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Volume 2 Issue 3
September 2000

Feature Article
Foam Sandwich Building Panels

Boston's Big Dig
OSHA's Focused Inspection Initiative
NSC Expo 2000
CDM Regulations Revised
Building Sites are not Playgrounds
Play Safe - Stay Safe Campaign
UK Construction Accident Rates
Useful Construction Websites
Halloween and UK Guy Fawkes Night
Safety Training Courses
Confined spaces OSH State Plans
Confined Spaces New OSHA Standard

web-safety.com
websites designed

Previous Issues
Newswire Volume 2 Issue 1
Newswire Volume 2 Issue 2

Editor's Note:
The articles contained in Newswire are summaries only and should not be considered definitive. Appropriate advice must be obtained before proceeding.

Safety Training Courses

Expert Ease International are set to launch a range of affordable web-based training courses in October 2000.

If you want us to email you when they are online register your interest now. We will let you know when they are published. This is purely a register of interest no obligation to purchase is implied by you or assumed by us.

The following classroom based programs are available from Expert Ease International

Confined spaces

Confined spaces entry
Breathing Apparatus
Chemical safety suits
Confined spaces law
Permits to work
Emergency response
Rescue training

Safety Management

Designing safe systems
OHS Auditing

Risk Assessment

General risk assessment
Hazardous Substances
COSHH 2000 - NI
COSHH 1999 - UK
Dealing with chemical spills

Mail us for details

Websites Designed

As part of web-safety.com's support for the growth of e-commerce we offer the facility for small businesses to get on line, start trading and sample the world of e-commerce at a price that is always affordable. 

If you aren't sure whether your business is ready to invest in registering your name with an internet service provider then join us at web-safety.com where we can lease you web pages at extremely competitive rates. Your pages will be yours to add business and product details. 

We will give you a web address as follows; www.web-safety.com/yourname/. 

Use this address in your marketing and it will bring your customers straight to your section of the website. Having had a taste for internet business you choose to register with an internet service provider you will be able to bring your web pages with you.

CONFINED SPACES
OSH State Plans

In 1973, Washington developed a confined space standard covering all industries. 

Maryland's standard, adopted in 1976, also covers all workers. 

Kentucky's standard applies to construction as well as general industry operations. 

Utah developed confined space entry requirements for farming operations in 1987. 

Before OSHA adopted its 1993 permit-required confined space standard, Virginia had maintained confined space standards for the general, construction, and telecommunications industries since 1987. 

In 1988, Minnesota adopted a confined space entry standard, applicable to both construction and general industry, which classifies all confined spaces from Class I (the least hazardous) to Class III (the most hazardous). Class I permits are issued on an annual basis, and Classes II and III at the time of entry.

Construction Confined Space Stakeholder Meetings.

OSHA is developing a new standard to address hazards faced by construction workers in confined spaces, with plans to issue a proposed rule next year. OSHA has scheduled public stakeholder meetings to gather information concerning confined spaces in construction. The meetings will be held:

• Oct. 4 in Washington, D.C.
• Oct. 11 in Houston.
• Oct. 24 in Boston.

Issues to be discussed will include:

Those interested in attending or speaking at a meeting are to submit a stakeholder response form to OSHA by Oct. 3. 

For more information contact Luz Dela Cruz at (202) 693-1707.

CAUTION
Reliable Data on Sandwich Panels Yet to be Specified

   In the wake of several disastrous fires involving flammable sandwich panels, the British Cladding Council (BCC) have recently expressed the concern of many of their members regarding the inappropriate use of certain types of these foam sandwich building panels, in particular the use of highly flammable foam-cored roofing and walling panels.

   Highlighting these concerns, W R Troughton, Technical Officer with the BCC, stated that independent testing (unconnected with BCC) have confirmed the severe risk posed by polyurethane roof and wall elements which are being used in public buildings. Whilst acknowledging that foam-cored materials have an important role to play in modern construction, the BCC are concerned that such products are not used inappropriately, and in particular that they are not used in vulnerable buildings such as hospitals, schools and other high risk structures.

