AMERICAN SOCIETY OF SAFETY ENGINEERS TO ADDRESS ACHIEVING STRONG SAFETY LEADERSHIP & SOCIAL NETWORKING’S AFFECT IN SAFETY MANAGEMENT AT MIAMI EVENT

DES PLAINES, IL (August 5, 2009) - In a unique approach, the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) will be host to a two-day ‘Proactive Safety Management’ symposium this November 12-13 in Miami, FL, where attendees select from intensive interactive workshops based on the topics that best fit their skill-building needs on how to integrate safety into the business of their organization.

Attendees will learn how to use safety management processes and tools for implementation in their workplace as well as hear from leading authorities in the area of safety and business. Keynoting the education event will be Chairman and CEO of Mzinga Barry Libert. Mzinga is a top provider of social software solutions and services for marketing, customer support and learning. Through a combination of enterprise-class technology, strategy and online moderation services, Mzinga social solutions help businesses work to increase revenue and lower costs by addressing brand visibility, workplace satisfaction, and customer loyalty. Headquartered in Burlington, Massachusetts, Mzinga services more than one billion monthly page requests from 40 million unique visitors in 160 countries worldwide.

Libert will also lead a workshop examining practical aspects and applications for the use of social networking in safety management and how to evaluate an organization’s social readiness through examples from company success stories. This workshop aims to help attendees learn how to use social technology to connect with co-workers; reinvent one’s safety effort; and, utilize steps for getting started.

Leading authority on safety management and past ASSE President Samuel J. Gualardo, MA, CSP, president of National Safety Consultants, Inc., of Salix, PA, will address the attendees and discuss how to overcome organization barriers to attain safety and health performance excellence.

“We all spend most of our time focusing on typical workplace hazards and reducing losses,” Gualardo said. “We must think about the numerous tangible and intangible organizational barriers that can also have a significant impact on safety and health performance. These can be managed so that we can overcome these challenges to attaining safety and health performance excellence.”

Attendees can select from several workshops on Thursday including ‘Aligning Safety with Business Goals’, ‘Cost Analysis for Safety and Health’, ‘Implementing the Z10 Standard’, and ‘Employing Social Networking Tactics for Safety Management’. The second round of workshops held the next day include ‘Making the Business Case of Positive Change’, ‘Techniques for Hazard Analysis Recognition’, ‘Leadership Tool Box’, and ‘Safety Training’. Presenting the workshops are safety and business experts from around the U.S. Attendees will receive continuing education credits.

The event will be held at the Hyatt Regency in Miami, FL. Prior to the Nov. 12-13 symposium ASSE will be host to four seminars — the Math Review Certification Exams Workshop Nov. 8; Associate Safety Professional (ASP) Exam Preparation Workshops Nov, 9-11, the Certified Safety Professional (CSP) Exam Preparation Workshop Nov. 9-11, and Corporate Safety Management Workshop Nov. 9-11 also at the Hyatt Regency.

Founded in 1911, the Des Plaines, IL-based ASSE is committed to protecting people, property and the environment. Its 32,000 occupational safety, health and environmental professional members lead, manage, supervise, research and consult on safety, health, transportation and environmental issues in all industries, government, labor, health care and education. For more information please check ASSE’s web site at www.asse.org.

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Tags: ASSE, social networking, strong safety leadership

Tags: welding helmet

Brady Worldwide Inc. introduces first effective Lockout/Tagout device for plug valves

User-friendly, cost-effective device helps process industries comply with OSHA 29 CFR §1910.147

Milwaukee, WI- Brady Corporation (NYSE:BRC) maintains its position as the world leader in lockout solutions with the launch of its latest product, the Plug Valve Lockout. As the first lockout device to easily and effectively secure a manually-actuated plug valve, the Plug Valve Lockout is a much-needed solution for compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations for controlling hazardous energy in the workplace. Until now, many installations had to resort to makeshift solutions to lock out their plug valves, which make up approximately 20 percent of the valves used by industry.

