets (MSDS) . . .

. . . OSHA has new interactive advisory software programs: Safety Pays, Hazard Awareness Advisor, Logging, Respiratory Protection, and Silica. The software can be downloaded from http://www.osha.gov/oshasoft . . .

. . . In addition to OSHA's programs, there are other online training resources available. Here are a few sites to check out: http://www.free-training.com (training on Hazcom, forklift safety, PPE, etc.); http://www.knowledgewire.com (for generic and customized safety and health training); http://www.osh.net (OSHA regulations, chemical hazards, job links, and a safety and health chat room); http://www.safetyontheweb.com (graphic and video training); http://www.nsc.org (regulatory information and statistics, including accident facts) . . .

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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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