Despite extensive investment in nanotechnology and increasing commercialization over the last decade, insufficient understanding remains about the environmental, health, and safety aspects of nanomaterials. The report presents a strategic approach for developing research and a scientific infrastructure needed to address potential health and environmental risks of nanomaterials. Its effective implementation would require sufficient management and budgetary authority to direct research across federal agencies.
Nanoscale engineering manipulates materials at the molecular level to create structures with unique and useful properties—materials that are both very strong and very light, for example. Many of the products containing nanomaterials on the market now are for skin care and cosmetics, but nanomaterials are also increasingly being used in products ranging from medical therapies to food additives to electronics. In 2009, developers generated $1 billion from the sale of nanomaterials, and the market for products that rely on these materials is expected to grow to $3 trillion by 2015.
The committee that wrote the report found that over the last seven years there has been considerable effort internationally to identify research needs for the development and safe use of nanotechnology, including those of the National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI), which coordinates U.S. federal investments in nanoscale research and development. However, there has not been sufficient linkage between research and research findings and the creation of strategies to prevent and manage any risks. For instance, little progress has been made on the effects of ingested nanomaterials on human health and other potential health and environmental effects of complex nanomaterials that are expected to enter the market over the next decade. Therefore, there is the need for a research strategy that is independent of any one stakeholder group, has human and environmental health as its primary focus, builds on past efforts, and is flexible in anticipating and adjusting to emerging challenges, the committee said.
Because the number of products containing nanoscale materials is expected to explode, and future exposure scenarios may not resemble those of today, selecting target materials to study on the basis of existing market size—as is the practice now—is problematic. To help guide research, the committee noted the following four research categories, which should be addressed within five years:
- Identify and quantify the nanomaterials being released and the populations and environments being exposed;
- Understand processes that affect both potential hazards and exposure;
- Examine nanomaterial interactions in complex systems ranging from subcellular to ecosystems; and
- Support an adaptive research and knowledge infrastructure for accelerating progress and providing rapid feedback to advance research.
While surveying the existing resources for research, the committee acknowledged a gap between funding and the level of activity required to support the committee’s strategy. The committee concluded that any reduction in the current funding level of approximately $120 million per year over the next five years for health and environmental risk research by federal agencies would be a setback to nanomaterials risk research. Moreover, additional modest resources from public, private, and international initiatives are needed in critical areas—informatics, nanomaterial characterization, benchmarking nanomaterials, characterization of sources, and development of networks for supporting collaborative research—to derive maximum strategic value from the research investments.
Implementation of the strategy should also include the integration of domestic and international participants involved in nanotechnology-related research, including the NNI, federal agencies, the private sector, non-governmental organizations, and the academic community. The committee said that the current structure of the NNI—which has only coordinating functions across federal agencies and no top-down budgetary or management authority to direct nanotechnology-related environmental, health, and safety research—hinders its accountability for effective implementation. In addition, there is concern that dual and potentially conflicting roles of the NNI, such as developing and promoting nanotechnology while identifying and mitigating risks that arise from its use, impede application and evaluation of health and environmental risk research. To carry out the research strategy effectively, a clear separation of management and budgetary authority and accountability between promoting nanotechnology and assessing potential environmental and safety risks is essential.
The study was sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, Institute of Medicine, and National Research Council make up the National Academies. They are independent, nonprofit institutions that provide science, technology, and health policy advice under an 1863 congressional charter. Panel members, who serve pro bono as volunteers, are chosen by the Academies for each study based on their expertise and experience and must satisfy the Academies’ conflict-of-interest standards. The resulting consensus reports undergo external peer review before completion.
How to Author GHS Safety Data Sheets
OSHA is adopting the new Globally Harmonized System (GHS) for the classification and labeling of hazardous chemicals. A cornerstone of GHS is the adoption of a completely revised Safety Data Sheet (SDS).
How to Label Hazardous Chemicals Using OSHA’s New GHS Hazcom Standard
Workplace and supplier hazard communication labels are being reinvented as OSHA adopts the new Globally Harmonized System (GHS) for labeling hazardous chemicals.
How to Prepare for OSHA Adoption of the GHS for Classification and Labeling of Chemicals
This means that virtually every product label, material safety data sheet (soon to be called “safety data sheet”), and written hazard communication plan must be revised to meet the new standard. Worker training must be updated so that workers can recognize and understand the symbols and pictograms on the new labels as well as the new hazard statements and precautions on MSDSs.
Environmental Resource Center is offering webcast training for you to learn how the new rule differs from current requirements, how to implement the changes, and when the changes must be implemented.
