November 2012
Transcription
November 2012
BREAKTHROUGH STRATEGIES: What Great Leaders Do NOVEMBER 2012 VOL. 81 NO. 11 | www.ohsonline.com HEAD & FACE PROTECTION: Picking PPE for Any Application 12 FLU/HEALTH CARE: 40 Cold and Flu Prevention 40 HAND PROTECTION: Outfitting Next-Generation 44 4 Workers 4 FALL PROTECTION: Spotlight on Residential Construction 51 1112ohs_c1_v2.indd 2 10/12/12 12:46 PM HV100A HV300A MB200A ML200A ML300A The Highest Levels of Cut, Needle Stick and Puncture Protection. We are MCR Safety. Just try to outwork us. www.mcrsafety.com/alycore 800-955-6887 MR100A Scan the QR code to see something that will excite you. CIRCLE 34 ON CARD Untitled-4 1 10/9/12 12:32 PM CIRCLE 45 ON CARD Untitled-8 1 10/11/12 5:44 PM FROM THE EDITOR Coming Out of the Cold www.ohsonline.com VOLUME 81 NUMBER 11 EDITORIAL STAFF A EDITOR Jerry Laws Rock Fall (UK) Ltd will send a pair of ctually, I want to hear from you if you’re still in the cold – work- them in any size from UK6 to UK12 (equiving offshore, possibly, or at a alent to 6 ½ to 12 ½ in U.S. sizes) to the cold storage facility or outdoors winner of this modest contest. To enter, just send me a description of work during the winter months. you’re doing now or have Royal Dutch Shell’s drilling recently done in a cold envithis year in the deepwater ronment. Supporting photos offshore Alaska Arctic got me are welcome, and I’ll need to thinking about these tough know the shoe size you want. jobs, and then an offer arrived The deadline for entries is Frifrom a representative of Rock day, Nov. 30. Fall (UK) Ltd, a British safety Then I’ll consult with three footwear maker. Rock Fall To enter, just send other editors here, and togethrecently introduced its Alas- me a description er we’ll choose the most chalka RF001 thermal insulated of work you’re lenging (or the most unusual, boot and offered to let me doing now or have perhaps) entry as the winner. give away one pair of them as recently done in a I’ll send that person’s informaa prize to a lucky reader. The boot’s rubber outsoles cold environment – tion along to Clive Astin, my can withstand temperatures and your shoe size. contact for Rock Fall (UK) Ltd, who has promised to ship down to -40° F, and the company states that it surpasses the EN ISO the boots to that individual. To the winner, they’ll be a warm and pro20345:2004 S3 CI European Safety Standards and has an SRC Slip Resistant Rating, a com- tective gift to enjoy into the new year, I hope. posite toe cap, and an anti-penetration composite internal midsole. JERRY LAWS jlaws@1105media.com PRINT MANAGING EDITOR Ronnie Rittenberry WEB MANAGING EDITOR Brent Dirks E-NEWS EDITOR Tyler Thurston CONTENT DEVELOPMENT TEAM Cindy Horbrook Jessica Acklen ART STAFF ART DIRECTOR Dale Chinn PRODUCTION STAFF DIRECTOR, PRINT AND ONLINE PRODUCTION Jenny Hernandez-Asandas PRODUCTION MANAGER Teresa Antonio SALES STAFF WEST COAST, SOUTH, & CENTRAL Barbara Blake DISTRICT SALES MANAGER 972-687-6718 NORTHEAST & SOUTHEAST Jenna Conwell DISTRICT SALES MANAGER 610-436-4372 MID-ATLANTIC DISTRICT Rick Neigher SALES MANAGER/ 818-597-9029 ONLINE SALES DIRECTOR SECURITY, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION GROUP PRESIDENT & GROUP PUBLISHER Kevin O’Grady GROUP CIRCULATION DIRECTOR Margaret Perry GROUP MARKETING MANAGER Susan May PRESIDENT & Neal Vitale CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT & Richard Vitale CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT Michael J. Valenti VICE PRESIDENT, Christopher M. Coates FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION VICE PRESIDENT, Erik A. Lindgren INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY & APPLICATION DEVELOPMENT VICE PRESIDENT, David F. Myers EVENT OPERATIONS Occupational Health & Safety (ISSN 0362-4064) is published monthly by 1105 Media, Inc., 9201 Oakdale Avenue, Ste. 101, Chatsworth, CA 91311. Periodicals postage paid at Chatsworth, CA 91311-9998, and at additional mailing offices. Complimentary subscriptions are sent to qualifying subscribers. Annual subscription rates payable in U.S. funds for non-qualified subscribers are: U.S. $79.00, International $149.00. Subscription inquiries, back issue requests, and address changes: Mail to: Occupational Health & Safety, P.O. Box 2166, Skokie, IL 60076-7866, email OHSmag@1105service. com or call 847-763-9688. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Occupational Health & Safety, P.O. Box 2166, Skokie, IL 60076-7866. Canada Publications Mail Agreement No: 40612608. Return Undeliverable Canadian Addresses to Circulation Dept. or XPO Returns: P.O. Box 201, Richmond Hill, ON L4B 4R5, Canada. 4 © Copyright 2012 by 1105 Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A. Reproductions in whole or part prohibited except by written permission. Mail requests to “Permissions Editor,” c/o Occupational Health & Safety, 14901 Quorum Dr., Ste. 425, Dallas, TX 75254. The information in this magazine has not undergone any formal testing by 1105 Media, Inc. and is distributed without any warranty expressed or implied. Implementation or use of any information contained herein is the reader’s sole responsibility. While the information has been reviewed for accuracy, there is no guarantee that the same or similar results may be achieved in all environments. Technical inaccuracies may result from printing errors and/or new developments in the industry. Corporate Headquarters: 1105 Media 9201 Oakdale Ave. Ste. 101 Chatsworth, CA 91311 www.1105media.com Occupational Health & Safety | NOVEMBER 2012 1112ohs_004_EdNote_v2.indd 4 Direct your Media Kit requests to: Lynda Brown Ph: 972-687-6710 (phone) Fx: 972-687-6750 (fax) E-mail: lbrown@1105media.com For single article reprints (in minimum quantities of 250-500), e-prints, plaques and posters contact: PARS International Ph: 212-221-9595 E-mail: 1105reprints@parsintl.com Web: www.magreprints.com/QuickQuote.asp This publication’s subscriber list, as well as other lists from 1105 Media, Inc., is available for rental. For more information, please contact our list manager: Merit Direct Ph: 914-368-1000 E-mail: 1105media@meritdirect.com Web: www.meritdirect.com/1105 CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD Jeffrey S. Klein REACHING THE STAFF Editors can be reached via e-mail, fax, telephone, or mail. A list of editors and contact information is at www.ohsonline.com. Email: To e-mail any member of the staff please use the following form: FirstinitialLastname@1105media.com. Dallas Office: (weekdays, 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. CT) Telephone: 972-687-6700; Fax: 972-687-6799 14901 Quorum Drive, Suite 425, Dallas, TX 75254 Corporate Office: (weekdays, 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. PT) Telephone: 818-814-5200; Fax: 818-734-1522 9201 Oakdale Avenue, Suite 101, Chatsworth, CA 91311 www.ohsonline.com 10/12/12 12:31 PM CIRCLE 14 ON CARD Untitled-1 1 10/2/12 10:57 AM TABLE OF CONTENTS NOVEMBER 2012 | Volume 81, Number 11 | www.ohsonline.com DISTRIBUTOR UPDATE 35 Distributors Help Customers Streamline Procurement Organizations need to know exactly when, where, why, and how items are being purchased — and this is where distributors can play a defining role. by Robert Kravitz 38 The Economy, E-Learning, and the Bottom Line While cutting costs in training programs may provide temporary financial relief, there is considerable evidence it can be a very serious mistake. by Mike Sawchuk FLU/HEALTH CARE 40 Cold and Flu: A Pound of Prevention Our best bet is to layer multiple prevention strategies. If one is less than effective, others can fill the breach. by Isaac Eliaz HAND PROTECTION 18 features 44 Meeting the Needs of Next-Generation Workers Their needs vary by age and also by personal preferences. by Laura Proctor 48 Take Charge of Your Chemical-Resistant Glove Program A challenging factor is potential risk from several different chemicals, each of which requires a different glove material for maximum protection. by David Shutt ROCO RESCUE HEAD & FACE PROTECTION/PPE 12 FALL PROTECTION 51 CONFINED SPACES 18 24 Confined Space Rescue: The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly It is still a very dangerous business, and even with our best efforts, confined space accidents are still occurring. by Pat Furr 54 Confined Space Entry Past, Present, and Future: Where Do We Go From Here? Remember: The safest entry is no entry at all! by Robert E. Brown, Jr. ILC DOVER 6 PAPRs: Primary or Secondary Protection Options Several advances are in operational use. They improve the safety of operations and improve user comfort for increasing productivity. by Alan E. George 30 51 DEFIBRILLATORS & CPR RESPIRATORY PROTECTION 30 OSHA Residential Construction Regulations Compliance Before Dec. 15, conduct an on-site compliance check. Confirm that workers elevated 6 feet or more above the lower level of a structure have OSHAacceptable forms of fall protection. by Craig Firl CAPITAL SAFETY Protecting Workers from the Neck Up in High-Hazard Areas Head and face PPE should be rated to meet the rigors of the specific job application, including hazard type, amount of coverage required, electrical conductivity, heat rating, and ease of use when working in combination with other PPE. by Kate Twist-Rowlinson Why Trained Responders Need Regular Practice Many EMS professionals complete skill refreshers every 90 days to keep their skills current. A hands-on skill session every 90 days is ideal for workplace lay responders. by John Jerin departments 4 10 58 62 64 65 66 From the Editor Newsline New Products Product Spotlights Classifieds and Literature Library Advertiser Index Breakthrough Strategies by Robert Pater Occupational Health & Safety | NOVEMBER 2012 1112ohs_006_008_TOC_v3.indd 6 10/15/12 10:54 AM OUTERWEAR Variety One of the broadest selections in the industry—fleece, sweatshirts, brown duck, parkas, field coats, bomber jacket with zip-in liners, beanies, insulated coveralls and bibs. Not All FR Is Created Equal SM Workrite’s consistent high-quality manufacturing results in durable outerwear that lasts for years. Safety isn’t seasonal—it’s year round. At Workrite, we make flame-resistant (FR) outerwear that looks good, feels comfortable and protects workers in the harshest outdoor environments. Be protected all year long with our wide selection, including jackets and fleece in a variety of fabric weights—each one constructed to be easily layered for better fit and protection. With 100% inspection at every step of our garment manufacturing process, we deliver long-lasting, wearable FR every time. © 2012 Workrite Uniform Company With styles for all seasons, Workrite has built better FR outerwear for the last 40 years. Untitled-9 1 Insulated Hoods Fits over hard hats and can snap onto insulated coveralls, parkas and other jacket styles. Combination Pockets Bellowed front and side-slit pockets on bomber jackets and parkas provide increased storage and warmth. No Exposed Metal No exposed metal on the interior of any garment for worker protection. 800/521-1888 | www www.workrite.com workrite com CIRCLE 28 ON CARD 10/1/12 3:45 PM TABLE OF CONTENTS NOVEMBER 2012 | Volume 81, Number 11 | www.ohsonline.com www.ohsonline.com What You May Have Missed in Orlando Wind Power Showdown SONGQUAN DENG / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM The looming expiration of the Production Tax Credit that supports renewable energy has wind energy users and industry suppliers begging Congress to preserve it, but that wasn’t the only thing on agenda of the Washington, D.C.-based American Wind Energy Association this fall. AWEA hosted OSHA personnel for a wind turbine rescue training course Sept. 11-13 as part of a national alliance between the two organizations, giving 44 trainees a first-of-its-kind inside look at the industry, AWEA CEO Denise Bode said. Highlights of APHA’s 140th Annual Meeting OH&S editors recap the 2012 National Safety Congress & Expo and look ahead to the second century of the National Safety Council. “Prevention and Wellness Across the Life Span” was the theme for the American Public Health Association’s 2012 annual meeting, which closed Oct. 31 after the Public Health Awards presentation and the Public Health Exposition inside San Francisco’s Moscone Convention Center. 7+(5(H6$7,0($1'3/$&(72*229(57+(('*( <285/2$',1*'2&.,61H721(2)7+(0 .12:<2855,6.6 ® INTRODUCING THE RHR-4000 DOK-LOK VEHICLE RESTRAINT ` Protects against ALL types of trailer separation accidents ` New hook design enhances coverage over rear impact guards ` Shadow hook adds a layer of safety by securing intermodal containers or trailers with rear impact guard obstructions ` Full-time communication comes standard Visit RiteHite.com/KnowYourRisks to protect your loading dock. Circle 25 on card. 8 Occupational Health & Safety | NOVEMBER 2012 1112ohs_006_008_TOC_v3.indd 8 www.ohsonline.com 10/15/12 10:54 AM Hard to Wear. Easy to Wear. Let’s face it...some respirators are as comfortable as medieval armour. But now, with the new 7000 half mask and 9000 full face series, respiratory protection has never felt so easy. Unlike others, the 7000/9000 feature lighter weight, fewer parts, less maintenance, wider field of vision, easier cartridge attachment, and are completely PVC-Free and free of metal parts. All this at an economical price. Compliance just got a whole lot easier. Sleek, simple, comfortable protection that’s just plain EASY TO WEAR. To see what the buzz is all about, visit www.moldex.com or call (800) 421-0668. CIRCLE 22 ON CARD. Untitled-8 1 10/11/12 6:12 PM NEWSLINE Awards & Milestones Employees of Rich Products Corporation’s Waycross, Ga., manufacturing plant recently celebrated 10 consecutive years without a lost-time incident. The plant opened Aug. 19, 2002, and the company hosted a luncheon for the associates, about 70 of whom work at the facility. CHRIS MONCUS To mark 10 years without a lost-time incident, Rich’s hosted its Waycross plant associates at a lunchtime celebration at the historic Railway Express At The Depot. Rich’s is a global food solutions leader with 33 manufacturing locations on six continents, including 17 plants in the United States. “Our philosophy is that every day begins with safety. Safety is a huge priority, and we’re very passionate about it. It’s ingrained up and down the organization,” said Rick Maddox, plant manager at Waycross and a nine-year company veteran. 10 1112ohs_010_Newsline_v4.indd 10 ErgoExpo Expanding The 2012 National Ergonomics Conference and Expo (ErgoExpo), the 18th annual conference in the series, in Las Vegas (Dec. 4-7) will be larger than the 2011 version, show organizers have announced. The keynote speakers are Michael Melnik, president of Prevention Plus, speaking on “Creating Positive Change in the Workplace” Dec. 5; Samantha Greenfield of the Sloan Center on Aging & Work at Boston College addressing how companies act on research and trends to maximize their multigenerational workforces, Dec. 6; and Peter Budnick, Ph.D., CPE, president of ErgoWeb® and past president of the Board of Certification in Professional Ergonomics, will present “The Next Phase of Growth & Influence for the Ergonomics Industry” as the Annual State of the Ergonomics Industry Address. The expo floor plan and other information are posted at www.ErgoExpo.com. The organizers announced webinar sponsorships for 2012 were sold out by April and all major sponsors renewed or expanded their 2012 campaigns. www.ohsonline.com ADVISORY BOARD Joe E. Beck Professor, Environmental Health Science Eastern Kentucky University Richmond, Ky. Leo J. DeBobes, MA (OH&S), CSP, CHCM, CPEA, CSC, EMT Stony Brook University Medical Center Stony Brook, NY Scott Lawson The Scott Lawson Companies Concord, N.H. Angelo Pinheiro, CSP, CRSP, CPEA Senior HES Professional Marathon Oil Company Houston, Texas William H. Weems, DrPH, CIH Director, Environmental & Industrial Programs University of Alabama College of Continuing Studies Tuscaloosa, Ala. Barry R. Weissman, MBA, REM, CSP, CHMM, CHS-V, CIPS Corporate Manager — Health & Safety Benjamin Moore Paint Co. Flanders, N.J. Henry Wright Vice President & Manager - Risk Control BB&T Insurance Services Inc. Charlotte, N.C. Circle 32 on card. 10/12/12 12:33 PM ELEVATE YOUR TRAINING In addition to building the industry’s most comprehensive online training library, UL PureSafety gives you flexible delivery options, as well as pricing models to fit any environment, workflow or budget. With convenient course licensing options, you can easily add our courses to your existing learning management system or enterprise software system. Save 25% when you buy 5 or more courses* www.puresafety.com/save25 CIRCLE 24 ON CARD UL and the UL logo are trademarks of UL LLC © 2012 *Terms and conditions apply. Untitled-4 1 10/9/12 12:35 PM HEAD & FACE PROTECTION Protecting Workers from the Neck Up in High-Hazard Areas Head and face PPE should be rated to meet the rigors of the specific job application, including hazard type, amount of protective coverage required, electrical conductivity, heat rating, and ease of use when worn in combination with other PPE. BY KATIE TWIST-ROWLINSON HONEYWELL SAFETY PRODUCTS the 1.1 million occupational injuries requiring at least one day away from work in 2008, more than 70,000 were head injuries. More than 60 percent of those occurred to the face and the eyes were by far the most common part of the face affected, accounting for 27,450 of all face injuries. Workers in manufacturing, construction, and trade experience the highest number of head and face injuries overall. OSHA standards require employers to provide workers with suitable head and face protection wherever potential hazards exist. To effectively prevent injury, the personal protective equipment must be suitable for the hazards that are present and be properly fitted. Oftentimes, workers are exposed to myriad head and face hazards on any given day, necessitating the use of various forms of PPE within a shift, an hour, or even at the same time. Eye protection, faceshields, hard hats, and welding helmets are all available in a multitude of styles, sizes, and materials to protect workers in high-hazard environments. This article looks at the different levels of protective equipment available and offers guidelines to help keep workers safe from the neck up. Vision Protection P otential eye and face hazards are found in nearly every industry. However, some work environments pose inherently greater risk to workers’ heads, faces and eyes. Protection above the neck is especially important in high-hazard work areas such as those involving a significant amount of flying fragments, metal shavings, sand, sawdust, chemical splash, or harmful light radiation. