CanAm Environmental Safety, Inc.

11/21/2024

There are several health hazards in ceramics programs, including exposure to hazardous chemicals, inhalation of gases, and burns from high temperatures. Today we're at a local university evaluating exposures to respirable crystalline silica during operation and cleaning of downdraft tables. Exposure to silica dust from dry clay and glazes, asbestos in clay slip, and toxic metals in glazes, stains, and clay can harm your health.

For scientifically based exposure assessments check out www.canamenv.com and give us a call.

10/10/2024

Excited to be presenting on "Industrial Hygiene Exposure Decisions" at The 2024 Genesee Valley & Finger Lakes Region Environmental Health & Safety Professional Development Conference on November 6, 2024!

Join me to learn about how to make accurate decisions on protecting workers with few measurements. Often a limited number of personal samples can be collected to evaluate worker exposures to chemical and physical hazards. Learn how you can ensure that your exposure control decisions are as good as they can be with limited sample data.

09/30/2024

Today we are assessing workers engaged in computer scrap metal recycling for air and skin surface exposure to metals, including lead. Using hand tools the workers physically dismantle, cut and separate circuit boards and computer terminals that are known to contain contain metals like cadmium, nickel, antimony, mercury and lead. Dust and debris is generated during the recycling process.

Without the dermal component of the assessment, our industrial hygienist could misrepresent worker exposures and possibility even place workers in an unacceptable exposure situation. Surface wipe sampling, see pictures, is extremely useful based on the need to assess combined exposures from all routes (and required in the OSHA substance specific standard for lead).

For support assessing and managing worker exposures to hazardous materials check out www.canamenv.com and give me a call.

03/22/2022

Is sampling for mold needed? In most cases, if visible mold growth is present, sampling is unnecessary. Since no EPA or other federal limits have been set for mold or mold spores, sampling cannot be used to check a building's compliance with federal mold standards.

If sampling for mold is desired or warranted it should be done by professionals, e.g. Certified Industrial Hygienists (CIHs), who have specific experience in designing mold sampling protocols, sampling methods and interpreting results. Sample analysis should be performed by an American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) accredited laboratory.

Today we are sampling for mold spores outdoors to compare with indoor air sample results. For mold testing or risk assessments contact your local CIH at www.canamenv.com "We know what it is".

03/21/2022

Air sampling near the worker's breathing zone tells us the airborne concentration he is exposed to.

10/08/2021

The Asbestos Beneath Our Streets. Removal of Buried Asbestos Pipes Presents Many Hazards to Workers and the Public.

At one time in the United States, the use of buried asbestos cement (AC) pipe in drinking water distribution systems, storm drains and sewers was very popular. Today these old systems are frequently being replaced. Dealing with the hazards associated with buried pipe removal must be done right. Workers need appropriate training for handling asbestos AND in trenching safety. Excavation and trenching are among the most hazardous construction operations. OSHA Excavation standards 29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart P, contain requirements for excavation and trenching operations. Cave-ins pose the greatest risk and are more likely than some other excavation-related incidents to result in worker fatalities. Workers need to understand trenching hazards and have appropriate training.

Generally, mechanical excavation equipment may be used to excavate soils to within 6 inches of the buried asbestos pipe. Then manual excavation methods must be used to adequately expose the pipe subject to abatement. All workers must be certified in accordance with NYS, OSHA and USEPA requirements. No dry disturbance or removal of asbestos material shall be permitted. Air monitoring by an independent 3rd party is required during removal activities. After removal and cleanings are complete, the 3rd party Project Monitor shall determine if the area is dry and free of visible asbestos debris. The waste dumpster must be sealed air, dust and water tight utilizing six-mil plastic, duct tape, and/or expandable foam and then appropriately labeled for transport. In NYS a site specific variance from NYSDOL is required before any work can proceed.

For worker training in trenching and excavation hazards or 3rd party asbestos air monitoring or inspection services contact your local Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) at CanAm Environmental Safety, Inc. www.canamenv.com. "We know what it is".

04/25/2021

Evaluating health and safety hazards is a "Tankless" job. 😂😂. All kidding aside we take our job seriously. Call you local Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) www.canamenv.com for environmental and occupational hazard evaluations.👍

11/16/2020

If you are in the construction industry this virtual conference is for you. Dr. David Duford, CIH will be presenting on the importance of finding asbestos and lead hazards before construction or renovations begin. Check it out!

Thank you for joining us!Looking to register? CLICK HERE

11/03/2020

What is the future of industrial hygiene and environmental compliance in the construction industry as a result of the COVID-19 experience? I was recently asked this by a regional trade magazine. Check out my response on page 15 in the link below. What do you experts think?