Brady will release the Plug Valve Lockout in four sizes, which together fit all of the popular plug valves from one to eight inches in diameter, including Cooper-Cameron, Dezurik, Flowserve, Homestead, Nordstrom and Xomox. The device effectively locks out the valve by securely covering the operating plug stem and preventing access to it. The base of the lockout device can remain in place once applied, and generally does not interfere with valve activation by wrench or removable handle. The device is compact in size, yet highly-visible and easy to use. It is made of durable, tamper-resistant materials and has suggested manufacturer list prices of $19.99 and $29.99.

The Plug Valve Lockout is a welcomed product for compliance with OSHA regulations, which focus on protecting employees from hazardous energy in the workplace. According to OSHA, the lockout/tagout standards are cited as the number one violation for general industry. OSHA estimates that the proper use of lockout/tagout devices would prevent approximately 120 fatalities and 50,000 injuries each year. If these injuries are avoided through lockout/tagout devices like the Plug Valve Lockout, companies will significantly cut their costs for both lost time and insurance, and improve productivity by minimizing equipment downtime.

For more information on the Plug Valve Lockout, visit www.bradyid.com/lockout.

About Brady Corporation
Brady Corporation is an international manufacturer and marketer of complete solutions that identify and protect premises, products and people. Its products include high-performance labels and signs, safety devices, printing systems and software, and precision die-cut materials. Founded in 1914, the company has more than 500,000 customers in electronics, telecommunications, manufacturing, electrical, construction, education, medical and a variety of other industries. Brady is headquartered in Milwaukee and employs more than 7,800 people at operations in the Americas, Europe and Asia/Pacific. Brady’s fiscal 2008 sales were approximately $1.523 billion. More information about Brady Corporation is available at www.bradycorp.com and to learn more about Brady’s complete line of products and offers visit www.bradyid.com. In Canada visit www.bradycanada.com.

Tags: lockout tagout

No More Back Breaking Work

Preventing back injury, the nation’s top workplace safety problem, pays off in added safety and productivity, rising up to 40% at a 3M plant

“According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than one million workers suffer back injuries each year, and back injuries account for one of every five workplace injuries or illnesses,” states an OSHA Fact Sheet titled Back Injuries - Nation’s Number One Workplace Safety Problem. “Moreover, though lifting, placing, carrying, holding and lowering are involved in manual materials handling (the principal cause of compensable work injuries) the BLS survey shows that four out of five of these injuries were to the lower back and that three out of four occurred while the employee was lifting.”

In 2006, injuries related to lifting, pushing, pulling, holding, carrying, or throwing cost businesses $12.4 billion in direct costs, according to the 2008 Liberty Mutual Workplace Safety Index. In fact, it can cost an individual employer up to $65,000 for a single back injury.

To prevent lifting injuries, the OSHA Fact Sheet offers suggestions including the “installation of mechanical aids such as pneumatic lifts, conveyors, and/or automated materials handling equipment.”

Some of the nation’s largest, most proactive companies have heeded the call to prevent operator back injury while benefitting from higher, more streamlined production, and quick ROI.

3M, a global, diversified technology company, produces thousands of imaginative products with the goal of making life easier and better for people around the world.

A similar goal of improving plant operator health, safety, and production was hatched a decade ago, according to Jim Joreski, a maintenance supervisor at 3M’s Medina, Ohio plant.

“At the time, lifting, handling, and packing heavy, pressure-sensitive rolls of consumer labels for shipment at the plant was very labor intensive,” says Joreski. “Workers might handle a couple hundred rolls per shift, each ranging from 50 to 250 lbs., which could wear them out or expose them to potential lift injury.”

The plant turned to a pneumatic, lift assistance device made by AirOlift Lifting Systems, an Akron, OH-based builder of ergonomic clamping and vacuum lifting systems for some of the largest companies in the world. The lift-device specialist tailored a lift with an attachment for gently handling rolls in a range of sizes without damage. The specialist stayed on-site at the plant during installation, start up, and initial training, which taught best practice use of the equipment for efficient operation and injury prevention.

After buying its first pneumatic, lift assistance device about a decade ago, the plant has added several more over the years.

“Since installing the equipment, we’ve eliminated lift-related injuries in that part of the plant process,” says Joreski. “Productivity is up about 40 percent over the previous method, and there’s no problem with operator fatigue or repetitive motion injury.”

Joreski appreciates the safety features built into the equipment. For drop protection, for instance, a series of sensors assure the load cannot be released until it’s placed. If there’s ever catastrophic air loss, the device slowly lowers items held to the ground, protecting operators and eliminating product damage.