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, of 12 Occupational Health & Safety | NOVEMBER 2012 1112ohs_012_016_twist_v3.indd 12 First and foremost, safety eyewear is a basic necessity in any high-hazard workplace. Because it is a primary protector, its use is required in conjunction with all secondary forms of face protection, including faceshields and welding helmets. In order to comply with OSHA requirements, employers must provide eyewear that meets the American National Standards Institute’s ANSI Z87.1 standard for impact protection, which was revised in 2010, in part to make selecting the proper eyewear easier. Formerly organized by protector type, safety eyewear is now organized by typically encountered hazard. Expanded product markings under the revised standard also make it easier to select the appropriate level of protection. Prior to selecting safety eyewear, assess the hazards faced by your employees so you can provide them with the proper PPE they need to do their work safely. Consider the products best suited for different applications. Plano eyewear looks like regular glasses and provides basic impact protection, while wraparound styles afford the user increased coverage and peripheral protection. Goggles that seal tightly to the face are ideal for individuals in high-dust environments and for those exposed to hazardous chemicals. www.ohsonline.com 10/12/12 12:33 PM COST: BENEFIT: 1R WDEOHVDZ EODGHFODLPV IT’S THAT SIMPLE. Industrial Cabinet Saw The only table saw that stops on contact with skin. North America’s #1 Cabinet Saw. Over 37,000 sold. VISIT SAWSTOP.COM/SUCCESS Table saw accidents happen with alarming frequency. And Sawstop is the surest way to avoid them. Sawstop is the only proven, engineered solution that can nearly eliminate* life-changing table saw blade injuries. It’s patented blade brake system stops the spinning blade on contact with skin — ten times faster than a car’s air bag. And with an MSRP of about $4,500, installing a SawStop is one of the easiest safety recommendations you’ll ever make. You’ll find the tips and information that’ll help you successfully put the SawStop table saw safety solution into action at your organization. *Though very infrequent, serious injuries are still possible on a SawStop saw. Please use all available safety measures when operating. CIRCLE 36 ON CARD. Untitled-4 1 10/15/12 12:45 PM HEAD & FACE PROTECTION Keep in mind that high-quality lenses, adjustability features, and modern styling are factors that can help improve workforce compliance with safety eyewear. BLS data show that welders, cutters, solderers, and braziers experience the second-highest eye injury rate by occupation. Faceshields are required in occupations such as these which involve high impact, high heat (infrared radiation), and/or chemical splash. Look for headgear that is easy to wear and adjust; workers are most likely to wear faceshields incorrectly due to poorly designed headgear or hard hat attachment systems. Flexible and shaped headbands offer individuals a more customized fit, and headbands with a ratcheting adjustment are typically easier to fit than those with pinlocks. When worn properly, headgear should sit between half an inch and one inch above an individual’s eyebrows. Faceshield visors come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials, and national safety regulations do not mandate the amount of coverage required for specific hazards. Therefore, it is up to the safety manager to select the appropriate amount of coverage for the specific application. In [ LIVE-FIRE EXTINGUISHER TRAINING …SHOULDN’T LEAVE A BAD TASTE IN YOUR MOUTH. Eliminate the need for dry-chem or CO2 extinguishers with a BullEx I.T.S. Xtreme™ training system. The I.T.S. Xtreme responds to a Àeld-rechargeaEle airwater SmartExtinguisher® for a realistic experience with little to no clean-up. Provide hands-on training for countless employees in virtually any outdoor setting. DOWNLOAD OUR FREE GUIDE “Preparing Employees for a Fire Emergency” >WWW.BULLEX.COM 14 1112ohs_012_016_twist_v3.indd 14 > http://go.bullex.com/OHS11 Circle 13 on card. applications with cutting, grinding, chemical, or similar hazards, look for a faceshield with an extended, wraparound design to protect from airborne filings or splashes. Keep in mind that faceshields alone do not protect from all impact and chemical splash hazards; they must be used in combination with safety eyewear or goggles. Head Protection In environments where electromagnetic energy given off by an arc or flame can injure workers’ eyes, a welding helmet may be required. Such helmets contain a filter lens with a shade number that indicates the intensity of light radiation allowed to pass through a filter lens to one’s eyes. Employers can choose from two primary types of welding helmets: passive and auto-darkening. Passive helmets utilize a shaded piece of glass or polycarbonate that the welder looks through. Because the filter is so dark, the welder must remove the helmet to prepare the weld and then replace the helmet before welding begins. An auto-darkening filter automatically darkens when the welding arc is struck; when it is not activated, the lens is light enough to see through easily. Because the welder does not have to continually raise and lower his welding helmet between welds, this type of lens allows for greater productivity and higher-quality welds. When selecting a welding helmet, reference a shade-selection chart to choose the specialized lens tint appropriate for the job. And remember, when welding is underway, those working within 10 feet of the welding arc also must be protected. In addition to selecting the proper lens shade, it is important also to be sure the welding helmet is constructed of highquality, durable materials that amply deflect sparks and reduce the risk of burn-through for the specific application. High-heat environments and many overhead welding jobs require a helmet that is made of heavyduty material appropriate to withstand the high heat, sparks, and spatter that result. Lesser-quality materials will result in burnthrough and potential serious injury to the welder’s face, neck, and ears. In work zones where overhead hazards exist, OSHA requires the use of hard hats in compliance with the ANSI Z89.1-2009 standard for head protection. Hard hats labeled ANSI Type I are intended to protect the user against impact to and penetration www.ohsonline.com 10/12/12 12:33 PM Cut resistance never looked so good. ©Magid Glove & Safety Mfg. Co. LLC. /ivel\ colors x 'eSendaEle cut Srotection x 6uSer griS Cool coPIort x 8ltraKigK aErasion resistance ChromaTek™ CT500 Gloves are the first-ever HPPE work gloves available in a spectrum of colors— from dirt-hiding black to high-visibility red. They are also some of the most comfortable cut and abrasion resistant gloves ever made thanks to their unique high-filament yarn construction. Capped by a low price, they are sure to make heads turn. 2 ANSI 6 ANSI ANSI Level 2 Cut Resistance ANSI Level 6 Abrasion Resistance CIRCLE 6 ON CARD Request your )5(( Sair today! Visit www.magidglove.com/chromatek or call 800.444.8030. Untitled-5 1 8/13/12 10:41 AM HEAD & FACE PROTECTION of the crown (top of the head) only, while those labeled ANSI Type II are intended to protect against both crown and lateral (side of the head) impact. In environments where workers may be exposed to electrical hazards, hard hats must protect against electrical shocks, burns, and electrocution. For this reason, hard hats are also categorized into three classes to denote their electrical rating. Class C helmets (conductive) provide no electrical protection, Class G (general) helmets are tested at 2,200 volts, and Class E (electrical) hard hats are tested to with- stand 20,000 volts. When electrical hazards exist, also consider the mounting systems used to attach supplemental face or hearing protection to hard hats, because the attachment system may change the dielectric rating of the cap. Additionally, never drill holes into a hard hat because this severely affects the cap’s dielectric properties. Combined Protection Any welding helmet or faceshield used in conjunction with a hard hat relies on some form of mounting system that attaches the face protection to the hard hat. Consid- Save Time, Save Gas, Save Money MSA GALAXY® GX2 Automated Test System with Advanced MSA Link™ Pro Software. Simple and intelligent testing and calibration of MSA ALTAIR® Family Gas Detectors. More than 50% reduction in your cost of ownership including calibration gas, when used with MSA ALTAIR 4X and ALTAIR 5X Multigas Detectors with high-performance XCell® Sensors. Easy setup and simple use with touch-free testing. Smooth and seamless management of your gas detector fleet. Save time, save gas, save money. MSA North America • 1-800-MSA-2222 / ID 5645a 16 1112ohs_012_016_twist_v3.indd 16 Please visit our newly launched website: www.MSAsafety.com Because every life has a purpose... erations for selecting a mounting system include frequency of use, ease of use, durability, flexibility, and compatibility with different products. For high-frequency situations, look for attachment systems that are fully adjustable to fit any style of hard hat and have a brim tab design that allows the faceshield or welding helmet to fit securely onto the hard hat. For long-term secure situations, look for attachment components that are pre-installed and permanently fixed onto the hard hat for ease of use. Because of the added weight both a faceshield and welding helmet will add to the hard hat, it is especially important to make sure you choose a properly fitting hard hat with a well-balanced suspension system. Suspensions typically come in 4-point, 6-point, and 8-point varieties. The greater number of suspension points, the more balanced the hat will feel and the more likely the energy of an impact will be dispersed, potentially resulting in less trauma to the wearer. When selecting combined head and face protection for your workers, look for a supplier that can help your company develop and implement a comprehensive head and face protection program. Free consultation, hazard analysis, selection criteria development, and OSHA compliance review are some of the ways a supplier can help your organization make the best possible PPE buying decision. By protecting your workers’ heads, faces, and eyes, you protect their most valuable assets – and yours. Head and face PPE should be rated to meet the rigors of the specific job application, including hazard type, amount of protective coverage required, electrical conductivity, heat rating, and ease of use when worn in combination with other PPE. By providing workers with the optimal PPE and encouraging proper usage through a supportive safety culture, employers can reduce head and face injuries in the workplace, which also can provide a healthy boost to productivity and the bottom line. Katie Twist-Rowlinson is the product manager for Fibre-Metal® Hard Hats and Welding, Honeywell Safety Products. She has been working in the PPE field for more than 10 years in various capacities and oversees Honeywell’s lines of hard hats and welding helmets. www.ohsonline.com 10/12/12 12:33 PM Wiley X protects with Rx-ready premium safety eyewear that workers enjoy wearing. Wiley X’s patented removable soft foam Facial Cavity™ Seals protect eyes in a multitude of environments. Superior comfort and style ensure that unlike regular, clunky safety glasses, Wiley X glasses will be worn. CIRCLE 29 ON CARD WILEYX.COM // 1.800.776.7842 WILEY X, the WILEY X Eyewear logo, WX, the WX Eyewear logo, the WX WILEY X logo and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks (marca registrada) of Wiley X, Inc., in the U.S. and other countries. Logos: © 2007-2012 Wiley X, Inc. All rights reserved. Untitled-2 1 9/11/12 12:56 PM CONFINED SPACES Confined Space Rescue: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly It is still a very dangerous business, and even with our best efforts, confined space accidents are still occurring. BY PAT FURR ROCO RESCUE P ermit-required confined spaces are prevalent in a variety of workplaces, be they general industry, the construction industry, or shipyard work activities. Currently, the most comprehensive guidance for conducting safe permit-required confined space entry work activities is the OSHA General Industry Standard, 1910.146. This standard does a very good job of spelling out the employer’s responsibilities for providing a rescue capability suitable for the conditions of the permitted confined space. Although other standards do not provide comprehensive guidance equivalent to that in 1910.146, the fact remains that the nature of all permit-required confined spaces presents similar hazards, no matter what type of work activity is being performed. And the human body will react to, and suffer the conse- 18 Occupational Health & Safety | NOVEMBER 2012 1112ohs_018_020_Furr_v4.indd 18 quences of, exposure to those hazards in the same way. In a nutshell, OSHA 1910.146 requires that the employer evaluate a prospective rescue service’s ability to respond to a rescue summons in a timely manner considering the hazards identified. One of the most important aspects of that requirement is “considering the hazards identified.” This is assuming that the employer has done a thorough and accurate job of assessing the conditions of the confined spaces at the workplace. The requirement that the employer make every attempt to isolate the confined space from any and all hazards cannot always be met. If the option of employing sections (c)(5) Alternate Entry or (d)(7) Reclassifying Confined Spaces is not feasible, then all of the requirements for providing timely rescue must be satisfied. Therefore, if hazards remain in the confined space or there is a potential for hazards to develop during entry operations, the employer must have a viable rescue capability at the ready. In my years of providing training to employees for confined space rescue and in the course of consultation visits to various work sites, it is very apparent to me that the understanding of the OSHA requirements for permit-required confined space rescue spans the range from near-total ignorance to a top-notch confined space program that may be seeking information on the latest and greatest in rescue equipment and/ or procedures. I have seen some very good confined space rescue programs, some pretty bad programs, and some downright ugly programs that unfortunately have resulted in catastrophic results. Non-Entry Rescue Probably the most common rescue capability that may effectively provide non-entry rescue is a retrieval system consisting of a retrieval line, chest or full body harness, wristlets if appropriate, and a lifting device or anchor. Keeping in mind that more than half of the fatalities in multi-fatality confined space incidents are the would-be rescuers, you always should consider the non-entry rescue retrieval system before an entry rescue effort. The non-entry rescue retrieval system must be evaluated to ensure that if the need arises, it will function as necessary. There has to be a good understandwww.ohsonline.com 10/12/12 12:34 PM ROCO RESCUE ing of the limitations of these types of systems. If there is a potential for the retrieval line to become fouled in an entanglement hazard that may create a greater hazard to the entrant(s) than any existing hazards, then the retrieval system should be ruled out as an option and an entry rescue capability needs to be employed. Likewise, if the entrant(s) must move around any corners, elevation changes, or any other structures that would interfere with the ability to haul the entrant(s) from the space, then the retrieval system would not be adequate. One often-overlooked requirement for retrieval systems is the need to provide a lifting capability for any vertical entry greater than five (5) feet in depth. This requires some type of mechanical device, such as a winch or mechanical advantage rope system, that provides both a lifting and progress capture that will reliably and safely handle the anticipated loads. One of the benefits of considering and evaluating a permitrequired confined space to see whether non-entry rescue retrieval is a reliable option is that the Confined Space Attendant can very easily be trained to operate the retrieval system, especially if a preengineered system such as a tripod and winch system is used. By getting double duty out of the attendant, the employer is able to save on manpower requirements while still providing the necessary protections to the entrant(s). Vetting a Professional Rescue Service What about the permit-required confined spaces that are not suitable for non-entry rescue retrieval systems? These are the spaces that may have twists and turns to gain entry or that may have entanglement hazards created by the retrieval line. Or it may be a space that has multiple entrants, and managing the retrieval lines www.ohsonline.com 1112ohs_018_020_Furr_v4.indd 19 could in and of itself become a hazard. In these cases, it is of utmost importance that the employer thoroughly understands what a permit-required confined space entry rescue team must be capable of as it relates to the types of spaces and hazards at the work site. There are several ways that an employer can satisfy the need for entry rescue. It seems the most common approach is for the employer to rely on municipal emergency responders to meet this critical need. For certain industries, an in-house rescue team may make the best sense. And finally, a third-party professional rescue service may make the most sense. Whichever of the three options described is used, it is the employer’s responsibility to thoroughly vet the prospective rescue service in terms of their equipment, manning, training, response time, availability, and willingness to respond. Non-Mandatory Appendix F to 1910.146, “Rescue Team or Rescue Service Evaluation Criteria,” provides an excellent guide for employers who wish to conduct an initial evaluation of a prospective rescue service to see whether it can “talk the talk,” with a follow-on performance evaluation of the selected rescue service to ensure it can “walk the walk.” At some point in the selection and evaluation phase, it is required and highly advisable that the employer provide the selected rescue service access to all permit spaces from which rescue may be necessary so the rescue service can develop appropriate rescue plans and practice rescue operations. Having the rescue service personnel come to the work site for the purposes of understanding the types of hazards they may be confronted with, understanding the configuration of the spaces in terms of types of access, internal configurations, available anchor points, and the possible need to provide high-angle rope operations subsequent to the confined space rescue is the best opportunity to complete preparations for a NOVEMBER 2012 | Occupational Health & Safety 19 10/12/12 12:35 PM CONFINED SPACES potential future confined space entry rescue. The Confined Space Types Chart accompanying this article should be used to help ensure that the rescue service can perform in all of the typical confined space configurations, including particular limitations to portal size, internal congestion, and elevated portals. A thorough communication to the rescue service personnel regarding the types of hazards they may be exposed to is critical in ensuring that the team is properly equipped and trained to use appropriate PPE for their team members and the victim’s protection, up to and including any Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health (IDLH) hazards. A common misunderstanding is that permitrequired confined space IDLH hazards are limited to respiratory hazards only. In fact, the definition of IDLH is expanded from the 1910.134 respiratory IDLH hazard definitions to include any condition that poses an immediate or delayed threat to life, or that would cause irreversible adverse health effects, or that would interfere with an individual’s ability to escape unaided from a permit space. Response Times As far as response times go, OSHA intentionally did not place a hard-and-fast response time requirement for a permit-required confined space rescue service and instead requires that the rescue service be able to respond to any confined space emergency in a time appropriate for the types of hazards known or anticipated during entry. For IDLH hazards it is generally understood that the rescue service should be standing by the space and have the rescue systems pre-rigged in order to provide a near immediate rescue re- sponse. This is also consistent with some of the requirements of OSHA’s respiratory standard for IDLH hazards. If the rescue service were required to meet arbitrary response times, the potential for the rescue service to initiate entry rescue efforts before