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As a LEED AP-certified professional who specializes in Indoor Environmental issues with a focus on fire and life safety, I was very interested in some recent articles that are creating awareness of critical health and safety problems inherent to the green building movement — especially commercial buildings with new hazards that must be identified to protect building occupants and mergency responders. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ended 2010 with two announcements that impact Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ). The first of these announcements involves polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in school environments. EPA’s second end-of-2010 announcement involves testing for radon, as January is National Radon Action Month. Two easy ways to start 2011 off on the right foot — follow the EPA’s recommendation by eliminating two significant and relatively easy IEQ concerns, PCBs and radon, from your building. Why do we care about particles floating around in our air? Bruce Groves explores how the environmental air monitoring in the future will be able to locate (in real time) the place, the direction of the pollution source so that we can take measures to stop or reduce the indicated pollution sources. The goal AND end result are to develop as clean a living and working area as possible. New standards were announced on October 25th from the DOT and EPA to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in heavy-duty trucks and buses. The standards, which are set to be phased in on new vehicles in 2014, will include requirements to improve fuel efficiency which benefits businesses, the shipping industry, and cities and towns. For every job, there are specific OSHA requirements that are designed to keep you safe – your health and safety office or EHS group should be a resource for information as well as monitoring the worksite for safety needs. John DeFillippo explains how to dress for occupational health and safety success and provides links for more information. Are you in litigation regarding an environmental, health or safety issue? if so, there is a good chance that both plaintiff and defendant counsel will enlist the services of an expert or two. What is the role of an Expert Witness and how do you find the best EHS expert witness for you? For both counsel and client, spend the time to do research and find qualified EHS professionals who can help you win your case. Have you been properly trained to use your respirator and fit-tested to make sure it is actually stopping hazards from reaching your lungs?Are you confident that you are using your respirator properly and that the respirator that you have selected is the best for the contaminants you are exposed to? How about the person next to you – are they in compliance? Learn why compliance with respirator regulations is good for you and your lungs. Dr. Michaels states that OSHA needs to transform how it addresses workplace hazards, and in its relationship to employers and workers. As such he outlines a new strategy that is a clear shift from recent years indicating that there is a “new sheriff in town” and business (ALL businesses) should take heed. Here are some of my extrapolations and thoughts regarding 6 of these transformational items — consider how they will affect your business or workplace. How can you reduce the costs of the surprise water problem? Plan now — whether it is for rain and flooding that may occur due to weather conditions or for the pipe break that always happens unexpectedly. Knowing who to call to determine the scope of the problem and who can implement the recommended response will save you significant time, money, property and hassle. When I was first introduced to perimeter air monitoring, I walked in circles for days, literally. Every half hour I recorded a reading in my field book and moved to the next assigned point. This necessary, tedious process continued for days, weeks, and months. At the end of each day I watched an entire job crew file through the gates to the parking area as I stood by in envy. After a deep breath of annoyance and gloom, |
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