Because the system is all pneumatic, operated by a single shop airline, it eliminates electric hazards such as shock from frayed wires. It also avoids running costly electrical connections in the working area.

“From higher productivity alone, a study showed payback on our AirOlift equipment in about two years, but payback could be immediate if it prevents even one back injury,” says Joreski. “It has saved wear and tear on our people and boosted morale.”

The original lifting device purchased for the plant keeps on working a decade later, with virtually no unscheduled downtime or maintenance, according to Joreski. “We’ve had no breakdowns or drop problems,” he says. “It’s a workhorse that helps our operators lift product as safely and productively as possible. I can’t imagine operating without it.”

AirOlift Lifting Systems custom manufactures product clamping, vacuum lifting and manipulating systems, ergonomically designed to meet or exceed OSHA and NIOSH mandates or recommendations. Its lifting solutions enhance safety and production in a variety of industries on items ranging from bags, boxes, parts, panels, rolls, doors and windows, to clean-room/wash-down applications.

For more info, call 800-605-8612; Fax 610-824-8063; email [email protected]; visit www.airolift.com; or write to AirOlift Lifting Systems at P.O. Box 26126, Akron, OH 44319.

Tags: 3M, AirOlife Lifting Systems, back injuries

HUNDREDS OF ORGANIZATIONS SET TO SHOWCASE THEIR PRODUCTS AT AMERICAN SOCIETY OF SAFETY ENGINEERS’ JUNE CONFERENCE, EXPOSITION IN SAN ANTONIO

DES PLAINES, IL (May 28, 2009) - Despite the economy, more than 375 leading organizations are scheduled to exhibit at the annual June 28- July 1 American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) professional development conference and exposition (Safety 2009) in San Antonio, TX. ASSE officials expect this number to continue to climb in the next few weeks.

“The continued strong showing each year is a testament to the strength of this segment of the safety, health, and environmental industry and the consistent innovation and strong content found in the ASSE Conference,” ASSE President Warren K. Brown, CSP, ARM, CSHM, said today. “As Safety 2009 heads to San Antonio a near-record number of exhibitors have already reserved booth space. At this point we have seen the second most, all-time participating organizations already committed this year as Safety 2009 prepares for another big event in San Antonio.”

The 98-year-old ASSE is the largest and oldest safety society and has more than 32,000 occupational safety, health and environmental professional members located worldwide. For several years its annual conference has set attendance and exposition records with attendees traveling from throughout the U.S. and more than 40 countries to the conference.

As for the exposition, of the 375 exhibitors more than 70 are new and will be showcasing their products and services for the first time.

“Having so many new organizations in addition to the industry leaders will offer attendees the breadth and depth of variety of products and services they have come to expect to see annually at this event,” Brown continued. “This helps attendees look into the future of workplace safety at the same time.”

Conference officials will highlight the innovations with a ‘New Product Showcase’ which will debut on the exhibit floor. It will highlight the latest and most advanced products and services in one convenient location. For the current list of exhibitors go to http://iebms.heiexpo.com/iebms/oep/oep_p1_exhibitors.aspx?cc=asse09&oc=05

As for the conference, registrants are signing up quickly for the 225 sessions being offered. The top sessions so far include 1) leaders in organizations with great safety; 2) slip, trip and fall prevention; 3) complacency, the silent killer; 4) helping corporate leadership take personal responsibility for safety; and, 5) core leadership skills for the safety, health and environmental (SH&E) professional.
U.S. Acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Jordan Barab will also participate in a special Plenary Session on the first day of the conference. This session will include his insights and an overview on the direction of the new Administration in safety and health.
The last day of the conference will feature an Executive Summit with top executives sharing their insights with attendees. Eighteen topic tracks including the new “Business Skills” track will also be available for attendees. Fox News Business and Financial Journalist Stuart Varney and Former Yahoo! Chief Solutions Officer Tim Sanders will provide key note presentations. Varney will discuss the state of global business and the economy and Sanders will discuss corporate social responsibility and green business practices.
Founded in 1911, the Des Plaines, IL-based ASSE is the largest and oldest professional safety society and is committed to protecting people, property and the environment. For more information and to register please go to www.asse.org.