ensuring proper safety and performing a “risk vs. benefit” analysis would be too great. The 1910.146 standard is a performance-based standard and, therefore, avoids placing specific requirements on the types of equipment, techniques, and response times of the rescue service. Instead, the standard expects the employer to use an evaluation system similar to Appendix F to ensure the rescue service personnel can provide rescue for the various types of spaces and hazards that they may be summoned to. To help drive home the point that any employer with permit-required confined space entry operations going on at its facility needs to ensure a viable rescue capability, just visit any NIOSH FACE report detailing the circumstances of recent confined space incidents. It is still a very dangerous business, and even with our best efforts, confined space accidents are still occurring. The unfortunate reality is that a proficient confined space rescue capability is an ongoing need, and the last thing we want to hear is that another FACE report was generated when it could have easily been avoided. Pat Furr is Roco Rescue’s chief instructor and technical consultant. The company (www.rocorescue.com) has an international reputation for confined space training, equipment, and stand-by rescue services. It is based in Baton Rouge, La. I did ! JULIE CARTER, GRADUATE 2010 The Mundy Companies Visit Us Online to Learn More About Julie’s CSU Experience! Online Degrees. Low-Cost Tuition. Superior Service. www.ColumbiaSouthern.edu/OSHMag | 877.845.7780 Recognizedd bby: 20 1112ohs_018_020_Furr_v4.indd 20 Visitit our website Visit b it att www www.ColumbiaSouthern.edu/Disclosure CColumbiaSouthern l bi S th edu/Disclosure d /Di l for f information i f ti about b t gainful i f l employment l t iinclu including l cost of attendance, on-time graduation rates, occupational opportunities, median student debt and other important information about CSU programs. Circle 15 on card. 10/12/12 12:35 PM 3M™ E-A-Rfit™ Validation System PAR 33 PAR 32 PAR 31 PAR 30 PAR 29 PAR 28 PAR 27 PAR 26 PAR 25 PAR 24 PAR 23 Protection Measurement Made Easy Fit Testing for Hearing Protectors 3M is a trademark and The Power to Protect Your World is a service mark of 3M Company, used under license in Canada. © 3M 2012. All rights reserved. Test results in less than 10 seconds per ear, the 3M™ E-A-Rfit™ Validation System generates a personal attenuation rating (PAR) for each worker. This simple, in-the-field test system can enhance your hearing conservation program in a variety of ways: Untitled-2 1 detection protection validation · Assists selection of appropriate protectors for workers & environments · Provides tool for training proper insertion techniques · Helps identify workers receiving inadequate protection 3M is harnessing a chain reaction of new ideas that deliver innovatively easy solutions to complex hearing protection challenges. Help take your hearing conservation program to the next level with the E-A-Rfit system from 3M—a global leader in detection, protection, and validation solutions. To request a free product demonstration or for more information, visit 3M.com/EARfitDemo. CIRCLE 7 ON CARD 9/6/12 12:41 PM Class Action? What you don’t know could hurt your employees– and your company. TheDirtOnShopTowels.com/WYPALL Untitled-7 2 8/10/12 12:49 PM Sample a clean and safe alternative at TheDirtOnShopTowels.com/X90 Untitled-7 3 ®/* Trademarks of Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. or its affiliates. Marques déposées de Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. ou de ses filiales. © 2012 KCWW K02658 K9075-12-01 09/12 Class Act. CIRCLE 21 ON CARD 8/10/12 12:49 PM CONFINED SPACES Confined Space Entry Past, Present, and Future: Where Do We Go From Here? Remember: The safest entry is no entry at all! greater risk because of the work conditions. With that as a basis for our discussion, let’s proceed. BY ROBERT E. BROWN, JR. BW TECHNOLOGIES BY HONEYWELL Reasons for Entry The reasons why confined space entry may be required really have not changed much in the past decade. Some of these might include: ■ Product removal: A site’s workers may have to remove a product from a tank, silo, vault, or similar space for reprocessing, or there may be a need to change out production to a different product. ■ Spills: Spills or releases may flow to vaults, sewers, catch basins, pits, or similar locations. ■ Maintenance: Confined spaces of all types may require entry in order to perform repairs, complete inspections (regulatory, post-incident, and/or good engineering practices), provide for new installations, etc. ■ Cleaning: Cleaning may be required for decommissioning of equipment, as a follow-up to product removal or spills, or in preparation for maintenance activities. Why to Not Enter (In other words, Why Should We Consider Alternative Technologies and Approaches) A confined space has limited or restricted means of entry or exit and is not designed for continuous employee occupancy. I t has been quite a while since I last wrote on this topic for Occupational Health & Safety. Things continue to change, so it makes good sense to take a fresh look. The purpose of this article is to review the various reasons that one may have for entering confined spaces, and then to offer a variety of alternative technologies and approaches for avoiding entry in the future. While it is unlikely all organizations can eliminate the need for confined space entry, it is very likely many organizations can at least reduce the frequency of entry. As things continue to change, however, more opportunities are arising. Definitions Because I must, let’s begin by reviewing the definition of a confined space. A confined space is “A space that is large enough and configured in such a way that an employee can enter and perform assigned work. It also has limited or restricted means of entry or exit (e.g., tanks, vessels, silos, storage bins, hoppers, vaults, and pits are spaces), and is not designed for continuous employee occupancy.” The implication of the definition is that entering into a confined space where hazards are present has 24 Occupational Health & Safety | NOVEMBER 2012 1112ohs_024_028_Brown_v3.indd 24 Despite the many reasons why confined space entry may be required, there are overriding reasons why to not enter. Consider, for example: ■ Chemical exposure: Many entries are into spaces containing, or formerly containing, hazardous chemicals. Obviously, work in an area with reduced natural ventilation increases the potential for exposure through inhalation, and because of the nature of the space, physical contact may be more likely, as well. ■ Physical hazards: Entry into confined spaces can subject the entrants to entrapment, engulfment, mechanical hazards, heat, cold, and a host of other hazards. ■ Equipment requirements: Entries require the use of specialized equipment, including extraction devices and other rescue equipment. Much of this specialized equipment is of no use for other workplace activities, which necessarily adds cost burden to the operations. ■ Personnel requirements: A safely performed entry will require at least three people, and possibly more. Other personnel, including those assigned to rescue services, will necessarily be on standby. The overall commitment of employee resources for these activities can be quite significant. What Are My Alternatives? So, you ask, if I have tasks to perform and yet have all of these risks and reasons not to enter, what are my www.ohsonline.com 10/12/12 12:39 PM Push-to-Fit Convenience Easy Makes Hearing Protection 3M Push-to-Fit Earplugs TM 3M is a trademark and The Power to Protect Your World is a service mark of 3M Company, used under license in Canada. © 3M 2012. All rights reserved. Are you looking for hearing protection that’s easy to insert, even with dirty hands? With 3M™ Push-to-Fit Earplugs, you simply grasp the stem and push them into place, providing a clean and comfortable fit. There’s no roll-down needed, and no fumbling to get the right fit before the earplug expands. Made from patented and innovative foams, push-to-fit earplugs are available in a variety of models, and are designed for extended wear and all-day comfort. Untitled-2 1 detection protection validation 3M is harnessing a chain reaction of new ideas that deliver innovatively easy solutions to complex hearing protection challenges. Discover the wide range of hearing protectors available from 3M—a global leader in detection, protection, and validation solutions. Get FREE Push-to-Fit Samples See for yourself how easy push-to-fit earplugs are to use and wear. Visit 3M.com/Push-to-Fit to request a free packet of samples today! CIRCLE 8 ON CARD 9/6/12 12:43 PM CONFINED SPACES alternatives? Let’s consider several specialized pieces of equipment (many of which have been improved), as well as common and notso-common techniques. Product/material handling equipment: high-power vacuum systems In order to remove material from a confined space without entry, one option might be a high-power vacuum system. These systems can be truck- or trailer-mounted, can achieve air flows of 500 to 7,000 cfm (or more), and are capable of establishing 15 to 30 inches of Hg vacuum. The units can be equipped with suction lines of up to 8 inches in diameter, allowing for removal of even large debris, and will move material up to 1,000 feet laterally (less vertically). They can be operated in wet or dry mode and may be further equipped with HEPA filtration. Other special options include explosion vents, special interior coatings, internal wash down systems, swing out cyclone collection, and specially designed dropout collection containers. With a high-power vacuum system, you can move abrasives, brick, catalysts, cement, chemicals, oil, sludge/ slurries, clay, coke, and virtually any other debris from virtually any confined space without the need to enter the space. Specialized cleaning equipment There are several options available for cleaning without entry, including: ■ Water jet cleaning. The typical water jet system (also known as hydro-blasting equipment), depending upon the pump and configuration, can produce a water jet of 1,000 to 100,000 psi (or more) at volumes of 1 to 100 gpm (or less). This pressure can literally cut steel 26 1112ohs_024_028_Brown_v3.indd 26 or concrete and certainly, with the minimal volumes of water used, can be a creative cleaning solution. Water jet systems are in extensive use within a variety of industries, including pharmaceutical, chemical, petroleum, food processing, and transportation. In addition to “shotgun” cleaning wands, the units can be equipped with lances (for cleaning long portions of piping) and with cleaning heads that can operate at variable speeds and can further clean three dimensionally over 360 degrees of coverage. Specialized applications include telescoping booms, retractable units for cleaning railcars or horizontal tanks, and skid-mounted units for cleaning large-diameter pipes. Water jet systems even can be included in a new engineering design to automate or semi-automate the cleaning process. ■ Abrasive blasting. When someone mentions abrasive blasting, most people think of sandblasting. There are, however, several other options, the most intriguing being CO2 pellet blasting. The obvious advantage of CO2 as a cleaning medium is that during the blasting process the “abrasive material” sublimes, leaving only the residue of the material previously in the space, now ready for easy removal. ■ Chemical cleaning. A number of companies specialize in chemical cleaning, using caustic or solvent cleaning materials to clean vessels, tanks, and other containers. Some of the cleaning materials are “off the shelf,” but experienced companies can develop customized cleaning solutions, as well. Another chemical cleaning method is simple neutralization, which can be used quite effectively with acids and bases. Circle 23 on card. 10/12/12 12:39 PM lead them to safety Honeywell can help. Honeywell Safety Products has the broadest portfolio of leading safety solutions in the marketplace today. Our core mission is to help safety managers build an enduring culture of safety that minimizes injuries and maintains a more protective and productive workplace. Partner with Honeywell to discover new ways to lead them to safety. Visit our website today. www.honeywellsafety.com/culture CIRCLE 20 ON CARD. Untitled-2 1 ©2012 Honeywell International Inc. All rights reserved. 9/11/12 1:05 PM CONFINED SPACES Repair Equipment The increase in the use and availability of specialized robotics has created a wide variety of opportunities for avoiding entry into confined spaces. Mechanical cutting heads, remote welding capabilities, and guidelines combined with cameras allow for safer methods for repair and maintenance within confined spaces. Inspection of Equipment While IR and X-ray inspection or testing methods have been in use for many years, increased sensitivity and improved methods are creating rapid advancements in the use of these techniques as opposed to direct visual inspection. An added bonus, of course, is that these types of inspection actually yield more accurate results, allowing for better decision-making. Another inspection technique that continues to advance is the use of opto-electronic equipment to inspect ducts, pipelines, drains, and sewers from 6 inches to 80 inches in diameter. This equipment allows for inspection of live water and live gas lines, which eliminates the need for downtime; it is joystick controlled and resembles a technical version of a modern video game. Non-Entry by Design Regardless of whether some of the specialized equipment described above is used or an alternative approach is taken, the best time to consider the prevention of the need to enter confined spaces is at the design stage. Approaches such as removable agitators, fixed cleaning systems, oversized inspection plates/windows, and/ 28 1112ohs_024_028_Brown_v3.indd 28 or clean-outs (such as bottom take offs) can simplify cleaning, repair, and inspection and eliminate or at least minimize the need for confined space entry. More options are developed every year. Safety Considerations Every modified approach, of course, has the potential to create new hazards that did not previously exist. High-pressure water blasting introduces the possibility of liquid injection injuries; highpower vacuum systems introduce new sources of physical injury and noise; solvent cleaning processes may create flammable atmospheres, while other cleaning agents present new chemical hazards; and CO2 blasting probably will result in oxygen-deficient atmospheres. A process safety review should be performed whenever changes in approach occur. Summary Specialized equipment, changes to procedures, non-entry by design, and customized/creative approaches can eliminate or reduce the frequency of the need to enter confined spaces. Plan now for later, and be creative. Just because it has always been done this way does not mean it must be done this way in the future. Consider the new safety hazards that may be created, but always remember: The safest entry is no entry at all! Robert E. Brown, Jr., CIH, CSP, is the director of EH&S for G&G Risk Management Consultants, Inc., located in Antioch, Calif. If you desire further information, he can be reached at 510-860-5491. Circle 27 on card. 10/12/12 12:39 PM >OLU`V\KVU»[RUV^^OH[`V\HYLYLHJOPUNPU[VNSV]LZTHKL ^P[O(YTVY7SH[L;4WYV]PKL[OLJ\[WYV[LJ[PVU`V\ULLK^OLU^VYRPUN PU[OL\URUV^U ;OLJVU[PU\V\ZÄSHTLU[JVUZ[Y\J[PVUVM(YTVY7SH[L;4VMMLYZTVYL Z[YLUN[OHUKK\YHIPSP[`[OHUNSV]LZTHKL^P[OHYHTPKZW\U`HYUZ HUKHSSV^Z[OLZLNSV]LZ[VILSH\UKLYLKYLWLH[LKS` (YTVY7SH[L;4`HYUJVTIPULZ[OLZ[YLUN[OVM/;-/PNO;LUHJP[` -PSHTLU[^P[OHK\SSPUNHJ[PVU;OPZJVTIPUH[PVUWYV[LJ[ZHNHPUZ[ H]HYPL[`VMOHaHYKZPUJS\KPUNZOLL[TL[HSNSHZZHUKRUPMLISHKLZ .SV]LZTHKL^P[O(YTVY7SH[L;4HYLH]HPSHISL^P[OKPMMLYLU[SL]LSZ VMJ\[WYV[LJ[PVUHZ^LSSHZKPMMLYLU[NYPWZPUVYKLY[VOHUKSLH ^PKLYHUNLVMHWWSPJH[PVUZPUJS\KPUNJVUZ[Y\J[PVUTHPU[LUHUJL THU\MHJ[\YPUNHUKZLY]PJLPUK\Z[YPLZ (YTVY7SH[L;4PZUVUMYPHISLHUKUVUJVUK\J[P]L^OPJOTHRLZP[HU PKLHSYLWSHJLTLU[MVYNSV]LZTHKL^P[OLP[OLYNSHZZVYZ[HPUSLZZZ[LLS -VYTVYLPUMVYTH[PVUJHSS\ZH[800 227 7694 VY]PL^V\YLU[PYL WYVK\J[SPULH[ banom.com CIRCLE 31 ON CARD )HUVTPZHYLNPZ[LYLK[YHKLTHYRVM)HUVT(YTVY7SH[LHUK;OL5L_[.LULYH[PVUVM*\[9LZPZ[HUJLHYL[YHKLTHYRZVM)HUVT +`ULLTHPZHYLNPZ[LYLK[YHKLTHYRVM9V`HS+:45=)HUVT Untitled-2 1 9/10/12 1:16 PM RESPIRATORY PROTECTION PAPRs: Primary or Secondary Protection Options Several advances are in operational use. They improve the safety of operations and improve user comfort for increased productivity. BY ALAN E. GEORGE ILC DOVER conjunction with containment controls at the point of emission. Use of PAPRs as the primary source for protection of personnel in areas where containment is not a feasible option exists today and will continue to be needed in the future. Applications of this include processing equipment that is difficult to contain (a fluid bed processor where the bowl needs to be removed but containment cannot be implemented, for example), during cleaning of the processing equipment, cleaning of the containment control device after processing, or when cleaning the entire processing suite itself. Combining a PAPR with a process that can be contained using alternative particulate containment solutions (i.e., an engineered control) brings significant safety benefits. In this combined approach, protection to nanogram levels can be realized with the primary containment controlling the powder emission at the source and the PAPR providing added protection levels due to the already lower concentration of potent product in the processing suite. Use of Applied Protection Factor Testing T Figure 1. This photo shows an example of simulated work exercises. he use of Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs) is a valuable tool for the environmental health & safety aspects of a pharmaceutical manufacturing operation when working to protect personnel around highly hazardous or potent compounds. There is significant evidence pointing to the benefits of PAPRs as a primary source of protection, as well as when they are used in 30 Occupational Health & Safety | NOVEMBER 2012 1112ohs_030_034_George_v2.indd 30 Data from an Applied Protection Factor (APF) test supports the claims of any specific PAPR design as a means of protecting personnel in hazardous environments. OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1910.134 (d)(3)(i)(A) states the following relative to Assigned Protection Factors for Powered Air Purifying Helmets or Hoods: “The employer must have evidence provided by the respirator manufacturer that testing of these respirators demonstrates performance at a level of protection of 1,000 or greater to receive an APF of 1,000. This level of performance can best be demonstrated by performing a WPF or SWPF study or equivalent testing. Absent such testing, all other PAPRs and SARs with helmets/hoods are to be treated as loose-fitting facepiece respirators, and receive an APF of 25.” Simulated Workplace Protection Factor studies (SWPF) are required for the PAPR manufacturer to state an APF of 1,000, the highest protection factor that may be claimed per the OSHA requirements. Testing conducted using an SWPF protocol provides verification of the published safety levels by using a series of exercises, performed within a chamber containing a challenge such as a corn oil aerosol, which simulates the various operations one may encounter in the workplace. The study also quantifies fit factor performance www.ohsonline.com 10/12/12 12:41 PM 5.5 HAS ARRIVED. LIGHTER. SMALLER. SAFER. You asked. We listened. Our new 5.5 cylinders offer up to a 10% reduction in weight at a reduced profile while keeping the form you are accustomed to. How did we