Back to Contents

OSHA updates regulatory agenda

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has updated its regulatory agenda. This agenda provides a preview of what OSHA is working on and what can be expected from OSHA in the near future.

Developments for the final part of this year include:

• The environmental tobacco smoke regulation has been withdrawn. 
• OSHA intends to issue a notice requesting comments on reducing the exposure level for hexavalent chromium in the third quarter. 
• A final updated and revised means of egress standard is to be published in the third quarter. 
• Tuberculosis in the workplace remains an issue. A decision is expected in October. 
• In October, a final rule is expected on what OSHA intends to do about personal protective equipment payment. 
• A possible health standard on crystalline silica is on the agenda with a decision expected in October.
• Additional information regarding respirator assigned protection factors and maximum use concentrations is expected in a proposed rulemaking in November. 
• Regulatory requirements for walking and working surfaces are going to be revised and updated. Proposed changes are to be published in December. 
• New personal fall protection system requirements are being developed. These are to be published by December. 
• A rule requiring all employers to have a formal safety program is in development. Small business panel discussions will be held in December. 
•  Beginning Jan. 1, 2003, employers will be required to record work-related hearing loss cases when an employee’s hearing test shows a marked decrease in overall hearing. OSHA is simultaneously proposing a one-year delay (until Jan. 1, 2004) to include the requirement for recording hearing loss and musculoskeletal disorder cases on the OSHA 300 log.

Back to Contents

Top 22 OSHA violations can help with safety programs

When reviewing the adequacy of a safety program, check out the list below. This is a compilation of the most cited OSHA violations for Oct. 1, 2000 through Sept. 30, 2001 in order of frequency. For informational assistance with any of these OSHA standards, contact Lab Safety Supply’s Technical Support at 1-800-356-2501.

1. Hazard Communication: written program—1910.1200(e)(1) 
2. Machine Guarding—1910.212(a)(1) 
3. Lockout/Tagout: written procedures —1910.147(c)(4) 
4. Hazard Communication: container labeling—1910.1200(f)(5) 
5. Hazard Communication: new employee training— 1910.1200(h)(1) 
6. Machine Guarding: point of operation —1910.212(a)(3) 
7. First Aid: eyewash/shower not close to hazard—1910.151(c) 
8. Hazard Communication: no information & training—1910.1200(h) 
9. Electrical—wiring methods: flexible cords—1910.305(g)(1) 
10. Lockout/Tagout: training and communications—1910.147(c)(7) 
11. Respiratory Protection: written program—1910.134(c)(1) 
12. Hazard Communication: material safety data sheets—1910.1200(g)(1) 
13. Lockout/Tagout: energy control program—1910.147(c)(1) 
14. Guarding floor openings, platforms, runways—1910.23(c)(1) 
15. Electrical—wiring methods: equipment, cabinets—1910.305(b)(1) 
16. Abrasive Wheels: adjusting safeguards —1910.215(b)(9) 
17. Electrical: guarding live parts— 1910.303(g)(2) 
18. PPE: hazard assessment and equipment selection—1910.132(d)(1) 
19. Mechanical Power Transmission: pulley guarding—1910.219(d)(1) 
20. Electrical—wiring methods: identification —1910.305(g)(2) 
21. Respiratory Protection: medical evaluations—1910.134(e)(1) 
22. Bloodborne Pathogens: exposure control plan—1910.1030(c)(1)

Back to Contents

Anthrax information now readily available

Last October’s anthrax incidents left many scrambling for information concerning anthrax and how to protect potentially vulnerable employees. Since October, government agencies such as the U.S. Postal Service (USPS), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have released guidelines related to the topic.

What is anthrax?
Anthrax is an acute infectious disease caused by the spore-forming bacterium Bacillus anthracis. According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, “Bacillus anthracis derives from the Greek word for coal, anthrakis, because the disease causes black, coal-like skin lesions. Bacillus anthracis is an aerobic, gram positive, spore-forming, nonmotile Bacillus species. The nonflagellated vegetative cell is large (1–8 microns in length, 1–1.5 microns in breadth). Spore size is approximately 1 micron.”

Humans can host three forms of anthrax: inhalational, cutaneous and gastrointestinal. Inhalational anthrax occurs when the anthrax spore is inhaled. Cutaneous anthrax is the most common naturally occurring form. It is contracted by handling contaminated hair, wool, hides, flesh, blood or excreta of infected animals and from manufactured products such as bone meal. It is introduced through scratches or abrasions of the skin. Gastrointestinal anthrax occurs when ingesting insufficiently cooked infected meat or from flies.