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Tags: ASSE

NEW ONE-SIZE-FITS-ALL STRAPLESS ADHESION RESPIRATOR (FACE MASK)

DECREASES EXPOSURE

to Swine Flu and other Respiratory Pathogens and Harmful Particles

Concern over the possibility of a swine flu pandemic is focusing people’s interest on strategies they can take to protect themselves. Frequent hand washing is not enough since the virus is easily transmitted via airborne droplets and aerosols; even distant from a cough or sneeze can result in infection. For individuals whose work or personal responsibilities put them into close contact with an infectious person, an effective respirator (face mask) is essential protection.

NIOSH approved filtering facepiece respirators with an N95 level of protection or HIGHER are being recommended by the CDC/National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health for protection against the H1N1 virus. However, no matter how efficient the filter, if a mask does not fit properly, then gaps between the mask and the face (the face-seal) will allow harmful/infectious particles to enter the wearer’s breathing zone.

Lessons learned from the SARS experience, have inspired Stanley Weinberg, inventor and Chairman & CEO of Wein Products Inc., to design and engineer an adhesion facemask addressing the shortcomings and limitations of conventional respirators that are held in place by straps, rubber bands and nose clips.

The Fitseal^TM Adhesion Filtering Facepiece Particulate Respirator (FFPR) represents a breakthrough in personal respirator technology. Co-developed by Canadian and American scientists and medical experts, this one-size-fits-all respirator is held in place by medical-grade adhesion technology that conforms and seals to the wearer’s face, thereby significantly reducing inward and outward leakage between the mask and the face.

The Fitseal^TM N99 offers at least 99% filtration efficiency against solid and liquid aerosols that do not contain oil. The structure and materials are designed with comfort in mind. It allows for easy breathing as well as clear speech and can be worn comfortably for up to eight hours. It is easy to don and remove, and will not interfere with glasses, or headgear.

Dr. Gabor Lantos, Director, of Personal Protective Equipment for FaceSeal Technologies, notes the level of respiratory protection recommended by authorities has evolved since the SARS outbreak of 2003. “The general population is not aware that loose fitting surgical masks covering the nose and mouth have significant face-seal leakage factors and are not recommended to protect the wearer against airborne infection. Dr. Lantos says, “The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) researchers and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have shown that respirator fit is critical to provide essential protection against airborne viruses and bacteria. The seal between the edge of the respirator and the face (the face-seal) is especially crucial, because leakage through any gaps will allow disease-causing viruses to enter one’s breathing zone inside the respirator….”

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) states that:

“Face-seal leakage is the weak link that limits a respirator’s protection ability.”

(Reference: Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, December 30, 2005/54)

FitSeal^TM is the first and only adhesion respirator that has been approved by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), and meets additional test requirements for new technology as part of respirator certification. Additional test requirements included a fit test in a corn oil atmosphere to test the face-seal integrity.

The FitSeal^TM Respirators will be launched in North America at the AIHce (American Industrial Hygiene Conference and Expo, held in Toronto ON, Canada, June 1 - 3, 2009 Booth 1606

1-888-420-6275 / www.facesealtechnologies.com

Tags: respirator

New Crown RR 5700 Series Raises Expectations for Reach Truck Productivity

Traction Control System is First-Ever for Pantograph Reach Truck

NEW BREMEN, Ohio (May 21, 2009) - Crown Equipment, one of the world’s leading lift truck manufacturers, unveiled today the Crown RR 5700 Series of technologically advanced reach trucks that is intended to deliver greater material handling productivity, efficiency and safety. Specifically engineered for the unique challenges of a narrow-aisle warehouse environment, the Crown RR 5700 features the industry’s first traction control system, enhanced execution of load-handling functions, and the fastest lift and travel speeds among other available reach trucks.