do it? To put it simply, we increased the pressure. That allowed us to build a smaller and lighter cylinder that reduces fatigue, raises productivity and increases safety. Plus, the 5.5 is compatible with the Scott Safety Air-Pak 75i SCBA and high-pressure air carts so you can quickly conform to the new cylinders. CIRCLE 41 ON CARD. TO LEARN MORE VISIT: SCOT TSAFET Y.COM/5 .5 LET’S WORK. © 2012 Scott Safety. SCOTT, the SCOTT SAFETY Logo and Scott Health and Safety are registered and/or unregistered marks of Scott Technologies, Inc. or its affiliates. Untitled-7 1 9/13/12 2:25 PM RESPIRATORY PROTECTION Voice of the Customer input is a critical factor in supporting the improving design of these systems. using a panel of subjects with facial sizes derived using the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) evaluation criteria currently in use by NIOSH for respirator certification. This test is performed to ensure a respirator will protect as expected while maintaining proper fit across the broad range of 5th percentile female to 95th percentile male. Ergonomic and Design Details Are Key Factors in PAPR Selection The design of PAPRs continues to evolve. Voice of the Customer (VOC) input is a critical factor in supporting the improving design of these systems. Historically, such comments have been expressed as user discomfort from prolonged wear of a hood with a headband, loss of visibility when a hood is not secured adequately, having to touch a filter element to change out the filter after it has been contaminated, separate batteries and battery cables being snagged, issues with the decon-ability of belts, and NiCad batteries losing memory over time. Systems on the market today are moving to integrated batteries to replace tethered designs, filter elements where the media is encased in a cartridge, non-slip belts and back harnesses that move the weight off of the user’s waist, decon-able materials for these Figure 2. Panoramic hood design supports a wide field of view, including upward visibility. belts and back harnesses, and panoramic hoods that secure at the operator’s coveralls. These advances are in operational use. They TO LEARN MORE: use the QR code or go to: westone.com/defendear CUSTOM-FIT HEARING PROTECTION ✓ Subject-Fit NRR Rated ✓ Economically + Environmentally Responsible ✓ Otoblast™ Silicone + Slick Sil® AM ® Shown: DefendEar Lite The In-Ear Experts® Slick-Sil is a registered trademark licensed from Surface Solutions Group, LLC. Circle 30 on card. 32 Occupational Health & Safety | NOVEMBER 2012 1112ohs_030_034_George_v2.indd 32 www.ohsonline.com 10/12/12 12:41 PM Sync ™ Play it. Safe. Most radio earmuffs provide some level of hearing protection, but often sacrifice sound quality for attenuation. That’s why we created Sync™ — our new line of stereo and digital AM/FM radio earmuffs that are in sync with proper levels of hearing pro tection, high-fidelity sound, and your ability to listen to the radio and personal listening devices safely at work (and at home). Learn more about our new Howard Leight Sync stereo and radio earmuffs at www.howardleight.com Sync Hi-Vis AM/FM Digital Radio (NRR 25) Sync AM/FM Digital Radio (NRR 25) Sync Electo® (NRR 25) Sync Stereo (NRR 25) CIRCLE 18 ON CARD ©2012 Sperian Hearing Protection, LLC, a Honeywell company. All rights reserved. Untitled-7 1 5/10/12 2:46 PM RESPIRATORY PROTECTION There are applications today where even lower protection levels are being achieved by combining containment with the use of PAPRs. improve the safety of operations, as when operating a forklift as shown in figure 2, and improve user comfort for increased productivity. Combined Technologies Drive Protection Levels Even Lower One analogy that has been used in industry presentations references the use of part of a grain of sugar in a fixed volume. To demonstrate what a containment level of 1 μg/ m3 would be like, the subject matter expert giving the presentation asked the audience to visualize taking a grain of sugar that is 3 milligrams in size, cutting that one grain into three pieces, dividing one of those three pieces of sugar into 1,000 parts, and then placing one of those 1,000 particles in a box that is 1 meter by 1 meter by 1 meter in size. He then offered that this would be the equivalent of containing a process to 1 μg/m3. There are applications today where even let roco be your safety line TRAINING Figure 3. This is an example of the combined use of respiratory protective equipment and a flexible enclosure as a containment device. UÊOpen-Enrollment Courses UÊOn-Site Training EQUIPMENT UÊOnline Catalog UÊSpecialty Gear & Team Kits SERVICES UÊContracted Safety & Rescue Teams UÊSite Assessments & Rescue Preplanning ROCORESCUE.COM UÊInformative Blogs & Articles UÊSafety Tips & Educational Videos Scan the QR Code to access RocoRescue.com RocoRescue.com | info@RocoRescue.com 7077 Exchequer Drive Baton Rouge, LA 70809 | 225-755-7626 | 800-647-7626 34 1112ohs_030_034_George_v2.indd 34 Circle 38 on card. lower protection levels are being achieved by combining containment with the use of PAPRs. As an example, one Contract Manufacturing Organization (CMO) that is handling highly potent compounds has established a combination of highly specialized facilities and controls as a part of its processing operating procedures. As part of the overall corporate safety program, this organization has chosen to integrate flexible containment solutions and PAPRs in its day-to-day operations. Wet granulation, dry granulation, oven drying, fluid bed drying, milling, blending, encapsulation, tableting, and de-dusting are all examples of manufacturing processes in which this CMO has integrated containment and respiratory protection technologies. Whether as a stand-alone respiratory protection system or as secondary protection when combined with a proven engineering control, PAPRs continue to support highly hazardous manufacturing operations in dedicated and multi-purpose facilities. Alan E. George (alan.george@ilcdover. com) is PPE specialist with ILC Dover of Frederica, Del. www.ohsonline.com 10/12/12 12:41 PM DISTRIBUTOR UPDATE Distributors Help Customers Streamline Procurement Organizations need to know exactly when, where, why, and how items are being purchased — and this is where distributors can play a defining role. BY ROBERT KRAVITZ W hile the economic downturn has certainly caused considerable pain for millions of people and scores of businesses throughout the United States, it has also had its benefits. For one, many businesses and other organizations have learned how to streamline their operations, which invariably leads to reduced operating costs and enhanced productivity. This can apply to many aspects of business operations. For instance, many employers recently reported they have not been hiring new workers because, quite simply, they have found they do not need them. Making some personnel and structural changes in their operations has allowed them to operate their businesses more efficiently and productively without the need for additional staff. Another way organizations have been able to improve efficiencies involves streamlining purchasing and procurement. However, in many situations, organizations simply may not know exactly how to go about this or about technologies now available to help them accomplish these ends. Because of this, streamlining procurement and enjoying the cost savings that can result has not always occurred. In fact, procurement managers are not always sure exactly what they are purchasing, in what quantities, from whom, or even when. Frequently this results in unnecessary or redundant purchases. Further, because total product purchasing information has not always been available, some organizations fail to take advantage of special manufacturer or distributor discounts. For example, a multi-office, Chicago-based health care organization found its various locations were purchasing identical products from different vendors. Those items very often were named, listed, or categorized differently on master purchasing orders. Over time, it became difficult to keep track of how many items were being ordered or purchased. Worse, there was no effort made to see whether comparable products at a lower price could be substituted for the items purchased. Once the organization became aware of the problem, the accounts payable department was tasked www.ohsonline.com 1112ohs_035_036_Kravitz_v2.indd 35 with clearing up the confusion and correctly identifying and categorizing each item. This was a time-consuming, costly process that caused many invoices to be paid by hand instead of electronically, resulting in frequent delayed payments. Not only were opportunities for early pay discounts missed, but in some cases, interest charges were added to old invoices due to late payments, further adding to costs. “We have found that, in essence, these systems can provide answers where many managers are still struggling with the questions.” — Michael Wilson, marketing director for AFFLINK EDI: Automating the Purchasing Process The Internet has helped many organizations better manage their procurement and purchasing processes. Numerous organizations have been able to take advantage of what are often referred to as electrical data interchange, or EDI, systems. The U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology in 1996 defined EDI as a “computer-to-computer interchange of formatted messages” designed to work automatically without human intervention, thereby reducing costs. When using them to make purchases, organizations can set up EDI networks with various vendors, making it possible to send purchase orders either at the request of a purchasing agent or automatically (usually after a specific time period). However, while this was an improvement over old manual purchasing processes, many businesses and organizations found these systems still lacking. In some cases, corresponding purchase order acknowledgments were sporadic, requiring purchasing agents to follow up and confirm orders by telephone. Followup was also sometimes necessary to confirm when the product would be shipped. Because of this, one of the potential benefits of EDI — eliminating human intervention — was not fully implemented, resulting in little, if any, cost savings. As we will discuss later, EDI systems are simply designed to facilitate orders. They do not help procurement managers shop, looking to see whether a comparable product by another vendor (or even the same vendor) will meet the facility’s needs but have other benefits such as a lower cost or being NOVEMBER 2012 | Occupational Health & Safety 35 10/15/12 11:14 AM DISTRIBUTOR UPDATE AFFLINK green or more sustainable. Turning to Analytical Tools and Processes Some of the logistical problems surrounding EDI systems have been or are being resolved. Still, organizations need better ways to harness purchasing and procurement information so they know exactly when, where, why, and how items are being purchased — and this is where distributors can play a defining role. One way this can be done is for distributors to use analytical or diagnostic tools, said Michael Wilson, marketing director for AFFLINK, a leader in supply chain management for more than 35 years. “These systems are essentially a process,” he said. “They allow managers and distributors to combine consultative selling with leading-edge technology. [They are] specifically developed to address the operations, management, and procurement needs of organizations in such diverse industries as food service, health care, manufacturing, real estate/building management, government, and education.” Putting these analytical tools to work, he explained, managers working with their distributors can: ■ Uncover new opportunities to improve the overall health of their facilities by selecting more environmentally preferable and sustainable products ■ Lower business operating costs 36 ■ Increase worker productivity and morale ■ Meet sustainability and green objectives “We have found that, in essence, these systems can provide answers where many managers are still struggling with the questions,” he said. “The process is able to analyze vast quantities of information and then turn it into useful insight.” Using one of these analytical tools typically involves the following steps: ■ Discovery. This is the “consultative selling” step referenced earlier that includes gathering all purchasing information and entering it into a hand-held system. Each purchased item is identified as to type (chemical, paper product, hand soap, etc.); given an identification number; and labeled with its cost per unit, amount purchased, and other details. ■ Needs Analysis and Solution Selection. With all purchasing data entered, the system allows the user to select alternative products where preferable or necessary. For instance, the system might suggest swapping a conventional cleaning product for one that is environmentally preferable. This corrects the big drawback of conventional EDI systems. ■ Procurement Analysis. The system then recommends ways to make the purchasing and ordering process more efficient, identifying potential inefficiencies and areas of waste in the supply chain process. Occupational Health & Safety | NOVEMBER 2012 1112ohs_035_036_Kravitz_v2.indd 36 Labor represents 70 percent or more of an organization’s facility maintenance budget. ■ Workloading. Labor represents 70 percent or more of an organization’s facility maintenance budget. These systems can be used to take a “snapshot” of current labor deployment and identify opportunities for efficiency in these areas, as well. “The goal with these systems is to interpret vast amounts of data quickly and to turn that information into insight,” Wilson said. “Then managers and distributors can make logical, rational, and fact-based purchasing and business operating decisions.” The system also is designed to offer clarity and perspective to purchasing and procurement at a level that has not been possible in the past for many organizations, which leads to streamlining purchasing and procurement and reducing related costs, he said. Cleansing Data Many consultants refer to what the economic downturn forced upon many organizations — rooting out the inefficiencies in their operations, streamlining operations and, at the same time, reducing operating costs — as a “cleansing” of the organizations. A similar cleansing can occur when it comes to using processes and tools that make purchasing and procurement practices more efficient. Duplicate entries, redundant purchases, and inaccurate product data can be eliminated. The company can take advantage of lucrative supplier discounts and avoid costly latepayment charges. This process can help to minimize the amount of time and labor needed for accounts payable departments to process vendor invoices. Of significant importance, it helps managers compare products, looking for those that can have additional benefits beyond those of products purchased in the past. Robert Kravitz is a former building service contractor and now a writer for the professional cleaning, building, distribution, and related industries. www.ohsonline.com 10/15/12 11:14 AM Work never sounded good © 2012 3M Company. 3M is a trademark of and The Power to Protect Your World is a service mark of 3M Company, used under license in Canada. Peltor is a trademark of 3M Svenska AB, used under license in Canada. this Try, Then Buy Program Evaluate a 3M Peltor High Noise Communication Solution before you make a purchase. Learn more at 3M.com/Try-ThenBuy. 3M™ Peltor™ has a broad selection of hearing protection solutions adaptable for any high-noise environment. Our products help safeguard hearing while providing simple, reliable communication even in high-noise areas. These innovative headsets offer protection and help enhance worker safety by making it easier to hear regular speech, warning signals and approaching vehicles. 3M is a global leader in hearing conservation for a wide range of environments, and offers a broad selection of hearing protectors. With 3M hearing protection in your work environment, you’ll hear what you need to while being protected from potentially hazardous noise. Learn more at www.3M.com/Peltor. CIRCLE 12 ON CARD The power to protect your world.SM Untitled-1 1 10/2/12 10:51 AM DISTRIBUTOR UPDATE E-Learning and the Bottom Line BY MIKE SAWCHUK W hile the economic downturn has certainly caused considerable pain for millions of people and scores of businesses throughout the United States, it also has had surprising benefits. In an effort to trim costs, many businesses and other organizations have learned how to streamline their business operations, learning how to function profitably while also reducing operating costs. However, streamlining must be done carefully and selectively. Some distributorships and other organizations have made serious cutbacks in areas such as training and education, only to find this can have negative impacts for the company, both in the short term and for the future. According to Stephen Burnett, associate dean of Executive Education with the Kellogg School of Management, it is often learning and business education that suffers the most when companies experience tough times. “Worse, when companies are most unsure [about economic directions] and stop investing in management training, it simply makes the situation worse,” Burnett added. His comments are supported by Kim TaylorThompson, a New York University professor of law and chief executive with Duke Corporate Education, a leading developer of corporate, sales, and executive training programs. She believes that, instead of being eliminated, training programs should be in even greater demand when businesses encounter tough economic times. “If the learning is enabling [your staff ] to develop new capabilities, then it has value,” she said. “If the learning can help your people develop the capabilities they need to change their mind-set and create opportunities that might not otherwise have happened, than it has value for them and their company.” Seeing Education in a Different Light Unfortunately, for many businesses (including distributorships), training and education programs are invariably the first things to get “the ax” during prolonged economic downturns and/or times of financial uncertainty. This was even borne out in a study conducted by a British nonprofit organization called Common Purpose just as the world economy began to falter in 2008. The study questioned 937 training and development professionals at scores of global companies about whether their organizations were planning to cut, increase, or simply maintain their current training budgets. They found that nearly half of the respondents were anticipating training and education budget cuts beginning in 2008 and extending into 2009. 