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Worker Safety


	Fire Hazard From Carbon Adsorption Deodorizing Systems The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently issued an Alert concerning the fire hazard from carbon adsorption deodorizing systems. Activated carbon systems used to adsorb vapors for control of offensive odors may pose a fire hazard when used for certain types of substances, if proper procedures are not followed. In particular, crude sulfate turpentine, commonly produced in the pulp and paper industry, can pose a fire hazard if the adsorption system is not properly designed and proper procedures are not implemented. Facilities should take precautions to minimize this fire hazard. (NOTE: This bulletin was previously reported but has just been posted by OSHA) http://www.osha-slc.gov From the Daily Regulatory Reporter

	Potential Fire with Florescent Light Bulbs within Plastic Tubes The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that the fire department of Plymouth, Massachusetts noted that fluorescent light bulbs with protective plastic sleeves used in some bagel or donut display cases may cause a fire. The protective plastic sleeve covering is designed to protect food from broken glass in the event a bulb breaks. The potential for this lighting system to overheat and cause a fire was discovered during an investigation of a fire in Plymouth, Massachusetts. During this investigation, the Plymouth Fire Department discovered that the two pins at one end of the bulb were not properly seated in the socket. Therefore, the fire investigator noted that the fire hazard appears to be due to the improper installation of the fluorescent light bulb in its socket. From the Daily Regulatory Reporter

	OSHA Proposes $155,000 Fine for Welding Accident After an explosion which seriously injured two workers in Hancock, Maine, Federal labor officials are proposing $155,000 in fines. The accident, which occurred last spring when an arc welder ignited flammable fumes while working on a tank of asphalt is being called "willful" by OSHA inspectors. The company, Lane Construction was previously cited by for a similar incident in Texas in which a worker was killed. From the Daily Regulatory Reporter

	Results of Carbon Monoxide Detector Tests The Gas Research Institute and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) say that many carbon monoxide alarms either sound their alarms for no reason, or, even worse, don't sound their alarms when they should. Some manufacturers dispute the findings and say test conditions were not realistic. About 250 people die from carbon monoxide poisoning every year; the death of Vitas Gerulaitis from carbon monoxide poisoning three years ago led to a surge in detector sales, but too many false alarms have prompted consumers to throw them out. The CPSC recommends that all homes be equipped with carbon monoxide detectors. From the Daily Regulatory Reporter, based on a report in the New York Times

	Disease Forces Limits on Disney Bug spray is selling like hot cakes at Disney World, as reports of encephalitis alarm tourists and long-time residents. State health and tourism officials are trying to calm tourists and local health offices say the phones don't stop ringing. Since the mosquitoes who spread the disease bite at dusk, a number of tourist stops closed well before that time. Disney closed evening campfires and hayrides. From the Daily Regulatory Reporter, based on a report in the Washington Times

	Avoiding Toxics on the Golf Course Dr. Clark Throsell, professor of agronomy, advises golfers on ways to avoid exposure to toxics on the golf course. He suggests staying away from the course when chemicals are being used, never golf in bare feet, never lick or kiss golf balls or tees, never put cigars on the green and then continue smoking them, and wash hands and forearms after golfing. From the Daily Regulatory Reporter, based on a report in the New York Times

	Children Of Construction Workers At Increased Risk For Lead Poisoning In the first comprehensive study of home lead contamination among construction workers, researchers at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health found that children of lead-exposed construction workers were six times more likely to have blood lead levels over the recommended limit than children whose parents did not work in lead-related industries. Exposure to toxic materials in the workplace is a concern for families of workers in several industries. Lead is of particular concern for workers with young children since it has been shown to cause a variety of health problems in children, ranging from behavioral disorders to brain damage. The risk to children is particularly high because they frequently put their hands in their mouth thereby increasing their exposure and because their bodies quickly absorb lead into their systems. From the Daily Regulatory Reporter

	Recall Of Microwaveable Beverage Mugs In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Vesture Corp. of Asheboro, N.C., is recalling about 44,000 microwaveable beverage mugs sold under the name Lava Java. When heated in a microwave, the mug can ignite posing a fire hazard, or the mug's hard plastic shell can split open allowing hot thermal material to be discharged from the mug posing a risk of burn injuries to consumers. From the Daily Regulatory Reporter

