The following article is an Industrial Hygiene in the Workplace exclusive about the respirable crystalline silica (RCS) exposure workers face when mining trona (natural soda ash). Bernard L. Fontaine, Jr., D.B.A., M.Sc., CIH, CSP, FAIHA, Contributor Background: Trona, or natural soda ash, is a sodium sesquicarbonate mineral found in the Wilkins Peak Member of the…
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Respiratory Protection for Silica Dust By: Dentec Safety, Contributor It is common knowledge that there are many workplace hazards in industries like construction, mining, and oil and gas engineering. But did you know one of the most common and deadly risks is exposure to silica dust? What is Silica Dust? Crystalline silica is a mineral that is…
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By: Tim Turney, Contributor Remodelling a kitchen can be a major household investment and, despite the additional cost, many homeowners are opting for a touch of luxury rather than more traditional laminate worktops. Marble often proves to be prohibitively expensive, so more affordable quartz has become an increasingly popular choice. This rise in popularity has…
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By: Rob Brauch, Contributor Respirator fit testing is not only required by law; it can also have many additional benefits—especially if the employer has built a well-functioning program around quantitative fit testing—whether performed by in-house staff or a service provider. Well-crafted and administered RFT programs ensure compliance is met, and liability (and WC premiums) are…
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By: Grant Cooper, Contributor The industrial landscape, while a hub of innovation and productivity, is also a breeding ground for respiratory hazards. From the insidious silica dust in construction to the carcinogenic fumes of welding, workers across various sectors face daily threats to their lung health. Traditional respiratory protection methods often fall short, leaving workers…
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By: Ray Chishti, Contributor You’ve selected respirators for the work environment and are ready to provide them to employees but, before you do, you have another step to complete in providing adequate respiratory protection: fit testing. What is a Fit Test? A fit test estimates how well the respirator’s facepiece can form a seal with…
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By: Tim Turney, Contributor Over the past year, air sampling has continued to be a useful tool for occupational hygienists and health and safety managers alike in managing the level of harmful airborne pollutants in the workplace. Still, exposure to airborne hazards in the workplace, such as gases, chemical vapors and dusts, can cause chronic…
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Head Protection Does Type I and Type II head protection protect different areas of the head? Type I and Type II are both designed to provide head protection however they have different impact protection standards. Additionally, there are multiple styles of head protection including hard hats and safety helmets. Type I head protection is primarily…
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Editor’s Note: This article first appeared on the NIOSH Science Blog, by authors Aris Copeland, Meghan Kiederer, Joseph Schall and Megan Casey. For the original article, visit: https://blogs.cdc.gov/niosh-science-blog/2024/02/14/vday-respirator-2024/ Finding the right fit is one of the most important parts of a relationship. You don’t just grab any old fish from the sea that swims by…
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By: Ray Chishti, Contributor One of the most challenging aspects of respiratory protection is respirator selection. There are myriad requirements that employers often misunderstand. Unfortunately, these misunderstandings can lead to overexposure and illness. Selecting the proper respirator for the job is essential to protecting employees’ health. Identify the Contaminants Before employees can be protected, air…
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Council for Accreditation in Occupational Hearing Conservation (CAOHC)