Anthrax symptoms 
According to the CDC, symptoms of the disease vary depending on how the disease was contracted, but usually occur within seven days after exposure. Initial symptoms of inhalation anthrax infection may resemble a common cold. After several days, the symptoms may progress to severe breathing problems and shock. Inhalation anthrax is often fatal.

Cutaneous anthrax usually occurs when the organism is deposited onto skin with cuts or abrasions, which increase the chance of infection. After the spore germinates in skin tissues, toxin production results in local swelling. An initially itchy, discolored patch of skin (which may or may not be elevated) enlarges into a round ulcer by the second day.

The gastrointestinal form of anthrax may follow the consumption of contaminated food and is characterized by an acute inflammation of the intestinal tract. Initial signs of nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting and fever are followed by abdominal pain, vomiting of blood and severe diarrhea.

Responding to potential exposures
The first step for any employer is to be on the lookout for suspicious parcels. According to the USPS and the FBI, some typical characteristics of suspicious parcels are:

• Parcels with handwritten or poorly typed addresses 
• Parcels with excessive postage 
• Parcels with misspelled common words 
• Parcels with excessive security material, such as masking tape or string 
• Parcels that are addressed to someone no longer with your organization or have incorrect titles or have a title, but no name 
• Parcels that have no return address, or have one that can’t be verified as legitimate 
• Parcels that are of unusual or excessive weight given their size, or are lopsided or oddly shaped or have an uneven envelope 
• Parcels that are marked with restrictive endorsements, such as “Personal” or “Confidential” 
• Parcels with protruding wires or aluminum foil, strange odors, oily stains or discolorations 
• Parcels that show a city or state in the postmark that doesn’t match the return address 
• Parcels with a ticking sound

Additionally, the USPS has a downloadable poster, “Suspicious Mail Alert,” on its Web site at: www.usps.com/news/2001/press/serviceupdates.htm to educate employees on suspicious packages. If a suspicious package is identified, employers can access the FBI’s instructions on responding to these packages through its Web site at www.fbi.gov/pressrel/pressrel01/mail3.pdf.

More anthrax information

Learn more about anthrax from the following sources:
• Lab Safety Supply: www.labsafety.com/refinfo/ezfacts/ezf238.htm 

• CDC: www.cdc.gov/ 

• NIOSH: www.cdc.gov/niosh/homepage.html

• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA): www.osha.gov/bioterrorism/anthrax/index.html

• “FAQs on anthrax”: www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/anthrax_g.htm#currissue 

• “Anthrax as a Biological Weapon,” May 12, 1999, Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA): jama.ama-assn.org/issues/v281n18/ffull/jst80027.html#a0

• “Chemical and Biological Respiratory Protection Workshop Report,” OSHA: www.cdc.gov/niosh/2000-122.html

• “Suspicious Mail Alert,” USPS: www.usps.com/news/2001/press/serviceupdates.htm

• “CDC Interim Recommendations for Protecting Workers from Exposure to Bacillus anthracis in Work Sites Where Mail Is Handled or Processed,” Oct. 31, 2001, CDC: www.bt.cdc.gov/DocumentsApp/anthrax/10312001/han51.asp

• “Protecting Investigators from Exposure to Bacillus anthracis Using Personal Protective Equipment,” Oct. 25, 2001, CDC: www.bt.cdc.gov/DocumentsApp/anthrax/Protective/10242001Protect.asp

 • “Biological Warfare Defense Information Sheet,” April 21, 2000, U.S. Navy Manual on Operational Medicine and Fleet Support

Back to Contents

Security integration—glossary of terms

Since Sept.11, 2001, security has come to the forefront of everyday life. With the world changing and security needs increasing, understanding the terminology used helps clarify the overall picture. Here is a glossary of security integration terms you may encounter when selecting a security system.

Access Code: Symbolic data that, if correct, allows authorized entry into a controlled area without causing an alarm condition.

Access Control: Control of persons, vehicles and materials through entrances and exits of a protected area. An aspect of security that utilizes hardware systems and specialized procedures to control and monitor movements into, out of or within a protected area.