	Trenching Violations Bring Contractor $230,400 In Proposed Penalties The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently issued citations with proposed penalties totaling $230,400 to an Alburtis, Pa., excavating contractor for subjecting workers to potential life-threatening conditions during installation of a sewer line. And, the local community can take credit for exposing the dangers. OSHA cited the company, Atlantic Contracting, Inc., with a total of 11 alleged violations, five of which are alleged as willful, after complaints from local residents who had been observing the trenching operation in a section of Lehigh Township, Pa. From the Daily Regulatory Reporter

	Company Faces $1 Million Fine For Forcing Life-threatening Conditions On Employees The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently proposed penalties totaling $1,072,000 against AgriGeneral Co., LP, of Croton, Ohio, a major egg producer, for forcing its employees to live and work under life-threatening conditions. AgriGeneral produces, processes and distributes eggs at its 7,000-acre Croton facility, which has 310 employees. About 4.5 million eggs are produced daily by the almost 10 million chickens on the farm. Doucas (Duke) Goranites, president of the company, formerly was president of DeCoster Egg Farms, Turner, Me., which was the subject of another major OSHA enforcement case. From the Daily Regulatory Reporter

	Recall Of Bunn Coffeemakers In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Bunn-O- Matic Corporation of Springfield, Ill., is voluntarily recalling about 442 Bunn Model B-8B and B-8W coffeemakers. These machines could have a pinched wire at the base of the unit which could cause an electrical short, posing a possible shock hazard. CPSC and Bunn-O- Matic are not aware of any injuries involving these coffeemakers. From the Daily Regulatory Reporter

	Recall Of Portable Baseboard Heaters In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Duracraft Corp. of Southborough, Mass., is recalling about 50,000 portable baseboard heaters. The fan of the model CZ-520 heater could become stuck causing it to overheat, posing a fire hazard. Duracraft has received 20 reports of these units overheating, producing smoke or causing fire, and resulting in minor property damage. Duracraft is not aware of any injuries involving the heater. The model CZ-520 Space SaverTM Baseboard Heater's exterior housing is constructed of white thermoplastic and a black steel grill, and has two heating control knobs on the right side—a power switch and a regulating thermostat. The electric heater measures 22 inches long, 6 inches wide and 4 inches high, and tilts to various angles on its hinged stand. The word "Duracraft" is written in gray on the top, right side of the unit. The model number, CZ-520, is located under the words "Made in China" on a silver sticker on the bottom of the heater. This model heater was manufactured in 1995. Only date codes that begin with "95" are involved in this recall. The date code can be found on a small white sticker on the bottom of the heater with "DATE" written on it. From the Daily Regulatory Reporter

	Road Project Aids Safety Research A study of Boston's Harbor Tunnel project is giving researchers the means to evaluate health and safety issues. Workers exposure to airborne particles will be measured, since much of the work is underground and involves exposure to construction materials that contain silica. The long duration of the project—12 years—allows for experimentation with different approaches to enhancing health. From the Daily Regulatory Reporter, based on an article in the Wall Street Journal

	Workers Report Illness After Contact with Pocomoke Three employees from the Maryland Department of the Environment are among 14 people who reported illnesses after coming in contact with the Pocomoke River, where Pfiesteria piscicida contributed to the deaths of thousands of fish. Symptoms suffered by the workers included blisters, peeling skin, and memory loss. Dr. Ritchie Shoemaker of Pocomoke City said, "We can no longer ignore the very real possibility that exposure to Pfiesteria toxin can cause health problems in humans." From the Daily Regulatory Reporter, based on an article in the Washington Post

	Lead In Batteries A Lesser Threat Than Leaded Gasoline Princeton researchers Robert Socolow and Valerie Thomas conclude that because the lead in batteries and in leaded gasoline is contained and dispersed in such different ways, the threat associated with the lead is much lower for batteries. The researchers' report appears in the first issue of the "Journal of Industrial Ecology", a new publication of MIT press. Socolow and Thomas, who are with Princeton University's Center for Energy and Environmental Studies, wrote in response to a 1996 study that asserted that lead emissions from electronic vehicle use (because of the batteries) were actually greater than lead emissions from cars running on leaded gasoline. The Princeton researchers said that this study was flawed because it didn't take into account the fact that lead in batteries is contained and can be recycled and disposed of properly, while lead emissions from automobiles are dispersed throughout the air. This is not to say that lead in batteries is harmless. The authors note that people living near battery recycling facilities (secondary smelters) have higher blood levels of lead than the general population. Facility workers also suffer from lead exposure. However, the authors say that these problems can be lessened through better management of the hazard, rather than a ban on lead in batteries similar to the ban on lead in gasoline. In the context of industrial ecology, the authors outline four factors which could reduce the hazards associated with lead batteries: 1)A higher number of batteries should be recycled; 2)lead should not be exported to countries where environmental protection controls are weak; 3)secondary smelters should use more effective pollution control measures to protect surrounding communities; and, 4)methods to protect smelter workers should be developed and utilized. The authors conclude, "Industrial ecology suggests that the goal of lead management [in the case of batteries] can be clean recycling instead of phaseout." From the Daily Regulatory Reporter, based on a report in the Daily Environment Report

