The US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has rescinded its January 2009 letter of interpretation #20070823-7896 on the use of shock absorbing lanyards in aerial work platforms (AWPs).

The 2009 letter of interpretation had created uncertainty in the industry by suggesting that a manufacturer’s requirement for a minimum anchorage point elevation of 18.5 feet would prevent the use of a fall protection system (6-foot lanyard with shock absorber, full body harness) in an aerial lift. This question was previously put to OSHA due to concerns that at times the distance between the platform and the ground would be less than 18.5 feet.

The OSHA Directorate of Construction (DOC) has now rescinded the above letter of interpretation in an August 2011 memorandum to its regional administrators. In a carefully worded statement, it stated:

“OSHA did not ban the particular lanyard but stated, based on the manufacturer’s instructions, which stipulated a minimum anchor point height of 18.5 feet, that it was likely that the lanyard’s use would not comply with OSHA standards at lower height. In such cases, use of the lanyard below 18.5 feet would apparently not provide adequate fall protection. This determination has raised questions about the use of body harnesses, typically married to appropriate lanyards, for fall protection in aerial lifts. To help avoid any confusion on the issue, DOC is rescinding the January 2009 letter.”

Tony Groat, IPAF USA, commented: “In rescinding this letter, OSHA is not concluding that the application described above is acceptable, rather it is clarifying that fall protection systems should not be based solely on information provided by the manufacturer, but should also take into account OSHA regulations and results of the job-specific risk assessment. IPAF believes that the primary choice for fall protection should be a restraint system, which stops the fall in the first instance.”

The International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) continues to stand behind its 2007 technical guidance H1 which provides clear and simple recommendations for personal fall protection (PFP) in AWPs. This guidance states that:

“When working from a boom-type AWP, it is strongly recommended that a full body harness with an adjustable lanyard be used to provide work restraint. The lanyard should be adjusted to be as short as possible (and may have a shock absorbing section if permitted by the AWP manufacturer).”

IPAF has also worked with other industry associations to produce the Statement of Best Practices of Personal Fall Protection Systems for Aerial Work Platform Equipment. This educational document clarifies when and how to use PFP systems on AWP equipment and is based on ANSI standards.

Both this document and technical guidance H1 are available at the Publications section of www.ipaf.org and www.awpt.org. American Work Platform Training (AWPT) is the North American subsidiary of IPAF.

Fall protection and recognizing and avoiding hazards when using aerial lifts will be among the topics covered at the IPAF US Convention being held on November 1 and 2, 2011 at the Crowne Plaza O’Hare in Chicago.

Confirmed speakers include representatives from OSHA, NIOSH, RSC Equipment Rentals, Skyjack and the International Union of Operating Engineers.

Details on registration, program and the venue are at www.ipaf.org/usconvention

news release

From Knaack LLC

For Immediate Release

Knaack PowerCrew™ Delivers Safe Jobsite Power

Crystal Lake, IL – August 31, 2010 – The KNAACK® PowerCrew™ 15-amp in-box power supply provides a safer solution for in-box power that works in any brand or style of jobsite box. PowerCrew is the industry exclusive solution for worry-free power supply; virtually eliminating the risks of shock and fire. It has four GCFI-protected electrical outlets providing 15 amps of power for operating tools or charging batteries. The power source comes via a standard three-prong/straight blade extension cord, which plugs into the outside of the box. PowerCrew replaces the unsafe practice of jerry-rigging power solutions for jobsite boxes, such as drilling holds in boxes and running power cords to tools, resulting in overloaded circuits and snarled cords laying on the floor to trip and fall on.

PowerCrew includes a number of important safety features. One of them, an internal relay, senses an open neutral conductor (a broken wire) in the power supply line. If this occurs, the relay remains open preventing electricity from reaching a person who might make contact with the broken wire. Another safety feature is the red LED that indicates the four outlets have power and are ready to power-up a tool or charger.

Listed with Underwriters Laboratory, PowerCrew has been tested and determined to meet recognized safety standards from an independent laboratory. By receiving the UL listing, PowerCrew also has demonstrated compliance with OSHA-recognized test standards.

PowerCrew received a prestigious honor when it was selected as one of the Professional Builder and Professional Remodeler magazines’ “100 Best New Products” picks for 2009.

“Meade has purchased approximately 25-40 PowerCrew units for gang boxes. PowerCrew is a great idea that saves time and money on the jobsite, and is much safer than running extension cords. We use PowerCrew primarily for charging power tools day and night, as well as our hand-held radios. Prior to PowerCrew, we would have to charge in the trailers which could be far away from the work being done,” states Greg A., Purchasing Director, Meade Electrical, McCook, Illinois.

Additionally, Joe V., Safety Manager at Southland Industries in Dulles, VA, states “Prior to PowerCrew, the Mid-Atlantic Division of Southland Industries tried several solutions to provide power to jobsite storage boxes, all of which involved passing an extension cord through the wall of a box via an insulated hole. These methods all failed, causing extension cords to fray due to the friction caused by rubbing against the metal wall, which rendered the cords unsafe. As a company, we refuse to use unsafe tools.

As a result, Southland purchased over 100 PowerCrew units for jobsite storage boxes. PowerCrew addressed our needs for safe and reliable power sourcing that complied with OSHA standards. Since they were installed, PowerCrew has provided a reliable and OSHA-compliant power source. Since we implemented the use of PowerCrew, we have not had one single failure. It is truly a “get it and forget it” item. We believe that PowerCrew is the safest solution on the market to provide power to jobsite boxes.”

PowerCrew recently launched a comprehensive ecommerce microsite at www.JobsitePowerCrew.com. The site includes detailed product information, an educational video showing how to properly use the product, a downloadable product spec sheet, and links to selected dealers that stock the product for online purchase.

About KNAACK® and WEATHER GUARD® Brands

Knaack LLC, a division of EMERSON Professional Tools, also manufactures and markets a complete line of WEATHER GUARD® truck and van equipment, including drawer units, shelving and cabinets, and racks for full size and compact pickups, vans and utility vehicles, as well as KNAACK® jobsite storage equipment, including storage chests, work stations, rolling work benches and hand tool boxes.

About EMERSON

Emerson (NYSE:EMR), based in St. Louis, Missouri (USA), is a global leader in bringing technology and engineering together to provide innovative solutions for customers in industrial, commercial, and consumer markets through its network power, process management, industrial automation, climate technologies, and appliance and tools businesses. Sales in fiscal 2009 were $20.9 billion. For more information, visit www.Emerson.com.

For more information, please contact Knaack LLC, 420 E. Terra Cotta Avenue, Crystal Lake, IL 60014. Toll Free Phone: 800-456-7865. Web: www.Knaack.com, www.WeatherGuard.com. For media inquiries, please contact Kari Mooseman at karim@fusionb2b.com.

FAIRFAX, VA (January 15, 2010)—In response to the devastation in Haiti, the American Industrial Hygiene Association® (AIHA) is compiling contact information

Read the rest of this entry »

Tags: Haiti, industrial hygiene, relief aid

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.

- 30 -

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 sales@airolift.com; 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.

-30-

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 info@ahmpnet.org.

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

3E Company Introduces Powerful Compliance Solution for Flavor, Food and Beverage Manufacturers
ArielLogic^TM for Food & Flavors offers centralized, instant access to critical, comprehensive and current regulatory information

Sunday, May 03, 2009 - 3E Company®, the leading provider of environmental health and safety (EH&S) compliance and information management services, today introduced ArielLogic for Food & Flavors, a powerful compliance solution for global Flavor, Food and Beverage manufacturers. ArielLogic is a web-based application that offers centralized access to comprehensive and current information on flavor and food additive regulations, which is essential for achieving and maintaining global product compliance.

This innovative tool increases employee efficiency by reducing the amount of time spent researching regulatory obligations. Staff can now quickly respond to supplier questionnaires or use the tool to audit suppliers, leading to improved resource allocation. ArielLogic also enables companies to reduce time-to-market as restricted substances are eliminated early in the development cycle.

