Toxics, Partnerships and Stewardship News (Region 5): Wisconsin is first state with lead-based paint renovation, repair and painting program‏

MEDIA CONTACT: Kären Thompson, 312-353-8547, thompson.karen@epa.gov FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE No. 09-OPA225

Wisconsin is first state with lead-based paint renovation, repair and painting program
(CHICAGO - Nov. 12, 2009) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has announced that two of Wisconsin’s lead-based paint programs have been federally authorized. They are the Lead-based Paint Renovation, Repair and Painting program, and the Pre-Renovation Education program.

Wisconsin is the first state authorized to administer and enforce the Renovation, Repair and Painting rule which mandates training and licensing in lead-safe work practices for construction contractors, property managers and others that work in homes and child-occupied facilities built before 1978. Gov. James E. Doyle has certified that the Wisconsin programs, to be administered by the division of public health, are at least as protective as EPA’s and provide adequate enforcement.

The Lead-based Paint Pre-Renovation Education program requires construction contractors, property managers and others that perform renovations for compensation to distribute the lead pamphlet “Renovate Right; Important Lead Hazard Information for Families, Child Care Providers and Schools” to owners and occupants before starting renovation work. “We commend Wisconsin for taking the initiative to prevent further lead poisoning by ensuring that work that disturbs paint is done in a lead-safe manner,” said Bharat Mathur, acting administrator for EPA Region 5.

“We are very pleased to be implementing these lead-safe renovation programs in Wisconsin,” said Karen Timberlake, Wisconsin Department of Public Health secretary. “Renovators and rental property owners play a big part in protecting children from lead-based paint hazards in their homes. With the training and lead-safe work practices implemented with these programs, they will make even more, older Wisconsin homes safe for children.”

Lead contaminated dust is the most significant source of lead exposure for children. Common renovation activities like sanding, cutting and demolition can create hazardous lead dust and chips by disturbing lead-based paint, which can be harmful to adults and children. Lead-based paint was used in more than 38 million homes until it was banned for residential use in 1978.
Lead exposure can cause reduced IQ, learning disabilities, development delays and behavioral problems in young children.

You can learn more about protecting your family from lead-based paint and EPA’s lead program at http://www.epa.gov/lead or by contacting the National Lead Information Center at 800-424-LEAD (5323).

For more information about Wisconsin’s new program, including information on applying for certification or locating training, contact the Wisconsin Lead Program at 608-261-6876, or visit the state Web site at http://dhs.wisconsin.gov/lead.

Global Handwashing Dance

In case you missed it....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=825gGELjB98

CFATS extension

The US Senate recently approved the Fiscal Year 2010 Homeland Security Appropriations Conference Report (H.R. 2892). Tucked away in the bill is a one year extension of the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS). The president is expected to sign it into law.

Storm water catch basin waste

Thanks to John Soucy with Gordon College, who pointed out that the EPA has a document that relates to management of that "stuff" that collects in storm water catch basins. It is:

• EPA 832-F-99-011 "Storm Water O&M Fact Sheet:Catch Basin Cleaning."

Recent safety research

I'll pass along a couple of IYI's (If You're Interested) from the Journal of Safety Research. One with hard data, and one that is somewhat squish-ier. If your campus subscribes to the journal, you may be able to look these up online.

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One study (still in press analyzed) data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) from 2002-2007, in order to examine the epidemiology of injuries among persons presenting to an ED with an injury associated with a riding lawnmower. Not a big surprise that among the major injury circumstances are "fell off of mower" and "mower rolled or flipped over."

Injuries associated with the use of riding mowers in the United States, 2002-2007
In Press, Journal of Safety Research
Bart Hammig, Elizabeth Childers, Ches Jones

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For me, studies on the more abstract topic of safety climate tend to be less directly useful for workplace application. I still find it interesting to read how researchers try to provide meaningful research in the area. The latest contribution is a study on the relationship between PPE use and safety climate.

Effects of safety climate on safety norm violations: exploring the mediating role of attitudinal ambivalence toward personal protective equipment
Nicoletta Cavazza and Alessandra Serpe
Università di Modena-Reggio Emilia, via Allegri 9, 42100 Reggio Emilia

Frequent Questions Database

On September 9, 2009, EPA launched the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) Frequent Questions Database. In the OEM Frequent Questions Database, you can browse and search frequently asked questions about EPCRA, RMP, and Oil Pollution Prevention (which includes oil discharge regulations, SPCC, and FRP). In addition, you can submit your own question if you do not find a similar one in the Database.

A link to the tool is available on the OEM Contact Us Web site, under the heading View Frequent Questions / Ask a Question, at the following URL:

www.epa.gov/emergencies/contact_us.htm

EPA?s Superfund, TRI, EPCRA, RMP & Oil Information Center remains available to answer questions via telephone about any of OEM?s programs. You can contact the Information Center at:

(800) 424-9346 -- Toll Free
(703) 412-9810 -- Metropolitan DC area and international calls
(800) 553-7672 -- Toll Free TDD
(703) 412-3323 -- Metropolitan DC area and international TDD

To speak with an Information Specialist, please call between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM (EST), Monday through Thursday. Information Specialists are available between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM (EST) Monday through Friday during May, June, and July.

OSHA proposes HAZCOMM changes

OSHA is proposing to modify its existing Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) to conform with the United Nations’ (UN) Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS). OSHA has made a preliminary determination that the proposed modifications will improve the quality and consistency of information provided to employers and employees regarding chemical hazards and associated protective measures. The Agency anticipates this improved information will enhance the effectiveness of the HCS in ensuring that employees are apprised of the chemical hazards to which they may be exposed, and in reducing the incidence of chemical-related occupational illnesses and injuries.

The proposed modifications to the standard include 1) revised criteria for classification of chemical hazards; 2) revised labeling provisions that include requirements for use of standardized signal words, pictograms, hazard statements, and precautionary statements; 3) a specified format for safety data sheets; and 4) related revisions to definitions of terms used in the standard, requirements for employee training on labels and safety data sheets.

OSHA is also proposing to modify provisions of a number of other standards, including standards for flammable and combustible liquids, process safety management, and most substance-specific health standards, to ensure consistency with the modified HCS requirements.

See the proposed rule at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-22483.pdf