Annunciator: An alarm-monitoring device, which consists of visible signals (lamps/LEDs) that indicate the status of system alarm points. In most integrated systems, status, alarms and other types of events are shown on a display terminal or readout device. A buzzer, bell or other audible device may accompany the annunciation. Each circuit in the device is usually labeled to quickly identify the location and condition being monitored.

Aperture: The opening of a lens, which controls the amount of light reaching the surface of the pickup device. The size of the aperture is controlled by the iris adjustment. By increasing the f-stop number (f1.4, f1.8, f2.8, etc.) less light is permitted to pass to the pickup device.

Aspect Ratio: The ratio between the horizontal and vertical image size of a camera sensor.

BNC: An acronym for British Naval Connector or Bayonet Nut Connector. A type of connector used with coaxial cables. The most common form of video connector used in closed circuit television.

Broadband: Communications transmission where the signal is impressed on a higher frequency carrier.

C-Mount/CS-Mount: Closed circuit television lenses are available in two different lens mounts. C-mount lenses have a flange back distance of 17.526mm. CS-Mount lenses have a flange back distance of 12.5mm. “Flange back” is the distance from the flange of the lens (beginning of the lens mount) to the focal plane.

CCD: An acronym for Charge Coupled Device, a modern form of a camera imaging device.

CCTV: An acronym for Closed Circuit Television, a television system used for private purposes and not for public or general broadcast. 

CMOS: An acronym for Complimentary Metal Oxide Semiconductor, a solid-state switching device also used as a camera pick up device. 

Coaxial Cable: A cable capable of passing a range of frequencies with low loss. It consists of a center conductor and shield around the same axis.

DC Type Lens: An auto-iris lens with an internal circuit, which receives voltage and a video signal from the camera to adjust the iris. 

Digital Signal: A signal that is comprised of binary information, i.e. 1 or 0, to allow processing by microprocessor based equipment. 

Display-Only Integration: An integrated system that presents information as events occur. 

DVST: An acronym for Digital Video Storage and Transmission. A name given to equipment that can compress video pictures to a fraction of their former size for transmission over communication networks or for digital storage.

Fiber Optic: Flexible glass fibers used to conduct energy. This is a more efficient method of sending signals than more conventional copper cable. 

F-Stop: A term used to indicate the speed of a lens. The smaller the f-number, the greater the amount of light passing through the lens. 

Full Integration: Integration where all subsystems interconnect to a single control system and all benefits and functions associated with each one are accessible from a single point of control. 

Hardwired: Direct cable connection between one product to another, used for control of equipment in simple systems. 

IR Transmission: Method of sending video signals and/or data over free space distance. The quality of transmission is affected by environmental conditions such as fog and rain. 

LAN: An acronym for Local Area Network. A communications network confined to one site to which central processing units, personal computers, subsystem controllers and other devices attach. 

LUX: A measure of light intensity. 

Magnetic Switch: A switch consisting of two separate units—a magnetically actuated switch and a magnet. The switch is usually mounted in a fixed position (door jamb or window frame) opposing the magnet, which is fastened to a hinged or sliding door, window, gate, etc. When the movable section is opened, the magnet moves with it, activating the switch. 

Manual Iris Lens: A lens with a manual adjustment to set the iris opening in a fixed position. These are generally used for fixed lighting applications. 

MOS: An acronym for Metal Oxide Semiconductor. A form of a Charge Coupled Device (CCD) imager used in some cameras. 

Multiplexer: A unit that can accept a number of camera inputs and almost simultaneously display them on a single monitor and/or record them to a single videotape. Multiplexers can also be used to transmit multiple cameras over the same transmission medium. 

Normally Closed: The condition of a circuit or switch that is in a no-fault state. The circuit is complete and the current is able to flow. A break in the circuit triggers an alarm.

Normally Open: The condition of a circuit or switch that is in a no-fault state. The circuit is open and current is unable to flow. Closing the circuit completes a current path and an alarm condition is initiated. 

Off-Line Card Reader: A standalone access control system (e.g. card reader) that contains its own intelligence for granting access. Also called a self-contained reader. 

On-Line Access Control System: A system of controllers, devices, card readers and sensors that connect to a decision-making computer. 

Remote Terminal: A device for communicating with a computer system from a location that is apart from the central computer facility.

Quad Splitter: A device used to display four cameras simultaneously on a single monitor. 

Smart Terminal: A hardware device that processes access requests from card readers or report requests to a system processor that can accommodate multiple access control panels. It also provides the connection points and controls for electronic items for its access points— e.g., door contacts, door strikes, intercoms and gate controls. 

