A construction and renovation project within any facility creates a range of situations which can release debris, pollutants and contaminants that can impact the indoor air quality. These contaminants may be transported to other areas via HVAC systems, personnel coming and going through encapsulation barriers, and other factors that can subsequently affect people beyond the project area. Consideration of the effect upon indoor air quality is particularly important in healthcare settings when performing construction or renovation projects. What is the plan?
We just had our first cold weather snap in the northeast reminding me that 2012 is just around the corner. A change in the seasons is our cue to ask Emilcott clients that manufacture or import chemicals: Have you gathered the 2010 chemical volume data AND are you collecting the 2011 data needed for the 2012 TSCA Chemical Data Report?
With the departure of Hurricane Irene, many buildings throughout NJ and NY have sustained a wide range of water damage and require action to remediate or otherwise mitigate the impacts of water intrusion: mold, fungus and structural damage. Timing is a key element in this response; immediate action is necessary to minimize the potential for mold growth within the building envelope. As in medicine, early detection leads to an early (and usually less expensive) cure. Time and water combined can grow to be an expensive and time-consuming enemy. Failure to respond promptly will very likely result in mold growth requiring significantly more demolition than if the condition is handled in a timely manner. What is the definition of “timely”? As soon as mold is discovered!
When recalling our onsite environmental, health and safety work following 9/11, Emilcott’s health and safety staff often discuss that respirators were either not worn or improperly worn by many first responders and subsequent waves of workers and construction crew members at Ground Zero. The tenth anniversary of 9/11 seems like a good time to re-examine the issue of preparedness.
by Paula Kaufmann
Upcoming TSCA Reporting Period: February 1 – June 30, 2012.
As of August 6, the EPA has finalized the TSCA IUR — now named the Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) – Rule. There are many changes with the TSCA IUR to CDR … some of these will be in place for the 2012 reporting submission and many more for the 2016 submission. Read more for a complete update.
“Man is it hot out here.” As the site HSO (Health and Safety Officer), we hear and utter those words quite frequently during the summer. Working outside in 90 degree temperatures with high humidity levels is anything but comfortable. Who doesn’t look forward to the end of the work day when you can escape to an air conditioned environment with a cold drink or jump into the pool? It’s not just unpleasant — working in hot, humid temperatures can be very dangerous. If you don’t take extra care to rest and hydrate you can subject yourself to heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and the deadly heat stroke. So what can you do to protect yourself in hot, outdoor conditions while continuing to work.
Have you ever driven by a crew constructing a new house or installing a new roof? Have you noticed a guardrail system in place to keep workers from falling when working on the upper levels? Or have you seen a personal fall arrest systemsthat will lock and hold a falling worker like a seatbelt in your car? Most likely you have not seen either of these fall protection systems in place for residential projects! Nearly one residential construction worker dies each workday as a result of falls. OSHA believes that no job is worth a life. For workers employed by a mid-sized contracting group or a small crew engaged in house painting or outside repairs, OSHA has published a new directive which mandates the use of fall protection for all residential construction workers at heights of 6 feet off of the ground. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Fall Protection Policy for Residential Construction went into effect on June 16, 2011.
It’s summertime again… time for barbeques, bathing suits, and sunscreen. We all know we should protect ourselves from the sun damage to skin, eyes, and possible skin cancer. I remember as a child the only available sun lotion was 2, 4, and 8, and it was considered healthy to get a little red. A result of that latent exposure to the sun was Melanoma that killed my sister at age 47.When asked about potential occupational “overexposure” to sunshine, I had to ask: Is there more to know about protecting workers from sun exposure? What are the regulations and occupational exposure recommendations for exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation? Here are some answers ….
It happens every summer at hospitals and clinics across the country…first-year and advanced residents and fellows start a new training-at-work year. As part of the infection control strategies at these healthcare facilities, respiratory protection training and fit testing campaigns move into full gear to ensure that everyone is covered (literally and figuratively). It is important for medical staff – new or seasoned – to know when and why they are required to wear respiratory protection – the training is an essential part of the OSHA Respirator Standard. At large teaching hospitals, departments charge with respiratory protection programs must provide support to 800 to 1000 (or more!) en masse. Planning is imperative and cooperation from the medical staff makes the process smoother for everyone.
Do you have hazardous chemicals in your workplace? If you think the answer is no, are you sure? Let’s start with a definition! OSHA defines a hazardous chemical as one that presents either a physical or a health hazard. Many common and readily available products such as paints, cleaners, and other materials found in the workplace meet this definition. In fact, last year OSHA issued over 6,300 violations to companies that failed to comply with this standard. Learn more about your Right-to-Know!