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Monday, November 2nd, 2009

National Hearing Conservation Association Petitions OSHA to Lower Permissible Exposure Limits for Noise

nhca_wname1Westminster, CO ― November 2, 2009 ― Citing the fact that nearly 22 million American workers are exposed to hazardous noise on a daily basis and that occupational hearing loss continues to plague industry, the National Hearing Conservation Association (NHCA) has made a request to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to reduce the permissible exposure limit (PEL) for noise exposures.

 

“Noise-induced hearing loss is an insidious, permanent, and irreversible disease which has a tremendous negative impact on people’s lives. The good news is that this disease is 100% preventable,” said Rick Neitzel, PhD, CIH, NHCA President. “The bad news is that OSHA’s 30-year-old noise exposure regulation is not consistent with current scientific knowledge, is not uniformly applied across all industries, and has not proven effective in preventing noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL).”

 

NHCA has requested that OSHA lower the PEL in the Occupation Noise Standard 29 CFR 1910.95 from 90 dBA to 85 dBA, and the Action Level from 85 to 80 dBA. Citing recent research by NIOSH and other organizations, American workers face a considerable risk of NIHL associated with long-term work at the current PEL of 90 dBA and a 5 dB time/intensity exchange rate. NHCA has also requested that the time/intensity exchange rate be reduced from 5 to 3 dB.

 

In the letter, NHCA also requests that OSHA extend the PEL to other industries, such as construction, agriculture, oil and gas drilling and servicing, and shipbuilding, that are not covered by the existing regulation. NHCA also asks OSHA to rescind a policy (OSHA Field Operations Manual, 3/2009) which permits exposures up to 100 dBA without requiring implementation of noise controls.

 

“Nearly every other nation on earth has adopted a more protective 85 dBA exposure limit – which means that U.S. workers have a substantially greater risk of developing noise-induced hearing loss than do the workers of almost every other nation,” said Neitzel. “Also, workers in industries like construction, agriculture, and oil and gas drilling are currently not covered by an effective regulation, which is unacceptable, given the high levels of noise exposure associated with these industries.”

 

“The National Hearing Conservation Association is a multidisciplinary organization committed to the prevention of hearing loss, and as such is uniquely positioned to advocate for contemporary U.S. noise exposure regulations,” said Neitzel. “We feel that the proposed changes will help give American workers the protection that they deserve, and bring workplace noise regulations in the US in line with current scientific knowledge about noise and noise-induced hearing loss.”

 

NHCA’s letter to OSHA can be found online at: http://bit.ly/42a3GT.

 

About the National Hearing Conservation Association [NHCA]

The mission of the National Hearing Conservation Association is to prevent hearing loss due to noise and other environmental factors in all sectors of society. NHCA provides networking, resources and professional development opportunities to improve skills, practices and services for over 600 members. NHCA’s membership includes audiologists, researchers, students, industrial hygienists, educators, professional service organizations, safety professionals, medical professionals, engineers, audio professionals and others who have dedicated their work to the advancement of hearing loss prevention. For more information about the National Hearing Conservation Association, visit us online at www.hearingconservation.org.

 

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Public Relations contact, Boston: Tiziani Whitmyre Inc., http://www.tizinc.com/public-relations<–>

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Posted in Buildings & Facilities, Business, Health/Medical, Lifestyle, Manufacturing, Public Safety, Technology, Uncategorized |


Monday, October 19th, 2009

Latest Innovations in Hearing Conservation to be Detailed at National Safety Council Congress

SMITHFIELD, RHODE ISLAND, USA, October 19, 2009 – Leading experts in hearing loss prevention will discuss the latest innovations in hearing conservation technology during “Hear Tomorrow: A Personalized Approach to Hearing Conservation,” a featured workshop session at the National Safety Council 2009 Congress & Expo in October.

At the session, attendees will learn why measuring data in a precise and personalized way is the key to a successful hearing conservation program (HCP) — and how recent advances in earplug fit testing and in-ear dosimetry make this more than a possibility. Experts will detail how the newest hearing protection devices (HPDs) can help safety managers develop and refine their HCP efforts.