UTP: An acronym for Unshielded Twisted Pair technology. UTP transmits video, audio and data signals over network wire. It’s less expensive than coaxial or fiber cable. It offers better interference rejection and is easier to install than coaxial cable. 

Varifocal: A type of lens that allows manual adjustment between two focal points to provide the desired field of view. 

Voice Recognition System: An access control device used to verify a person’s identity by comparing previously recorded key words stored in a computer’s memory against those spoken when access is desired. 

WAN: An acronym for Wide Area Network. A network that spans many facilities to which central processing units, personal computers, subsystem controllers and other devices attach.

Back to Contents

Lab Safety Supply’s Service Center can help you with air monitor calibration, repair

Are your portable air monitors working properly? To assure the safety of those using confined space instruments for monitoring combustible and toxic gases, it is imperative that the instrument be accurately calibrated and serviced.

A good practice is to bump test the instrument before each use. During a bump test, a known value of gas is applied to the monitor and the displayed readout is observed. If the readout of the instrument falls beyond the acceptable +/– range, then a full calibration should be performed.

Lab Safety Supply’s Service Center offers calibration and repair services for many portable air monitors. Information on these services may be obtained by calling 1-800-356-2501 and asking for extension 4677.

Back to Contents

Think safety during international travel

In today’s global business environment, more and more people are traveling internationally. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, 35 percent of international travel by U.S. residents was work related in 2000. Depending on the countries visited, travelers may be exposed to hepatitis A and B, typhoid fever, malaria, rabies, yellow fever and other diseases.

In order to fully provide workers with a safe work environment, the hazards found in other countries must be addressed. General precautions that all travelers should take regardless of the country of destination include:

• Wash hands often with soap and water. 
• Walk and drive defensively. Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of injury among travelers. 
• Don’t eat or drink unpasteurized dairy products. 
• Eat only thoroughly cooked food or fruits and vegetables you have peeled yourself. Raw shellfish is particularly dangerous to people who have liver disease or compromised immune systems. Remember: boil it, cook it, peel it or don’t eat it.

Travelers going to developing areas should take the following precautions:

• Drink only bottled or boiled water. Another option is carbonated beverages in cans or bottles. Avoid tap water, fountain drinks, ice cubes and beverages cooled by submerging their containers in water.
• If the possibility of contracting malaria exists in the area you are traveling to, make sure to take malaria prevention medication before, during and after travel, as directed. Use bug repellents, stay in screened-in areas when possible and wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants to help prevent bug bites. 
• Keep feet clean and dry to prevent fungal and parasitic infections. Do not go barefoot. 
• Don’t eat food purchased from street vendors. 
• Don’t handle animals such as monkeys, dogs and cats. They can carry serious illnesses, including rabies and plague. 
• Don’t swim in fresh water, i.e. lakes or rivers. Stick to chlorinated pools or clean salt water.

Preparations are best made well in advance of traveling. Before traveling to another country, research the country and find out what potential hazards exist. Sources such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have information on most destinations. Also, many state and local health departments have travel clinics that can provide information on your destination and help with the required and necessary immunizations.

Plans to deal with potential illnesses or other nonmedical emergencies should be made prior to traveling. If a person does become sick abroad, a U.S. Consulate can assist in locating appropriate medical services and informing family members. To find a U.S. Consulate in the country of destination, check with The Bureau of Consular Affairs. Its Web site, travel.state.gov, contains information on most destinations. People traveling abroad should also check in advance with their insurance provider to see if they would still be covered by their existing policy for injuries sustained in other countries.

Failure to receive proper preventative medication may result in unnecessary illness, high medical expenses or even the spread of contagious diseases locally. By making preparations in advance and recognizing the unique hazards associated with different countries, employees and employers can reduce the risks associated with international travel.

 Back to Contents

Emergency alarm systems are vital for employee safety

When events requiring evacuation or other emergency action arise, employees must be able to recognize the emergency situation and follow the established procedures. An emergency alarm system is critical because it is relied upon as the primary means of notifying employees of an emergency and directing their course of action.

Due to the importance of emergency alarm systems, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has developed a standard addressing them specifically. Compliance with OSHA regulations regarding Employee Emergency Response Plans (29 CFR 1910.38 and 1910.120) requires that an alarm system be installed that complies with 29 CFR 1910.165 “Employee Alarm Systems.”