ArielLogic offers powerful rule-based decision support functionality, enabling users to rapidly identify the impact of regulations on a specific product formulation. In addition, the solution functions as a powerful reference tool for research purposes. Robust search features return critical information in a few simple clicks. The full text of regulations is provided for review, as well as more condensed overviews for quick reference.

Key features include:

• Formulation Check. Enables users to enter and save a product formulation with hundreds of ingredients by typing in the data or importing it from an existing spreadsheet. Users can enter and compare usage levels and specific end use requirements.
• Exception Reports for Multiple Countries. Enables users to quickly identify ingredients that might be restricted in a specific type of food or beverage product, country or based on concentration limits.
• Custom Regulatory Lists. Enables the configuration of regulatory lists based on customer specific restrictions.
• Security. Ensures trade secret and formulation information is secure with password hashing and https security.

“Flavor, food and beverage manufacturers face many challenges related to product compliance. ArielLogic for Food and Flavor alleviates the burden of regulatory compliance by eliminating the need to spend hours researching global regulations and making it easier to quickly identify approved uses for an ingredient in a specific country, or region,” said Julia Tsvetkova, Product Manager, 3E Company. “Access to accurate and consistent regulatory information is invaluable to flavor, food and beverage companies — especially during the R&D process, when formulations can be easily altered to eliminate restricted substances.”

3E Company’s Ariel Global Research Team researches, procures and updates the global regulatory content that is delivered by ArielLogic. The team consists of professionals with legal expertise and active relationships with government agencies around the world that provide assistance in procuring and analyzing legislation.

ArielLogic for Food & Flavors is available immediately. The solution currently provides regulatory data for multiple countries throughout the world, including US, Canada, Mexico, EU, China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia and Philippines. More countries and regulatory coverage will be added on a regular basis.

About 3E Company
3E Company is the first company to provide a comprehensive suite of services for environmental, health and safety (EH&S) related chemical and hazardous materials information and compliance management that addresses the entire chemical lifecycle. This suite of services includes regulatory research; MSDS authoring, distribution and management; transportation; emergency response; training; regulatory reporting; and hazardous waste management. 3E has the industry leading combination of a 24-7-365 hazmat mission control call center, with an online platform for hazmat compliance information management, all built on a foundation of the world’s premier hazardous substance database of global regulatory and compliance information. Its international, multi-lingual professional staff is composed of regulatory specialists, experienced product stewards, industrial hygienists, attorneys, chemists and chemical engineers, MSDS experts and EH&S systems consultants.

3E’s services offer a cost effective program for global regulatory compliance management by alleviating the pain, managing risk, increasing the efficiency and enhancing staff productivity and enabling EH&S professionals to focus on more strategic functions. Today more than 7,000 customers have partnered with 3E including Costco Wholesale Corporation, America West, Eastman Chemical, Temple-Inland, Menasha and PacifiCorp. 3E was founded in 1988 and is the recipient of the 2002, 2003, 2005 and 2006 Commitment to Worker Safety Awards in Online and MSDS Services from Compliance Magazine, which also recognized 3E Online-MSDS in 2005 with an Award of Excellence for its Best of the Web Awards. The privately held company is headquartered in Carlsbad, CA with additional operations in Massillon, OH, Bethesda, MD, Kingsport, TN, Montreal, Quebec and Copenhagen, Denmark. For more information on 3E Company, visit www.3ecompany.com, send e-mail to info@3ecompany.com or call 800-360-3220, 760-602-8700 or, in Europe, +45 70 22 81 70.

Tags: food flavorings

Industry Experts Offer Advice on Keeping Employees Safe and Healthy

As health experts raised the threat level of the swine flu to 5, indicating “a strong signal that a pandemic is imminent,” some U.S. businesses are just now beginning to look at ways to prepare for the potential health, social, and economic impact of a flu pandemic.

“Planning for pandemic influenza is critical, and the business community must not delay in considering the impact of a pandemic and to adjust their company’s employee health and safety plans accordingly,” says Lindsey Booher, CIH, CSP, president of the American Industrial Hygiene Association. “Employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthful workplace for their employees, and by following guidelines based on traditional infection control and industrial hygiene practices, employers can play a key role in protecting their employees from influenza and other communicable illnesses.”

During a pandemic flu outbreak, industrial hygienists will have responsibility for both ensuring worker health and safety and maintaining an adequate work force to accommodate changes in workflow and production. As industrial hygienists play a major role in the control of infectious diseases, they already undertake the critical function of educating employers and governments about the effectiveness of industrial hygiene expertise, tools, and processes that will control infectious diseases.

If you do not already have the AIHA-published, “The Role of the Industrial Hygienist in a Pandemic,” now is the time to get this essential reference. Written by the AIHA Biosafety and Environmental Microbiology Committee, the guideline provides resources, information, and tools to advise and assist general workers, health care workers, and management to protect workers in the case of a flu pandemic. This guide identifies hazards, risk groups, and recommended controls; offers a communication plan; describes the impact of a flu pandemic on organizations, and lists key resources to contact for further information.

Tags: swine flu

Nurses Call for Broader Action to Combat Swine Flu:
Boost Public Health, Moratorium on Closures, Layoffs,
Suspend Insurance Charges that Discourage Prevention

The nation’s largest organization of registered nurses today called for broader, national action to promote containment and prevention of a broader swine flu pandemic.

While welcoming the Obama administration’s call on Congress Tuesday to allocate $1.5 billion for combating the virus, the 86,000 member California Nurses Association/National Nurses Organizing Committee said more is needed to bolster a healthcare infrastructure badly eroded after years of neglect in the public safety net.

“From SARS to avian flu to the current escalating outbreaks of swine influenza, it has become increasingly clear that we are risking a major catastrophe unless we act to restore the safety net, and devote the resources that are needed to protect the public,” said CNA/NNOC co-president Deborah Burger, RN.

The CNA/NNOC action plan includes:

• Reinstate the $870 million for pandemics that was cut from the economic stimulus bill.
• Recruit and mobilize teams of scientists to create the appropriate effective vaccine for the virus.
• Cease and desist any reductions in public health programs at federal, state, and local levels. Lift any freezes on public health funding currently in place.
• Implement a moratorium on any closures of emergency rooms, layoffs of direct healthcare personnel, and reductions of hospital beds.
• Allocate funding for recruitment and retention of school nurses, public health nurses.
• Expand the network of community clinics, especially in medically underserved areas.
• Add thousands of additional ventilators/respirators, which are critically needed in the event of epidemics.
• Assure the availability of protective equipment for all healthcare personnel.
• Require all insurance companies to suspend or waive all out-of-pocket expenses, including co-pays, deductibles, or co-insurance that discourage individuals from seeking preventive care for early signs of infection.

More than three years ago, CNA/NNOC warned that the “firewalls for stopping the next great pandemic are getting thinner,” and cited cuts in public health funding and decreased capacity within the system needed to protect public safety. (see calnurses.org for article)

In a November 2005 article in the CNA/NNOC national magazine, written at the time of avian flu warnings, CNA/NNOC noted the escalating cuts in public health funding then, and shrinking of capacity. For example, at the time, there were only 105,000 mechanical ventilators, of which 75,000 to 80,000 were in constant use, an alarming shortage of capacity in the event of acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Recalling the 1918-1919 global influenza which killed as many as 100 million people worldwide, and 675,000 Americans, the article noted that the world’s population “was less than a third of what it is today and populations were far more isolated.”

It also noted a major lesson of that pandemic was the enormous mitigating effect adequate nursing care has on mortality. “We need to rededicate our nation to expanding the supply of nurses and safe patient care in our hospitals and clinics, which is a central component of the healthcare safety net that is especially vital at times of public health crises,” Burger noted.

Eliminating barriers to care based on ability to pay is another central priority, Burger added.

