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AIHA Identifies Top OEHS Public Policy Issues

Permissible Exposure Limits, Global Harmonization, nanotechnology and injury prevention are among the top public policy issues identified by the American Industrial Hygiene Association for 2007-08.

Through its biannual public policy survey, AIHA has determined that the following issues are most likely to present concerns for the industrial hygiene profession:

• Permissible Exposure Limits — PELs are consensus-based limits that indicate how long an individual can be exposed to a particular substance without experiencing harmful effects. The occupational health and safety profession considers PELs to be one of the most basic tools needed to protect workers.

However, many PELs have not been updated since the 1970s. Science in this area has matured, but the PELs have not. AIHA continues to work with OSHA and others to reach a consensus on the
best way to update the PELs.

• Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) / Globally Harmonized System (GHS) — AIHA supports efforts to improve the accuracy of MSDS and supports efforts to improve hazard communication for employers and employees.

Such efforts are also a crucial element in protecting workers and others in case of national emergencies. A major part of improving hazard communication is adoption of the Globally Harmonized
System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS). AIHA supports adoption of the GHS.

• Nanotechnology — The increased use of nanotechnology in our daily lives raises concerns that we may be unaware of the occupational health and safety concerns when working with this new
technology. AIHA supports increased research into the possible hazards involved with nanotechnology.

• Safety and Health Programs/Injury and Illness Prevention Programs — AIHA fully supports efforts to ensure that employers incorporate a written safety and health program into workplace policies.

• Generic Exposure Assessment— AIHA supports continued guidance on the process used to assessment. With the increased discussion about specific assessment strategies, AIHA will continue to monitor the discussions and work for assessment strategies that best protect workers.

AIHA Legislative Issues

AIHA Legislative Issues Protection of workers and research and education efforts in support of
worker health and safety are not possible without adequate federal resources dedicated
to the issue. While OSHA and NIOSH have fared reasonably well over the past several years, continued concern over the federal budget deficit could create the need to reduce expenditures in
this area.

• Professional Recognition/Title Protection determine exposure This issue continues to appear in the
top public policy issues for AIHA, as it has since 1993. Professional recognition/title protection allows industrial hygienists and others who have met minimum educational and experience requirements
(such as certified industrial hygienists and certified safety professionals) to be legally defined and recognized as competent to perform certain work without the need for additional requirements.

• Emergency Preparedness and Response AIHA supports legislative measures that further incorporate programs for emergency preparedness and response. AIHA believes that both federal and
state legislation is needed to clearly define the kind of programs needed and the resources to put
these programs in place.

• Laboratory Accreditation Accredited laboratories are the best way to ensure that test samples of potential workplace hazards are analyzed correctly. AIHA continues working to see that the AIHA laboratory accreditation program is noted in federal and state legislation and regulation as one of the programs with national recognition and acceptance.

ISSA Concerned About Cost of OSHA Adopting GHS

In formal comments submitted to the U.S. Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), ISSA has urged the agency to take appropriate measures in implementing the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) to mitigate the substantial compliance costs to the cleaning industry.

ISSA’s comments were submitted in response to OSHA’s Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPR), which addresses the revision of the Hazard Communication Standard by adopting
elements of the GHS. Implementation of the GHS by OSHA will require revisions to labels, MSDSs, and will also require updating employee information and training.

The GHS is a product of a 10-year effort by the United Nations, the goal of which is to harmonize hazard communication internationally as well as domestically. The goal of the international
community, including the United States, is to implement the GHS by 2008.

In its comments, ISSA noted that the GHS is expected to yield a number of long-term benefits, including the harmonization of the U.S. domestic system of classifying hazardous chemicals across all major federal agencies (i.e., OSHA, EPA, DOT and CPSC).

In addition, the adoption of the GHS will ensure a uniform system of communicating hazards to employees, including the use of pictograms, resulting in increased label comprehension and enhanced worker health and safety. Also, adoption of the GHS will facilitate international
commerce by reducing impediments to trade in the form of differing hazard classification and communication systems.
ISSA, however, was quick to caution

OSHA that the anticipated long-term benefits will impose substantial costs and burdens on the cleaning industry in the form of label and MSDS revisions and employee training unless OSHA
takes appropriate measures in implementing the GHS to mitigate these costs.

According to ISSA and its membership, the single most important factor in controlling costs to industry is the timing by which OSHA implements the GHS.

In this regard, ISSA urged OSHA to phase in the anticipated label and MSDS revisions over a five-year period because it would allow companies to integrate the GHS changes into their other periodic
label and MSDS revisions.

ISSA noted further that OSHA-provided compliance assistance and outreach also has great potential to reduce the economic impact to industry.

ISSA therefore urged OSHA to provide extensive print and educational materials for all channel partners in the cleaning industry.

For the complete text of ISSA’s comments on OSHA’s adoption of the GHS, e-mail Bill Balek at bill@issa.com and place “ISSA OSHA GHS Comments” in the subject line. You can also contact
Balek at 800-225-4772 (North America) or 847-982-0800.