Employee alarm systems must: 

• “. . . Provide warning for necessary emergency action as called for in the emergency action plan, or for reaction time for safe escape of employees from the workplace or the immediate work area, or both.” 29 CFR 1910.165(b)(1).
• “. . . Be capable of being perceived above ambient noise or light levels by all employees in the affected portions of the workplace. Tactile devices may be used to alert those employees who would not otherwise be able to recognize the audible or visual alarms.” 29 CFR 1910.165(b)(2).
• “. . . Be distinctive and recognizable as a signal to evacuate the work area or to perform actions designated under the emergency action plan.” 29 CFR 1910(b)(3).

Employers must explain to each employee the preferred means of reporting emergencies—manual pull box alarms, public address system, radio or telephones.

Procedures for sounding emergency alarms in the workplace must also be established and explained to all employees. For those employers with 10 or fewer employees, direct voice communication is an acceptable procedure for sounding the alarm provided all employees can hear the alarm.

Emergency alarm systems must be serviced, maintained and tested (every two months) by trained personnel.

The ultimate goal of an employee emergency alarm system is to capture the attention of everyone and communicate the desired response without creating confusion. The critical nature of employee alarm systems requires that great attention be given to their design and function.

 Back to Contents

Basics of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act

This is the first of a two-part series on the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. Part two in this series addresses what constitutes a hazardous waste and the responsibilities of each party involved in the RCRA process.

The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 (RCRA) established the federal program regulating solid and hazardous waste management. It was designed to establish a national program to protect the natural resources of the United States from the improper handling and storage of hazardous wastes. RCRA actually amended the Solid Waste Disposal Act of 1965, but the amendments were so comprehensive that the Act is commonly called RCRA rather than its official title.

Congress gave the task of tracking this regulation to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). RCRA regulations are in Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Parts 240–282. RCRA gave the EPA the authority to control hazardous waste from “cradle-to-grave.” This includes the generation, transportation, treatment, storage and disposal of hazardous waste. RCRA also set forth a framework for the management of nonhazardous wastes.

The three main goals of the RCRA requirements were to:

1. Protect human health and the environment 
2. Reduce waste and conserve energy and natural resources 
3. Reduce or eliminate the generation of hazardous waste as quickly as possible

The main components of RCRA include the identification of hazardous waste; manifest tracking of waste cradle-to-grave; operating standards for generators, transporters and treatment, storage and disposal facilities (TSDFs); permit systems for TSDFs; and authorization of states to assist in implementing the program.

RCRA, as amended, contains nine subtitles (subtitles A–I). Brief descriptions of Subtitle C, Hazardous Waste Management (Cradle-to- Grave), Subtitle D, State or Regional Solid Waste Plans, and Subtitle I, Regulation of Underground Storage Tanks, are given below. The remaining subtitles provide the legal and administrative structure for achieving the objectives of the law. RCRA does not address the problems of hazardous waste encountered at inactive or abandoned sites or those resulting from spills that require an emergency response. These issues are addressed by the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) (40 CFR Part 280.12), otherwise known as Superfund.

Subtitle C, Hazardous Waste Management (Cradle-to-Grave), establishes a comprehensive cradle-tograve program to regulate hazardous waste from generation through proper disposal or destruction. Generators of hazardous waste are the first link in the chain of hazardous waste management. Generators of more than 100kg (220 lbs.) of hazardous waste a month, or more than 1kg (2.2 lbs.) of acutely hazardous waste a month, must comply with all generator requirements under this subtitle.

Primary objectives of Subtitle D, State or Regional Solid Waste Plans, are to encourage environmentally sound solid waste managements practices, maximize the reuse of valuable recoverable resources, and foster resource conservation at the state and local level.

Subtitle I, Regulation of Underground Storage Tanks, was enacted to control and prevent leaks from underground storage tanks. It regulates underground tanks storing specific substances, which include petroleum products (e.g., gasoline and crude oil) and Superfund-defined hazardous substances. Tanks storing hazardous waste outside this realm are regulated under Subtitle C.