“The session’s focus on new hearing loss prevention technologies is especially timely given the Federal Environmental Protection Agency’s current proposed rule changes regarding Noise Reduction Rating, said Dr. Theresa Y Schulz, Hearing Conservation Manager, Howard Leight/Sperian Hearing Protection.

“The proposed new rules will place even greater responsibility on safety managers to protect their employees against noise-induced hearing loss. By learning about — and using— the latest innovations in HPDs and technology, safety managers will gain a valuable head-start on their programs. The information will help everyone involved in a Hearing Conservation Program to be responsible and accountable,” she noted.

Session experts will include Dr. Schulz along with Brad K. Witt, Director of Hearing Conservation, Howard Leight/Sperian Hearing Protection; Kevin Michael, President, Michael & Associates, Inc.; and moderator Jerry Elvin Rivera, Director of Safety, National Electrical Contractors Association.

“Hear Tomorrow: A Personalized Approach to Hearing Conservation” will be presented on Monday, October, 26, 2009, 1:30PM to 3:00PM, in Room 307D at the National Safety Council 2009 Congress & Expo in Orlando. For more information, visit http://bit.ly/3QeEad.

About Howard Leight

Howard Leight/Sperian Hearing Protection, LLC is a leading global provider of passive and intelligent hearing protection solutions, and the founder of the HearForever™ initiative. For over 30 years, Howard Leight has pursued the prevention of occupational hearing loss through innovation in hearing protection design, technology, performance and comfort, and the promotion of progressive Hearing Conservation Programs. Leading solutions include the highest attenuating Max® single-use earplug; patented Air Flow Control™ technology for optimal earmuff attenuation; QuietDose™ personal in-ear dosimetry; and the industry-changing VeriPRO® earplug fit testing system. Visit: www.howardleight.com.

About Sperian Protection

With nearly 6,000 employees worldwide, Sperian Protection is resolutely geared towards international markets. The world leader in personal protective equipment (hearing, eye, respiratory and fall protection, gloves, clothing and footwear), the Group offers innovative products adapted to high-risk environments so that all workers in the manufacturing and services industries can work with confidence. Sperian Protection is listed on Euronext’s Eurolist and on the SBF120.

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Public Relations contact, Boston: Tiziani Whitmyre Inc., http://www.tizinc.com/public-relations

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Posted in Buildings & Facilities, Business, Manufacturing, Public Safety |


Wednesday, October 14th, 2009

Nucor Steel Improves Worker Hearing Protection with New Howard Leight Technology

SMITHFIELD, RHODE ISLAND, USA, October 14, 2009 – Though most companies are committed to employee Hearing Conservation Programs, many still struggle to obtain a true assessment of the specific effectiveness of their efforts – and of the individual hearing protection products they deploy – on a worker-by-worker basis.

 

A new free case study, “Nucor Provides Measurable Worker Hearing Protection with Howard Leight Technology” details how Nucor Steel is using new state-of-the-art VeriPRO® earplug fit testing technology from Howard Leight® to evaluate whether each individual employee is receiving optimal on-the-job hearing protection.

 

The case study is available free to download from: http://www.hearforever.org/nucor.

 

“You could look at an earplug and the NRR rating on it but you weren’t actually sure which earplug gave the best protection for a specific individual,” explained Randy Cooper, site manager of safety, health, and security at Nucor Corporation complex in Huger, South Carolina.

 

“There was never a way to actually measure the fit and ultimately workers risk hearing loss while companies risked monetary damages and potential regulatory citations,” he said.

 

VeriPRO measures attenuation of earplugs by having the user balance tones presented to each ear at easily-heard levels. This means there is no need for a sound booth or quiet room. Accurate VeriPRO earplug fit testing can even be administered in moderate background noise.

 

At Nucor, the reportable Personal Attenuation Rating (PAR) measurements, provided by VeriPRO aid managers with the transition to the EPA’s recent Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) change from a fixed number to a range.