   The BCC are campaigning to raise awareness of the safety issues associated with polyurethane-cored sandwich panels and are keen to hear from those who have experience in the use of these materials. They would particularly like to receive information on :

	fire performance
	smoke propagation, and
	toxic emissions

   However, it should be noted that not all sandwich panels are alike or pose similar risks. The insurance industry Loss Prevention Council have established standards and tests for approving wall and ceiling lining products and composite cladding products. To meet the requirements of these standards, (LPS1181 Grade A and LPS1208), products must be subjected to the test methods described in BS476 and achieve fire resistance of at least 30 minutes in respect of integrity and 15 minutes in respect of insulation.

   For further information contact:

The British Cladding Council + 44 (0) 161 748 1527 (The BCC is a trade body representing a broad cross section of UK roofing and cladding manufacturers)

Loss Prevention Council, Melrose Ave. Borehamwood, Herts. WD6 2BJ, UK. tel. 0181 207 2345

Thanks to Karl Curtis for supplying additional information.

Boston’s ‘Big Dig’

    Billed as the largest, most complex and technologically challenging highway project in US history, Boston’s central artery tunnel project (The Big Dig), scheduled for completion December 2004, has presented a traffic management and emergency response challenge for the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority. The estimated daily traffic flow through Boston’s central artery, 190,000 vehicles per day, is almost three times it original design capacity. To find out how they are addressing these problems I recently browsed through their website.

    The Big Dig’s Operations Control Centre (OCC) in South Boston is described as containing the most advanced electronic traffic monitoring and incident response system in the world. The OCC will use a wide array of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) devices to monitor traffic in the I-90/I-93 system of tunnels, ramps, and surface highways in downtown Boston. The system extends to the Sumner, Callahan, Prudential, and City Square tunnels and on to the Massachusetts Turnpike out to Route 128.

   The fail-safe "Smart Highways" computer system will use more than 35,000 data collection points to manage traffic and incidents, fire detection and response, security, ventilation, lighting, and air quality. The OCC will collect data on traffic speed, volume, and congestion, and distribute information to motorists through electronic message boards, lane control signals, Highway Advisory Radio, and, if necessary, an override of radio broadcasts.

   Some of the equipment and facilities included in the OCC are;

	More than 1,400 loop detectors embedded in the roadway pavement to measure traffic density and project traffic patterns. Eventually, video recognition will replace the pavement detectors.
	More than 430 closed circuit colour pan-tilt-zoom video cameras will pinpoint the site, type, and severity of incidents. The cameras will be spaced every 150 meters in tunnels, and every 400 meters in open areas.
	130 electronic variable message signs to provide traffic advisory and other messages to motorists.
	More than 300 lane control signals, for use both during incidents and to alert drivers to routine activities such as maintenance and tunnel washing.
	Variable speed limit signs to optimise traffic flow and maintain safety during rush hours and incident response.
	Height detectors (25 in all) to screen for vehicles that exceed the height limits in the underground highway.
	Carbon monoxide detectors in the ventilation system's exhaust ducts to monitor air quality.
	Five emergency stations staffed 24 hours a day by quick response teams and police equipped with a special wrecker that can tow vehicles as heavy as a semi-trailer truck or a bus, and fight small fires until fire personnel arrive. During rush hours, emergency personnel with tow and police vehicles staff four additional emergency platforms.

   Each operator’s workstation at the OCC includes two computer screens flanked by three monitors to provide multiple camera views during incidents. When an incident occurs, the appropriate camera views will be displayed automatically at an operator's workstation, cued by traffic loop detectors or other instruments. Pre-programmed response plans will be displayed for the operator to follow, depending on the type of incident in progress, subject to change based on supervisors' judgment.

To learn more about; 

1. How Intelligent Transportation Systems technology is being implemented on the Big Dig and other local transportation, check out the website http://www.itamass.org/.