The Crown RR 5700 includes several enhancements that improve operator confidence and control in performing challenging moves at heights greater than 36 feet. Most notably, the Crown RR 5700 is the first-ever pantograph reach truck with a traction control system designed to assist the truck from slipping on wet, dusty or sealed floors. The patent-pending Crown OnTrac^TM Anti-Slip Traction Control uses the integrated Crown Access 1 2 3® control system to compare the truck’s speed with the number of revolutions per minute the drive tire is turning to determine whether the truck has lost traction. By reducing tire spin during acceleration and preventing wheel lock-up during braking, the system reduces slipping and sliding. This decreases tire wear, increases efficiency, helps reduce the risk of accidents and product damage, and improves operator confidence in slick conditions, such as refrigerated or freezer applications. Other enhancements include:

- Lift and Travel Speed: The Crown RR 5700 travels seven percent faster, lifts 18 percent faster and lowers 16 percent faster than similar reach trucks. Cornering speed control in the Crown RR 5700 slows the truck’s speed as the steer angle increases so that turns can be negotiated safely. Truck performance settings can be customized to individual operator preferences.

- Operator Comfort: The Crown RR 5700 includes a suspended floorboard that absorbs vibration, and trucks can be outfitted with a ThermoAssist^TM package for improved operator comfort in refrigerated or freezer applications. S-Class trucks include a padded seat, which can be adjusted to three different positions to allow drivers to sit, lean or stand during truck operation. The S-Class operator compartment is 45 percent larger than those on other reach trucks and features a special footrest that offers postural relief while promoting a safe operating position. These ergonomic advantages, in addition to an adjustable arm rest, work together with safety features such as an entry bar safety switch and position hold to promote safe lift truck operation while maximizing productivity.

- One-Touch Rack Height Select: Available as an add-on element, a rack height selection feature allows operators to stop the forks at a specific rack level with the click of a button. While other systems require users to choose from two entry heights for each rack level: one for pallet pick-up and a slightly higher height for pallet put-away, the Crown RR 5700’s One-Touch Rack Height Select senses whether the truck is carrying a load and adjusts rack entry height accordingly. A tilt-position-assist function further facilitates pallet entry at upper rack levels by leveling the forks.

“The Crown RR 5700 is a major step forward in the use of the truck’s intelligence to improve performance and control,” said Crown Product Manager Maria Schwieterman. “The entire package is really more than meets the eye as the Crown Access 1 2 3 operating system provides a platform on which we can drive innovations such as the unique traction control system and rack-height select feature. When combined with the Crown InfoLink^Ò system, data can be collected and analyzed across multiple trucks via the Crown Insite^TM approach to improving fleet management and paving the way for true business intelligence within material handling environments.”

The Crown RR 5700 Series of trucks is offered in reach heights greater than 36 feet with lift capacities of 4,500 pounds. The Crown RR 5700 is available with AC-powered drive and hydraulic systems, and in a double-deep reach version called the Crown RD 5700.

About Crown Equipment Corporation
Crown is the number one brand of electric lift trucks in the United States and the seventh largest lift truck manufacturer in the world. Crown’s award-winning line of lift trucks has earned a reputation for exceptional product design, engineering and manufacturing. From the smallest hand pallet truck to the highest lifting turret truck, Crown seeks to provide users with safe, efficient and ergonomic lift trucks that lower total cost of ownership and maximize uptime. Headquartered in New Bremen, Ohio, Crown manufactures lift trucks that are sold throughout the world. For more information, visit www.crown.com.

Tags: forklifts

Uvex Stealth® Goggle Family Now Includes
New Over-the-Glass Model

Number One Selling Premium Safety Goggle Now Available with Option for Workers Who Wear Prescription Eyewear

Offered with an Expanded Range of Lens Tints

Smithfield, RI - May 20, 2009 - Sperian Eye & Face Protection, the makers of Uvex® brand safety eyewear, is pleased to announce the newest addition to its Uvex Stealth goggle family: the Uvex Stealth OTG.

Uvex Stealth OTG goggles protect against impact, dust and airborne particles, chemical splash, and optical radiation while offering the highest levels of comfort and performance. Designed to fit comfortably over prescription eyewear, Uvex Stealth OTG goggles are larger than the original Uvex Stealth model while retaining the sleek styling that has made this goggle an industry favorite.

Its flexible, high quality elastomer body conforms to facial contours for a secure yet comfortable gap-free fit, while its low-profile, wrap-around lens styling provides complete coverage and a clear field of vision. With pivoting headband clips and a wide adjustable-slide headband, Uvex Stealth OTG goggles offer a wide range of adjustability and fit comfortably even with hard hats.

