Workplace Exposures

Washington — The Environmental Protection Agency says compliance dates for its ban on uses of methylene chloride have been extended for nonfederal laboratories involved in “the industrial or commercial use” of the carcinogenic chemical “in a laboratory process or in specialized laboratory equipment.”

Washington — Citing pending litigation, the Environmental Protection Agency has again delayed the effective date of certain provisions of a final rule that bans the use of the toxic chemical trichloroethylene.

Seoul, South Korea — Worker exposure to air pollution “may significantly increase the risk of safety liability accidents” in multiple industries, according to the results of a recent study.

Montreal — A recent study of apprentice welders revealed a “significant increase” in metal levels in urine, nail and hair samples taken over the duration of their three-module training program.

Oak Ridge, TN — Contract workers are testing new remote equipment designed to help them avoid “some of the most challenging, contaminated environments” involving radioactive material during deactivation and demolition projects at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the U.S. Department of Energy says.

Redondo Beach, CA — A new tool from the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization is designed to provide practical, step-by-step pathways to prevent asbestos exposure, document exposure history and access care management resources.

Washington — Workers at chemical facilities should never approach an ammonia cloud without proper personal protective equipment, the Chemical Safety Board warns in a new final report.

What proactive steps can safety managers take to reduce slip-and-fall risks in outdoor areas during freezing rain?

Cincinnati — A recent series of reports from NIOSH details the agency’s “immediately dangerous to life or health” values for three chemical substances commonly found on worksites.

Washington — The Environmental Protection Agency wants feedback as it considers revising a final rule requiring “robust worker safety programs” that protect against carbon tetrachloride, a carcinogenic chemical substance.