2. ITS across US, check out the Intelligent Transportation Society of America's website www.itsa.org.

3. The Big Dig check out http://www.bigdig.com/

 Ciaran McAleenan

So what is the Construction Focused Inspections Initiative?

   In 1994 OSHA introduced their focused inspection initiative as a way of recognizing responsible contractors and the efforts they had made towards building a safer workplace. This they have done through the development and implementation of effective safety and health programs.  The benefits of the initiative are obvious for both OSHA inspectors and the participating contractors.  The focus of the inspections is on the leading hazards that cause 90% of injuries and deaths in this industry (below).  

   For OSHA this means that their measure of success has moved away from measuring the number of completed construction inspections. Their new measure of success is the level of improvement in construction safety and health. The contractor benefits in that OSHA inspectors on focused inspections are not required to conduct an inspection of the entire project. On a cautionary note to contractors; do not think that violations outside of the leading hazards will be ignored. Citations will be issued for any serious violations discovered during the walk-around inspections. 'Other than serious' violations not immediately abated will also be cited.  

   For anyone thinking that this is the easy option please note that if conditions are such that the inspector determines the safety program is ineffective the focused inspection will be terminated and a comprehensive inspection conducted.

The leading hazards are:

·         Falls,

·         Struck by,

·         Caught in/ between, and

·         Electrical.

To qualify for focused inspections you will need a project safety and health program that meets the requirements of 29 CFR 1926 Subpart C General Safety and Health Provisions, and have a designated competent person responsible for and capable of implementing the program.

   Find out more about the program and how your company can participate by linking to one of the following websites.

Guidance for CSHOs - compliance safety and health officers
Guidance to Compliance Officers for Focused Inspections in the Construction Industry.
Part 1926 - Safety and Health Regulations for Construction
OSHA Construction Resource Manual

CDM Revised

The Construction (Design and Management) (Amendment) Regulations 2000 have just been laid before the UK parliament. They are due to come into force on 2 October 2000.

The new regulations introduce a new definition for the designer as follows;

"'designer' means any person who carries on a trade, business or other undertaking in connection with which he prepares a design."

The regulations continue by stating that any reference to a person preparing a design shall include a reference to his employee or other person at work under his control preparing it for him.

These amendments were necessary to clarify the legal position of the designer in relation to the CDM regulations. The designers duties Regulation 13 have also been amended accordingly.

Download the regulations Statutory Instrument 2000 No. 2380.

"BUILDING SITES ARE NOT PLAYGROUNDS" HSENI

   The recent incident involving two young boys being injured at a construction site in the North of Ireland has once again highlighted the dangers to children of going onto building sites.

   Commenting recently Liam McBrinn, Chairperson of the HSE for Northern Ireland (HSENI), said:

"Accidents such as this are a reminder to us all that everyone needs to be aware of the fact that construction sites can have a 'fatal attraction' for children. Fortunately in this case the boys who were reported to have fallen some 20 feet are still alive but this could so easily have had a much more tragic outcome."

   Parents, contractors, teachers and others all have a part to play in helping children to understand the dangers of construction sites. Mr McBrinn urged everyone involved to continue their efforts to educate children about the dangers of building sites.

The message from HSENI is simple:

	To contractors and others responsible for construction work we say 'Secure your sites to keep the public safe'.
	To parents we say 'Children need to be aware of the dangers of construction sites and kept away'.
	And to children we say 'Never go onto construction sites'.

Play Safe - Stay Safe

   Launched earlier in 2000, this construction industry safety campaign is aimed at school children.  Curious minds and idle hands will find the dangers on construction sites.  Dangers; such as deep excavations, manholes, chemicals, heavy machinery, electricity and many more.

   The campaign, originally the brainchild of Phoenix Natural Gas and McNicholas Construction Services Ltd, was created to educate children about the dangers of playing around construction sites while the natural gas network was being developed. The NI Construction health and safety group (NICON) have further developed the initiative to cover the wider health and safety issues affecting the whole construction industry in NI.