 

In addition, the VeriPRO earplug fit testing system also lets Nucor managers determine whether employees are receiving optimal protection, require additional training on earplug fit testing, or should try a different model.

 

The case study details Nucor’s use of VeriPRO technology to:

  • Obtain objective data to fit the best earplugs for each employee
  • Provide breakthrough measurement of in-ear noise exposure on the job
  • Document information to help prevent worker compensation claims
  • Improve resources for the company’s hearing protection and successful Hearing Conservation Programs

 

Download the free case study, “Nucor Provides Measurable Worker Hearing Protection with Howard Leight Technology” at http://www.hearforever.org/nucor.

 

About Howard Leight

 

Howard Leight/Sperian Hearing Protection, LLC is a leading global provider of passive and intelligent hearing protection solutions, and the founder of the HearForever™ initiative. For over 30 years, Howard Leight has pursued the prevention of occupational hearing loss through innovation in hearing protection design, technology, performance and comfort, and the promotion of progressive Hearing Conservation Programs. Leading solutions include the highest attenuating Max® single-use earplug; patented Air Flow Control™ technology for optimal earmuff attenuation; QuietDose™ personal in-ear dosimetry; and the industry-changing VeriPRO® earplug fit testing system. Visit: www.howardleight.com.

 

About Nucor

 

With 2008 sales of $23.6 billion, Nucor Corporation is one of the largest producers of steel and steel products in the U.S. It was founded in 1940 and is based in Charlotte, North Carolina, U.S.A. Nucor employs 20,000 people nationwide, including 900 at its plant in Huger, South Carolina.

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Public Relations contact, Boston: Tiziani Whitmyre Inc., http://www.tizinc.com/public-relations

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Posted in Buildings & Facilities, Business, Manufacturing, Public Safety |


Tuesday, October 6th, 2009

Applaud Proposed EPA NRR Rule Changes for Acknowledging “Real World” Experience, Placing More Responsibility on Safety Managers, Expert Says

SMITHFIELD, RHODE ISLAND, U.S.A. — October 6, 2009—The Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed changes governing Noise Reduction Ratings will help to “refocus hearing conservation programs to prevent employee hearing loss, and reflect real-world realities in the workplace,” according to Brad Witt, Director of Hearing Conservation for Sperian Hearing Protection, LLC.

 

“If enacted, the changes will place greater responsibility on the shoulders of safety managers for determining how much protection a noise-exposed worker is obtaining from earplugs and earmuffs, and this can result in better hearing protection for workers,” he said.

 

One part of the proposed rule (published in August in the Federal Register) involves revising the labeling of hearing protection devices (HPD) from a single-number estimate of protection to a two-number range, showing high/low values of estimated protection. A second change redefines the test methods by which HPDs are tested, and rated in the laboratory by manufacturers. A third involves including a class of hearing protection that has been excluded in the past—namely electronic hearing protectors which provide active noise reduction or impulse noise suppression. A fourth requires manufacturers to retest their products every five years.

 

Witt said he applauds the proposed changes for defining protection levels based on the user’s training and proper fit. “With its proposed new rating methods, EPA is confirming that protection is very dependent upon how well the user fits the products, that lab conditions are not field conditions, and that there’s new technology out here that can contribute greatly to a Hearing Conservation Program,” he said.

 

“The current single number rating system can mislead purchasers to believe the same earplug will provide everyone the same level of protection. But in real-life, protection levels vary widely among individuals, due to their training, fit, and usage, and some will suffer hearing loss. This is not acceptable, and we applaud EPA for recognizing this in their proposed labeling.

 

“Implementing the proposed two-number range gives safety managers a more realistic estimate of how much protection their workers are really capable of achieving. Individual training will determine whether their workers receive protection toward the low side of that range or, with proper training, toward the higher side of that range.

 

“The proactive employers will train their employees well in hearing conservation practices. Employers can even fit-test the protection of earplugs and earmuffs now. A manager who simply passes out earplugs to his employees—and then leaves them to fend for themselves—will be inadvertently pushing his workers toward the lower end of the protection range,” Witt said.