Tampa RCRA and DOT Training
Dallas RCRA and DOT Training
Safety Consultant/Trainer
Environmental Resource Center has a new opening for a safety consultant and auditor. We are looking for a former OSHA CSHO, OSHA trainer, or state inspector for this position in our Cary, North Carolina, office. Applicants should have excellent writing and speaking skills and be willing to travel 7–14 days per month. We are looking for an expert in all of the General Industry and Construction standards who is capable of performing audits of industrial facilities as well as conducting on-site training.
Strong consideration will be given to applicants who also have experience providing HAZWOPER, Hazcom, lockout/tagout, confined spaces, and machine guarding training.
The position includes maintenance of training materials (books and presentations), working on consulting projects, development of classes and computer-based training programs, and ensuring customer satisfaction.
Kresoxim-methyl Listed as Proposition 65 Carcinogen
On February 3, 2012, the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) added kresoxim-methyl (CAS No. 143390-89-0) to the list of chemicals known to the State to cause cancer for purposes of the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986 (Proposition 651).
The listing of kresoxim-methyl is based on formal identification by an authoritative body, the EPA, that the chemical causes cancer. The criteria used by OEHHA for the listing of chemicals under the “authoritative bodies” mechanism can be found in Title 27, California Code of Regs., Section 25306.
The documentation supporting OEHHA’s determination that the criteria for administrative listing have been satisfied for the chemical kresoxim-methyl is included in the Notice of Intent to List Kresoxim-Methyl and Tetraconazole published in the December 2, 2011, issue of the California Regulatory Notice Register (Register 2011, No. 48‑Z).
CSB Safety Recommendations from Ghent, West Virginia Propane Explosion Largely Adopted, Effecting Life-Saving Change
Monday, January 30, marked the fifth anniversary of a terrible tragedy that occurred in Ghent, West Virginia—a propane explosion that took the lives of four people and injured six others at a Little General convenience store. The accident occurred as an inexperienced worker attempted to transfer propane from a tank located against an outside wall of the store.
The explosion killed two emergency responders and two propane technicians and injured four clerks inside the store and two other emergency technicians standing by outside the store, which had not been evacuated. The store was leveled.
The Chemical Safety Board’s (CSB’s) final report found that a junior propane service technician was preparing to transfer propane, unsupervised, to a new tank from an old tank located near an outside wall of the store—a location that violated state and federal regulations. The technician removed a plug from the liquid withdrawal valve on the old tank, but the valve evidently malfunctioned, causing an uncontrollable release of propane. Propane entered the store through the restroom ventilation system. The technician had only 45 days of limited on-the-job training with his supervisor.
CSB issued twelve recommendations to a total of nine recipients and most have resulted in what the Board determined to be “Acceptable” action, or are being held as “Open Acceptable” because they are on the brink of completion.
CSB’s recommendation to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) resulted in the issuing of a temporary standard providing guidance for personnel who work with liquefied petroleum gas. This includes training with a defined curriculum and testing, actions which resulted in an “Open Acceptable” status determination in April 2011. CSB is encouraging the NFPA to permanently adopt the training and testing requirements for individuals who work with propane, helping reduce the loss of life and injury among propane workers and potential dangers to members of the public.
CSB’s recommendation to the governor and legislature of West Virginia—dealing with training and qualification requirements of propane workers—was closed as “Acceptable” in August 2010 when the State Fire Marshal’s Office reported that the state fire code was updated earlier that year. This kind of action serves as an example for other states.
The Board had recommended that the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials develop a guide card for propane emergencies to assist 911 operators. The association moved promptly and within a year the CSB determined this action to be “Acceptable.”
The National Propane Gas Association adopted CSB’s recommendation, and the agency closed it as “Acceptable Action” in 2010, as a result of NPGA’s communication with OSHA and its work with the West Virginia 911 Council to develop emergency propane guidance for 911 operators. The West Virginia 911 Council on a similar recommendation received the same satisfactory determination from the Board following the council’s action.
The Board voted just last month, in December 2011, to close as “Acceptable” the response by Ferrellgas to our recommendation to establish and implement a comprehensive safety management system, as the company has improved its inspection and auditing program to detect and correct safety deficiencies. For many years, Ferrellgas owned and serviced the existing tank, which had been installed in 1994 by another company directly next to the store’s exterior back wall, in violation of West Virginia and OSHA regulations.
The CSB called on the Propane Education and Research Council—which has the critical mission of determining procedures and certifying propane technicians—to revise its Certified Employee Training Program. This would include, among other things, guidance to emergency responders, and procedures for, or a prohibition on, transferring liquid propane from tank to tank.
The Board was compelled to vote as “Unacceptable” action not taken by the West Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services. CSB urged the agency to require annual hazardous materials response refresher training for all emergency medical personnel in West Virginia. To date, training occurs only once every two years. The CSB believes recurrent annual training is critical for responders who must deal with hazardous materials emergencies such as with propane.