   Using a cartoon character ‘Safety Sam’ the play safe - stay safe campaign provides a teaching pack for schools and play groups that introduces a safety code for children to follow. We can all play our part in the construction industry, through increased vigilance on our own sites, particularly during holiday periods or more directly through volunteering to present the safety message at schools or playgroups.  

NICON want as many schools as possible to present the pack so if you are involved with your local school or feel able to contact them to discuss the campaign your involvement would be most appreciated. Teaching resource packs are available from the NICON chairman or you could contact web-safety.com's Ciaran McAleenan.

   At the very least if you are a parent or have young children in your neighbourhood take a few minutes to talk to them about construction site dangers, particularly if there is construction going on around you. Children playtime should be safe as well as happy.

Editors Note: Although designed for the NI construction industry there is no reason why the campaign wouldn't work in other countries. Download the Safety Sam leaflet and see for yourself.

UK Construction Accident Rates

   The latest figures from the Health and Safety Commission (HSC) show that though in 1999/2000 the UK experienced a downward trend in the number and incidence rates of injuries to employees, the number of fatalities in the construction industry increased by approximately 18% to the 1997/8 level. Commenting on these figures, Bill Callaghan, HSC Chairperson, stated;

"Over one third of all work force injuries are in the construction industry. The rate of deaths per 100,000 workers is expected to rise to 4.5 compared to 3.8 in 1998/9".

   He put much of the blame on shortcomings in management and planning and suggested that clients who take "best value" to mean "lower costs" are led into cost-cutting practices.

   Meanwhile trade unions in the UK have called for the introduction of a new offence of "corporate manslaughter" to be introduced following reports that of 4,689 building site accidents in 1999/00 there were only 41 successful prosecutions. The Government is to hold talks with the construction industry representatives in an attempt to cut the rising number of fatal accidents on building sites.

   Elsewhere, figures show that members of the public continue to be injured and killed as a result of workplace accidents with 395 members of the public including child trespassers (e.g. children on construction sites, (see HSENI Press Release)) being killed in 1997/8

Sources:

Health and Safety Commission’s Annual Report 1997/98 Statistical Supplement from HSE Books, PO Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 6FS. Tel: 01787 881165 Fax: 01787 313995

SHP, September 2000, IOSH publication, http://www.safetymags.com

Halloween and (UK) Guy Fawkes

   Its almost that time of year again, Halloween and (UK) Guy Fawkes and already kids are setting off fireworks in the streets. Before October is out the problem will only become worse as the shops and other outlets increase the availability of fireworks (legal and illegal). The statistics below give some indication of the size of the safety problem so it is never too soon to point the way in overcoming some of the risks associated with what should be an enjoyable festival.

	Over 130 million fireworks were sold in Britain in 1995.
	Last year over 900 people in the UK required hospital treatment from accidents involving fireworks
	Half of all fireworks accidents happened to children under the age of 16
	Over 13,000 people require hospital treatment each year in the US because of fireworks, over half of them are children
	More than 60 under 5s went to hospital in the UK in 1997 following a fireworks accident
	At family back-garden displays, sparklers cause more injuries than air-bombs, bangers, rockets and roman candles combined
	Sparklers burn at temperatures hot enough to melt gold
	Three sparklers burning together generate the same heat as a blowtorch
	In the US three types of fireworks that keep hospital emergency rooms busy, are bottle rockets, firecrackers, and sparklers
	Hands and eyes are most at risk in fireworks accidents
	Most fireworks accidents are caused at family back-garden displays closely followed by incidents in the street
	40% of fireworks mishaps in the US injure bystanders
	Throwing a fireworks in a street or public place is a criminal offence, with a maximum fine of £5000

   One of the reasons fireworks injuries continue to occur is because people just don't consider how dangerous these devices can be. People often don't realise - until they are injured - that the risk of blindness or injury outweighs the excitement of taking risks with fireworks. Bottle rockets and firecrackers can fly in any direction prior to exploding and giving fireworks to young children can mean a trip to the hospital emergency room.