 

Witt said he views the proposed rule changes as a “renewal of the true focus of HCP to stop hearing loss.” For that reason he urged employers, safety managers, risk managers, insurers, and workers themselves to actively support the new regulations.

 

Witt and other experts and interested parties will formally comment on the proposed NRR rule changes during a public hearing at the EPA in Washington, DC, on October 7, 2009.

 

About Howard Leight

Howard Leight®/Sperian Hearing Protection, LLC is a leading global provider of passive and intelligent hearing protection solutions, and the founder of the HearForever™ initiative. For over 30 years, Howard Leight has pursued the prevention of occupational hearing loss through innovation in hearing protection design, technology, performance and comfort, and the promotion of progressive Hearing Conservation Programs. Leading solutions include the highest attenuating Max® single-use earplug; patented Air Flow Control™ technology for optimal earmuff attenuation; QuietDose™ personal in-ear dosimetry; and the industry-changing VeriPRO® earplug fit testing system. Visit: www.howardleight.com.

 

About Sperian Protection

With nearly 6,000 employees worldwide, Sperian Protection is resolutely geared towards international markets. The world leader in personal protective equipment (hearing, eye, respiratory and fall protection, gloves, clothing and footwear), the Group offers innovative products adapted to high-risk environments so that all workers in the manufacturing and services industries can work with confidence. Sperian Protection is listed on Euronext’s Eurolist and on the SBF120.

 

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Public Relations contact, Boston: Tiziani Whitmyre Inc., http://www.tizinc.com/public-relations

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Posted in Buildings & Facilities, Business, Manufacturing, Public Safety |


Monday, September 21st, 2009

New White Paper: “Environmental Monitoring and Certification in Controlled Environments: Meeting Regulations and Achieving Effective Microbial Control for Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Manufacturers” – From Microtest Laboratories

microtest-logo1

AGAWAM, MASS. – September 21, 2009 – Environmental testing and monitoring programs are essential elements in pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturing. Companies must understand industrial sterilization and contamination control procedures to bring products to market on time and on budget.

In attempting to meet regulatory demands from sources such as the U.S. FDA and the European Pharmacopoeia, the greatest challenge for medical device and pharmaceutical manufacturers may be determining what exactly is required for compliance. How must manufacturers design, implement, certify, and maintain correct sterilization and environmental monitoring programs?

Unfortunately, there is no single reference document that U.S. manufacturers may rely upon to help them design, validate, and demonstrate room class compliance. Nor, given the monumental scope of the task, is it likely that one will be drafted anytime soon.

A new white paper, titled “Environmental Monitoring and Certification in Controlled Environments: Meeting Regulations and Achieving Effective Microbial Control for Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Manufacturers,” and available for free download at www.microtestlabs.com/environmentpaper, may help.

The white paper reviews the key elements of a best-practice environmental testing program, including sterilization standards, FDA requirements, and the critical factors in maintaining controlled environments. Topics include: What Is Required; Viable vs. Nonviable Particulates; Sampling Plans; Validation Management; Sterilization Programs; Cost/Product Savings; Critical Factors; and The Benefits of Experience. The paper also discusses how these challenges may be met with the assistance of an update-to-date testing laboratory.

The author of the white paper is Steven Wieczorek, Supervisor, Environmental Sciences. He leads the Environmental testing, monitoring, and certification groups at Microtest Laboratories, a leading provider of regulatory microbiology and contract laboratory services.

Download the white paper, “Environmental Monitoring and Certification in Controlled Environments: Meeting Regulations and Achieving Effective Microbial Control for Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Manufacturers,” from www.microtestlabs.com/environmentpaper.

About Microtest

Microtest Laboratories offers reliable, accurate programs for testing of product bioburdens; viable aerobic, anaerobic, or fungal microorganisms; and nonviable air particulates. The company’s expertise at characterizing, controlling, and understanding environmental bioburden levels and trends are the cornerstones to defining and implementing a solid Environmental monitoring program which fully supports sterilization validation and release activities. Microtest is based in Agawam, Massachusetts, USA. For more information, visit http://www.microtestlabs.com or call 1-413-786-1680 or 1-800-631-1680.