For protection in a variety of environments, lenses are available in Clear, Amber, Standard Gray, and Shade 3.0 and 5.0 Welding tints with Dura-streme^TM dual coating technology. Dura-streme combines our two best lens coatings - Uvextreme® anti-fog on the interior and Ultra-dura® anti-scratch on the exterior - for long-lasting, durable anti-fog performance and added chemical resistance. Uvex Stealth OTG goggles offer an easy and economical lens replacement system. Lenses easily snap onto the front of the body, allowing for the use of multiple lens tints and extending the life of the goggles for exceptional total-cost-of-ownership.

Uvex Stealth OTG goggles are made in the USA in an ISO 9001:2000 facility, and are certified to meet both ANSI Z87.1-2003 (High Impact) and CSA Z94.3 standards.

About Uvex by Sperian

Uvex by Sperian is the leading U.S. brand of premium quality, state-of-the-art, feature-rich safety spectacles, goggles and face shields that offers comfort and innovation without compromise. The world’s top-selling protective eyewear brand, Uvex® has been an acknowledged leader in safety eyewear innovation for more than 50 years and is the pioneer of many groundbreaking innovations such as Dura-streme^TM Dual Coating Technology offering combined Anti-fog / Anti-Scratch lenses with 3x longer life, a cost-effective silicone goggle body and MMT - Multi-Material Technology®. Sperian Protection offers Uvex branded safety eyewear and face protection products exclusively in the Americas. For more information, please visit www.uvex.us.

About Sperian Protection

With nearly 6,000 employees worldwide, Sperian Protection serves the global personal protective equipment (PPE) industry, providing hearing, eye, respiratory, fall, body and hand protection. As a world leader in multiple PPE categories, Sperian is committed to offering innovative products adapted to high-risk environments so that workers in the manufacturing and services industries can work with confidence. For more information, please visit www.sperianprotection.com.

Sperian Protection is listed on Euronext’s Eurolist and on the SBF120. It is eligible for the SRD deferred settlement system.

For additional Uvex product information contact:

Sperian Customer Care

900 Douglas Pike

Smithfield, RI 02917

Tel: 800-682-0839

Fax: 800-322-1330

www.uvex.us

Tags: eye safety, PPE, safety goggles

AHMP SIGNIFICANTLY EXPANDS ITS ONLINE COURSE LIBRARY More than 200 new, much-needed EHS&S offerings now available

BETHESDA, MD, May 20, 2009-The Alliance of Hazardous Materials Professionals^TM (AHMP), formerly the Academy of Certified Hazardous Materials Managers, has expanded its Online Course Library by more than 200 courses, announces A. Cedric Calhoun, CAE, the association’s executive director.

“AHMP is constantly seeking quality programming that meets the emerging informational, educational and training needs of its members,” says Calhoun. “These new online training courses respond to the demands that are challenging AHMP members and all environmental, health, safety and security (EHS&S) professionals today. AHMP is excited to launch these courses that also meet the professional development and budgetary needs of our members and other hazardous materials professionals.”

AHMP is partnering with OverNite Software, inc., an Angleton, Texas-based cutting-edge designer of learning management and delivery solutions, to deliver educational programming to a wide range of EHS&S professionals and to leverage the company’s off-the-shelf courseware that has been customized for AHMP’s Web site.

OverNite Software is the creator of ExxTend Learning^TM, an online learning- management system, and is a “Green”, or top level-sponsor, of AHMP through the association’s Corporate & Community Relations Partnership Program.

Each new course offering is affordable and is accessible 24/7 on the AHMP Web site from an Internet-ready computer. The registration fee for these new courses ranges from $25 to $70 for AHMP members and $40 to $90 for nonmembers.

“In these tough economic times AHMP is delivering on its commitment to the hazardous materials management and EHS&S profession to make its online courses affordable, accessible and relevant,” says Calhoun.

AHMP’s new courses offerings deliver instruction in:

• Environmental Health and Safety
• First Responder
• HAZWOPER
• Human Resources
• Industrial Fundamentals
• Municipal Environmental, Health and Safety Off-the-Job Safety Port Facility Security Process Operations Security for Professionals

AHMP members and other EHS&S professionals can visit the AHMP Online Course Library for the description, learning objectives, estimated completion time and number of certification maintenance points (CMP) awarded for each course.