38 Occupational Health & Safety | NOVEMBER 2012 1112ohs_038_039_Sawchuk_v5.indd 38 While cutting costs in training programs may provide temporary financial relief, as mentioned above, there is considerable evidence that over the long term, it can be a very serious mistake. The Common Purpose study found that more than half of their respondents stated that “the short-term benefits of training cuts will have long-term negative consequences.” Giving this even greater impact, fully 97 percent of those surveyed said this conclusion was based on their own previous experiences during past economic downturns. However, in those organizations where education and training programs were maintained or even increased, studies indicate that once economic conditions improve, the better-educated and better-trained workers were invariably more able to take advantage of the improving sales environment. The studies indicated the educated workers typically had much higher morale, greater productivity, and felt they had the support of their companies — all as a result of training programs. So why do companies cut back on training programs when times are tough? There is no one answer to this question for all organizations. But for many companies, including distributorships, the decision almost always has to do with the attitude these organizations have regarding education and training programs, especially for their sales people. Many companies view such programs as little more than an expense. And when a distributor or operations manager views something as an expense, he or she usually looks for ways to eliminate or reduce that expense. This is true in both financially difficult and profitable times. When decision-makers view education and training as an investment, however, they see it in an entirely different light. Why? Because like money in a savings account, an investment has what can be called a “positive income result.” In other words, putting money into something now makes more income or growth possible in the future. This is what can occur as a result of investing in education and training programs. An Inexpensive Way to Learn While education and training programs should not be defined as an expense, it cannot be denied that such programs can be costly. However, one way distributors can keep these costs down and still provide an investment in quality education and training programs for their staff is through e-learning programs specifically designed for their industries. E-learning is a very broad term addressing just about any type of learning program that is computer-based. This type of education is not new and was actually founded on mail-based education called “correspondence courses” or “distance learning” that date www.ohsonline.com 10/15/12 10:56 AM all the way back to the late 1800s. These education systems became popular as mail delivery grew more dependable in North America and parts of Europe. They made it possible for people to receive training and education even though they could not afford schooling, did not have the time to attend, or did not live near conventional brick-and-mortar schools. E-learning programs also have evolved significantly over the years. At one time, such programs were costly and were typically delivered on disks or similar media mailed to the participant. Today, some of the more effective e-learning programs are surprisingly cost-effective and can be delivered over the Internet. Very often, they also offer a degree of interactivity and include not only text, but also animation, graphics, and online tests. They also may include interaction and collaboration with other participants taking the same course. A good example of this is the e-learning courses we developed for janitorial distributors. It consists of more than 175 training modules broken into 75 courses in five key areas, covering such topics as: ■ Facility cleaning challenges and solutions ■ Advantages, features, and benefits of various cleaning products ■ Territory management ■ Green cleaning ■ Sanitizing, disinfecting, and decontamination training Because such courses can be so costeffective, e-learning can help take the expense out of education so that distributors and other organizations can view it as it should be: as an investment. This is especially true during difficult economic times. Developing sales skills and other knowledge can help workers maximize their performance and reach their full potential once the economy rebounds. There is another benefit to employee education, as well. Employee loyalty often improves when companies invest in their staff. This can turn out to be one of the most significant dividends of a corporate training and education program. Mike Sawchuk has been involved with the green and professional cleaning industries for more than 20 years. He is vice president and general manager of Enviro-Solutions, a leading manufacturer of proven-Green cleaning chemicals based in Ontario, Canada. Head Protection Beyond Comparison Try it before you buy it! Once you experience the MSA V-Gard Helmet, you’ll understand why it is the best-selling industrial hard hat available today. MSA’s sample program allows you to try the MSA V-Gard Helmet before purchasing. And, with an array of options and features, you can customize the MSA V-Gard Helmet to fit your individualized needs. To experience head protection beyond comparison, Try it before you buy it! Contact MSA customer service at 1-800-MSA-2222 today. Please visit our newly launched website: www.MSAsafety.com Because every life has a purpose... MSA North America • 1-800-MSA-2222 / ID 5666a www.ohsonline.com 1112ohs_038_039_Sawchuk_v5.indd 39 10/15/12 10:56 AM FLU/HEALTH CARE Cold and Flu: A Pound of Prevention Our best bet is to layer multiple preventive strategies. BY ISAAC ELIAZ E very year, cold and flu viruses strike with a vengeance. Children stay home from school, colleagues drop like dominoes, pain and misery ensues. While flu shots are available, they don’t always target the precise strain of the virus that’s being transmitted. And with colds, we’re pretty much on our own. To make matters worse, we aren’t very good at gauging our own health, often thinking we’re on the mend when we actually need more rest. This is complicated by the constant need to feel productive. The viral misery is compounded by mental images of work piling up in our absence, requiring urgent attention. We endure the fatigue and discomfort and drag ourselves to work. As a result, we don’t heal properly and risk spreading the virus to friends and co-workers. Does it have to be this way? While no prevention strategy is perfect, there are many measures we can take to boost our immunity and stop, or at least minimize, cold and flu. It just takes a little planning. Flu Shot? One common preventive strategy is the flu vaccine, which can be helpful in some cases but also has a number of shortcomings. Remember, vaccines work by priming our acquired immunity to immediately recognize a specific virus and kill it. But, as noted, sometimes researchers guess wrong and create a vaccine for a less prevalent strain, limiting its effectiveness. Also, vaccines are predicated on a healthy immune system. For those who are elderly, very young, or may have a condition that compromises their immunity, the shot’s effectiveness may be dramatically reduced. Furthermore, some studies on children have suggested that, while flu shots can boost immunity against a specific strain of flu virus, they can weaken immune responses to other viruses, making children more susceptible to other illnesses. Other flu shot considerations include side effects, such as fatigue and sore muscles, and the presence of mercury, sometimes used as preservative. If you do choose to get a flu shot, be sure to confirm with your doctor that it’s a mercury-free vaccine. Ultimately, each individual has to make his or her own decision. But the most important thing to remember is that the flu shot is not fail-safe. Our best bet is to layer multiple preventive strategies. If one is less than effective, others can fill the breach. Risk Awareness Often we don’t think about getting a cold or flu until 40 Occupational Health & Safety | NOVEMBER 2012 1112ohs_040_042_Eliaz_v3.indd 40 we’re actually sick. One of the primary steps in preventing disease is being mindful of the risks. The first rule is to follow common-sense precautions. Frequent hand washing is a must, denying viruses a foothold. If someone in your office has shown poor judgment — and we’ve all done it at some point — and come back to work before total recovery, do your best to keep your distance. You may even gently encourage him to spend a little more time in bed, and you might be thanked for the free pass. With or without a flu shot, it’s always important to be aware of our immune system. Fortunately, it’s relatively easy to enhance immunity. For example, drinking plenty of fresh water helps in a number of ways — flushing out viruses and bacteria, boosting immune circulation, and increasing communication between immune cells. Regular exercise also has been shown to enhance immunity. We also can build immunity by simply doing something we love, like enjoying time with our families and friends or doing a cherished activity. Happiness and laughter are specifically shown to offer a significant boost. Conversely, stress can dramatically weaken the immune system and is a risk factor for long-term illness, as shown in numerous published studies. Find healthy ways to reduce stress, such as exercise, deep breathing, meditation, and doing things that bring you happiness and satisfaction. As always, eating healthy foods is a must, but especially for a strong immune system. Again, our busy lifestyles can make it difficult to prepare nutritious meals, but a little planning can go a long way. An unprocessed food diet rich in lean protein, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables will provide an abundance of phytonutrients and antioxidants, and it can do much to support the immune system. In particular, cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, and kale, are metabolized by the body into a compound called DIM, which provides powerful immune and overall health support. Supplementing Immunity There are many natural supplements that boost immunity while providing other health benefits, as well. A popular example is vitamin C, an immunity booster as well as an antioxidant. Another good supplement is vitamin D, which also supports the immune system and has been shown to have antiviral properties, among other benefits. There is probably no more important mineral to the immune system than zinc. Whether it’s the innate immunity (the first line of defense against pathogens) or the acquired immunity (the antibodies that recognize invaders and destroy them), zinc is an essential component. Zinc deficiency has been shown to dewww.ohsonline.com 10/12/12 12:42 PM CIRCLE 9 ON CARD Untitled-9 1 10/1/12 3:43 PM FLU/HEALTH CARE :(+$9((92/9(' +($'3527(&7,21 7+(:25/'·6 728*+(67 ,1'8675,$/ 6$)(7<+(/0(7 The MK8 Evolution® meets the ANSI Z89.1-2009 standard for Type II impact protection. However, it is also the only industrial safety helmet in the world meeting and exceeding the new, tougher European standard EN14052...the biggest advance in industrial head protection in over 45 years. The high-density EPS liner and ultra comfortable harness, ensures maximum protection without compromising comfort in high risk environments, such as mining, tunnelling, demolition, construction, oil and gas refineries and offshore marine. Available exclusively through Protective Industrial Products VDOHV#SLSXVDFRPZZZSLSXVDFRP press the immune system, making us more susceptible to infection. On the other hand, supplementing with zinc has been proven to boost immunity. Vitamins, such as C and D, and minerals, like zinc, are commonplace and easy to find at the local grocery. However, there are other, more sophisticated approaches to immune health that can really pay off when cold and flu season rolls around. Medicinal mushrooms in particular are a remarkable resource. These helpful fungi are actually immune system coaches, “teaching” it how to better respond to harmful invaders. One natural ingredient that is often overlooked is Modified Citrus Pectin (MCP). For centuries, citrus peels have been known to provide health benefits. The problem has been that the molecules in the active ingredient are too big for the body to absorb them effectively. As a result, they provided only limited benefits. However, newer approaches have allowed us to break down these molecules into smaller components, allowing them to be easily absorbed into circulation. The result is the powerful therapeutic agent MCP. MCP provides numerous health benefits. Recent studies have shown that it limits cancer invasiveness and reduces inflammation. In addition, it’s a potent detoxifying agent. But for our purposes, MCP also has been shown to dramatically boost immune function by activating and enhancing a variety of components, such as B, T, and Natural Killer cells. If You Get Sick Perhaps the best recommendation is the one you least want to take: stay home and rest. While it’s difficult to just sit back and fall out of your busy routine, getting enough quality rest really is the fast track to recovery. If you return to work while you are still sick, not only will you be less productive and delay your recovery, but also you will also put others at risk, setting the dominoes in motion. The good news is that, by taking the right preventative measures and boosting your immunity with diet, supplements, and healthy lifestyle habits, you can largely avoid getting sick in the first place. Isaac Eliaz, M.D., MS, L.Ac., is the medical director of the Amitabha Medical Clinic & Healing Center (www.amitabhaclinic.com) in Sebastopol, Calif. Visit www.DrEliaz.org for information about his work. The Three Rib helmet design is a trademark of E.D. Bullard Company used under license Circle 11 on card. 1112ohs_040_042_Eliaz_v3.indd 42 10/12/12 12:42 PM A New Science of Suspension from Deb GRIT IN FOAM Introducing Deb GrittyFOAM™, from the inventors of foam soap. Non-abrasive, environmentally sustainable bio-scrubbers suspended in thick, creamy and deep-cleaning foam. A completely different experience to traditional heavy-duty hand cleansers that is preferred by 9 out of 10 workers.* BETTER FA S T E R PREFERRED CIRCLE 16 ON CARD For further information, call 1-800-248-7190 To experience GrittyFOAM, visit us at www.grittyfoam.com *Survey, Deb Group, August 2012 Untitled-2 1 9/6/12 1:34 PM HAND PROTECTION Meeting the Needs of Next-Generation Workers Their needs vary by age and also by personal preferences. Protection BY LAURA PROCTOR ANSELL PROTECTIVE PRODUCTS INC. Plant workers are producing more than ever. The Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) reported American manufacturing output was 16 percent higher in 2010 than a decade earlier, despite the Great Recession and the fact that some manufacturing industries virtually disappeared. When this statistic is combined with the sharp drop in employment, BEA’s numbers imply that manufacturing productivity rose an astonishing 74 percent between 2000 and 2010, according to a recent article in Washington Monthly. With productivity expectations likely to continue to grow, workers of all ages must be able to perform their jobs as safely, quickly, and accurately as possible. Their performance hinges, in part, on having the right gloves and the appropriate level of protection for their jobs. Employee protection and confidence are closely linked to productivity, with companies incurring major costs — and significant productivity losses — when workers suffer injuries. Even minor wounds will require workers to leave the line and visit the company nurse for treatment. Companies that adequately protect workers from cuts, burns, punctures, and other types of injuries decrease their medical and indemnity costs. They also boost worker confidence and productivity. Comfort Workers of all ages must be able to perform their jobs as safely, quickly, and accurately as possible to meet increasing productivity expectations. W hen we consider the next generation of plant workers, we typically think of younger workers who may be relatively new to the job market. But according to The Center for Aging and Work at Boston College, the next generation of workers will likely combine younger and older employees because four of every five baby boomers plan to work past the “normal retirement” age — either because they want to or will need the extra income. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, about 40 million people will enter the workforce, 25 million will leave, and 109 million will remain over the next decade. The workforce will be comprised of a rising number of workers under 25 and over 45, with a declining number of middle-age employees. This combination of younger and older workers will make it imperative for companies to provide individuals with hand protection that meets their specific job and age-related needs. 44 Occupational Health & Safety | NOVEMBER 2012 1112ohs_044_046_Proctor_v3.indd 44 Research confirms that workers believe comfort is as important in their work gloves as the products’ protective qualities. Glove manufacturers may design products that provide the highest level of cut or chemical protection possible. If the gloves fail to ensure a sufficient level of comfort, however, workers will refuse to wear them for extended periods. Workers often remove gloves or make adjustments (such as cutting off the glove fingers or clipping the wrist) when products feel uncomfortable or restrict their movements. They also may try to substitute other products for gloves that lack comfort. A major chemical company discovered employees were bringing their own gloves to work because they felt the gloves the company provided did not provide sufficient comfort. Workers chose a popular glove brand that was available at retail outlets and through distribution. The product was recognized for its comfort and attractive styling, which made it especially appealing. The problem was the gloves did not offer the chemical resistance required, which resulted in injury. Many factors affect worker comfort and performance, including dexterity, tactility, and grip. Features www.ohsonline.com 10/12/12 12:43 PM With over $1 Billion lost yearly, occupational skin care matters. Stay productive. Insist on STOKO® Products. Don‘t let dry, cracked, stressed skin become a health and safety issue. Use STOKO’s 3-Point Skin Care Program: Before work, for skin protection; During work, for effective cleaning; After work for conditioning and recovery. Evonik Stockhausen, LLC. 2401 Doyle Street Greensboro, NC 27406, USA phone +1 800 334-0242 www.stokoskincare.com Stay productive. Insist on STOKO® Products. To learn more, visit www.stokoskincare.com. CIRCLE 26 ON CARD An Evonik brand. Untitled-8 1 10/11/12 5:48 PM HAND PROTECTION that enhance dexterity and tactility allow the hands and fingers to move freely and increase touch sensation in the fingertips. Gloves that promote dexterity and tactile sensitivity are especially beneficial to workers who must handle small pieces in assembly and packaging operations. Grip is a comfort factor because workers must apply more force if their gloves do not allow them to grasp objects securely. This added force results in cramping and fatigue and can cause repetitive motion injuries (RMIs), such as carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis. Gloves should be contoured to the shape of the hand and provide the support needed for specific tasks. They also should fit well, because gloves that are too small can restrict movement and blood flow and lead to cramping, fatigue, and perspiration. Conversely, gloves that are large and bulky can interfere with hand movement, may become caught in machinery, or could even fall off. Proper fit particularly benefits workers who suffer from arthritis. Appearance Workers may compare their work gloves to sports apparel in which appearance and design are paramount. They may demand more form-fitting gloves with bright colors and accents, patterns, and textures. Glove Manufacturers’ Response Glove manufacturers constantly strive to identify worker needs and desires within the changing workplace. For some manufacturers, this means traveling to plant sites to observe individuals at work in 46 1112ohs_044_046_Proctor_v3.indd 46 various environments and to gain their feedback about the hazards they face, their preferences, and on-the-job challenges. This focus on worker needs has resulted in the use of engineered yarns to increase work gloves’ functionality and comfort. Some of these allow gloves to be ultra lightweight and offer tremendous strength and protection against cuts. They are also breathable and provide workers’ dexterity and tactility, similar to what they would experience if they worked barehanded. Advancements in knitting technology allow manufacturers to vary the density and stitching tension in areas where workers need more room, such as the knuckles and the back of the hand. Varied stitching releases tension in high-stress zones and provides an ergonomic fit, which reduces hand fatigue and the likelihood of RMIs. Design techniques that shape gloves to the contours of the fingers and hand promote a natural fit for greater comfort. Engineered coatings and roughened surfaces in the palm and fingertips boost grip and increase sensitivity in the fingertips. Fabrics that wick moisture away keep the hands dry and comfortable and ensure greater dexterity and tactile sensitivity, which helps to reduce the likelihood of dropped parts. Laura Proctor serves as Director, Customer Marketing—Industrial, for North America at Ansell Protective Products Inc. She has more than 20 years of product management and marketing experience in various industries including automotive, plastics, and white/durable goods. For more information about hand protection for the next generation of workers, visit www.ansellpro.com or call 800.800.0444. Circle 33 on card. 10/12/12 12:43 PM CIRCLE 5 ON CARD Untitled-1 1 7/23/12 11:07 AM HAND PROTECTION Take Charge of Your Chemical-Resistant Glove Program A challenging factor is potential risk from several different chemicals, each of which requires a different glove material for maximum protection. Selecting the Right Chemical-Resistant Glove BY DAVID SHUTT SHOWA BEST GLOVE K eeping workers safe in an environment where toxic chemicals are in use can be a challenge. Not only do you need to know what personal protective equipment is required, but also you need to be sure that workers use it correctly and replace it when it degrades. Chemical-resistant hand protection can be particularly difficult for employers and their safety officers because each job has its own requirements. In the pool service industry, for example, pool technicians need general-purpose gloves for activities such as pool vacuuming but require chemical-resistant gloves when adding chemicals to balance pools. On the industrial floor, workers need specific guidance as to which chemical resistant glove is required for each chemical handled. There is simply no one single glove that covers all the contingencies. The situation is compounded by the fact that one worker may face risk from several different chemicals, each of which requires a different glove material for maximum protection. 