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Public Relations contact, Boston: Tiziani Whitmyre Inc., http://www.tizinc.com/public-relations

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Posted in Biosciences, Buildings & Facilities |


Wednesday, September 16th, 2009

2010 National Hearing Conservation Association Conference to “Explore the World of Hearing Loss Prevention”

nhcaWestminster, Colorado — September 16, 2009 — The National Hearing Conservation Association [NHCA] announces that its 35th annual conference will be held February 25-27, 2010 at the Rosen Plaza Hotel in Orlando, Florida. Titled “Explore the World of Hearing Loss Prevention,” the conference will focus on various topics of local and international concern, including “whole life” hearing loss prevention; chemicals, ototoxicity and otoprotection; and the impending change to the Noise Reduction Rating in the United States.

“National boundaries are no longer obstacles to the transfer of knowledge, and hearing conservation is not limited to industry,” said Thais C. Morata, Ph.D., NHCA 2010 Conference Chair. “Sharing good practices is at the core of NHCA’s efforts towards building a culture that promotes healthy hearing. Our 2010 conference seeks to optimize the exchange of experiences and skills, facilitate new partnerships and expedite the research process worldwide in the pursuit of hearing loss prevention in all walks of life.”

The 2010 NHCA conference will feature a full slate of workshops, presentations, panel discussions and poster presentations on a wide range of topics, including: an international perspective on the latest research on hearing loss prevention; public and personal health issues related to noise exposure and hearing loss; recent public health and military initiatives for hearing loss prevention; novel strategies in hearing loss prevention programs in different settings; music exposure; firearms exposures; hearing loss prevention training and education; health communication strategies; new and upcoming legislations and recommendations; hearing protection device innovations and measurement; and approaches to noise control.

The conference program will include several featured speakers, including:

  • Hugh Davies of the School of Environmental Health, University of British Columbia, Canada, will present the keynote lecture “Noise and Cardiovascular Disease: Can Hearing Conservation Programs Prevent Heart Attacks, Too?” on Friday, February 26.
  • Jean-luc Doumont of Principiæ’s Training, Consulting and Publishing, Belgium, will present “Effective Slides: Design, Construction and Use” as the featured luncheon lecture on Friday, February 26.
  • Christine Harrison, of the Workers’ Compensation Board of British Columbia, Canada, will present the motivational Gasaway Lecture “Have Hard Hat, Will Travel: Hearing Conservation in the Great White North” on Saturday, February, 27.

Eight workshops will take place on Thursday, February 25. New to the workshop offering include “Effective Presentations: Structure and Delivery”; “Hearing Loss Prevention for Music-Related Professions”; “Persisting Challenges of the 1980-85 Hearing Conservation Amendment”; and “Hands-On Hearing Protection Fit Testing.” The program will also include recurring topics, such as: “The Basics of Hearing Loss Prevention”; “Recreational Firearm Noise Exposure”; “Acoustics and Audiology in Forensics and Legal Practice”; and “Issues in Professional Service Organizations.”

The 2010 Safe-In-Sound Awards™ will be presented during the conference. The Safe-in-Sound Award recognizes organizations that document measureable achievements in hearing loss prevention programs in construction, manufacturing and service sectors. In addition, the award recognizes “Innovation in Hearing Loss Prevention” across all sectors.

For more information on the 35th Annual NHCA Conference, please visit http://www.hearingconservation.org/conf_info2010.html.

About the National Hearing Conservation Association [NHCA]

The mission of the National Hearing Conservation Association is to prevent hearing loss due to noise and other environmental factors in all sectors of society. NHCA provides networking, resources and professional development opportunities to improve skills, practices and services for over 600 members. NHCA’s membership includes audiologists, researchers, students, industrial hygienists, educators, professional service organizations, safety professionals, medical professionals, engineers, audio professionals and others who have dedicated their work to the advancement of hearing loss prevention. For more information about the National Hearing Conservation Association, visit us online at www.hearingconservation.org.