Back to Contents

	Ask a Tech Rep - AIR GUN SAFETY
	by Tom M Technical Representative
Q.	What OSHA standard covers air gun safety?
A.	OSHA 29 CFR Part 1910.242(b) “Hand and Portable Powered Tools and Equipment, General” covers air gun safety.
Q.	What purpose does a venturi nozzle serve?
A.	A venturi nozzle serves two purposes:  1. Main air flow speeds up as it passes through the venturi nozzle, drawing in ambient air through the two side ports. The increased velocity and increased volume of air exiting the venturi nozzle boosts the available thrust up to 250%.  2. Should the venturi nozzle tip become blocked, all of the main air flow exits through the side ports. Under these conditions, static pressure at the venturi nozzle tip is held to less than 30 psi, thereby satisfying OSHA safety standards.
Q.	Can compressed air greater than 30 psi be used for cleaning?
A.	Yes, the use of compressed air for cleaning purposes at pressures greater than 30 psi is permissible, if the outlet or source is fitted with a relief device that drops the pressure to less than 30 psi if the flow is dead ended (blocked). OSHA Directive STD1-13.1 “Reduction of Air Pressure below 30 psi for Cleaning Purposes” may be reviewed online at www.osha.gov.
Q.	Can compressed air be used for dusting off personnel?
A.	No, compressed air can be extremely dangerous if misused. The greatest danger in dusting off a person lies in accidental internal injury to the body. If compressed air enters the body it can cause the affected part to swell to alarming proportions and cause severe pain. If the air gets into the bloodstream it can make its way into the small blood vessels of the brain, burst the vessels and cause death. A pressure strong enough to dust or clean is strong enough to penetrate the body.
Q.	What is a static eliminator?
A.	A static eliminator is a new technology solution used to eliminate or prevent static build-up when using compressed air to clean off parts. A static eliminator uses a small amount of compressed air to entrain a high volume flow of surrounding air. This combined stream is ionized by an emitter point(s) and delivered to the charged surface. Static is then neutralized and eliminated. Static eliminators are available through commercial suppliers.
Q.	How do I measure the air pressure at the tip of my air gun?
A.	A pressure gauge with a hose attached can be used to measure the air pressure at the tip of an air gun. To get a direct air pressure reading, blow air pressure into the end of the hose and read the pressure gauge. Lab Safety Supply product number SP9815675 is such a device.
Q.	What safety features are built into air guns?
A.	Air gun manufacturers specialize in the design and manufacture of air gun equipment, which meets or exceeds OSHA requirements. Output pressure, chip guarding and noise level safety features are built into their air guns.
Q.	Is the noise generated by an air gun a concern?
A.	Excessive noise generated in the workplace can be harmful. Since the use of conventional air guns may contribute to high levels of occupational noise, most manufacturers are offering safety air guns with noise limiting features.

Back to Contents

worth noting . . .

Rides: Amusement rides are becoming more dangerous. At issue is the amount of gravity force applied to a rider’s body during the most intense part of the ride. Too much force or pressure can be damaging. The state of New Jersey is issuing rules for designers of thrill rides. The primary focus will be on limiting the amount of “g” forces that a ride can generate on a rider. The new regulation is slated to go into effect in October 2002. 

Publication: OSHA has produced a Spanish version of its publication “All About OSHA.” The Spanish title reads, “Todo Sobre La OSHA.” It is available on the new Spanish language OSHA Web site— www.osha.gov/as/opa/spanish/—in the section entitled Recursos Publicaciones. 

Certification: OSHA and the Council on Certification of Health, Environmental and Safety Technologists CCHEST) signed a voluntary agreement to acknowledge the Safety Trained Supervisor in Construction STS-Construction.) This certification is intended for first-line supervisors. Knowledge is verified through a written examination process. The possession of the STSConstruction certification is not mandatory. 

YouthRules!: The U.S. Department of Labor has developed a new YouthRules! Web site to educate teens, parents, educators, employers and the public on federal and state rules regarding young workers. The Web site is located at www.dol.gov/ under the “Highlights” section of the U.S. Department of Labor. 

Updated: Updated publications on bloodborne pathogens and controlling electrical hazards are available on OSHA’s Web site at www.osha.gov/OshDoc/Additional.html. 

Brownfields: Brownfields are real property areas where the expansion, redevelopment or reuse of the property may be complicated by the presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant or contaminant. They are called brownfields in an effort to distinguish them from undeveloped, pristine land in areas outside of a city (often called greenfields). OSHA has a Web page at www.osha.gov/SLTC/brownfields/index.html that addresses worker health and safety at brownfields.

Back to Contents

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.
For additional information, call Lab Safety Supply's Safety TECHline^® at 1-800-356-2501.