 NPGA Issues Safety Alert on Anhydrous Ammonia and Propane Cylinders
 The National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) has issued a safety alert that may impact employers and employees at propane cylinder exchange and filling stations, as well as response personnel involved in methamphetamine raids and cleanup operations. The alert addresses the hazards of cylinders used in meth labs to store and use anhydrous ammonia. When the cylinder's valve comes in contact with anhydrous ammonia, a "violent, unexpected expulsion of the valve" may occur, resulting in serious injury or death. Refer to the alert, or contact your local OSHA office for more information on properly handling and disposing of these cylinders.
EPA to Study Formaldehyde Use in Pressed Wood Products
 EPA officials announced that they are launching a broad effort to gain a greater scientific understanding of the potential health risks of formaldehyde's use in pressed wood products.
Through this process, the agency will develop risk assessments on the potential adverse health effects, evaluate the costs and benefits of possible control technologies and approaches, and determine whether EPA action is needed to address any identified risks, officials said.
The agency plans to issue an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPR) in fall 2008. The agency is pursuing this course of action following review of a petition submitted under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) by the Sierra Club, a number of other environmental organizations, as well as a large number of private citizens. The petition requested that EPA adopt nationally a California regulation to control formaldehyde emissions from composite wood products and extend the rule to include composite wood products in manufactured homes.
Exposure to formaldehyde can cause watery eyes, headaches, depression and cancer, Sierra Club officials said. People with existing respiratory conditions such as asthma and emphysema have an increased risk of reacting to formaldehyde, which can leach out from plywood, particleboard and fiberboard used in manufactured housing.
Becky Gillette, national formaldehyde campaign Director for the Sierra Club, said, "While disappointed that EPA set an improperly high standard to begin rulemaking, Sierra Club and the other petitioners applaud EPA's alternative approach to addressing the challenge of formaldehyde. We will actively support and monitor EPA's work on this important issue. For the health of all Americans, we need to move now." |
AAOS stated that according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission:
"People often think of golf as a relatively safe, low-injury game," said Bobby Chhabra, MD, orthopedic surgeon and member of the Academy's Leadership Fellows Program. "Golfers -- especially beginners, who haven't learned proper techniques yet -- are more susceptible to injuries from overuse and poor mechanics. It's important for golfers to regularly participate in a muscle conditioning program to reduce the risk of common golf injuries."
Summer thunderstorms often leave behind downed trees and branches, placing tree removal crews very much in demand. When power lines are involved, there can be a number of hazards inherent in tree trimming or removal of debris. Employees working to clear away trees should have an understanding of proper safety measures. Here are a few recommendations from OSHA: 