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Public Relations contact, Boston: Tiziani Whitmyre Inc., http://www.tizinc.com/public-relations

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Posted in Buildings & Facilities, Business, Manufacturing |


Monday, September 14th, 2009

Howard Leight’s “HearForever” Initiative is the Next Generation of Hearing Conservation

SMITHFIELD, RHODE ISLAND, USA — September 14, 2009 — Howard Leight® today formally introduced HearForever™, a major initiative aimed to raise awareness of the dangers, risks and consequences of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) at work and at home.

“Noise-induced hearing loss is one of the world’s most permanent and preventable occupational diseases,” said Renee S. Bessette, COHC, Marketing Manager for Howard Leight/Sperian Hearing Protection, LLC. “The goal of HearForever is to spark fresh consciousness and immediate action about NIHL among people from all walks of life.”

“The founding of the HearForever initiative—along with the considerable resources and investment dedicated to it and related outreach efforts—represents Howard Leight’s 30-year-long commitment to preventing occupational hearing loss by introducing innovative new hearing protection technology and products and promoting progressive Hearing Conservation Programs,” Bessette said.

PrintHearForever personalizes the Hearing Conservation experience through a series of new advertisements and a special microsite, www.hearforever.org.

The ad series addresses the connections between human interactions and hearing loss through thought-provoking images that question, inspire and empower people to make healthy hearing decisions as part of everyday life.

HearForever.org provides information on the latest advances, research and discoveries of noise-induced hearing loss detection and prevention. The site is an extensive source for educational, informative and motivational materials to help prevent noise-induced hearing loss both on and off the job.

Using a “Learn, Educate, Connect” approach, HearForever.org is focused on Hearing Conservation for everyone exposed to hazardous noise. Facts, statistics, case studies, regulations, news updates and tools focused on Hearing Conservation can be found in the “Learn” section. The “Educate” section provides participants with valuable tools for outlining a detailed Hearing Conservation Program. The “Connect” section empowers users to interact with HearForever and take action through blogs and “What Can I Do” activities.

”Over the years, we’ve met thousands of people all over the world who have shared their own personal stories, questions and comments about hearing loss,” said Bessette. “We aim to connect those involved with Hearing Conservation and hearing loss prevention activities, to share their challenges and success stories, and ultimately inspire others.”

“The HearForever initiative is especially timely given the proposed EPA rule change affecting the Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) for hearing protection products, testing and usage. These impending changes will create many questions among users and purchasers of hearing products. The HearForever microsite will be an extensive educational portal that will answer these questions,” Bessette said.

Additional HearForever actions include Hearing Conservation seminar tours in the United States in September and October. The seminar will include the distribution of materials including free motivational posters, educational tools, and other outreach activities. More information on these activities can be found on www.hearforever.org.

About Howard Leight

Howard Leight/Sperian Hearing Protection, LLC is a leading global provider of passive and intelligent hearing protection solutions, and the founder of the HearForever™ initiative. For over 30 years, Howard Leight has pursued the prevention of occupational hearing loss through innovation in hearing protection design, technology, performance and comfort, and the promotion of progressive Hearing Conservation Programs. Leading solutions include the highest attenuating Max® single-use earplug; patented Air Flow Control™ technology for optimal earmuff attenuation; QuietDose™ personal in-ear dosimetry; and the industry-changing VeriPRO® earplug fit testing system. Visit: www.howardleight.com.

About Sperian Protection

With nearly 6,000 employees worldwide, Sperian Protection is resolutely geared towards international markets. The world leader in personal protective equipment (hearing, eye, respiratory and fall protection, gloves, clothing and footwear), the Group offers innovative products adapted to high-risk environments so that all workers in the manufacturing and services industries can work with confidence. Sperian Protection is listed on Euronext’s Eurolist and on the SBF120.

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Public Relations contact, Boston: Tiziani Whitmyre Inc., http://www.tizinc.com/public-relations

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Posted in Buildings & Facilities, Business, Manufacturing, Public Safety |


Wednesday, August 26th, 2009

Free Seminars Will Detail Best Practices in Employer Hearing Conservation, Impending NRR Change; Set for Eight Cities in Sept., Oct.