Recent reports have emphasized the growing number of Americans who are skipping routine medical screenings, exams, and general preventive care due to the skyrocketing co-pays, deductibles, and other use charges imposed by insurance companies.

“Price gouging by the healthcare industry has already put tens of millions of families in healthcare jeopardy, especially in an economic crisis,” said Burger. “At a time when untold numbers are already exposed to a dangerous virus, we need to be removing any barriers to medical care that would exacerbate the spread of contagion.”

Representing some 86,000 RNs in all 50 states, the California Nurses Association/National Nurses Organizing Committee is the largest and fastest-growing association of direct-care RNs in the nation. Learn more at www.calnurses.org.

Tags: swine flu

One Call Now is continuing their history of community service with the offer of free phone notification to any group who feels they may be affected by the outbreak of swine flu, no strings attached. The 90-day free calling plan is meant to keep schools, government agencies, religious organizations, sports teams and businesses in constant communication as the situation continues to evolve.

One Call Now Offers Notification Service at NO CHARGE for Governments, Schools, Businesses, Religious Organizations and Others in Response to Swine Flu Outbreak.

Troy, OH-In response to outbreaks of swine flu across North America, One Call Now, America’s leading emergency notification service, has issued professionally-written influenza notification scripts for use by its 35,000 clients to inform and protect the millions of families currently receiving One Call Now Notification Messages.

The company has also announced a NO-Charge, proactive emergency calling plan for any government emergency management agency, school district, business, religious or community organization that lacks an emergency communication system but will find it essential to inform their citizens, families, staff and congregations should the situation change.

One Call Now’s various comprehensive service plans include clear voice, SMS text and email messages, enabling you to reach tens of thousands of recipients a minute to protect lives and keep people informed.

For Government Agencies, the NO-charge service will provide a database of all published and unpublished numbers for every household to be used by government emergency agencies to immediately send a clear, digitally recorded voice message to an entire town, city or county.

For Schools, the NO-Charge service will dial every family in the school’s student database in moments with updates, instructions and details to keep children safe and parents informed.

For Businesses, the NO-charge business continuity plan will allow company management to reach every employee, stakeholder and customer with emergency communications and plans for staff and clients alike.

For Churches, Youth Sports Leagues and Community Organizations, instant communications to keep families safe and informed is vital; and now easy, and at NO charge.

“We have been providing emergency services to tens of thousands of organizations nationwide for eight years, and reach millions of people every day with voice or text messages that inform and protect. In this uncertain time, with the World Health Organization issuing an unprecedented Phase IV pandemic alert, it is incumbent upon every organization to have the ability to contact their people immediately; even if there is no budget or funds available. That’s why we are offering a no-strings, no-charge emergency communications plan for any organization. Our company mission statement, ‘When messages matter, we deliver’ is not just a phrase, it is part of our DNA, and why this no-charge service is so vital for any organization to have in place if the worst should happen. ” said Leib Lurie, CEO of One Call Now.

“The company can have most new clients ready to send their first test message in a matter of hours, and our 24/7 support team is always ready to train and assist with fast, professional implementation. This includes scripts issued to all clients to be used to inform and help keep every family safer from this lethal form of Influenza. ” said company President Angela Kirchner.

For details and immediate implementation for your emergency communications plan, organization administrators are urged to call 877-698-3262.

About One Call Now
Troy, Ohio-based One Call Now has grown rapidly to become a leading provider of community notification solutions for time-sensitive communications. More than 35,000 schools, colleges, municipalities, government agencies, religious organizations, youth leagues and businesses rely on One Call Now services to distribute critical information to millions of people across the United States every day. Whether for emergencies, event changes, reminders for activities, events, games and practices, or to poll people for instant responses, One Call Now is committed to delivering the highest quality service and support to its customers. Please visit us at www.onecallnow.com.

Tags: swine flu

ANDERSON POWER PRODUCTS® OFFERS TOUCH-SAFE SBS®75x CONNECTOR FOR HAZARDOUS VOLTAGE APPLICATIONS

Anderson Power Products® (APP), a leader in high power interconnect solutions, announces a new addition to the Finger Proof Family of products with the release of the SBS®75x Connector.

The patented connector provides power contacts rated up to 110 amps and the touch-safe design provides protection to the user by eliminating finger contact with live circuits per UL1977, section 10.2. The SBS®75x is recommended for use with hazardous DC voltages in systems operating from 50 to 600 volts, where risk of shock can be health threatening. In addition, the housing accepts up to four auxiliary contacts for applications requiring signal capability. The male signal contacts (6.4 mm to 9.3 mm) are available in four lengths for when sequencing is required and provide a make last/break first connection in relation to the power contacts. The SBS®75x utilizes APP’s Flat Wipe Contact Technology for the power contacts allowing it to be rated for circuit interruption (hot plugging) under load when no auxiliary contacts are used

The SBS®75x’s slim, ergonomic design is contoured to fit the operator’s grip, allowing for greater ease during connection/disconnection.. Molded side grooves allow secure panel mounting for panel thickness of .048 to .062 inches (1.22 to 1.57 mm), while using minimal real estate.

About Anderson Power Products

Anderson Power Products is a leader in developing high quality, low cost, power interconnect solutions for several industries, including: Back Up Power Systems, Electrical Recreational Vehicles, UPS Systems, Telecommunications and High-Technology Devices. Headquartered in Sterling, MA, Anderson Power Product’s facility is ISO 9001:2000 certified and uses automated manufacturing to offer uncompromising quality. In addition, APP operates a distribution and assembly facility in Warrington, England to provide support for their European customers, as well as three Asia Pacific facilities: Shenzhen, China, Shatin Hong Kong and Taichung City 407, Taiwan (R.O.C.).

APP connectors are available through their authorized distributor network or direct from the factory. For further information about the company and its products, call 978-422-3600 or visit their web site at www.andersonpower.com.

Tags: Electrical safety

Tags: hazmat

Glen Raven to Showcase Its GlenGuard^®FR Protective Apparel Fabrics

at the Petroleum Safety Conference

Glen Raven, NC-April 23, 2009- Technical fabrics maker, Glen Raven, will feature its GlenGuard^®FR fabrics for industrial protective apparel at the Petroleum Safety Conference in Banff, May 5-7, in Booth #94.

“Protective apparel is absolutely critical to a safe working environment in the petroleum industry,” says Hal Bates, marketing director for Glen Raven Technical Fabrics. “GlenGuard^®FR fabrics meet the most stringent safety standards plus we engineered the fabrics to be lighter weight and flexible so that protective apparel is more comfortable. Studies show that when safety apparel is comfortable, workers are more likely to wear it as specified thus reducing their risk of injury.”

GlenGuard^®FR is made with Kermel^® aramid and modacrylic fibers that are inherently flame and arc flash resistant. These special fibers give GlenGuard^®FR significant advantages versus other fabrics in the market. First, the protective benefits are permanent and won’t wear off or wash out. Second, the fabrics are more color-fast and abrasion-resistant so garments stay looking good longer. Third, because no FR chemical finishes are needed, GlenGuard^®FR is more environment- and worker-friendly. In fact, GlenGuard^®FR fabrics have been awarded Oeko-Tex^® Standard 100 textile safety certification indicating that they are free from harmful levels of more than 100 hazardous substances.

GlenGuard^®FR fabrics exceed the strictest industrial safety standards (NFPA 70E) for thermal and body burn protection and offer the best protection-to-weight ratio available for single layer garments. GlenGuard^®FR is available to manufacturers of protective apparel for the petroleum, industrial, chemical, wildland fire protection, and automotive racing markets.

Additional information about GlenGuard^®FR is available at www.GlenGuard.com or by calling 1-800-630-3759.

About Glen Raven, Inc.