	OSHA Proposes Fine in Dartmouth Death The Occupational Safety and Health Administration found that Dartmouth College had violated safety laws following the death of a researcher, Professor Karen Wetterhahn, who spilled dimethyl mercury on her protective gloves. OSHA said the college did not provide enough safety training or appropriate gloves. Dartmouth officials vowed to enhance safety measures. From the Daily Regulatory Reporter based on an article in the Washington Times

	ACOEM Ergonomics Checklist According to the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine's (ACOEM) second annual Labor Day checklist, derived from Bureau of Labor Statistics data, women are nearly three times more likely to suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome than men. In addition, the list reports that women who operate machinery are more prone to CTDs than women who are data entry employees, and that individuals enjoying recreational activities are not exempt from CTDs. The list of risk factors includes inactivity, sleep, vices, diet, drugs, recreation, repetitive motion, posture, vibration, lifting, hand exertion, humidity, temperature, lighting, space, ventilation, and floors. Based on a report from Safety currents

	Behavior-Based Safety Video Series Available A two-part video series on Behavior-Based Safety is now available from Coastal Video Communications Corporation. Created by Behavioral Science Technology, Inc and distributed exclusively by Coastal, this award-winning series is designed to explain the concepts of Behavior-Based Safety. Part one of the series introduces the basic concepts of behavior, attitude and culture, exploring the relationships among them. Part two describes "ABC Analysis"—a valuable tool for understanding the factors that influence behavior and how to use those factors as leverage points to improve safety. To schedule a free preview of the Behavior-Based Safety Series, contact Coastal Video Communications Corp. at 1-800-823-0412 or reply via e-mail to safetycurrents@coastal.com. Some materials reprinted with permission from Industrial Safety and Hygiene News. Safety Currents is produced in cooperation with SafetyOnline Worldwide.

	Ten Deadly Electrical Hazards The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that contact with electric currents killed 346 workers in 1994. The following list highlights potential dangers commonly found in the workplace that pose the threat of electrocution. Damage to insulation on electrical cords and welding conductors Detached conduits, missing covers, defective wiring and other wiring code violations Lack of ground fault circuit interrupter protection while using portable cords and tools in wet areas Exposed wires or terminals in out-of-the-way spaces Lack of proper lockout/tagout Missing or broken ground prongs on power cords Misuse of electrical testing equipment Switches or resets located inside electrical boxes Insulated tool handles that are damaged or are missing insulation Conductive tools, ladders or cranes used near electrical conductors To access OSHA's Electrical Safety Standard (1910.331-335), check out SafetyOnline.

	NIOSH Offers Recommendations To Reduce Latex Allergy Exposures The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has stated that employers should select products and implement work practices to help prevent work- related latex allergic reactions due to exposures to natural rubber latex in gloves and other products. NIOSH also released recommendations to both healthcare and non-healthcare employers who work with latex on how to reduce this risk. Screen workers with low allergy reaction tolerance to detect symptoms early Use non-latex gloves for tasks such as food preparation, routine housekeeping and maintenance that do not tend to involve contact with infectious materials such as blood Implement work practices such as washing hands with a mild soap after removing latex gloves Identify and clean areas contaminated with latex-containing dust and use ventilation filters and vacuum bags in those areas Provide latex allergy training for workers Based on a report from Safety Currents, 7/9/97

	Explosion Results In 22 Safety Citations, $277,750 Penalty Cal/OSHA cited Tosco refining and marketing company for 22 alleged violations of state workplace safety regulations following the state agency's investigation of a January 1997 fatal explosion at the company's Martinez plant. Forty-six Tosco and contractor workers were injured, and one was killed in the blast. Penalties totaling $277,750 represent the highest ever levied for a petroleum refinery accident in the state. Specific violations ranged from a $250 fine for not promptly reporting an incident or investigating another one, to a $70,000 fine for failing to take timely action regarding written employee concerns about the Hydrocracker Unit, which ultimately caused the explosion by overheating. Deputy Cal/OSHA chief Mark Carleson said, in a California Department of Industrial Relations release, that Tosco's six-month inspection program revealed the company failed to "use recognized and generally accepted good engineering procedures while operating the unit." From the Daily Regulatory Reporter