To learn more about the AHMP Online Course Library, the current EHS&S course offerings or to register for a course today visit http://www.achmm.org/jump/online_ehs_training.htm. AHMP members and other EHS&S professionals also may contact AHMP at (800) 437-0137 or at [email protected].

About AHMP

AHMP is an international membership organization that fosters the professional development of its members through educational programs, peer group interaction and recognition of the Certified Hazardous Materials Managers® (CHMM®) credential and other credentials as standards of excellence in the environmental, health, safety and security (EHS&S) industry. AHMP is comprised of more than 56 chapters in 37 states and more than 4,000 hazardous materials professionals throughout the world.

Tags: hazardous materials

Howard Leight Introduces QuietDose^TM: In-Ear Dosimetry Measures Noise Exposure in Real-Time to Help Prevent Workplace Hearing Loss

SMITHFIELD, RHODE ISLAND, USA, May 5, 2009 - Howard Leight today officially introduced QuietDose^TM — the only personal dosimeter that measures and records a worker’s actual in-ear exposure to noise over an entire work shift. The introduction is a major advance towards stopping the progression of occupational hearing loss and ensuring employer compliance with hearing safety regulations.

“Hearing Conservation Programs are only as good the data they’re based upon. Existing noise measurement devices only sample ambient sound. This shortcoming forces employers to estimate workplace noise levels and base hearing protection on potentially faulty conclusions which can end up wasting money, risking regulatory violations, and endangering employee hearing,” said Renee Bessette, COHC, Marketing Manager, Howard Leight/Sperian Hearing Protection, LLC.

“In contrast, our QuietDose personal dosimeter measures the actual noise levels reaching a worker’s eardrums, in real-time, over an entire work day. QuietDose provides safety managers with an unprecedented level of personalized data to create the most customized, and effective Hearing Conservation Programs for each worker,” she said. “The result? Fewer documented cases of occupational hearing loss for employees, and fewer claims and lower compensation costs for employers. Supervisors can also use the personalized data to improve productivity by better managing worker deployment in areas of extreme noise.”

• Download high resolution photos for publication from: http://tinyurl.com/c2w346

“Workers themselves can personally monitor and control their noise exposure in real-time. Flashing alerts indicate when noise exposure reaches or exceeds prescribed limits. “If an eartip has not been inserted properly, QuietDose will alert the worker that he is not receiving adequate protection. If a worker removes his eartips for any length of time, QuietDose will assess that additional exposure and alert him should he exceed his allowable dose,” Bessette said.

“QuietDose can help halt the progression of occupational hearing loss,” she said.

In-Ear Measurement, Hearing Loss Prevention

The QuietDose system consists of a small Exposure Smart Protector® (ESP) Dosimeter that’s worn by employees in a shirt pocket or on the back of a hardhat; protective eartips or an earmuff with integrated microphones that record real-time in-ear noise levels; and a connecting harness. An infrared reader enables safety managers to retrieve data from the ESP Dosimeter at the end of each shift or work week and analyze the results on a personal computer.

QuietDose provides the ultimate in accuracy for assessment of personal workplace noise risk, enabling safety managers and employees to:

• Track, document, and address the potential of occupational hearing loss and Standard Threshold Shift (STS) in real time
• Select appropriate hearing protectors for each employee’s noise environment
• Train and monitor employees as to the correct use of earplugs or earmuffs
• Streamline worker deployment by more accurately matching shift hours with proper protection
• Identify potential opportunities to eliminate dual protection (the use of earplugs and earmuffs)
• Compare the benefit of monitoring employee noise dose versus making capital investments in engineering controls to reduce specific noise levels

QuietDose is immediately available in the United States and Canada. The suggested list price for a complete in-ear kit is just over $700, with significant discounts for multiple unit purchase. For more information, visit the Howard Leight website at http://www.howardleight.com/quietdose.

Sperian developed QuietDose following its 2008 acquisition of doseBusters^TM USA, a pioneer in personal noise dosimetry technology. QuietDose represents the latest step in Sperian’s strategy of providing a comprehensive set of intelligent hearing protection solutions.

Tags: hearing protection