This is the second in a multi-part series of EHS Journal articles providing background and guidance on the Dodd-Frank Conflict Minerals rule (DFCM). This article explains key provisions of the final rule and analyzes differences between the proposed and final rules.
I have visited several gas plants across the United States. Gas plants are complex facilities. They operate at high pressure with flammable materials and dangerous products. Gas plants are regulated by Process Safety Management standards to address the inherent hazards of operations. When visiting gas plants, I make it a habit to stop in the
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The process for conducting a nanomaterial risk assessment was published by the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU OSHA) on September 12, 2012. The draft Practical Guidance, Working Safely with Engineered Nanomaterials and Nanoproducts, applies to companies that use or manufacture nanomaterials and companies that handle products containing nanomaterials. As stated in
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Here’s a great video from the University of Arizona’s Sarver Heart Center demonstrating a new method for performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Continuous Chest Compression CPR advocates the following immediate actions for victims who suffer sudden cardiac arrest: Order someone to call for emergency assistance. Immediately start chest compressions at a rate of 100 beats per
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On June 4, 2012 a silent revolution happened, and it went unnoticed by many of us. In Europe, the number of chemicals in use classified as carcinogens quadrupled. If you are a corporate director or manager you should be concerned by the implications of this in the long run, as it is one of the
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The Hazards of Your Filthy Desk is a great information graphic from LearnStuff.com that describes the health hazards associated with offices. The graphic includes a couple dozen high-impact images and informative text (excerpt below). It would make a good poster or safety meeting handout.
On a recent visit to a well site in West Texas, we stumbled (well, not really… we were escorted) upon the woman who cleans out the on-site port-a-potty. What was her greatest hazard? Gas. And not the type of gas normally associated with a port-a-potty. This was an active drill site with sour crude. This
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Facility managers who are struggling with condensation and other moisture issues that cause slippery floors and unsafe work conditions should take their eyes off of the floor and instead look up. Large-diameter, low speed overhead fans can help to clear condensation and the puddles that condensation leaves behind. Here’s an example of how employee safety
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Contractor safety is an industry issue. Over the last few years, I’ve had the opportunity to work with several integrated oil companies to improve their contractor safety management programs (CSMP). Enlightened companies have been tackling high contractor injury rates with detailed and well thought out CSMP programs that cover the entire life cycle of the
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Diesel engine exhaust was classified on June 12, 2012 as carcinogenic to humans (Group 1) by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). The reclassification of diesel engine exhaust from probably carcinogenic to humans (Group 2A) to carcinogenic to humans was based on evidence showing that exposure to diesel exhaust is associated with an
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