SMITHFIELD, RHODE ISLAND, U.S.A.—August 26, 2009— A series of free seminars discussing the increasing critical importance—and rapidly changing regulatory environment—of employer-based Hearing Conservation Programs have been announced for eight cities along the East and West coasts of the U.S. by Howard Leight®/Sperian Hearing Protection, LLC.

The “HearForever™: Best Practices in Hearing Conservation” seminars, to be held throughout September and October, will feature noted hearing conservationists Dr. Theresa Schultz and Brad Witt, will address an expanding range of need-to-know topics for employers ranging from implementing a hearing conservation program to the newly proposed NRR changes, with an engaging audio and visual presentation.

Howard Leight Hearing Conservation seminars have been presented to over 2,000 safety professionals on five continents over the past three years. The HC Seminars are known and respected for their user-friendly style and practical/applicable content for safety managers, industrial product distributors and other safety professionals.

“Each new ‘HearForever: Best Practices in Hearing Conservation’ seminar will address the mounting threats and must-have solutions to one of the most preventable occupational injuries—noise-induced hearing loss,” said Renee Bessette, COHC, Marketing Manager, Howard Leight/Sperian Hearing Protection, LLC.

“Attendees will be able to engage and share problems and resolutions with their peers from different organizations that experience similar problems with their hearing conservation programs,” she said.

“Moreover, with the EPA’s recently announced changes to the Noise Reduction Rating [NRR] from a fixed number to a range, we are now in a great position to immediately connect with safety professionals to provide them with the knowledge and expertise they require to successfully transition to a new regulatory environment and a new way of thinking about employee hearing conservation strategies, programs, and practices,” she added.

Seminar topics will include:

  • Basics of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
  • Implementing an OSHA Hearing Conservation Program
  • Impending Changes to the Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) and Your Program
  • Selection and Fitting of Hearing Protectors
  • Employee Motivation and Training Techniques/Resources
  • New Hearing Conservation Innovations and Technologies

The September-October 2009 schedule of seminars follows:

· Tuesday, September 22, 2009, Emeryville, California

· Wednesday, September 23, 2009, Sacramento, California

· Thursday, September 24, 2009, Commerce, California

· Friday, September 25, 2009, San Diego, California

· Monday, October 5, 2009, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

· Tuesday, October 6, 2009, Alexandria, Virginia

· Thursday, October 8, 2009, Norfolk, Virginia

· Friday, October 9, 2009, Columbia, South Carolina

For more information, or to register for the California seminars, visit www.hearforever.org/seminarwest. For seminars in Pennsylvania, Virginia, and South Carolina, visit www.hearforever.org/seminareast.

The Seminar Series is part of Howard Leight’s upcoming HearForever initiative to be aimed to raise awareness of the dangers, risks and consequences of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) at work and at home.

About Howard Leight

Howard Leight/Sperian Hearing Protection, LLC is a leading global provider of passive and intelligent hearing protection solutions, and the founder of the HearForever initiative. For over 30 years, Howard Leight has pursued the prevention of occupational hearing loss through innovation in hearing protection design, technology, performance and comfort, and the promotion of progressive Hearing Conservation Programs. Leading solutions include the highest attenuating Max® single-use earplug; patented Air Flow Control™ technology for optimal earmuff attenuation; QuietDose™ personal in-ear dosimetry; and the industry-changing VeriPRO® earplug fit testing system. Visit: www.howardleight.com.

About Sperian Protection

With nearly 6,000 employees worldwide, Sperian Protection is resolutely geared towards international markets. The world leader in personal protective equipment (hearing, eye, respiratory and fall protection, gloves, clothing and footwear), the Group offers innovative products adapted to high-risk environments so that all workers in the manufacturing and services industries can work with confidence. Sperian Protection is listed on Euronext’s Eurolist and on the SBF120.