Headquartered in Glen Raven, North Carolina, Glen Raven is a global leader in performance fabrics. Founded in 1880 by John Q. Gant, Glen Raven is still owned and managed by his descendents. The company is renowned for its specialty fabrics marketed under such well-known brand names as Sunbrella^®, GlenGuard^®FR, HaloTech^®FR, Patio500^TM, and Harbor-Time^TM . Glen Raven provides its fabrics to a broad range of apparel and textile markets from operations in North and South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. www.GlenRaven.com. 1-800-630-3759.

Tags: PPE

RIMS 2009 Annual Conference & Exhibition to Address Emerging Risks and Economic Challenges

Largest gathering of risk professionals takes place April 19-23 in Orlando

NEW YORK (April 14, 2009) - Emerging risks and the impact of the current economic situation will be two of the topics covered at the Risk and Insurance Management Society (RIMS) 2009 Annual Conference & Exhibition in Orlando, Florida, April 19-23. Other topics at the week-long conference will include the latest enterprise risk management (ERM) tools and techniques, the top 10 litigation traps for risk professionals and insurance contract negotiation.

“RIMS 2009 Annual Conference & Exhibition has more learning and networking opportunities than any other event for risk professionals,” says Mary Roth, ARM, RIMS executive director. “With the business spotlight focused on risk management practices, this is the time for risk professionals to stretch their knowledge, expand their resources and develop strategies to further their organizations’ strategic business goals.”

Speakers

The conference features keynote presentations from some of the world’s authorities on leadership and change including:

• Leadership consultant Dr. Dennis N.T. Perkins, author of “Leading at the Edge: Leadership Lessons from the Extraordinary Saga of Shackleton’s Antarctic Expedition,” who will present strategies for success based on effective leadership in demanding environments;
• Harvard Business School professor John Kotter, change consultant and author of “Leading Change,” who will share the secrets to aligning business goals and embracing effective change management; and,
• Financial journalist Roger Lowenstein, author of “When Genius Failed: The Rise and Fall of Long-Term Capital Management,” who will discuss the downfall of the U.S. hedge fund company Long-Term Capital Management and the issues facing the current global credit crisis.

Educational Lineup

RIMS 2009 Annual Conference & Exhibition boasts more than 350 expert speakers who will lead 120+ sessions on a variety of critical risk management issues. Hot Topic sessions include Navigating the Financial Tsunami, Five Questions to Ask Before Switching Insurance Companies, Insurance Coverage for Subprime Mortgage Lawsuits and D&O Insurance During the Economic Crisis. RIMS 2009 will also offer Strategic Partner Sessions from the nation’s leading insurers and brokers covering topics that address the needs and concerns of the risk management and insurance community.

Networking Events

There will be a number of networking opportunities for risk practitioners during the conference, including RIMS third annual Community Service Day, Spencer Educational Foundation’s annual golf and hockey tournament fundraisers, an internationally inspired Opening Reception at Walt Disney World’s Epcot^® Center and an Exhibit Hall wine and cheese reception, to name a few.

The Exhibit Hall will feature more than 400 companies offering the latest in products and services for the risk management profession. For the first time, RIMS popular online ERM Center of Excellence sets up shop in the Exhibit Hall. The booth will be staffed by risk managers, including members of RIMS ERM Development Committee. The booth is also the place to pick up a copy of “Enterprise Risk Management for Dummies” guide, RIMS State of ERM Report 2008 and other reports. For those interested in learning more about RIMS Risk Maturity Model for ERM, the booth will have a computer to check out this valuable online ERM tool. Check out all of the Society’s offerings at RIMS ERM Center of Excellence, located at booth No. 1129, right next to RIMS booth, No. 921.

Daily Blog and Twitter Provides Conference Highlights

RIMS is using technology to provide conference highlights for attendees and for risk practitioners who are unable to attend the conference. The editors of Risk Management magazine will be blogging every day, providing comments and critique of many of the 120+ sessions and other events. In addition, RIMS will be posting tidbits about the conference on Twitter, the popular micro-blogging site. Follow the action at http://twitter.com/RIMS2009.

More information on RIMS 2009 Annual Conference & Exhibition is available at www.RIMS.org/RIMS2009.

Interested in covering RIMS 2009 for your publication?
Accredited press may obtain a press pass by contacting Felicia Messimer, RIMS communications associate, at fmessimer@RIMS.org or (212) 655-6059.

About RIMS Annual Conference & Exhibition

Launched in 1963, RIMS Annual Conference & Exhibition attracts thousands of risk and insurance professionals at all experience levels, business executives with risk management interests, brokers, insurers and service providers for the ultimate educational and networking experience. The five-day event offers more than 120 educational sessions, keynote presentations, special events and an expansive Exhibit Hall with more than 400 exhibitors. Future conferences will be hosted in Boston in 2010 and Vancouver in 2011. For more information, visit www.RIMS.org/RIMS2009.

About the Risk and Insurance Management Society, Inc.

The Risk and Insurance Management Society, Inc. (RIMS) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing the practice of risk management, a professional discipline that protects physical, financial and human resources. Founded in 1950, RIMS represents more than 4,000 industrial, service, nonprofit, charitable and governmental entities. The Society serves more than 10,000 risk management professionals around the world. For more information, visit www.RIMS.org.

# # #

Tags: Risk and Insurance Management Society

New CPR / AED Release from American Safety & Health Institute

The American Safety & Health Institute (ASHI) introduces an enhanced, content-rich
upgrade to the CPR and AED for the Community and Workplace program.

April 8, 2009 - EUGENE, OR - American Safety & Health Institute (ASHI), a member of Health & Safety Institute (HSI) family of brands, announces the launch of new and improved CPR and AED for the Community and Workplace training materials. This release incorporates both Instructor and Student resources.

In an ongoing effort to improve program materials, the ASHI CPR and AED Instructor Package features an enhanced DVD (54 minutes). The new video footage has been shot in hi-definition keeping HSI an industry-leader in utilizing this technology. This release also includes an all new Instructor Guide as well as a modified PowerPoint® presentation that corresponds directly to the updated student materials. The new Student Handbook offers larger, graphic-rich pictures in an easier-to-comprehend format. These new materials continue to follow the 2005 guidelines for first aid (new guidelines will not be released until 2010.)

“The improvements made to the ASHI CPR and AED for the Community and Workplace training materials were a direct result of customer feedback.”, says Bill Rowe, Director of Product Development, “We believe Training Centers and Instructors will be very pleased with the new features and the updated look and feel.”

ASHI Students will also be able to utilize either a traditional-print or digital-book format. The digital-book version of CPR and AED will give students anytime access to the same reference materials as contained in the hard copy. Accessed through the ASHI Digital Book Download Center (ashinstitute.org/digitalbook.htm), students do not need to purchase additional electronic devices or software to access the handbook.

Special introductory pricing is available until May 3, 2009 on the new ASHI CPR and AED Instructor Package, containing an Instructor Guide, DVD, PowerPoint CD, Instructor Support CD, and sample Student Handbook.

To learn more visit ashinstitute.org or call 800-246-5101.
# # #

AIHce 2009 Expands Certification Options and Enhances Educational Offerings

Join OEHS professionals at the largest industrial hygiene gathering of the year

FAIRFAX, VA (April 8, 2009) ¾ Thousands of industrial hygiene and environmental health and safety professionals from around the globe will meet at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, May 30-June 4, to take part in the 2009 American Industrial Hygiene Conference and Expo (AIHce). The American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) and the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) cosponsor AIHce.

This year, AIHce is pleased to offer an unprecedented five types of certification maintenance options and new electronic features for the majority of pre-conference professional development courses (PDC).

New to AIHce 2009 are certification points awarded by both the Board of Canadian Registered Safety Professionals (BCRSP) and the Canadian Registration Board of Occupational Hygienists (CRBOH). Incorporating these types of points not only enhances the value of AIHce but also truly embraces the 2009 theme of going “beyond borders,” serving the international community by working hand in hand with international certifying bodies.

