Aerial work platform guidance

Several industry groups associated with aerial work platform equipment joined to create a Statement of Best Practices of General Training and Familiarization for Aerial Work Platform (AWP) Equipment.

Intent of this initiative is to:

• Educate the industry on the industry-recognized-and supported standards, including the American National Standards Institute/Scaffold Industry Association (ANSI/SIA) A92 Standards and the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) regulations.
• Present best practices and minimum general training guidelines for AWP equipment
• operators.
• Emphasize the differences between general training and familiarization.
• Clarify minimum qualifications of the trainer.

Links: http://www.ipaf.org/fileadmin/user_upload/documents/us/AWP_BPG_2010.pdf

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."

Three new guidelines from AIHA

The American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) just released three new publications:

• Guideline for Implementing an Integrated Health, Safety, and Wellness Program for Small Businesses
• Guideline on Occupational Exposure Reconstruction
• Storage Rack Safety Guideline

Link: http://www.aiha.org/Content/AccessInfo/press/AIHA+Press+Release-+AIHA+Releases+Three+New+Guidelines.htm

Preventing Health Hazards from Metal Working Fluids

Metal working fluids used without controls.

More than 100 million gallons of metal working fluids (MWFs) are produced every year, and more than 1 million employees are exposed to these MWFs. NIOSH issued guidance on recommended exposure limits (RELs) and controls for MWFs in 1998, but continues to find employees exposed to airborne concentrations of MWFs above the RELs and employees with respiratory and skin problems of the types associated with MWF exposures.

MWFs are used to lubricate, cool, prevent corrosion of, and remove chips from tools and metal parts during grinding, cutting, or boring operations. There are several types of MWFs: straight or soluble oils, semisynthetic oils, and synthetic oils. Exposures to MWFs can occur through inhaling aerosols, skin contact with contaminated surfaces, and splashing of fluids. Employees who have been exposed to MWFs often report skin disorders (skin irritations, oil acne, and rashes); eye, nose, and throat irritation; and respiratory symptoms (cough, asthma, or other breathing problems).

In 1998, NIOSH issued RELs of 0.5 mg/m³ for total MWF particulates and 0.4 mg/m³ for the thoracic particulate mass, as a time-weighted average concentration for up to 10 hours per day during a 40-hour work week. (read more of the NIOSH article here...)

OSHA publishes guidance on respirators, facemasks

In light of a possible influenza pandemic, OSHA has released a proposed guidance document on workplace stockpiling of respirators and facemasks. The document aims to assist employers in purchasing and stockpiling decisions. OSHA is accepting comment on the document until July 8.

From National Safety Council