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Posted in Buildings & Facilities, Business, Manufacturing, Public Safety |


Tuesday, July 28th, 2009

EH&E Awarded Consumer Product Safety Commission Contract to Evaluate Homes Containing Chinese Drywall

Needham, Mass. – July 28, 2009 – Environmental Health & Engineering (EH&E), Inc., a leading Massachusetts-based environmental and engineering consulting firm, has been contracted by the Consumer Product Safety Commission to study the Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) in homes built using Chinese drywall. The study will compare findings in 35 homes built using Chinese drywall with 15 “control” homes.

The drywall was imported into the United States earlier this decade due to a domestic shortage caused by a housing boom and construction following a series of hurricanes that struck the southeastern United States. It has been found that the drywall has high amounts of sulfur compounds, which are causing homeowners to experience foul odors, corrosion of electrical equipment and a host of health problems.

EH&E was selected for the project based on its’ high level of expertise and field experience in characterizing complex indoor environments. The company had been the prime contractor for IAQ to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and two of its principals, John D. Spengler, Ph.D. and John F. McCarthy, Sc.D., C.I.H., edited what is considered the most comprehensive guide available today on indoor air quality, the Indoor Air Quality Handbook.

“We’re very pleased to have been selected for this important study,” said McCarthy, President of EH&E. “Our team of dedicated professionals has the right experience in chamber simulations, advanced analytical assessment, data interpretation and comparative risk assessment to contribute to a clear understanding of the potential risks associated with these products”.

EH&E expects to work throughout the summer and complete the study in the fall of 2009.

About EH&E
EH&E (www.eheinc.com) has provided an extensive range of environmental and engineering consulting services for over 20 years. Our team consists of more than 60 experts with an outstanding record of providing business-focused solutions for issues that affect the built environment. EH&E has a depth of knowledge and credibility unmatched in the industry and our wealth of readily-accessible information has become a powerful resource for our clients.

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Posted in Buildings & Facilities, Lifestyle |


Tuesday, July 14th, 2009

EH&E Authors World Health Organization (WHO) Chemical Incidents Manual

Needham, Mass. – July 14, 2009 – Environmental Health & Engineering, Inc. (EH&E) served as the primary author of a recently released World Health Organization (WHO) manual entitled: The Public Health Management of Chemical Incidents. The complete manual is available at http://ow.ly/ha77.

WHO is the directing and coordinating authority for health within the United Nations system. It is responsible for providing leadership on global health matters, shaping the health research agenda, setting norms and standards, articulating evidence-based policy options, providing technical support, and monitoring and assessing health trends. The purpose of this manual is to provide a comprehensive overview of the principles and roles of public health in the management of chemical incidents and emergencies.

EH&E was asked to prepare this manual based upon its extensive experience in public health, trends in environmental risk, and management of health and safety programs for large institutions. The document covers the key aspects of an incident management plan from the perspective of public health using risk assessment as a unifying theme. Guiding principles for prevention, preparedness, detection and alert, response, and recovery of chemical incidents are detailed in the manual.

“The management of chemical incidents and emergencies requires a multi-disciplinary approach, and the public health sector plays a key role at various stages of the management process,” said David MacIntosh, Sc.D., a contributing author and Principal Scientist with EH&E.   “In this manual, we’ve utilized the risk assessment paradigm to help government and other stakeholders identify and prioritize the role of the public health sector, with the goal of preventing and mitigating the health consequences of chemical incidents and emergencies.”

WHO, EH&E, and all those involved in the development of the publication hope that the manual will have wide application, especially in developing countries and countries with economies in transition, and that in the future the health sector will be better prepared to acknowledge and fulfill its roles and responsibilities in the management of chemical incidents and emergencies.

About EH&E
EH&E (www.eheinc.com) has provided an extensive range of environmental and engineering consulting services for over 20 years. The company consists of over 70 experts with an outstanding record of providing focused solutions for a variety of issues that directly affect public heath. EH&E has a depth of knowledge and credibility unmatched in the industry and our wealth of readily-accessible information has become a powerful resource for our clients.

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Posted in Buildings & Facilities, Health/Medical, Public Safety |

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