CSB made a similar recommendation to the West Virginia Fire Commission. Though this has not been acted upon, CSB are keeping this status “Open” because CSB was informed that revised evaluation forms requiring annual training have been completed.
Safety and Health Conference Coming to Eugene, Oregon
Workers and employers are invited to a two-day conference March 6–7, 2012, in Eugene, Oregon, that will showcase the latest workplace safety and health information.
The Department of Consumer and Business Services, Occupational Safety and Health Division (Oregon OSHA) is one of several partners presenting the Cascade Occupational Safety and Health Conference at Eugene’s Valley River Inn, located at 1000 Valley River Way. The event is built around the theme, “By choice, not chance—don’t gamble with safety,” and will highlight training to improve on-the-job safety performance.
On March 6, keynote speaker Todd Conklin will present, “Preventing Human Errors: What’s Stopping Us!” —a look at what’s behind human performance and why the perception of human error needs to change. Conklin is a senior adviser to the associate director at the Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico and earned excellent reviews following a presentation at the Pendleton safety conference in 2011. Attendees remarked, “One of the best speakers I’ve ever heard” and “thought provoking.”
Conference attendees can also take advantage of a networking session and workshops focused on hazard identification, safety leadership, and risk management theory and best practices. Other topics include:
- Emergency preparedness
- Fleet safety
- Safety committee improvement
The registration fee for both days is $165, or $95 for single-day attendance.
Cal/OSHA Issues $256,445 in Citations to Warehouse Operators
The California Department of Industrial Relations’ Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) issued citations to warehouse owner National Distribution Centers and its temporary staffing contractor, Tri State Staffing, for more than 60 violations at four warehouses in San Bernardino County. The violations include lack of fall protection for high-rise pickers, unstable storage stacking, and unguarded machinery.
“California law requires all employers to identify and mitigate safety risks in the workplace,” said DIR Director Christine Baker. “In the warehouse industry, low-wage workers are particularly vulnerable to unsafe working conditions where work is often hidden from public view. Hazards include moving vehicles, precariously stacked goods and unguarded equipment.”
Cal/OSHA found a dual-employer relationship—where one employer hires workers and provides them to another employer—at three of the four warehouses inspected. In this situation, both employers are potentially liable for violations of safety and health regulations that are meant to prevent workers’ injuries or illnesses. The most common dual-employer situation is a Professional Employer Organization (PEO) that provides an employee to work at a worksite under the supervision and control of another company. PEOs are prevalent in the warehousing industry.
“When employers use a contractor for their staffing needs, they are not released from their responsibilities to provide a safe workplace,” said Cal/OSHA Chief Ellen Widess. “As dual employers sharing responsibility for training and worker safety, both National Distribution Centers and Tri State Staffing were responsible for ensuring that all employees are protected on the job.”
The warehouse inspections were prompted by complaints received from Warehouse Workers United and a worker’s heat illness injury in August of 2011. In the latter case, Cal/OSHA found that a 49-year-old warehouse employee had become dizzy and nauseous while working in 90-degree temperatures inside the building.
Every employer in the state of California is required to have an IIPP that addresses the safety hazards associated with their specific work site. If heat is a hazard in an indoor workplace, a common problem in warehouses, then the IIPP is required to address preventive measures to protect employees from the heat.
“It’s not just outdoor workers who are vulnerable to heat illness,” said Cal/OSHA Chief Widess. “It can also happen indoors in a warehouse on a hot day. Every California employer needs to be aware of heat illness symptoms so that appropriate steps can be taken to prevent serious on-the-job injuries or death.”
The four warehouses cited are all in the region east of Los Angeles called the Inland Empire, which has the largest concentration of warehouses in the United States. Goods shipped through the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach are sent to Inland Empire warehouses for storage before being distributed throughout the country.
Mercury Releases into the Atmosphere from Ancient to Modern Times
In pursuit of riches and energy over the last 5,000 years, humans have released into the environment 385,000 tons of mercury, the source of numerous health concerns, according to a new study that challenges the idea that releases of the metal are on the decline. The report appears in ACS’ journal Environmental Science & Technology.
David Streets and colleagues explain that humans put mercury into the atmosphere by burning fossil fuels and through mining and industrial processes. Mercury is present in coal and the ores used to extract gold and silver. Much information exists about recent releases of mercury, but there is little information on releases in the past. To find out how much impact people have had over the centuries, the scientists reconstructed human additions of mercury to the atmosphere using historical data and computer models.
Their research shows that mercury emissions peaked during the North American gold and silver rushes in the late 1800s, but after a decline in the middle of the 20th century, are quickly rising again thanks mostly to a surge in coal use. They report that Asia has overtaken Europe and America as the largest contributor of mercury. Recent data suggest that mercury concentrations in the atmosphere are declining, and this is not consistent with their conclusion of increasing emissions. Changing atmospheric conditions may be partly responsible, but more work is also needed to understand the fate of large amounts of mercury in discarded products like batteries and thermometers. The researchers predict mercury released from mining and fuel may take as many as 2,000 years to exit the environment and be reincorporated into rocks and minerals in the Earth.