48 Occupational Health & Safety | NOVEMBER 2012 1112ohs_048_050_Shutt_v6.indd 48 General guidelines, such as the following, outline the suitability of the most common chemical-resistant glove materials for protection in various situations: ■ Butyl: high permeation resistance to gases and water vapors, as well as highly corrosive acids, Ketones, and esters ■ Natural Rubber Latex: resistant against animal fats, caustics, acids, salts, alcohols, and detergents ■ Neoprene: durable resistance against a wide range of chemicals, as well as solvents, oils, especially acids, and caustics and greases ■ Nitrile: durable resistance against a wide range of chemicals, including oils, especially petrochemicals, fuels, and most acids ■ PVC: durable resistance and barrier protection against some chemicals, especially petrochemicals, oils, and grease ■ Viton: highest chemical resistance to aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene, toluene, and xylene Using American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standard permeation and degradation tests, glove manufacturers regularly test swatches of gloves made of these materials in various chemicals. Gloves are rated for particular chemicals based on those tests. Glove packaging contains useful information on the recommended uses for the glove and the results of testing. However, with literally thousands of different chemical-resistant gloves in the marketplace, finding the right glove is challenging. Fortunately, industrial glove manufacturers have developed online tools and on-site programs to help safety officers and employers make sound decisions in choosing chemical-resistant gloves. In most cases, all the safety officer needs to do is ask for help. ChemRest.com and More One of the most highly respected of the online tools is Showa Best Glove’s online glove directory, www.chemrest.com. Here, applications, chemicals, and chemicalresistant gloves manufactured by the company are matched up for the best solution. This resource provides chemical permeation testing information for several hundred individual chemicals. It enables employers to truly find the right glove for the job. For example, looking up a common dry cleaning chemical, perchloroethylene, on ChemRest. com, you will find several recommended gloves along with the results of their rating by ASTM 739 Heavy www.ohsonline.com 10/12/12 12:44 PM Exposure Permeation standards. There is flexibility for the employer or safety officer to specify things such as time of exposure to find the most choices for the specific need. In addition, searches can be done either by chemical name or CAS number. On-Site Assessments In addition, leading manufacturers of chemical-resistant gloves have designated teams that will come to the manufacturing site and help the employer determine the right hand protection program for each worker category. Some of the most effective programs offered by manufacturers involve a three-step process: Step 1: The Hand/Arm Safety Assessment. This assessment covers the gamut of end user applications with a site survey of every application for which the manufacturer has a current chemical-resistant hand protection product. The goal of this assessment is to help manufacturers protect workers and make the best use of all available hand protection options for their specific applications. It also involves looking at each specific area of the plant operation and assessing needs specific to that area: ■ What gloves are currently being used? ■ What are the costs associated with hand protection? ■ What is the injury rate and the cost of these injuries to the employer and employee in lost workdays, efficiency, etc? ■ What can be done to improve safety, efficiency, and overall cost (short, mid, and long term)? Step 2: On-Site Technical Training. Manufacturers often develop training programs for plant managers, site supervisors, shift managers, and, in some cases, even individual employee teams. Time and again, it is the comfort level of the user that dictates the success of a hand protection program, making certain that each worker understands the glove he or she is to use, how it is supposed to fit, and the tasks for which it is mandatory. Workers also need to understand the risk they face every time they fail to wear the proper chemical-resistant glove. Step 3: Awareness Support. Once a chemical-resistant glove program is ready for launch, creating awareness is key. As a best practice for the implementation of a successful safety program, manufacturers RIDER LIFTS FOR MEZZANINES & AUTOMATED MATERIAL LIFTS FOR MEZZANINES INCREASE MEZZANINE UTILITY SAFER LOADING & UNLOADING FASTER LOADING & UNLOADING COST EFFECTIVE 1-800-843-3625 w w w. a d v a n c e l i f t s . c o m www.ohsonline.com Circle 2 on card. 1112ohs_048_050_Shutt_v6.indd 49 10/12/12 12:44 PM HAND PROTECTION will prepare individual glove boards for posting in breakrooms or other gathering spots throughout the plant, warehouse, or company. These “glove boards” are actually posters showing the glove to be used and its associated applications (years ago, the glove board was quite often just that – a board with tacked gloves and signage with usage next to it). Manufacturers will customize these boards to the needs of the end user or company. The end result is a customized catalog of the gloves being used in the plant. In some instances the boards are done plantwide; in other cases, with specialized needs within different plant areas, different glove boards are posted wherever different applications warrant them. Educating Workers on Requirements It used to be the workers who manually submerged component parts into hazardous chemicals. With machines taking over this dirty work, it’s not uncommon for workers to develop a more casual attitude toward glove wearing. However, any skin contact, whether from a splash or from residual chemicals, can result in chemical burns, and that possibility remains in almost every work environment where chemicals are used. At the same time, many jobs require that workers pour chemicals into containers, apply chemicals manually, mix chemicals, or transport chemicals and deal with accidental leakage on a daily basis. Employers can take the lead in training employees from glove manufacturers’ programs. Even without having a manufacturer step in with a formal assessment, safety officers can evaluate the hand injury risk that each job category poses and then create a simple set of guidelines for workers. These guidelines must be clear and authoritative. For example, most guidelines now use the word “must” rather than the less demanding “should” when spelling out chemical-resistant glove wearing protocols. These protocols need to be presented at a safety meeting, given in writing to each worker, and posted in breakrooms or other areas where workers congregate. Workers need to understand what gloves to wear, what their responsibility is in caring for these gloves, and where to go to get replacement gloves. Retiring Expended Gloves Because every glove material has its limi50 tations, it is important for workers to be aware of signs of permeation, penetration, degradation, and contamination: ■ Permeation occurs when substances pass through the intact material of the glove at the molecular level. Permeation is also known as the silent killer. ■ Penetration occurs when a substance passes through a seam or damaged part of the glove, such as a pinhole or tear. ■ Degradation occurs when a substance damages the material of the glove, making it less resistant. The end result is the physical breakdown of the polymer. ■ Contamination occurs when the inside of the glove becomes contaminated throughout the wrist opening and gauntlet, most likely due to poor donning/doffing practices. Often, the ongoing effectiveness of a given glove can be determined by simple sensory tests: ■ Does the material feel like it did originally, or has it become brittle? ■ Does the material smell like the chemical it is supposed to be protecting against, even after thorough rinsing or washing? ■ Is the exterior of the glove intact? Occupational Health & Safety | NOVEMBER 2012 1112ohs_048_050_Shutt_v6.indd 50 If the glove doesn’t measure up, it’s time to replace it. Conclusion There is a lot more to managing a chemical-resistant glove program than simply providing workers with a few gloves. However, safety managers need no longer rely solely on their internal resources. More than ever before, PPE manufacturers are prepared to step in with online selection tools and on-site assessments, training, and support materials. These help to ensure a safety program not only reduces the risk of hand and arm injuries due to chemicals but also addresses industrial concerns about efficiency, cost savings, and PPE that multitasks in the everyday work environment. David Shutt coordinates Showa Best Glove’s new product development in general purpose, disposable and chemical-resistant glove lines among research and development, field sales, and marketing teams, as well as distributor and end-user customers. A 20-plusyear veteran of the glove industry, he holds a degree in business administration from Malone College and is a Carnegie graduate. www.ohsonline.com 10/12/12 12:44 PM FALL PROTECTION TRAINING OSHA Residential Construction Regulations Compliance: Your Go-To Overview CAPITAL SAFETY Before Dec. 15, conduct an on-site compliance check. Confirm that workers elevated 6 feet or more above the lower level of a structure have OSHA-acceptable forms of fall protection. BY CRAIG FIRL O n Dec. 15, OSHA’s new fall protection regulations for the U.S. residential construction industry will take effect. Before then, it’s a contractor’s responsibility to master the conditions stipulated by the new laws and, in turn, equip its workers with the knowledge, training, and equipment they need to be both safe and compliant. The question is, are you prepared? Do you know what OSHA’s new directive (29 CFR 1926.501(b) (13)) specifically requires for residential construction workers and, most importantly, what needs to be done for compliance with the regulations? Follow OSHA’s three simple steps to preventing falls—plan, provide, and train—and your workers will not only be in compliance with the regulations, but also safe. Step One: Plan As your company adapts to meet OSHA’s new regulations, knowledge will be your most impactful tool. Start by educating yourself. If you have a firm grasp on the specifics of the new standards, ensuring your workers are in compliance will be a painless process. First, is your crew included? OSHA’s new directive applies to all residential construction employers and employees to ensure job site safety. Under this directive, construction work is construed as “residential construction” if the structure being built will function as a home or dwelling and if it uses traditional woodframe materials and methods. According to OSHA, cold-formed metal studs and masonry brick or block are categorized under traditional wood frame materials and methods. It’s also worth noting the limited use of steel I-beams to help support wood framing does not exclude a structure from the residential construction sector. If your residential construction project involves roofing or working in attics, for example, the details of the new requirements apply to you. Still unsure? Visit osha.gov to verify that your crew must comply. As for the new requirements, here’s what will be required of residential construction workers: ■ All employees working 6 feet or more above lower levels must use fall protection equipment. www.ohsonline.com 1112ohs_051_052_Firl_v4.indd 51 ■ Acceptable forms of fall protection equipment include: guardrails, safety nets, and personal fall arrest systems (may consist of full-body harnesses, deceleration devices, lanyards, and anchor points). ■ Specific types of work may implement other fall protection measures to the extent allowed under other provisions of 29 CFR 1926.501(b). For example, warning lines and safety monitor systems are permitted during low-slope roof work. ■ An effective fall restraint system, rigged to prevent a worker from encountering a fall hazard and falling over the edge, may be used instead of a personal fall arrest system. ■ An acceptable fall restraint system may consist of a full body harness or body belt that is connected to an anchor point at the center of the roof by a lanyard; this lanyard should be of adequate length in order to restrict a worker from physically reaching the edge of the roof. ■ If the employer determines the use of conventional fall protection methods to be infeasible or more hazardous, a qualified person must provide an explanation in the form of a written, site-specific fall protection plan (in compliance with 29 CFR 1926.502(k)) that details reasons why the conventional fall protection systems are infeasible or pose a greater hazard. Step Two: Provide Are your equipment and training up to date with new OSHA regulations? If the answer is no or you are unsure, there is still time to invest in the right equipment and training. Before Dec. 15, conduct an on-site compliance NOVEMBER 2012 | Occupational Health & Safety 51 10/12/12 1:06 PM FALL PROTECTION TRAINING Hɡ ʤʦȾ D H ) < ʙʖɞ )(ǝ ʝɵɗ ʂ ʅɬȩʑɠ $ ƻ ʢ 6 ɞ ɢ ƳǏǜ WȹɏFʋ ʣLVWʋQ ǒ/ NJ H ɗ Vɀȭɰ ȱHDɢȾ Ʈ4Ǩ ' ǜ ʋQɍVɼȵɏ ® ǝƸ8 W & ( ʝX (7 ƫǟ6 check. Confirm that workers elevated 6 feet or more above the lower level of a structure have OSHA-acceptable forms of fall protection, which may include guardrails, safety nets, and active fall arrest systems. Make sure workers are using the proper fall protection equipment for the specific construction site, keeping in mind that the variance of different job sites and projects might require different equipment. Then ensure that all workers are using their fall protection equipment correctly and are comfortable using the products. If you already have the right equipment that is current with the new regulations, consider the equipment’s quality. The fall protection products you employ should balance superior comfort with optimal performance. By supplying your workers with lightweight, durable equipment that can be easily worn for the duration of the work day, they will be more likely to want to wear it and will perform at their best. Because today’s fall protection products are more comfortable and user-friendly than ever, ensuring workers’ compliance and safety is easily achievable. Step Three: Train Investing in the right fall protection equipment is a crucial step toward compliance, but your responsibilities do not end there. Even the right safety equipment is ineffective if used incorrectly, which is why training programs are a must. All employees will benefit from some form of instruction, so arrange time for them to undergo fall protection training before they begin work on the job site. Handson learning seminars, for example, are highly effective because they mimic actual work conditions. If you’re concerned that your workers are unaccustomed to the safety equipment, implementing a hands-on training program will offer clarification and allow them to see firsthand what needs to be inspected before use. Most major fall protection manufacturers offer training courses to help teach residential construction workers how to use equipment correctly and in compliance with the new regulations, which lessens the stress on you and promotes safety. The Costs of Non-compliance MISS SAFETY WHAT WOMEN WANT. Comfortable, light and colourful safety shoes specifically designed for women that do not compromise on protection. The new MISS SAFETY collection. www.puma-safety.com After Dec. 15, non-compliant employers without an approved alternative plan will be cited. These citations can vary from substantial fines to work delays at job sites. As costly as the citations can be, a fall can be even more financially damaging. Worker falls represent an enormous cost to construction businesses. These falls cause millions of dollars in losses annually in the form of lost work, increased insurance premiums, and liability claims. And then there are the incidental costs of a fall: Falls affect the morale of the workers, decrease productivity, and hurt the reputation of a business. In fact, a poor track record with fall prevention and rescue response can be a deciding factor in job bids. To avoid penalties, construction delays, and injuries, remember that workers’ well-being is a top priority and that complying with the new regulations enables your business to succeed. Craig Firl (cfirl@capitalsafety.com) is the North American technical manager at Capital Safety, a leading designer and manufacturer of height safety and fall protection equipment and provider of training courses, with 20 operating sites worldwide. For more information, contact Capital Safety at 800-328-6146 or visit www.capitalsafety.com. 52 1112ohs_051_052_Firl_v4.indd 52 Circle 10 on card. www.ohsonline.com 10/12/12 1:06 PM Compact and Lightweight Fall Protection Attaches directly to harness back D-ring Impact-resistant nylon housing Twin Turbo™ 100% tie-off