Federal Agencies

Washington – Although most dental professionals use a scavenging system to prevent nitrous oxide gas from escaping during dental procedures, adherence to other recommended practices – such as checking equipment for leaks – is lacking, according to a new study from NIOSH.

Washington – Any long-awaited update to OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard is not forthcoming, an agency official said June 20.

Washington – In an effort to prevent fatalities stemming from the ignition of vapors by vehicles and motorized equipment in the oil and gas industry, OSHA; NIOSH; and the National Service, Transmission, Exploration & Production Safety Network have partnered on a hazard alert.

Washington – Twenty-eight percent of private dental practices have not fulfilled OSHA’s requirement for a written, site-specific bloodborne pathogens exposure control plan, according to the results of a recent survey conducted by NIOSH and the Organization for Safety, Asepsis and Prevention, an oral health care advocacy group.

Washington – A new fact sheet from OSHA is intended to protect shipyard workers from hazards associated with spray painting.

Grain Valley, MO – The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association plans to continue its legal pursuit in Congress after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled June 12 against hearing a lawsuit challenging a federal mandate requiring commercial motor vehicle drivers to use electronic devices in place of paper logs.

Washington – NIOSH and OSHA recently teamed up to update a heat safety mobile app that uses temperature and humidity to measure heat index values.

Washington – The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is seeking to help remedy what the agency calls a national shortage of qualified truck and bus drivers by proposing two regulatory changes for obtaining a commercial driver’s license.

Washington – Scott Angelle is the new director of the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement, the federal agency announced May 22. His appointment was effective May 23.

Washington – Secretary of Labor R. Alexander Acosta on June 7 addressed the possible elimination of the Susan Harwood Training Grant Program while re-affirming the Department of Labor’s commitment to compliance assistance in his first appearance before the House Appropriations Committee’s Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Subcommittee.