AIHce has also been approved again for certification maintenance (CM) points by the American Board of Industrial Hygiene. Participants will be eligible to earn up to 6.5 CM points by choosing to attend PDCs and technical sessions throughout the week.

Pre-conference courses held on May 29-June 1 will offer participants the opportunity to earn continuance of certification (COC) points in conjunction with the CSP certification from the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP) and continuing education units from AIHA, an approved provider for the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).

Full information on what types of points will be awarded for attending the various education events at AIHce can be found at www.aihce2009.org under the education program/CM points tab.

New e-options have also been added to pre-conference courses via AIHA’s iWeb community. Downloadable pre-reads and electronic handouts along with online communities for collaborative learning are now available. Over 90% of all pre-conference courses will incorporate one or all of these new enhancements. These new features will not only allow registrants access to course information well in advance of AIHce, but they will also heighten and expand the participants’ learning experience beyond the course presentation.

For a full listing of course offerings, features, and other value added benefits go to: http://www.aiha.org/aihce09/docs/preconf-courses.pdf

This is just the beginning of what AIHce has to offer. Make sure your passport is up-to-date.

Online registration is still open. The deadline to register and receive the extended early-bird rate is April 30. Conference attendees can avoid the lines at on-site registration by registering at www.aihce2009.org. In today’s economy, OEHS professionals need to stay up-to-date on current topics and trends. No matter where they are in their career, AIHce will help them take the next step.

For more information regarding AIHce, please visit www.aihce2009.org, or contact Stacey Talbot at (703) 846-0747 or stalbot@aiha.org.

Emergency Spill Kits Include

Post-Cleanup Surface Treatment

Oil Eater has introduced emergency spill kits designed to contain and clean up

hazardous spills as required by OSHA and the EPA.

The all-in-one professional grade kits include a 5-gallon pail of Oil Eater

cleaner/degreaser for cleaning surfaces after absorption of a spill.

Kits are available in both 65-gallon and 95-gallon overpacks which can handle the corresponding volume of liquid.

Each kit contains a generous supply of absorbent pads, pillows, universal snakes,

booms, protective gloves, oil-resistent high temperature disposal bags and an emergency response instruction guide.

For information, visit www.oileater.com or call

800-354-9061. A sample is available upon

request.

###

Kafko International Ltd.

3555 W. Howard St.

Skokie, IL 60076

Attn: Bob Kafkis

Tags: Oil Eater, spill clean-up

Educational Resources for Understanding Safety Eyewear Regulations Available on the Uvex^® Website

Reference Guides Support Efforts to Build a Culture of Safety in the Workplace

Smithfield, RI - April 7 2009 - Sperian Eye & Face Protection has developed a series of reference guides for understanding protective eyewear regulations. Available online at www.uvex.us, these new reference guides are designed to provide safety managers with the educational tools they need to build a culture of safety in the workplace.

“Our customers look to us not only as a trusted brand of safety eyewear products, but also as a resource and partner in their safety efforts,” said David Iannelli, Senior Product Manager, Uvex brand products. “We’ve created these reference guides to provide customers with useful information that supports their efforts to develop effective safety programs within their organizations.”

Three reference guides are currently available on the Uvex website. These reference guides address the U.S. Department of Defense Mil V₀ Ballistic Test for Impact and the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) regulations for eye and face protection as well as general personal protective equipment. Each of the guides provides useful industry information and delivers the content in three formats in increasing levels of detail. This format makes it simple for users on every level-from distributors to safety professionals-to focus on the specific information they require.

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 offer 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.

Tags: safety eyewear, Sperian Eye & Face Protection, Uvex

Window Safety Tips for Builders and Remodelers

PARKERSBURG, W. VA. - To mark National Window Safety Week, April 5 - 11, 2009, Simonton Windows® has come up with a list of tips to help builders and remodelers safely transport, install and handle windows at the job site.

Tip #1 - Use caution and proper lifting techniques when it comes time to move, lift and place windows in their openings. Windows can be heavier than they appear, so using a team effort is a good idea.

Tip #2 - Make sure window units are locked before moving or transporting them. You don’t want the sash to slide open while a unit is being moved!

Tip #3 - If you’re storing windows at a job site, never stack items on top of them or directly against the window units. This could cause breakage of the glass or harm the frames. It’s best to keep the windows wrapped in their original packaging until you’re ready to install them in a structure.

Tip # 4 - Before removing the protective packaging, visually inspect each unit to make sure the unit has not been damaged during shipping. Also look to make sure the unit is the correct size, style, color, etc. compared to the original order and that they appear in good working condition.

Tip #5 - While handling a window installation project, do not lay window units flat against the ground. The weight of the units can harm the lawn in a short amount of time.

Tip #6 - Before starting a replacement window project, make sure homeowners have secured all family pets and young children, so there are no surprises underfoot while you’re working with heavy window units.

Tip #7 - If you have a cherry picker or other lift unit on site for a project, use it to help safely transport windows being installed on the second floor of homes (and higher). Also make certain to have people stationed inside the window opening to assist positioning it into place.

Tip #8 - If you have to use a ladder to install a window, work in the buddy system. Always have someone hold the base of the ladder for you and secure it on a level surface. Avoid loose-fitting clothing (which could get stuck in the ladder) and wear close-toed shoes or sneakers. For additional ladder safety tips, visit http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/home-garden/news/august-2006/ladder-safety-tips-and-risks-for-stepladders-telescoping-extension-ladders-8-06/overview/0608_ladder-safety-tips-and-risks_ov.htm.

Tip #9 - Looking to make newly-installed windows sparkle? Never use a high-pressure spray washer. The extreme pressure could crack or destroy caulking around the units. Instead, take time to individually clean the windows. If you have vinyl-framed windows, a soft cloth or ordinary long-handled soft bristle brush and some mild detergent may be all that’s necessary to maintain your windows. And, remember not to use abrasive cleaners that may scratch the frame or glass.

Tip #10 - Leave all window labels on each unit until the entire project is completed. This helps reduce the chance of the glass being broken because someone didn’t see that the windows had been installed! And, at the very end of the project, save all labels and present them to the homeowners who may need them for energy tax credit and warranty back-up.

Simonton Windows produces ENERGY STAR® qualified replacement and new construction windows and doors, including a line of impact-resistant products. Founded in 1946, Simonton’s hallmark has been to deliver its made-to-order products in five days or less. Part of the home and hardware division of Fortune Brands, Inc. (NYSE: FO), Simonton delivers nationwide to key markets throughout the 48 continental United States. For information, call (800) SIMONTON or visit www.simonton.com. ENERGY STAR is a trademark owned by The Nelrod Corporation.

###

Tags: National Window Safety Week, Simonton Windows, window safety tips

Superior Uniform Group Introduces

TUGS!^TM Footwear Product Line

TUGS! creates ultimate comfort and safety in the workplace with slip resistant shoes

SEMINOLE, Fla. - April 6, 2009 - Superior Uniform Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:SGC), the image apparel company, announced today that it has expanded its footwear product offering with TUGS!, slip resistant safety shoes. TUGS!, “the shoes that tug the street and hug your feet,”^TM are light-weight, durable, comfortable and feature a specially designed tread pattern and rubber compound for maximum slip-resistance.

“We are excited that we can now outfit our employees from top to bottom with apparel and footwear from Superior Uniform Group,” said Frank Knapfel, director of safety at G4S Wackenhut. “Conditions in the security business are often dangerous and slippery, and it’s an absolute priority to give our employees the tools to safely do their jobs. In our TUGS! product trial, we are realizing that slip resistant shoes make great business and people sense - reducing slip and fall accidents saves us money in claims and also reduces lost employee time due to injury, which ensures security guards for our customers. Our employees have also found the shoes to be extremely comfortable, stylish, and durable.”