fall protection Miller TurboLite™ Personal Fall Limiter • Only 1.9 lbs. (.86 kg) • Never need a shock-absorbing lanyard again • 6-ft. working capacity • Reduces risk/liability ▼ The cost-effective and competitive pricing of the new Miller TurboLite Personal Fall Limiter will make shock-absorbing lanyards obsolete on the job site. Workers will no longer need to “switch-out” equipment to maintain a safe fall distance. Ask the Expert ... Ask Miller. GET CONNECTED: 800/873-5242 www.millerfallprotection.com CIRCLE 35 ON CARD Untitled-9 1 10/1/12 3:47 PM DEFIBRILLATORS & CPR Why Trained Workplace Responders Need Regular Practice Many EMS professionals complete skill refreshers every 90 days to keep their skills current. A hands-on skill session every 90 days is ideal for workplace lay responders. BY JOHN JERIN Figure 1. CPR and AED - A Complex Procedure D o your AED and CPR-trained employees regularly practice their resuscitation skills? If not, they may not be prepared for an actual emergency. Federal guidelines recommend workplace AED responders engage in periodic “scenario” practice sessions to maintain their skills and rehearse protocols.1 In addition, researchers have found practicing just once every two years during re- 54 Occupational Health & Safety | NOVEMBER 2012 1112ohs_054_056_Jerin_v5.indd 54 certification is not enough to keep skills up to date. CPR Skills Deteriorate Quickly Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) together with using an automated external defibrillator is a complex procedure. It involves more than two dozen steps and at least a dozen different skills (see below), including recognition of clinical signs. Although using an AED www.ohsonline.com 10/15/12 10:57 AM by itself is fairly easy, it becomes much more complicated when combined with CPR. A body of scientific research shows AED/CPR skills deteriorate quickly after initial training — in as little as three months in some cases.2-9 Studies that use a high standard for skill competence show skills degrade within weeks after initial training. Therefore, CPR/AED skills are a use it or lose it proposition. This is particularly true for trained lay responders who respond infrequently to workplace emergencies. AED/CPR Skills Determine unconsciousness Recognize breathlessness ■ Recognize agonal respirations ■ Perform chest compressions ■ Open an airway (head tilt-chin lift) ■ Apply and use a protective facemask ■ Deliver a rescue breath ■ Recognize an effective rescue breath ■ Deliver proper breath volume ■ Determine the CPR compression site ■ Apply electrode pads ■ Troubleshoot electrode placement The American Heart Association (AHA), the organization that sets national CPR and AED standards, recently reaffirmed that frequent retraining is “a critical factor in improving the effectiveness of resuscitation.” ■ ■ CPR is Important in Survival of Cardiac Arrest For the past several decades the emphasis for treatment of sudden cardiac arrest has been on defibrillation and the use of an AED. Attention now is returning to CPR and chest compressions, in particular. It is known that defibrillation and CPR are important therapies in reviving a victim of cardiac arrest, but new evidence points to the importance of the quality of CPR. Researchers in the field of resuscitation recently found “highquality” CPR improves defibrillatory shock success and boosts survival rates.10 In order to perform high-quality CPR, rescuers must: compress the chest at a rate of at least 100 times per minute, allow full chest recoil when doing compressions, minimize interruptions of chest compressions, and avoid excessing force in rescue breaths. Chest compressions provide temporary blood flow to the brain and heart. Even minor delays or interruptions to chest compressions are correlated with poor outcomes for victims of sudden cardiac arrest. If you stop chest compressions for only a short time, the coronary perfusion pressure (CPP) goes down considerably. It then takes another minute of chest compressions to build up enough CPP to start circulating blood effectively again. Thanks to this new understanding we know the combination of high-quality CPR and defibrillation provides the best chances for survival. ® See the LiftPod in Action. The LiftPod® FS60 and FS80 aerial work platforms let you work hands-free at heights of up to 12 ft and 14 ft. Be more productive while meeting OSHA safety standards. Learn how your facility can benefit from the LiftPod. Visit www.liftpod.com/28 How Often Should You Practice? For a long time it has been known that regular practice of a skill will improve performance, but how often should you practice AED/ CPR skills? Most people wait for two years to practice, when they renew their CPR cards. The American Heart Association now believes retraining once every two years is not enough and that “skill www.ohsonline.com Circle 37 on card. 1112ohs_054_056_Jerin_v5.indd 55 10/15/12 10:57 AM DEFIBRILLATORS & CPR REFERENCES performance should be assessed during the two-year certification with reinforcement provided as needed.” Many EMS professionals complete skill refreshers every 90 days to keep their skills current. A hands-on skill session every 90 days is ideal for workplace lay responders. However, some employers would be hard-pressed to provide instructor-led, hands-on practice every 90 days. In these situations, you might consider alternatives like an online AED/ CPR skill refresher or simulator. The maximum time between practice sessions should be no more than six months.5 However, you should take into account past experience and background of the individual when selecting a refresher interval. Does Online Practice Work? Online AED/CPR simulators are inexpensive and can be accessed conveniently through the Internet. Several studies suggest they are equivalent to hands-on practice after initial training once AED/CPR skills have been acquired.11-12 Any online skill refresher should be highly interactive and require users to rehearse AED/CPR procedures in a variety of scenarios. 1. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services - Federal Occupational Health. Public Access Defibrillation Guidelines. Federal Register: May 23, 2001 (Volume 66, Number 100). Page 28495-28511. Retrieved July 1, 2012 from http://www.foh.dhhs.gov/Whatwedo/AED/HHSAED.ASP 2. Morgan CL, Donnelly PD, Lester CA, Assar DH. Effectiveness of the BBC’s 999 training roadshows on cardiopulmonary resuscitation: video performance of cohort of unforewarned participants at home six months afterwards. BMJ. 1996 Oct 12;313(7062):912-6. 3. Donnelly P, Assar D, Lester C. A comparison of manikin CPR performance by lay persons trained in three variations of basic life support guidelines. Resuscitation. 2000 Aug 1;45(3):195-9. 4. Dracup K, Doering LV, Moser DK, Evangelista L. Retention and use of cardiopulmonary resuscitation skills in parents of infants at risk for cardiopulmonary arrest. Pediatric Nurs. 1998;24:219-25. 5. Weaver FJ, Ramirez AG, Dorfman SB, Raizner AE. Trainees’ retention of cardiopulmonary resuscitation: how quickly they forget. JAMA 1979;241:901-3. 6. Mahony PH, Griffiths RF, Larsen P, Powell D. Retention of knowledge and skills in first aid and resuscitation by airline cabin crew. Resuscitation. 2008 Mar;76(3):413-8. 7. Woollard M, Whitfield R, Newcombe RG, Colquhoun M, Vetter N, Chamberlain D. Optimal refresher training intervals for AED and CPR skills: a randomised controlled trial. Resuscitation. 2006 Nov;71(2):237-47. 8. Chamberlain D, Smith A, Woollard M, Colquhoun M, Handley AJ, Leaves S, Kern KB. Trials of teaching methods in basic life support (3): comparison of simulated CPR performance after first training and at 6 months, with a note on the value of re-training. Resuscitation. 2002 May;53(2):179-87. 9. Berden HJ, Bierens JJ, Willems FF, Hendrick JM, Pijls NH, Knape JT. Resuscitation skills of lay public after recent training. Ann Emerg Med. 1994 May;23(5):1003-8. 10. Vaillancourt C, Everson-Stewart S, Christenson J, Andrusiek D, Powell J, Nichol G, Cheskes S, Aufderheide TP, Berg R, Stiell IG. The Impact of Increased Chest Compression Fraction on Return of Spontaneous Circulation for Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Patients not in Ventricular Fibrillation. Resuscitation. 2011 Dec;82(12):1501-1507. 11. Jerin JM, Ansell BA, Larsen MP, Cummins RO. Automated external defibrillators: skill maintenance using computer-assisted learning. Academic Emergency Medicine. 1998 Jul;5(7):709-17. 12. Bonnetain E, Boucheix JM, Hamet M, Freysz M. Benefits of computer screen-based simulation in learning cardiac arrest procedures. Med Educ. 2010 Jul;44(7):716-22. Statement of Ownership, Management and Circulation 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. a. b. Conclusion Because AED/CPR skills are complex, they are a use it or lose it proposition. Retention studies show skills decline rapidly over a few months. Make sure your responders are confident and competent by giving them the opportunity to practice their AED/CPR skills every three months, either in an instructor-led practice session or with an online AED/CPR simulator. John Jerin is principal at Insight Instructional Media, LLC (www.aedchallenge.com) in Middleton, Wis. The company provides online, interactive training to prepare people to respond to emergencies. 56 1112ohs_054_056_Jerin_v5.indd 56 c d. e. f. g. h. i. Publication Title: Occupational Health & Safety Publication Number: 0362-4064 Filing Date: 9/28/12 Frequency of Issue: Monthly Number of Issues Published Annually: 12 Annual Subscription Price: US $79, International $149 Complete Mailing Address of Known Office of Publication: 9201 Oakdale Ave., Ste. 101, Chatsworth, CA 91311 Complete Mailing Address of the Headquarters of General Business Offices of the Publisher: Same as above. Full Name and Complete Mailing Address of Publisher, Editor, and Managing Editor: Kevin O’Grady, President & Group Publisher, 14901 Quorum Dr., Ste. 425, Dallas, TX 75254 Jerry Laws, Editor, 14901 Quorum Dr., Ste. 425, Dallas, TX 75254 Ronnie Rittenberry, Managing Editor, 14901 Quorum Dr., Ste. 425, Dallas, TX 75254 Owner(s): Stevens Publishing Acquisition, Corp. (SPAC), 9201 Oakdale Ave., Ste. 101, Chatsworth, CA 91311. Listing of shareholders in SPAC. Known Bondholders, Mortgagees, and Other Security Holders Owning or Holding 1 Percent or more of the Total Amount of Bonds, Mortgages or Other Securities: Nautic Partners V, L.P., 50 Kennedy Plaza, 12th Flr., Providence, RI 02903 Kennedy Plaza Partners III, LLC, 50 Kennedy Plaza, 12th Flr., Providence, RI 02903 Alta Communications 1X, L.P., 1X-B, L.P., Assoc., LLC, 28 State St., Ste. 1801, Boston, MA 02109 The tax status has not changed during the preceding 12 months. Publication Title: Occupational Health & Safety Issue date for Circulation Data Below: September 2012 Extent & Nature of Circulation: Average No. Copies Each Month No. Copies of Single Issue During Preceding 12 Months Published Nearest to Filing Date Total Number of Copies (Net Press Run) 54,516 49,310 Legitimate Paid/and or Requested Distribution 1. Outside County Paid/Requested Mail Subscriptions Stated on PS Form 3541 46,358 41,173 2. In-County Paid/Requested Mail Subscriptions Stated on PS Form 3541 0 0 3. Sales Through Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, Counter Sales, and Other Paid or Requested Distribution Outside USPS® 68 58 4. Requested Copies Distributed by Other Mail Classes Through the USPS 0 0 Total Paid and/or Requested Circulation 46,426 41,231 Nonrequested Distribution 1. Outside County Nonrequested Copies Stated 7,410 7,402 on PS Form 3541 2. In-County Nonrequested Copies Distribution Stated on PS Form 3541 0 0 3. Nonrequested Copies Distribution Through the USPS by Other Classes of Mail 0 0 4. Nonrequested Copies Distributed Outside the Mail 415 411 Total Nonrequested Distribution 7,825 7,813 Total Distribution 54,251 49,044 Copies not Distributed 265 266 Total 54,516 49,310 Percent paid and/or Requested Circulation 85.58% 84.07% 16. 7 Total Circulation includes elections copies. Report circulation on PS Form 3526X worksheet. 17. Publication of Statement of Ownership for a Requester Publication is required and will be printed in the November 2012 issue of this publication. 18. I certify that all information furnished on this form is true and complete: Jenny Hernandez-Asandas, Director, Print and Online Production If you are using PS Form 3526R and claiming electronic copies complete below: a. Requested and Paid Electronic Copies 28,242 b. Total Requested and Paid Print Copies (Line 15C) + Paid Electronic Copies 74,668 c. Total Requested Copy Distribution (Line 15F) + Paid Electronic Copies 82,493 d. Percent Paid and/or Requested Circulation (Both Print & Electronic Copies) 90.51% 7 I Certify that 50% of all my distributed copies (Electronic & Print) are legitimate requests. 36,357 77,588 85,401 90.85% 10/15/12 10:57 AM Put your employees’ safety on the right track. With Tether Track™ Rigid Rail Fall Arrest Systems. Protect your people, your productivity and your bottom line with a Tether Track™ Fall Protection System from Gorbel. Featuring an enclosed track design, exclusively engineered for easy movement, Tether Track™ Systems provide the highest degree of mobility and safety for single or multiple workers. Designed to meet OSHA regulations and ANSI standards, it’s the right choice for keeping your company’s safety record on the right track. For more information and a FREE downloadable FALL PROTECTION TOOLKIT, go to gorbel.com/righttrack Ask us about our 5-Day Quick Ship. Call 1-800-821-0086. ©2012 Gorbel Inc. All Rights Reserved. Untitled-8 1 CIRCLE 4 ON CARD 7/10/12 4:44 PM NEW PRODUCTS WWW.OHSONLINE.COM/MCV/PRODUCTS INTRINSICALLY SAFE LIGHTS Energizer Intrinsically Safe lights are built to eliminate the risk of explosion in hazardous environments. Rugged and durable, these lights have features needed by today’s professionals. They provide extra-large switches for use with gloved hands and hanging capability through both lanyards and carabiner hooks. The state-of-the-art headlight provides users extended runtimes and multiple light options, including color LEDs for specialized tasks. www.ohsonline.com/productinfo LATHE PROTECTION Rockford Systems, Inc.’s new roll-up lead screw protection device for lathes protects the operator from coming into contact with moving parts of the lathe and keeps work clothes from becoming entangled with moving parts. Two units consist of a tear- and oil-resistant band attached to aluminum and pressed steel brackets that secure to and travel with the lathe carriage. www.ohsonline.com/productinfo CIRCLE 301 ON CARD CIRCLE 300 ON CARD AIR SAMPLING PUMPS With a flow range from 5 ml/ min to 4.5 l/min, Casella’s TUFF Air Sampling pumps are ideal for a wide range of occupational health and safety applications, from simple abatement sampling to more specialized industrial hygiene monitoring of dusts, fumes and gases. All pumps incorporate a proven, efficient, double-acting diaphragm mechanism with precise digital control to give the user excellent real-time flow control and true stability across a wide range of sampling media. www.ohsonline.com/productinfo LED DISPLAY BOARD Patlite introduces VE Series Visual LED Display Boards. These rugged Andon systems provide real-time production status indication to alert workers and supervisors on manufacturing productivity. VE series LED display boards can be used as a stand-alone solution, or as many as 32 units can be combined for large-scale serial network applications. www.ohsonline.com/productinfo CIRCLE 304 ON CARD CIRCLE 302 ON CARD SNOW PLOWS ENABLING DEVICE For a free Convenience Bag sample call 800-526-7879 or email kris@gkrindustries.com Banner Engineering’s ED1G Enabling Device is designed to offer additional solutions in support of safety modules. The product provides functionality when the user either squeezes or releases the hand-grip switch. An enable position provides operators with assurance that contacts will not re-close when released from being fully squeezed. An optional momentary push-button switch can provide hold-to-run, reset, or jogging/inching functions. www.ohsonline.com/productinfo CIRCLE 303 ON CARD 58 1112ohs_058_061_NP_v3.indd 58 Circle 3 on card. Buyers Products’ SnowDogg line of plows functions range from V-plows for half-ton trucks and sport utility vehicles to sturdy municipal plows for moving large amounts of snow. The stainless steel plows are made with high-quality components, offering superior durability and performance. www.ohsonline.com/productinfo CIRCLE 305 ON CARD E-LEARNING PLATFORM Axonify’s eLearning platform is designed to change the way employees learn, retain, and apply knowledge in the workplace. Axonify’s reinforces critical learning by delivering bite-sized content on a daily basis, using game mechanics and brain science www.ohsonline.com 10/15/12 10:58 AM The New and Improved Smart Plug Just Released and Already Winning Awards The Smartest Plug Just Got Even Smarter It’s no wonder the New Smart Plug from Sensear is already winning awards. This light, convenient ear plug is changing the way workers protect their hearing and communicate in high noise environments. Unlike most ear plugs, the innovative Smart Plug enables full 360 degree situational awareness so workers can be safe and protect their hearing at the same time. And when it comes to communicating, there is no smarter ear plug on the market. The Smart Plug allows face-to-face communication (up to 95dB), connects to Two-way radios and syncs to Bluetooth® devices. There is no need for a boom mic, as the Smart Plug picks up your voice in the ear to ensure you have clear, uncluttered communication in any high noise environment. NORTH AMERICAN PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT PRODUCT DIFFERENTIATION EXCELLENCE AWARD Hearing protection is not just about protecting your hearing, it’s about enabling you to hear. After all, it’s every worker’s right to be safe. Don’t like wearing plugs? Try our Smart Muff Range. . . AWARENESS COMMUNICATION PROTECTION www.sensear.com 1-888-9SENSEAR CIRCLE 39 ON CARD Untitled-4 1 10/15/12 1:11 PM NEW PRODUCTS WWW.OHSONLINE.COM/MCV/PRODUCTS to drive engagement and real learning transfer. www.ohsonline.com/productinfo CIRCLE 306 ON CARD Sync Electo® combine hearing protection, high-fidelity sound, and the ability for individuals to listen to the radio or personal listening devices safely at work and at home. www.ohsonline.com/productinfo CIRCLE 307 ON CARD compliance with developing global standards to safeguard plant and personnel in heavy-duty environments. Its modular design provides electro-mechanical interlocking with the option for traditional lockout retrofitting. www.ohsonline.com/productinfo CIRCLE 308 ON CARD (Fire Alarm Aspiration Sensing Technology) detector from System Sensor utilizes two optical sensing technologies and advanced algorithms to deliver more rapid, precise protection for high-value, highsecurity, and mission-critical facilities, even in the most challenging environments. www.ohsonline.com/productinfo CIRCLE 309 ON CARD RADIO MUFFS Honeywell Safety Products recently introduced the next generation of digital radio and sound amplification ear muffs to its Howard Leight® Sync™ family. The new Sync Digital AM/FM Radio, Sync Hi-Vis AM/FM Radio, and FAAST FIRE DETECTOR SAFETY GATE SWITCH INTERLOCKS Fortress Interlocks’ new amGard Pro range ensures Mastering the Disaster Management Cycle Today! Silent Knight by Honeywell introduces a new aspiration sensing system providing highly accurate, early warning smoke detection. The FAAST CAMOUFLAGE WELDING HELMET The Jackson Safety Brand Realtree Camouflage Welding Helmet is rugged yet weighs CPM 8PSLTIPQT.BZt$POGFSFODF&YQP.BZ 8BMUFS&8BTIJOHUPO$POWFOUJPO$FOUFSt8BTIJOHUPO%$ Get the tools you need to develop and execute policies and procedures for maintaining and restoring operations in the event of natural or man-made threats. Registration Is Now Open! FREE EXPO The comprehensive Free Expo will feature resources and solutions addressing the issues of COOP, contingency planning and business continuity, supporting both government and private industry! TWO-DAY CONFERENCE Providing valuable insights into key issues of: t$001 t#VTJOFTT$POUJOVJUZ t&NFSHFODZ.BOBHFNFOU t3JTL"TTFTTNFOU CPM-East.com 3FHJTUFS today! 