Manufacturing

Washington — Chemical facilities have made significant advancements in safety in the 20 years since a deadly BP refinery explosion in Texas City, TX, the Chemical Safety Board says.

Washington — Stating that “extensive research has confirmed no direct link between processing speeds and workplace injuries” at pork- and poultry-processing plants, the U.S. Department of Agriculture says it will “formalize” faster line speeds initially allowed at certain facilities as part of a trial period.

Washington — The Environmental Protection Agency has extended to April 2 the deadline to comment on a draft scope document for the agency’s risk evaluation of vinyl chloride, a known human carcinogen.

Washington — Worker education and training can help prevent injuries resulting from inhalation of hazardous chemicals and other irritants, NIOSH researchers say.

Bootle, England — The United Kingdom’s Health and Safety Executive has published new guidance intended to prevent silica dust exposure among workers who cut or work with engineered stone countertops.

Washington — The Environmental Protection Agency is extending the comment period on a proposal requiring respiratory protection and cleaning plans to help reduce worker exposure to the chemical substance Pigment Violet 29.

Washington — Pressure relief valves, rupture discs and other equipment designed to prevent overpressurization within chemical vessels must always function properly, the Chemical Safety Board is reminding industry stakeholders.

Washington — Chemical facilities should “develop and implement effective process safety management systems and emergency response plans,” Chemical Safety Board Chair Steve Owens says in a new video.

Washington — A Delaware corporation has pleaded guilty to willfully violating an OSHA safety regulation in connection with an employee death at its plant in Grove City, OH.

Washington — Complying with workplace chemical protection programs for chemicals regulated under the Toxic Substances Control Act helps “ensure that potentially exposed persons are protected from unreasonable risk in the workplace.”