The technology behind TUGS! has allowed the brand to consistently outperform all industry standards for slip-resistance. TUGS! feature four main components, including: Walking On Air footbed featuring Dri-Lex® moisture management, soft board insole, shock absorbing polyurethane, molded foam or EVA mid-sole, and a specially designed high performance slip-resistant rubber sole.

“The TUGS! product line has been well received by professionals and companies in all of the numerous markets that we serve,” said Superior Uniform Group CEO Michael Benstock. “We are confident the introduction of a footwear line will bring in more business, enhance our overall uniform collection and ensure the continued growth of Superior within these markets.”

The Liberty Mutual Workplace Safety Index states that injuries occurring from trip, slip or falls account for approximately 15 to 20 percent of workman’s compensation claims each year. The average cost from slip and falls is $22,800 per accident, and the total cost is estimated to be $6.7 billion annually.

“So, not only are we helping workers stay safe and comfortable, but we are also helping protect businesses from excessive lost time claims,” continued Benstock. “After all, it only takes one misstep to cost an employer dearly.”

About Superior Uniform Group, Inc.
Superior Uniform Group, Inc., established in 1920, is one of America’s foremost providers of fine uniforms and image apparel. Superior manages award-winning apparel programs for major corporations. They are leaders in innovative uniform program designs, global manufacturing, and state-of-the-art distribution. Superior’s financial strength and resources support a customer’s diverse needs while embracing a “Customer 1^st, Every Time!” philosophy and culture. Their commitment to service, technology, quality and value-added benefits separates them from the competition in each of their seven primary markets: Healthcare, Hospitality, Food Service, Retail Employee I.D., Government Service, Private Security, and Rental Service.

For more information please call (800) 727-8643, or visit their Web site at: www.superioruniformgroup.com.

Tags: safety shoes, slip resistant shoes

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 16, 2009

CONTACT: Greta Houlahan
Phone: 734-913-5723
Email: houlahan@nsf.org

NSF Offers Certification for Low Lead Plumbing Products to Support New State Requirements

Kohler, Moen and Price Pfister Become First Faucet Companies Certified by NSF to Demonstrate Compliance with New Lead Regulations

ANN ARBOR, Mich. - NSF International, a not-for-profit, public health and safety organization, today announced that Kohler, Moen and Price Pfister have become the first faucet companies certified by NSF to have certain plumbing products comply with the new low lead requirements. Certification allows manufacturers to demonstrate compliance with new state laws, established to help protect the public from exposure to lead, well ahead of the January 1, 2010 deadline.

The new section of NSF/ANSI Standard 61 - Annex G - Weighted Average Lead Content Evaluation Procedure to a 0.25 Percent Lead Requirement - includes the recently enacted legislation in California and Vermont that mandates a maximum weighted average lead content requirement of ≤ 0.25 percent. Other states are also considering low lead content legislation. The new lead requirements apply to manufacturers of faucets, valves, water fittings, and other products that come in contact with drinking water. Compliance with NSF/ANSI Standard 61, the American National Standard for Drinking Water Products, is also required.

NSF/ANSI Standard 61: Drinking Water System Components — Health Effects was updated in December to incorporate requirements for use when the ≤ 0.25 percent lead content requirement must be met, in addition to current chemical extraction requirements of the standard. Compliance is determined by a weighted average calculation involving the maximum percent lead content of material specifications and wetted surface areas.

To receive certification, Kohler, Moen and Price Pfister met the new lead content requirement of ≤ 0.25 percent and the requirements of NSF/ANSI Standard 61, Annex G. All three companies have been certified by NSF to Standard 61 for many years, and they now comply with the new low lead requirements well ahead of the deadline. Kohler, Moen and Price Pfister are listed on the NSF Web site with a footnote indicating compliance with the new requirements.

“By obtaining Annex G certification, Kohler, Moen and Price Pfister are emphasizing their commitment to quality and public health protection,” said Nasrin Kashefi, General Manager, NSF Plumbing Programs. “Certification is important because it expands the choices available to consumers when selecting products for their homes. We congratulate these leading manufacturers for being proactive in their response to these new requirements.”

To ensure ongoing compliance with the new lead requirements, NSF will conduct annual, unannounced inspections of the manufacturing facilities for certified products and re-test products on a regular basis.

“Annex G is a consensus standard that took into consideration comments from key stakeholders in California and nationwide. It gives companies a valuable tool for assessing compliance with California’s lead content standard. Companies that meet the standard will be at a competitive advantage,” said Bruce La Belle, Chief, California Department of Toxic Substances Control, Environmental Chemistry Laboratory.

For more information on Annex G and NSF/ANSI Standard 61, visit NSF’s Web site. For more information on NSF/ANSI Standard 61 requirements or NSF testing and certification services to the standard, contact Pete Greiner at 734.769.5517 or greinerp@nsf.org. A copy of Annex G as adopted in NSF/ANSI 61 - 2008 is available on NSF’s Web site.

Additional Background
A verification test methodology is under development, which may be added to NSF/ANSI Standard 61. This methodology can be used when there is a need to verify that the actual lead content of a component is within the stated lead content of the material specification. The work being done on this verification methodology is being performed through the Lead Task Group and California’s Department of Toxic Substance Control (DTSC). Their goal is to establish a consistent protocol that can be used by all.

Informational Links:

• NSF Develops Standard for Low Lead Plumbing Products in Support of New Requirements in California (NSF/ANSI Standard 61 Annex G, which limits the weighted average of lead content in plumbing products)
• New Requirements for Lead to Further Protect Public Health (NSF/ANSI Standard 61 Annex F, which lowers the drinking water criteria for lead)
• The current version of the California Waterworks Standards is available on the California Department of Public Health’s Web site.
• Frequently Asked Questions

About NSF International: NSF International, an independent, not-for-profit organization, helps protect you by certifying products and writing standards for food, water and consumer goods (www.nsf.org). Founded in 1944, NSF is committed to protecting public health and safety worldwide. NSF is a World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Food and Water Safety and Indoor Environment. Additional services include safety audits for the food and water industries, management systems registrations delivered through NSF International Strategic Registrations, organic certification provided by Quality Assurance International and education through the NSF Center for Public Health Education.

Tags: lead

For Immediate Release

Morris Material Handling, Inc., Conducts Extensive Portal Crane Inspections

OAKCREEK, WI (March 25, 2009)-Morris Material Handling, Inc., the original equipment manufacturer of P&H® cranes, hoists, and replacement parts, offers on-site portal crane inspections as a crucial, proactive step in portal crane care. The Portal Crane Inspection Program from Morris Material Handling promotes safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance with a goal of lowering the total cost of crane ownership. Highly trained, experienced technicians thoroughly inspect portal crane components and make repair recommendations to improve efficiency, uptime, and performance of the equipment. Accurate, detailed reports are promptly generated in a standardized electronic format, typically within three to five days of completed inspections.

Routine inspections help keep portal cranes in efficient working order, ensuring safe and reliable operation. Trained on all brands of cranes, Morris Material Handling technicians investigate the structure, operating conditions, and wear patterns of portal crane components, including rail end stops and gantry systems, grapples, hoist systems, trolley assemblies, operator cabs, limit switches, drive systems, motors, brushes, gear drives, and teeth of gear boxes. The technicians complete concise, easy-to-read reports during on-site inspections. The comprehensive reports specify repairs and identify all deficiencies and associated potential risks, ranging from the most critical safety issues to the least serious general maintenance problems.

The Portal Crane Inspection Program from Morris Material Handling also helps to ensure compliance with OSHA and ANSI regulations for portal crane safety. Crane owners must complete periodic inspections of all cranes and maintain a record of inspection reports to meet U.S. and Canadian requirements. Completing regular portal crane inspections will provide assurance that portal cranes are meeting both governmental and national operating standards and safety regulations.