   Retailers who sell fireworks should be aware that they have certain obligations to the public and their staff, including storing fireworks safely, knowing the fire drill and not selling fireworks to young people.

Useful sources:

UK Fireworks Safety Website of The British Pyrotechnists Association (BPA)
The Explosives Industry Group of the CBI (EIG) and 
PREVENT BLINDNESS AMERICA

Fireworks Code pdf file

Other useful fireworks safety hyperlinks can be found here including safety leaflets for retailers and schools.

Safety Conferences
October 2000

Ireland
England
USA

Safety & Health at Work 2000

The 3^rd National Safety & Health at Work Exhibition takes place this year.  With the success of the two previous shows, this biannual exhibition has shown the way to many visitors, by constantly providing quality, modern health and safety techniques and products every time. Many of the stands will be exhibiting equipment in the following areas;

• Access Equipment,

• Hazardous Material, Storage and Handling,

• Head to Toe Protective Clothing and Equipment,

• Construction Safety Equipment,

• First Aid/ Hygiene Products, and

• Many more…

There will be free seminars covering the health and safety issues relating to and concerning today's modern business and industry.

Organised by: Key Events Ltd.
Date: 17 & 18 of October
Venue: Main Hall, RDS, DUBLIN.
Tel. Contact: +353 1 490 1790

Managing Construction risk into the New Millennium

This event focuses on identifying risks, developing safe systems and ensuring good communication, co-operation and co-ordination during construction operations.  New strategies and techniques are offered, challenging delegates to improve health and safety standards and competence.

Organised by:  
Institution of Occupational Safety and Health - Construction Specialist Group in conjunction with the Northern Ireland Construction Health and Safety Group (NICON).

Date: 19 October 2000
Venue: Stormont Hotel, BELFAST.
Contact: Norma Curtis, IOSH Services Ltd. +44 (0) 116 257 3100

Tackling Health Risks in Construction - Developing an Agenda for Action

A major two day conference for construction stakeholders to develop a program for improving occupational health risk management across the construction industry plus special working well together 4C awards dinner on 17 October.  

Organised by: UK HSE
Date:17 & 18 October 2000
Contact: June Ellis, +44(0)151 951 4595

Joint IOSH/ ASSE Seminar

As construction is on the rise throughout the world, contractor safety is a very timely topic for health and safety professionals in the global manufacturing, service and construction sectors. This one day seminar will focus on US and UK best practice for managing contractors in the global workplace.

Organised by: ASSE and IOSH
Date:12 October 2000
Venue: Institute of Materials, LONDON
Contact: 
IOSH +44(0)116 257 3100 or ASSE +(847) 699 2929

National Safety Council
Professional Development Seminars and Expo

The National Safety Council's 88th Congress & Expo 2000 is the largest event for safety, health, and environmental issues, agendas, and answers anywhere in the world. Congress & Expo 2000 is the ONE event to get real answers, tips, tools and techniques from which you will profit.

PLUS over 170 of the most comprehensive and targeted technical sessions and Professional Development Seminars chaired by experienced professionals with the latest 'insider info' addressing your most pressing health, safety and environmental issues. An unmatched universe of industry talent and experience you can tap into, network with, and grab solutions from over 800 national and international vendors. 3-1/2 football fields of products and services, displays and demonstrations, answers and solutions you can use right now!

Organised by: National safety Council

Dates: 
Congress - October 13-20, 2000
Expo - October 16-18, 2000

Venue:
Orange County Convention Center
Orlando, Florida

Contact: 1-800 621 7619

The New 
Health and Safety Law poster is now published and available for use by 
N. Ireland businesses.

Useful Construction Websites

Website addresses available from the hot sites page