	OSHA Receives Consensus Proposal For Steel Erection Standard Representatives of labor, industry and other groups involved in steel erection who are members of the Steel Erection Negotiated Rulemaking Advisory Committee (SENRAC) recently presented the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) with a consensus proposal for a revised steel erection standard that could save 26 lives and $125 million a year. Acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Gregory R. Watchman, who received the report, said, "The entire steel erection community can be proud of the concerted effort it made to develop this proposal for a revised standard to protect workers. This is a good example of how President Clinton wants the New OSHA to work—developing partnerships with labor, industry, public interests and other government agencies to achieve common sense regulation." OSHA plans to later publish a notice of proposed rulemaking in the Federal Register based on this consensus document. From the Daily Regulatory Reporter

	Legionnaires' Organism Found in OSHA Building In mid-August, an organism that causes Legionnaires' disease and other bacteria were found in a cooling system of an Occupational Safety and Health Administration building. Almost 100 employees were sent home. Based on a report from Safety Currents

	Labor Secretary Comments On Fatal Occupational Injuries From Labor Secretary Alexis Herman: The release of fatal occupational injury data for 1996 by the Bureau of Labor Statistics presents good news and bad news for American workers. The good news is that the number of fatal injuries fell to the lowest level in five years. Notable drops occurred in the number of job-related electrocutions and homicides. But the bad news is that 17 workers die on the job every day in this nation. Truck drivers, construction workers, people working on farms and those in sales are particularly vulnerable to fatal injuries. Work-related deaths from highway crashes, jackknifings, vehicle rollovers, homicides, tractor-related accidents and falls continue to take their unfair toll on honest, hardworking Americans—people who get up and go to work and never come home to their families. The 6,112 workers who died on the job in 1996 remind us all that safety and health should never be taken for granted. One of my top priorities as Secretary of Labor is ensuring American workers a safe and healthful workplace. A strong and effective Occupational Safety and Health Administration is key to achieving that goal. From the Daily Regulatory Reporter

	Federal Plans To Phase Out CFCs in Metered-Dose Inhalers EPA and other administration officials recently spoke at a hearing of the House Commerce Subcommittee on Health and Environment about plans to phase out chlorofluorocarbons in metered-dose inhalers. The inhalers are used by asthma sufferers, and the CFCs act as propellants to introduce a mist of medicine into the lungs. Phasing out CFCs in inhalers would eliminate 4000 tons of CFCs annually, said Paul Stolpman, director of EPA's Office of Atmospheric Programs. The 4000 tons released from metered-dose inhalers in the US is a larger amount of CFCs than are released from all sources in more than 100 other countries. Stolpman called on the US to act as a world leader on the phase out of CFCs. The Food and Drug Administration has begun planning the phase out. Although the American Lung Association and the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America support the FDA's plan, some legislators want to stop the phase out because of concerns for asthmatics that rely on the devices. Murray Lumpkin, Deputy Director of the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, tried to ease the committee's fears by saying that the number one concern of the FDA is the health of people who use the inhalers. He said that FDA will not ban the inhalers until "patient-acceptable products" for substitution are readily available on the market. Rafe Pomerance, deputy assistant secretary of state for environment and development, told the panel that CFCs for the inhalers can still be produced in the US because they are covered as an "essential use" under the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. However, the Open-Ended Working Group of the Montreal Protocol recently produced a draft decision encouraging a phase out of the use of such CFCs. FDA announced its plan in an advance notice of rule-making in March (62 FR 10242). It is evaluating the comments that it received about the plan and hopes to issue a proposed rule later this year or in early 1998. Later in the hearing, EPA was attacked by Subcommittee member Richard Burr because it had sent a letter to health care providers about a CFC-free inhaler that was available on the market. Burr accused EPA of endorsing the product, since it is the only one that has been approved by the FDA. Burr noted that it is illegal to promote a product by citing its FDA approval. Stolpman countered Burr's claims, saying that the letter did not endorse the product. Burr warned that Stolpman could expect an inquiry about the letter from the House Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations. From the Daily Regulatory Reporter, based on an article in the Daily Environmental Report