NIOSH eNews - March, 2014

NIOSH eNews - March, 2014

NIOSH eNews - March, 2014

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) sent this bulletin at 03/04/2014 03:38 PM EST

From the Director’s Desk

John Howard, M.D., Director, NIOSH

When It Comes to Old Man Winter, We’re Not Out of the Woods Yet

Coming off the brutal weather of February, with the Farmer’s Almanac predicting lingering cold and snow showers in some parts of the country in March (http://www.almanac.com/weather/longrange) and the first work days of the new month bearing out that prediction through most parts of the U.S., it’s probably safe to say that as far as winter is concerned we’re not out of the woods yet.

Fortunately, NIOSH has some safety and health recommendations for those working in industries that face particular challenges from cold and snow.

Read More...

NIOSH Center for Motor Vehicle Safety Now on Twitter

The NIOSH Center for Motor Vehicle Safety is now on Twitter (https://twitter.com/NIOSH_MVSafety). The purpose of this Twitter site is to reach a wider audience with information about NIOSH activities and information products related to prevention of work-related motor vehicle crashes.

Policy Update! NIOSH Revising Policy on Use of Emergency Breathing Support Systems

NIOSH is revising its policy on the use of emergency breathing support systems (EBSS), also known as buddy breathers. This policy change will be applicable only to self-contained breathing apparatus that meet the requirements of NFPA 1981, 2013, or subsequent editions. NIOSH is modifying the existing policy on buddy breathers to further support and encourage best practices in the fire service for the deployment of EBSS. Interested parties can view the entire letter at http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/resources/pressrel/letters/InterestedParties/lttr-02182014.html.

Respirator User Notice

NIOSH recently issued a user notice warning respirator users about the danger associated with using after-market component parts. Read more athttp://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/usernotices/notices/notice02272014.html.

NIOSH Contributions to Safe Nanotechnology Recognized in GAO Report

NIOSH’s research and recommendations for the development of safe nanotechnology are reflected in a report issued by the U.S. Government Accountability Office on February 7: “Nanomanufacturing: Emergence and Implications for U.S. Competitiveness, the Environment, and Human Health” (http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-14-181SP). NIOSH Program Manager Dr. Paul Schulte and Program Coordinator Dr. Charles Geraci represented NIOSH in a national forum discussion that provided the foundation for the report.

The World Trade Center Health Program Seeks Nominees for the Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee

The World Trade Center (WTC) Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee is currently seeking nominations for 7 of its 17 positions in the following categories:

• one industrial hygienist,
• one mental health professional,
• one occupational physician who has experience treating WTC rescue and recovery workers,

two representatives of WTC responders, and

two representatives of WTC survivors.

Nominations are due by March 14. For more information go towww.cdc.gov/wtc/pdfs/stacnomby03142014.pdf.