By: Ray Chishti, Contributor Effective respiratory protection in the workplace is more than issuing masks—it’s a coordinated process that includes proper hazard assessment, respirator selection, medical screening, fit-testing, maintenance and training. OSHA’s standard for respiratory protection outlines the framework, and supporting research has demonstrated the importance of these measures in protecting worker health. This article…
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By: Douglas Niemtschk, Contributor Silicosis is a disease caused by inhaling respirable silica dust. Respirable dust particles are small enough to be inhaled deep into the lungs, where they create scar tissue and can lead to breathing problems and even death. High exposure levels to these particles can result in disease in as little as…
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What Industrial Hygienists Should Know About CAOHC By: Andy Merkley, Audiologist and NHCA Expert If you’ve ever worked with a CAOHC-certified hearing technician, course director or professional supervisor, you’ve already seen the impact of the Council for Accreditation in Occupational Hearing Conservation (CAOHC)—but did you know industrial hygienists play a major role in their work?…
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By: R. Todd Swinderman, P.E., Contributor Dust can foul rolling components, machinery and equipment air intakes, necessitating extra parts and labor for cleaning and maintenance. These factors unnecessarily elevate operational costs, especially when there are methods and technologies designed to control and suppress dust emissions—before they become airborne and create these risks. Most of the…
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By: John Wagle, Contributor Confined spaces have long been recognized as some of the most dangerous environments in industry. Whether it’s a utility vault, storage tank or process vessel, these areas can present a perfect storm of hazards due to limited ventilation, difficult egress and restricted access to a potentially toxic atmosphere. Even with decades…
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By: William H Chapman, Ph.D., Contributor A recent $58.6 million jury verdict underscores the grave danger posed by inhaling certain food flavoring chemicals—many of which remain undisclosed on safety data sheets. Among the most concerning are 1,2-diones, a class of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) widely used in flavor manufacturing. Diacetyl (2,3-butanedione) and 2,3-pentanedione, known for…
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In industrial environments where hazardous noise is part of the daily routine, hearing conservation programs have long focused on compliance—but the next frontier is individualization. The industry has witnessed the transition from basic foam plugs to advanced custom-fit solutions and now to fit-check verification—the practice of ensuring that what’s worn actually works for the individual.…
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Council for Accreditation in Occupational Hearing Conservation (CAOHC)