A proactive inspection and maintenance program will extend the service life of portal crane equipment and limit future breakdowns, lowering the total cost of equipment ownership. The Portal Crane Inspection Program from Morris Material Handling provides operators with the tools to predict failure rates on portal crane components, allowing them to better prepare scheduled change outs and develop a more predictable operating budget. Following repair recommendations outlined in the inspection reports will reduce unexpected shutdowns, increase uptime with a reduced risk factor, and support overall operating efficiency. Inspection reports can also serve as a helpful checklist to use in regular preventative maintenance programs-an expedient follow-up practice after routine portal crane inspections.

To find out more about the Portal Crane Inspection Program from Morris Material Handling, or for details about the Portal Crane Product Support Group, call 800-633-1336. For all other service inquiries, contact the nearest service center anywhere in North America at 800-933-3001 or visit www.morriscranes.com.

About Morris Material Handling
Morris Material Handling is a world-class supplier of overhead cranes and maintenance services, and the original equipment manufacturer of P&H® Cranes, Hoists, and Replacement Parts. Headquarters are in Wisconsin, where the original company was founded in 1884. The company serves customers in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Chile, with over 1,000 employees in multiple service and manufacturing locations. Their on-going commitment is to improve safety, productivity, and return on investment over the entire life-cycle of their customers’ operations.

Tags: crane safety

March 24, 2009

BRADY launches LOCKOUT PRO^TM 3 Graphical Procedure Writing Software, the industry’s first lockout tagout procedure writing service available as a web based application.

Lower initial costs and internet accessibility make it easy to create and implement an OSHA compliant hazardous energy control lockout program.

Milwaukee, WI- BRADY launches LOCKOUT PRO^TM 3 Graphical Procedure Writing Software, the industry’s first lockout tagout procedure writing service available as a web based application.

Lower initial costs and internet accessibility make it easy to create and implement an OSHA compliant hazardous energy control lockout program.

MILWAUKEE - (March 24, 2009) -Brady Corporation (NYSE:BRC), the world leader in lockout/tagout solutions, launches its newest version of the popular Lockout Pro software application with an industry first - an optional online Software-As-A-Service (SaaS) model. The latest version of this popular application provides easy to use templates to create an OSHA compliant hazardous energy control lockout program. Safety personnel who utilize these templates can quickly access a database of standard terms, graphics and information. When completed they can automatically translate their procedures into four different supported languages with the press of a button.

Lockout Pro online is always within reach of a Web Browser and users familiar with finding information via the internet will be able to access the application online, like Hotmail, or Google apps, and share procedures from any location.

Customers seeking to effectively manage their OSHA-compliant (1910.147) hazardous energy control lockout program recognize the value of instant accessibility the online version provides. In addition, companies subscribing to the online version benefit from initial cost savings with no license fees, no hardware or software costs, and no personnel needed to manage the application.

Customers pay on a monthly basis for the use of the application, while Brady manages the IT infrastructure. Every update Brady makes to the software is immediately available to users without them needing to download patches or install from discs onto numerous personal computers or servers.

In addition to worldwide access Lockout Pro Online users also experience improvements to efficiency, including the ability to select multiple procedures for batch printing saving frustration with this often time-consuming task.

Finally, procedures written using the OSHA compliant templates and defaults built into the program are not only easy to create but may also be translated instantly into the four different languages supported by the program.

For more information, to view a free demo, or to order LOCKOUT PRO ^TM 3 OGraphical Procedure Writing Software, go to www.bradyid.com/lockoutpro or call 888-311-0775.

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.bradycanda.com.
###

Tags: lockout tagout

3E Company Introduces Global Chemical Incident Response Hotline Service
Service offers single point-of-contact for reliable 24-7-365 international hotline infrastructure to aid chemical product stewardship

Monday, March 23, 2009 - 3E Company®, the leading provider of environmental health and safety (EH&S) compliance and information management services, today announced the availability of its new Global Chemical Incident Response Hotline service. Chemical manufacturers and distributors can now use a single point-of-contact to provide their customers and supply chain partners with a reliable 24-7-365 hotline for chemical incidents associated with their products that may happen during use, transportation or storage. This service simplifies the chemical incident response process, reduces risk, promotes compliance, assists manufacturers and distributors in supporting their corporate chemical stewardship mandates, and provides a single global source for immediate access to valuable EH&S information and resources.

3E Company provides users with a dedicated 24-7-365 call center infrastructure and emergency telephone numbers that can be used worldwide on global Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs), dangerous goods transportation documents, and other hazard communication documents such as product labels and Transport Emergency Cards (Tremcards). Now a global chemical manufacturer or distributor can use a single provider in multiple use-case scenarios for initial response to chemical incidents related to their manufactured products. Global manufacturers and distributors can display 3E Company’s telephone number on their MSDSs, enabling 24-7-365 incident response to spills, ingestions, or exposures related to their products. Companies that ship products globally can also display the number on shipping documents as the emergency contact number when preparing their shipping papers.

In the event of an incident related to a client’s product, all calls are managed and responded to by an experienced response specialist through 3E Company’s EH&S Mission Control Center infrastructure, which supports more than 150 languages worldwide. 3E Company hazardous materials specialists are on site 24-7-365 to provide callers with required emergency and incident response information, in accordance with customer provided protocols, including product safety and MSDS information, access to chemical poison and exposure specialists, environmental health and safety guidance and immediate notification to the client’s corporate contacts. Customized client notification services are also available for companies that require detailed, multi-step and complex notifications per incident to comply with their own internal policies and procedures.

“In today’s environment supporting global chemical manufacturing, management, and distribution needs while fulfilling regulatory requirements is a significant challenge. Finding a partner that can support you anywhere in the world can be a bigger one,” said Isaac Powell, Technical Services Product Manager, 3E Company. “3E Company’s Global Chemical Incident Response Hotline Service provides a single point-of-contact for companies who need reliable 24-7-365 emergency response for clients using their products or for incidents that may happen during transportation, storage or use of those products.”

The Global Chemical Incident Response Hotline service is available immediately and is currently utilized by a number of Fortune 500 companies to support their chemical stewardship needs throughout the world.

About 3E Company
3E Company is the first company to provide a comprehensive suite of services for environmental, health and safety (EH&S) related chemical and hazardous materials information and compliance management that addresses the entire chemical lifecycle. This suite of services includes regulatory research; MSDS authoring, distribution and management; transportation; emergency response; training; regulatory reporting; and hazardous waste management. 3E has the industry leading combination of a 24-7-365 hazmat mission control call center, with an online platform for hazmat compliance information management, all built on a foundation of the world’s premier hazardous substance database of global regulatory and compliance information. Its international, multi-lingual professional staff is composed of regulatory specialists, experienced product stewards, industrial hygienists, attorneys, chemists and chemical engineers, MSDS experts and EH&S systems consultants.

3E’s services offer a cost effective program for global regulatory compliance management by alleviating the pain, managing risk, increasing the efficiency and enhancing staff productivity and enabling EH&S professionals to focus on more strategic functions. Today more than 7,000 customers have partnered with 3E including Costco Wholesale Corporation, America West, Eastman Chemical, Temple-Inland, Menasha and PacifiCorp. 3E was founded in 1988 and is the recipient of the 2002, 2003, 2005 and 2006 Commitment to Worker Safety Awards in Online and MSDS Services from Compliance Magazine, which also recognized 3E Online-MSDS in 2005 with an Award of Excellence for its Best of the Web Awards. The privately held company is headquartered in Carlsbad, CA with additional operations in Massillon, OH, Bethesda, MD, Kingsport, TN, Montreal, Quebec and Copenhagen, Denmark. For more information on 3E Company, visit www.3ecompany.com, send e-mail to info@3ecompany.com or call 800-360-3220, 760-602-8700 or, in Europe, +45 70 22 81 70.

Tags: chemical incident response

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, March 13, 2009

BRADY ANNOUNCES RELEASE OF S-27 SAFETY, FACILITY AND EQUIPMENT IDENTIFICATION CATALOG

New lean product catalog provides superior time saving solution focused on essential MRO products that companies require.

