From: "Secretary, ACS Division of Chemical Health and Safety" <secretary**At_Symbol_Here**DCHAS.ORG>
Subject: [DCHAS-L] Chemical Safety notes from OSHA Quicktakes: August 1, 2012 á Volume 11, Issue 17
Date: August 1, 2012 2:14:37 PM EDT
Reply-To: DCHAS-L <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**MED.CORNELL.EDU>
Message-ID: <84FBB087-AA58-4569-8DAA-D01EDAC04DE7**At_Symbol_Here**dchas.org>

I'm happy to see the cleaning chemical campaign, considering the number of events related to them that show up in Google...

- Ralph

August 1, 2012 • Volume 11, Issue 17

A twice monthly e-news product with information about workplace safety and health.

Protecting salon workers from on-the-job hazards: OSHA highlights salon safety at Asian American and Pacific Islander working group

The Interagency Working Group on Salon Worker Health and Safety convened this week to highlight its first-year progress. OSHA Chief of Staff Debbie Berkowitz was joined by representatives from the Environmental Protection Agency and Food and Drug Administration for a discussion of the hazards caused to hair and nail salon workers. OSHA reported on their efforts to protect hair salon workers from formaldehyde exposure in the production and application of hair smoothing treatments. In the past year, OSHA and state partners have conducted over 60 salon and manufacturers/distributors inspections based on complaints, published hazard alerts, and conducted Web-based education and outreach.

In 2012, OSHA unveiled a Web page devoted to safety in nail salons and published a guide to chemical, ergonomic and biological hazards, "Stay Healthy and Safe While Giving Manicures and Pedicures: A Guide for Nail Salon Workers," (PDF*) available online in English and Vietnamese (PDF*). To order free copies, call OSHA's Office of Communications at (202) 693-1999 or visit OSHA's Publications page online.
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OSHA and NIOSH join together to inform employers and workers on safe work practices when using cleaning chemicals

Workers who clean buildings, schools, hospitals, hotels, restaurants, and factories use a variety of cleaning chemicals that can pose health risks. Health effects from chemicals in cleaning products can range from skin rashes and burns to eye, nose and throat irritation, to cough and asthma. Many employers are switching to green cleaning products because they are thought to be less hazardous to workers and the environment. The new OSHA-NIOSH Infosheet, "Protecting Workers Who Use Cleaning Chemicals," (PDF*) provides employers with guidance on choosing safer cleaning products, safe work practices, worker training and better cleaning methods. The accompanying poster, "Protect Yourself: Cleaning Chemicals and Your Health," (PDF*) informs workers of the hazards of cleaning chemicals, symptoms and employer responsibilities. In addition to English, the poster is available (in PDF* format) in Spanish, Chinese and Tagalog.

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Protecting workers from mercury exposure in fluorescent bulbs: New educational resources available

OSHA has issued two new educational resources to help protect workers from mercury exposure. Fluorescent bulbs can release mercury and may expose workers when they are broken accidentally or crushed as part of the routine disposal or recycling process.

A new OSHA QuickCard (PDF*) alerts employers and workers to the hazards of mercury and provides information on how to properly clean up accidently broken fluorescent bulbs to minimize workers' exposures to mercury. In addition, a new fact sheet (PDF*) explains how workers may be exposed, what kinds of engineering controls and personal protective equipment they need, and how to use these controls and equipment properly. To order these or any other of OSHA's educational materials, visit OSHA's Publications page.
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