64&130 .0$0%& $1."% PRODUCED BY: 60 Occupational Health & Safety | NOVEMBER 2012 1112ohs_058_061_NP_v3.indd 60 www.ohsonline.com 10/15/12 10:58 AM only six ounces. It features a Hydraflex Shell that helps reduce neck tension by providing maximum flexibility and durability. It’s also protective, easy to wear, and available in passive and AutoDarkening Filter lens options. www.ohsonline.com/productinfo SAFETY STATION Shure Manufacturing Corp.’s Safety Station stores first aid kits, bandages. and supplies safely and efficiently. An emergency eyewash attachment is standard in case of an eye injury. The station features heavy-duty reinforced steel construction and includes a sink, storage cabinet, and an upper binder cabinet with gas spring shocks and task light. www.ohsonline.com/productinfo Circle 313 on card CIRCLE 310 ON CARD PERSONNEL DETECTION Guardian is the latest automatic personnel detection product from Safetech, the pioneers in conveyor safety. Like previous systems, it prevents accidents by detecting anyone in danger and shutting down the machinery. A single unit can offer protection for several conveyors or other hazardous machinery, which can provide dramatic cost savings. www.ohsonline.com/productinfo CIRCLE 311 ON CARD SPEC IT Safety On Demand Shower & Eyewash Stations Put Workers’ Safety First. 20-40 gallons of tepid water per minute continuously Meets ANSI Z358.1 standards kW Range 36-144 kW Meets UL and CSA standards ETL/cETL approved Flow Range 1.5-40 GPM Available skid mounted Easy to install & durable PUMPS AND DETECTOR TUBES Nextteq’s complete line of Gastec pumps and detector tubes precisely measure gases and vapors in more than 600 applications, making them invaluable tools for testing toxic atmospheres in permit-required confined spaces. Gastec’s pump is intrinsically safe, lightweight, and rugged. With Gastec, you can rapidly measure many substances that can’t be measured with electronic gas detection devices. Measurement is fast, convenient, and accurate. www.ohsonline.com/productinfo Voltages 480V & 600V 3 Phase Delta Just add power and water Learn more at keltech-inc.com. 800.999.4320 / keltech-inc.com CIRCLE 312 ON CARD www.ohsonline.com 1112ohs_058_061_NP_v3.indd 61 Circle 44 on card. 61 10/15/12 10:58 AM PRODUCT SPOTLIGHTS WWW.OHSONLINE.COM/MCV/PRODUCTS WELDING HELMET Introducing our latest addition to our top-of-the-line welding helmet series: the 3M™ Speedglas™ Welding Helmet 9100 MP (Multi-Protection) can provide comfortable, allin-one welding protection for highly demanding environments. Available with respiratory protection, flip-up grinding visor, hard hat and hearing protection — for projects that are as ambitious as you are. www.3M.com/9100MP Circle 56 on card. ANSELL HYFLEX 11-518 ARCSTER™ A60 – ARC RATED GLOVES DUST-BLOCKING EYEWEAR Revco Industries, the experts behind the trusted Black Stallion® brand, is excited to announce the Arcster™ A60. It is one of the first arc rated gloves on the market, with an ATPV of 25.7 cal/cm2. Expect it to offer the highest dexterity and comfort, crafted with a premium kidskin palm, flame resistant back, and featuring the innovative DragPatch®. Call 800-527-3826 or visit www.blackstallion.com MCR Safety introduces the Reaper, available in glass or goggle styles. Non-slip, co-injected soft temple material combined with non-slip sleeves on bayonet temples are featured on the glasses version, while a hook and loop adjustable strap forms a secure seal on the goggle version. Both include a removable, closed cell foam gasket to block out dust, debris, and small particles with a sleek, dual lens design treated with our exclusive Duramass® scratch-resistant coating. Call 800-955-6887 or visit www.mcrsafety.com for all your safety gear needs. Circle 57 on card. Circle 58 on card. REMOVE TOUGH SOIL GENTLY WITH DEB® GRITTYFOAM™ POWERFUL COMFORT, CUT LEVEL 4 PROTECTION The first-to-market 18-gauge glove with ANSI Level 2 cut protection and a breathable, bare hand-like feel. For precision handling and assembly of sharp, dry, ultra-fine parts, this glove provides unprecedented comfort, dexterity, and protection. Introducing GrittyFOAM™, the world’s first heavy-duty handcleansing foam with suspended bioscrubbers™. This powerful cleaning combination gently removes the toughest grime while making hands feel great. GrittyFOAM was created to address the most pressing issues facing health and safety managers, including improved effectiveness and safety, better cost efficiency and enhanced sustainability. To experience Deb GrittyFOAM, visit www.grittyfoam.com. Circle 59 on card. Circle 60 on card. Constructed of a unique HPPE blend, the Magid® D-ROC® GPD590 Polyurethane Coated Glove is soft and form-fitting without sacrificing strength. The breathable knit shell provides high level of comfort and ANSI Level 4 Cut Resistance despite being a similar weight and price to gloves offering less than half the protection. Circle 61 on card. 62 1112ohs_062_063_ProdSpot_v3.indd 62 10/15/12 11:28 AM NEW JSP EVOLUTIONTM 6100 HARD HAT – THE TOUGHEST TYPE 1 HELMET ON THE MARKET! The EvolutionTM 6100 has proven far tougher than ANSI Z89.1 requirements and features a longer back for extra protection, and a 3-position harness depth setting for a precise fit. Find out more at www.pipusa.com, 800-262-5755. VERATTI® 351™ SAFETY EYEWEAR Sleek meets affordable with the new Veratti® 351™. The sporty and slim design makes this glass fun to wear while giving you the protection you need. The color combinations include a tortoise frame for women and neutral patterns for men. Encon has you covered with the Veratti® 351™. http://enconsafety.com/351 Circle 62 on card. UTILITY CATCHER™ CLIP The Utility Catcher™ clip from Glove Guard is a versatile “Catch-All” for everything you haven’t already “caught.” Originally designed as an easy and convenient way to keep up with a helmet, the Utility Catcher™ is actually a multipurpose clip that can be used for cable management, PPE items, tools, and much more! Circle 63 on card. Circle 64 on card. MSA V-GARD® PROTECTIVE CAPS AND HATS NEW TWIST IN EARPLUGS FROM MOLDEX! MSA V-Gard Protective Caps and Hats are recognized as the bestselling in North America. With our complete line of MSA V-Gard Accessories and MSA’s “Best in Class” logo program, accessorizing and customization have never been easier. Available in three sizes (cap only) to ensure the perfect fit. To learn more, visit www.MSAsafety. com or call 1-800-672-2222. Like a fingerprint, no two ear-canals are alike. And GLIDE from Moldex, with its unique curved stem design, is unlike any other earplug available. You simply push & twist …to find your fit. 100% PVC-Free, like all Moldex products & packaging – for a greener alternative. Made in USA. 800/421-0668, x550. Circle 66 on card. 63 1112ohs_062_063_ProdSpot_v3.indd 63 10/15/12 11:28 AM OH&S CLASSIFIEDS *VTWSPLZ^P[O6:/(YLN\SH[PVUZMVYZHML[`NH[LZ *DWHFRPHVIXOO\DVVHPEOHGDQGLQVWDOOVLQOHVVWKDQPLQXWHV $YDLODEOHLQQRPLQDOVL]HVFRYHUVRSHQLQJVIURP}WR} $YDLODEOHLQVDIHW\\HOORZJDOYDQL]HGVWDLQOHVVVWHHOILQLVKHV 7LH]L`9VHK*OHZRH45 ;VSS-YLL! -H_! ^^^IS\L^H[LYTMNJVT ,THPS!PUMV'IS\L^H[LYTMNJVT Circle 52 on card. Circle 50 on card. Circle 54 on card. Circle 53 on card. PRODUCT LITERATURE & WEB GUIDE WWW.OHSONLINE.COM/MCV/PRODUCTS TRAIN THE TRAINER The Scaffold Training Institute provides “Train The Trainer” programs and on-site training anywhere in the world. Training materials include 340-page manuals, DVDs, a Powerpoint presentation, videos, and Interactive Computer Based Training on CD-ROM. Courses ranging from 8 hours to 40 hours in length are available. Visit or call 1-800-428-0162 for details. www.scaffoldtraining.com Personnel Blow-Off Gun STILL USING¬COMPRESSED¬AIR¬FOR¬CLEANING? 2EENGINEERED FOR¬EVEN¬BETTER PERFORMANCE !LSO¬IDEAL¬FOR¬CLEANING¬EQUIPMENT¬¬COMPONENTS 3!&%¬ALTERNATIVE¬TO¬COMPRESSED¬AIR -EETS¬/3(!¬GUIDELINES Specialized Safety Products Sp S SALES SPECIALIZEDSAFETYPRODUCTSCOM #ALL¬US¬AT¬ WWWSPECIALIZEDSAFETYPRODUCTSCOM Manufactured & assembled in USA Circle 51 on card. Circle 55 on card. 64 Occupational Health & Safety | NOVEMBER 2012 1112ohs_064_Classified_v1.indd 64 www.ohsonline.com 10/15/12 10:58 AM FREE PRODUCT INFO ADVERTISER INDEX Quick, Easy and Direct...get the info you need NOW! Go online to ohsonline.com/productinfo to request free information from advertisers in this issue. Search by category or by company. CIRCLE # ADVERTISER PAGE # CIRCLE # ADVERTISER PAGE # CIRCLE # COMPANY PAGE # 2 Advance Lifts Inc. www.advancelifts.com 49 11 Protective Industrial Products www.pipusa.com 42 58 MCR Safety www.mcrsafety.com 62 31 Banom www.banom.com 29 10 PUMA Safety Shoes www.puma-safety.com 52 66 Moldex-Metric, Inc. www.moldex.com 63 13 BullEx Digital Safety www.bullexsafety.com 14 32 Revco Industries Inc. www.blackstallion.com 10 MSA www.msasafety.com 63 9BW Technologies by Honeywell www.gasmonitors.com 41 25 Rite Hite www.RiteHite.com/KnowYourRisks 62 Protective Industrial Products www.pipusa.com 63 14 Caterpillar Safety Services www.safety.cat.com 5 38 Roco Rescue www.rocorescue.com 34 57 Revco Industries Inc. www.blackstallion.com 62 15 Columbia Southern www.ColumbiaSouthern.edu/OSHmag 20 36 SawStop, LLC www.sawstop.com 13 56 3M www.3m.com/9100MP 62 16 DEB Group www.debgroup.com/us 43 41 Scott Safety www.scottsafety.com/5.5 31 17 Encon Safety Products www.enconsafety.com 67 39 Sensear www.sensear.com 59 19 Fibre-Metal/Honeywell www.Fibre-Metal.com 68 STOKO Skin Care www.stokoskincare.com/ 1 3 GKR Industries, Inc. www.gkrindustries.com/ 58 26 STOKO Skin Care www.stokoskincare.com/ 45 306 Axonify www.ohsonline.com/productinfo 58 33 Glove Guard www.gloveguard.com 46 27 Sure Foot Corporation www.duenorthproducts.com 28 303 Banner Engineering www.ohsonline.com/productinfo 58 4 Gorbel www.gorbel.com 57 7 3M www.3m.com/EARfitDemo 21 305 Buyers Products www.ohsonline.com/productinfo 58 45 Haws Corp. www.hawsco.com 3 8 3M www.3m.com/Push-to-Fit 25 302 Casella www.ohsonline.com/productinfo 58 8 Product Literature 55 Scaffold Training Institute www.scaffoldtraining.com New Products 64 20 Honeywell Safety Products www.honeywellsafety.com/culture 27 12 3M www.3m.com/peltor 37 300 Energizer www.ohsonline.com/productinfo 58 18 Howard Leight/Honeywell www.howardleight.com 33 24 UL PureSafety www.puresafety.com 11 308 Fortress Interlocks www.ohsonline.com/productinfo 60 37 JLG-LIFTPOD www.liftpod.com/13 55 5 Walgreens B2B Gift Cards Giftcards.b2bactivations@walgreens.com 47 307 Honeywell Safety Products www.ohsonline.com/productinfo 60 44 Keltech, Inc. www.keltech-inc.com/ 61 30 Westone Laboratories, Inc. www.westone.com/defendear 32 310 Jackson Safety www.ohsonline.com/productinfo 60 29 Wiley X Eyewear www.wileyx.com 17 312 Nextteq www.ohsonline.com/productinfo 61 7 304 Patlite www.ohsonline.com/productinfo 58 301 Rockford Systems, Inc. www.ohsonline.com/productinfo 58 21 Kimberly-Clark Professional www.kcprofessional.com/ 6 Magid Glove & Safety www.magidglove.com 34 MCR Safety www.mcrsafety.com 35 Miller Fall Protection/Honeywell www.millerfallprotection.com 22 Moldex-Metric, Inc. www.moldex.com 22-23 15 28 Workrite Uniform Company www.workrite.com 2 53 9 Product Spotlights 59 Ansell Limited www.ansellhyflexus.com/11-518.php 62 311 Safetech www.ohsonline.com/productinfo 61 60 DEB Group www.grittyfoam.com 62 313 Shure Manufacturing Corp. www.ohsonline.com/productinfo 61 309 Silent Knight by Honeywell www.ohsonline.com/productinfo 60 MSA www.msasafety.com 16 63 Encon Safety Products http://enconsafety.com/351 63 MSA www.msasafety.com 39 64 Glove Guard www.gloveguard.com 63 23 National Safety Compliance www.osha-safety-training.net 26 61 Magid Glove & Safety www.magidglove.com 62 PRESIDENT & GROUP PUBLISHER | Kevin O’Grady 972-687-6731 kogrady@1105media.com ■ WEST COAST, SOUTH, & CENTRAL DISTRICT SALES MANAGER | Barbara Blake 972-687-6718 bblake@1105media.com ■ MID-ATLANTIC DISTRICT SALES MANAGER | Rick Neigher 818-597-9029 rneigher@1105media.com ■ NORTHEAST & SOUTHEAST DISTRICT SALES MANAGER | Jenna Conwell 610-436-4372 jconwell@1105media.com www.ohsonline.com 1112ohs_065_AdIndex_v1.indd 65 NOVEMBER 2012 | Occupational Health & Safety 65 10/15/12 11:30 AM BREAKTHROUGH STRATEGIES B Y RO B E R T PAT E R What Great Leaders Do Thank you to Taylor Mali for the inspiration for this article. (See They persuade strongly, appealing to others personal interests, his TED Conference short presentation, “What Teachers Make,” at not taking a quick “no” too easily. http://www.ted.com/talks/taylor_mali_what_teachers_make.html.) They make things happen, even when others are bogged down reat leaders are special people. Almost magically, they in complaining or blaming. They can work effectively even with those who are very differchange the world for the better. These results emanate from their design and actions, not luck or happenstance. ent from them. They look for and see connections between communications Here’s how they do this: They have a personal code they work and live by (more than and actions. They understand that what they don’t do and don’t say can just lip service). They turn small things into big things. They plant seeds and transmit even stronger messages than what they do. They hold up an honestly reflective mirror to help people look nurture growth. They lead from the front while having others’ backs. They ex- at and then throw out their weak, same-old patterns, while mainemplify in their actions what they’re wishing to see in others. They taining their dignity and self-respect. They make it OK, even desirable, to creatively disagree and look at their part first, rather than making excuses. They go out of to challenge ideas and suggestions without personally devaluing their way to take responsibility for their own actions. others. They spur people to think critically and for They invite, rather than try to force change. And themselves. continue to invite in even those who previously They see the handwriting on the wall as well as opted out. potential branching routes down the main road. They involve and engage everyone in some way. They encourage courage and appropriate riskThey work with and through others, rather than taking to slough off ineffective always-been-doneabove them or alone. that-way practices. They give hope when all seems dim. They remind They culture culture by creating a surround syspeople they’re better than just allowing themselves to tem that supports change and high performance. collapse into a black hole of fear. They balance protecting strong current practices They help others find best ways out when they with calling for going beyond the status quo. feel utterly trapped between a rock and a viseThey befriend They identify and root out mixed messages that squeezing wall. changes they paralyze or immobilize people into spending an inThey inspire people to go beyond their own selfimposed ceilings. They help people attain much can’t control, even ordinate amount of time covering their rears (rather than accomplishing breakthroughs). more from themselves than they previously thought unexpected or ey help others learn to be internally motivated possible. unwanted change, andThself-directed, reducing dependency on external They ignite the passion that exists, sometimes turning these into approval or intimidation. well hidden, in all people. They harness others’ perThey work with others’ strengths, to put their best sonal interests toward common themes that bring best possible foot forward and not expecting them to immediately them together to accomplish major results. outcomes. be different than who they are. At the same time, they help They communicate high expectations of improveothers work on their own weaknesses, to reduce these as limitations. ment for everyone, beginning with themselves. They help people believe in themselves and in their innate powThey scope small indicators at an early level and so are rarely er to improve, to overcome “insurmountable” obstacles. taken off guard. They cultivate leadership skills in everyone and help them think They befriend changes they can’t control, even unexpected or unwanted change, turning these into best possible outcomes. They of themselves as leaders, while understanding there are many types of leaders and different ways to lead. accept that change is always occurring and welcome this. They prefer to excite and entice rather than reflexively reproach They are enthusiastic and excited about helping others learn and reject. But they also know when to detach from those who have and improve. They help people work together, even those who tend by nature consistently resisted self-honesty. They don’t support dig-in-the-heels procrastination or excuses, to be lone wolves. They publicly spread credit to others for actions and ideas – while at the same time they are patient with sincere learning efforts to improve. even when the leader originally proposed these. They make a real difference in the lives of others and in the fate They thank people for their efforts and help them feel appreciand fortunes of organizations. ated and significant. They change the future for the better. They show sincere concern for the well-being and safety of others. They are continually working on getting better, not basking in others’ praise. Robert Pater (rpater@MasteringSafety.com) is Managing DirecThey prepare and practice, prepare and practice, putting the tor, Strategic Safety Associates and MoveSMART®, www.Mastering odds in their favor of attaining desired results. Safety.com. G 66 Occupational Health & Safety | NOVEMBER 2012 1112ohs_066_pater_v3.indd 66 www.ohsonline.com 10/12/12 12:45 PM Bringing you solutions… ENVIRONMENT EYEWEAR SOLUTION Heavy debris, high heat, aggressive work environment. OFR PureBreds XJ2 Heavy debris, wind, dust. Original Vented Purebreds Evader II Bones Xtreme I Medium to light debris, light wind. Purebreds Xtreme I Dust Buster I Peripheral work areas, light debris threat, close proximity. Original Bones More info at www.enconsafety.com/debrist Only available at Encon ® is a registered trademark of Encon Safety Products, Inc. Houston, TX. Guard-Dogs, Aggressive Eyewear® is a registered trademark of ABBS Vision Systems, Ventura, California. CIRCLE 17 ON CARD Untitled-4 1 10/9/12 12:31 PM See Better, Weld Better …at any angle. New! Wide View Tigerhood Futura ® XXL The new Tigerhood Futura XXL wide view ADF welding helmet brings a whole new level of visual clarity so you can see welds more clearly than ever before. With Angular Dependency Compensation technology and the highest quality optics available in the market for a wide view format, no matter how you weld—in position, out of position, in tight spaces or even overhead—you’ll see everything in the sharpest detail across the entire viewing area. No light areas at the edges. No haloing. No distortion. None. Only a crystal clear view of your weld, which means a better weld, less rework, less downtime and even less eye strain and eye fatigue. It’s the difference quality makes. And it’s only from Fibre-Metal. To learn more, visit www.Fibre-Metal.com or call 800-430-4110. XXL CIRCLE 19 ON CARD © 2012 Fibre-Metal by Honeywell. All rights reserved. Untitled-8 1 Selectable Shade 9-13 and Highest Optical Quality Available in a Wide View ADF 4/11/12 2:45 PM