MILWAUKEE - (March 13, 2009) - Brady Corporation (NYSE:BRC), the industry leader in safety and identification solutions, announces its most recent catalog release available March 1, 2009. Brady recognizes that companies are challenged to manage their internal resources, become more efficient and cost-effective, and to provide a productive, compliant, and safer work environment while reducing liability issues. To advance those goals Brady’s vision for this catalog was to directly address customer’s business concerns including:

How can they sustain the gains of a lean workplace?
How can they ensure Lockout/Tagout compliance with limited resources?
Who can they trust for world-class products, systems, and services?

The answer was to focus on key customer business issues, provide information in print and online, save customer’s time when searching for products, reduce customer inventory, and bring new products to the market quickly.

As a result, their new lean 116 page S-27 Catalog focuses on issues such as Visual Workplace, Compliance, Lockout/Tagout and Slips, Trips, and Falls. This reorganization makes it easier to understand Brady’s differentiated products, processes, and services.

The reduced catalog allows Brady to release updated versions more often ensuring that new products are brought to market quickly.

Customers seeking a “one stop shop” experience can source and order stock/custom products online instead of searching through 400+ catalog pages for what they need. Brady’s website, www.bradyid.com, will be the repository for Brady’s complete product offering. They are investing their resources to make this channel an easy, enjoyable, and productive experience for all of their suppliers and consumers.

Call 888-250-3082 or visit www.bradyid.com for more information on the S-27 Catalog and to see a complete listing of products available through Brady Worldwide Inc.

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.bradycanda.com.
# # #

For Immediate Release

March 16, 2009

Fire Equipment Manufacturers’ Association Releases

Portable Fire Extinguisher Training Video on YouTube^TM

CLEVELAND, Ohio - The Fire Equipment Manufacturers’ Association today released a portable fire extinguisher training video on YouTube, furthering its mission to educate the public about the importance of balanced fire protection, a design that uses multiple safeguards to save lives and protect property. The short, yet impactful two minute video - designed for both professional and lay audiences - guides viewers through the process of assessing a potential fire situation and using a portable fire extinguisher in the event of an emergency.

“The foremost goal of the video is to equip the public with the basic knowledge of how to address a fire safety situation and properly use a portable fire extinguisher,” says Fred Goodnight, portable division chair of the Fire Equipment Manufacturers’ Association. “With the popularity and vast accessibility of social media such as YouTube, this creatively designed video has the potential to reach masses of people with an essential life- and property-saving safety message.”

Portable fire extinguishers are one component recommended by the Fire Equipment Manufacturers’ Association for a complete, balanced fire protection design. Other fire safety components within a balanced design may include standpipe rack hose stations, automated suppression systems and smoke detectors and fire alarms. Incorporating a balanced fire protection design in commercial buildings helps to minimize safety risks by providing multiple channels for fire notification and protection.

To view the portable fire extinguisher training video, visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BLjoWjCrDqg.

About the Fire Equipment Manufacturers’ Association

The Fire Equipment Manufacturers’ Association is a more than 60 year-old non-profit trade association dedicated to saving lives and protecting property by providing education of a balanced fire protection design. For additional information, including videos, interactive questionnaires and training Web sites about fire safety and protection, visit www.femalifesafety.org or call 216-241-7333.

New Hot Knife Design Cuts High-Tech Fiber

Hot-blade Cutting Offers Benefits Over Scissors

Editor’s Note: Photo available by contacting Sandy Frinton, sandy@mallen.com, (845) 454-3895

Fort Mill, S.C., Dec. 22, 2008 – High-tech organic fibers such as aramids are used in a variety of nonwoven and fabric applications where strength, toughness, abrasion resistance and resistance to cutting are important parameters. In safety applications such as personal protective equipment, gloves, chain saw chaps, protective apparel and others, the resistance of the material to blade cuts is essential to success of the product.

Now the downside – during cut-and-sew operations to assemble the final net shape, resistance to cutting by knife blades can be a problem and can increase production time and costs.

One of the more recent entries into the market for protective materials is Vectran^®, a liquid crystal polymer fiber made by Kuraray. Vectran fiber’s unique properties provide a number of benefits over aramids including superior strength, abrasion resistance and cut resistance. Vectran fiber can provide product designers and engineers with an alternative to aramids for applications from composites used in aerospace to flexible coated fabrics and protective apparel.

While cutting thick Vectran fabric samples for laboratory testing, Kuraray noted a rapid degradation of cutting speeds as blades dulled due to the hard nature of the LCP polymer used to produce the fibers. Because of the difficulty experienced in cutting Vectran, Kuraray turned to the German-based equipment manufacturer, HSGM (Heissschneide- Geräte und -Maschinen) to make recommendations for possible heat cutting of Vectran. Material samples were sent to HSGM’s testing lab in Walluf, Germany.

In heat cutting, the blade of the cutting tool is heated to a temperature above the zero-strength temperature of the fiber. After several cutting trials, HSGM was able to cut Vectran fabrics at a good speed and produce a welded edge, when using the proper heat settings and recommended blades.

“We found the Vectran very difficult to cut by conventional means,” said Stephan Herrmann, general manager, HSGM, Germany. “However, because of the fiber’s unique thermal properties we were able to soon find the right combination of heater and blade design. Comparing hot cutting of Vectran to hot cutting aramids, Vectran could be hot cut easier and a little bit faster.”

Heat cutting provides economic and time savings over traditional mechanical cutting techniques that typically require additional finishing with a sewing machine or sealing. Heat cutting combines both processes into a single cost-effective operation.

While hot cutting of synthetic fabrics, ropes and belts continues to gain importance in the manufacturing process and in the garment industry, cutting high-tech materials has been a challenge. By using hot-cutting methods over traditional hand-cutting techniques, overall cutting speeds can be improved and the high cost of blade replacement greatly reduced.

“With its high cut resistance and other properties, Vectran fiber provides an alternative for product designers and engineers who want to use high-tech materials but have had problems cutting aramids,” said Forrest Sloan, Ph.D., manager, international marketing, Kuraray America’s Vectran Division.

Hot-knife techniques can also be used with Vectran in rigid composite laminates. Organic fibers such as aramid or LCP often leave a rough or ragged edge after net-shape cutting with a high-speed saw because the fibers are difficult to cut. The edges of composites containing Vectran can be melted using a hot knife to remove the excess fiber, resulting in a cleaner edge and more acceptable finished part.

Through its new materials testing program, HSGM helps companies select the right cutting machine and blade for their specific applications. The company recommends two of its units for cutting Vectran, the HSG-1-VW or HSG-03-VW, with blade type HSS15°-7mm.

HSGM’s cutting system works by heating a blade with a transformer for up to eight seconds at about 600 degrees Celsius, melting all thermoplastic fabric that comes into contact with the tip. A consistent sealed edge is formed in a webbing when the individual weft and warp threads naturally flow into each other.

About HSGM

Heissschneide- Geräte und -Maschinen, an independent organization within the ENGEL Group, has been in operation since 1977. The company develops, produces and sells heat cutting machines and equipment, fixtures and machines for cross-directional and straight-line cutting, automatic length cutting machines for ropes and belts, form cutters and form cutting machines, soldering and Styrofoam cutting equipment as well as single-phase and three-phase transformers. For the US market: visit www.hsgmusa.com and for European and worldwide markets: visit www.hsgm.com.

About Kuraray America, Inc.’s Vectran Division

Based in Fort Mill, S.C., the Vectran division of Kuraray America, Inc. produces Vectran^® fiber, the world’s only multifilament polyester-polyarylate yarn melt spun from liquid crystal polymer (LCP). Vectran fiber is used in a wide range of applications where strength, durability and dimensional stability are critical to performance and safety. For more information, please visit www.vectranfiber.com.

Media Contact:

Sandy Frinton

JMC Marketing Communications & PR

(845) 454-3895

sandy@mallen.com

Tags: Vectran