Vertis Communications Fined for Repeat Safety and Health Hazards
OSHA cited Baltimore, Maryland-based Vertis Communications for 12—including two repeat—safety and health violations at its Monroe Township, New Jersey, direct marketing facility. OSHA initiated an inspection in response to complaints alleging the hazards. Proposed penalties total $120,700.
The repeat violations, with $70,000 in penalties, include the company’s failure to guard machines with moving parts as well as to develop, document, and use procedures for controlling hazardous energy. The company was cited for the same violations at its East Longmeadow, Massachusetts, and Lenexa, Kansas, facilities in 2011. A repeat violation exists when an employer previously has been cited for the same or a similar violation of a standard, regulation, rule, or order at any other facility in federal enforcement states within the last five years.
The program focuses on recalcitrant employers that endanger workers by committing willful, repeat, or failure-to-abate violations.
“By not removing these hazards, the company continues to leave workers at risk of serious injuries and possible death,” said Patricia Jones, OSHA’s area director in Avenel.”Employers are legally obligated to provide a safe and healthful work environment for employees.”
Ten serious violations carrying $50,700 in penalties include the company’s failure to ensure an adequate hazardous energy control program for specific types of equipment, conduct periodic inspections, certify employee training, provide electronic safety devices, provide approved electrical gloves for employees performing electrical maintenance, equip power-operated tools with guards, properly store flammable materials, provide eye protection, perform a personal protective equipment assessment, and provide adequate working space in front of electrical boxes. A serious violation occurs when there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known.
“Employers can successfully prevent these types of hazards by establishing an injury and illness prevention program in which they work with their employees to identify and eliminate hazardous conditions,” said Robert Kulick, OSHA’s regional administration in New York.
Vertis Communications operates 37 locations with about 5,000 employees nationwide.
Grain Company Cited for Teen Worker Leg Amputations
OSHA has cited Zaloudek Grain Co., with four serious safety violations following an incident involving two 17-year-olds. Both suffered leg amputations when they became caught in an inadequately guarded conveyor auger while cleaning out a grain flat storage structure at the company’s facility in Kremlin, Oklahoma.
“Employers who endanger the lives and limbs of their workers will be held accountable for putting them at risk,” said John Hermanson, OSHA’s regional administrator in Dallas. “In this case, the lives of two teenagers will never be the same.”
The incident occurred last August. Violations from the investigation that resulted include failing to affix or secure the machine guard over the moving conveyor auger, ensure the storage structure’s exit was free and unobstructed, provide exit signs from the storage structure, and provide training for workers assigned to enter grain structures. Proposed penalties total $21,500.
Zaloudek Grain, which employs about six workers at the Kremlin facility, has 15 business days from receipt of these citations to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director in Oklahoma City, or contest the citations and proposed penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
In September, OSHA’s Oklahoma City Area Office opened a separate, comprehensive safety inspection of the Kremlin facility under the agency’s Regional Emphasis Program for Grain Handling Facilities that uncovered five additional serious violations. They include failing to provide training on the use of a forklift; develop and implement an emergency action plan and hazard communication program; develop and implement a housekeeping program to reduce the accumulation of combustible dust in grain structures; and ensure precautions were taken prior to employees entering grain bins. Citations, with fines totaling $12,500, were issued on December 20 and contested by the employer.
OSHA has fined grain operators in Wisconsin, Illinois, Colorado, South Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Nebraska following preventable fatalities and injuries in grain storage bins. In addition to enforcement actions, OSHA sent a notification letter to 13,000 grain elevator operators warning them of proper safety precautions.
Roofer Cited $42,000 for Fall Hazards
OSHA cited Baystate Roofers Inc., with 10 alleged serious violations of safety standards at a Topsfield, Massachusetts, work site for exposing workers to fall hazards. The company faces a total of $42,000 in proposed fines.
An inspection by OSHA’s Andover Area Office found employees exposed to falls while working on a ladder jack scaffold atop the roof of a building located on High Street. The violations include failing to provide personal fall protection; train workers to recognize fall hazards; provide head and eye protection; and properly set up, secure, and inspect ladders for damage. Additionally, an improperly erected scaffold had damaged components, exceeded the maximum allowable height of 20 feet, and had not been inspected for defects prior to the start of work.
“Protecting workers against deadly or disabling hazards such as these requires diligence on the part of the employer,” said Jeffrey A. Erskine, OSHA’s area director for Middlesex and Essex counties. “A competent person must inspect equipment to ensure that it is without defects and properly erected, and employees must be trained to recognize and address conditions that could harm them.”
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