Business Must Adapt to Realities of Earth’s Ecosystems

Companies must transform business models and operations if they are to avoid major economic losses caused by the current degradation of ecosystems and the vital services they provide, according to research produced by an international alliance of environmental watchdogs.

Ecosystem Challenges and Business Implications, produced by Earthwatch Institute (Europe),
the World Conservation Union (IUCN), the World Business Council for Sustainable Development
(WBCSD), and the World Resources Institute (WRI), is based on global scientific facts and projections from the UN’s multi-year Millennium Ecosystem Assessment and interviews with a range of
business leaders to assess the implications and strategies needed to respond to environmental challenges.

This research indicates that many companies recognize the risks associated with degrading ecosystems and are trying to adapt accordingly, but most fail to associate healthy ecosystems with
their business interests. A collective business response is therefore needed to address the scale of environmental change currently taking place.

The publication offers a detailed examination of the implications that water scarcity, climate change, nutrient overloading, biodiversity loss, habitat change and the overexploitation of oceans will
have for the future of business. These include scarcity of raw materials, higher operating costs, government restrictions and reduced flexibility.

It further cautions companies to prepare for these risks by measuring their impact and dependence on ecosystem services, taking advantage of emerging business opportunities and reducing their
operational footprints.

WBCSD President Bjorn Stigson says, “Business simply cannot function if ecosystems and the services they deliver — like water, biodiversity, food, fiber and climate regulation — are degraded
or out of balance. There must be a value attached to natural resources, and businesses need to start understanding this value.”

The publication partners urge companies to pursue solutions that will help to conserve ecosystems, such as new energy efficient technologies and products, new businesses to undertake habitat
restoration, and new markets, such as nutrient trading.

“Human impact on the natural environment has quickly led us to the limits of the earth’s carrying capacity,” says Nigel Winser, executive director of Earthwatch Institute (Europe). “Business,
working in partnerships and by transforming current practices, must be part of the solution.”

Janet Ranganathan, director of the People and Ecosystems Program at the World Resources Institute, continues, “Leading businesses have always adapted to new realities. The new reality is that ecosystems are losing their ability to produce some of what businesses value most.”

Ecosystem Challenges and Business Implications is available for download from www.wbcsd.org/includes/getTarget.asp?type=d&id=MjE3Mzk.

3M Acquires Biotrace International PLC

3M has completed its acquisition of Biotrace International PLC, a Bridgend, UK-based manufacturer and supplier of industrial microbiology products used in food processing safety, health care, industrial
hygiene and defense applications.

This acquisition allows 3M to provide food processors with a broader range of products that complement the widely used 3M Petrifilm Plate product line.

“Biotrace International complements 3M’s core food processing safety business and enables us to expand into adjacent health care markets,” said Chuck Kummeth, division vice president, 3M
Medical Division. “Together, 3M and Biotrace will help food processors provide healthy and safe food.”

The global food industry is continuously seeking improvements to its food safety efforts to ensure customer health. As a long-time provider of microbiological testing products, including 12 variations
of the 3M Petrifilm Plate used by global food processors to detect specific organisms in food, 3M integrates detection systems, antimicrobial products and quality monitoring systems to improve
the performance of laboratories of global food suppliers.

Biotrace specializes in the development and manufacture of hygiene monitors, tests for salmonella, listeria and e-coli; ATP-based milk sterility tests; and a variety of laboratory supplies for food testing labs. In addition to food service products, Biotrace provides rapid tests and laboratory consumables for environmental monitoring and quality control in a wide range of industrial and defense applications. For more information, go to www.3m.com.

Airgas Continues Strategy With Buys of Welding Suppliers

Airgas, Inc. has acquired the assets and operations of Southern Welding Supply, Inc., based in northern Alabama, and Alpena Supply Co., Alpena, MI.

The two transactions, plus two smaller transactions effective Dec. 1, 2006, bring the total number of acquisitions in fiscal 2007 to 10, with acquired sales now topping $140 million.

Southern Welding Supply, an industrial gas and welding supply distributor with four locations in Tarrant, Pelham, Decatur and Tuscaloosa, AL, generated $15 million in revenue in the 12 months ended June 30, 2006. The operations have been integrated into Airgas South, one of 13 regional
companies within Airgas.

“We are pleased to welcome 33 associates of Southern Welding to the Airgas team, including Randy Puryear, who will manage sales in Northern Alabama for us,” said Jay Sullivan, president of
Airgas South. “Randy, his sister Dianne, and brother Ronnie have ably managed Southern Welding, which was founded by their father Ray in 1973. The Puryears are working with us to ensure a
smooth transition for Southern’s customers and associates.”

In the Michigan acquisition, Airgas Great Lakes will integrate four locations in Alpena, Gaylord, Charlevoix, and Petoskey, MI, constituting the Welding Division of Alpena Supply Company
and its Northern Michigan Welding Supply affiliate, which collectively totaled more than $4 million in annual revenues.

The company, which has been in business for more than 60 years, also operates a plumbing, heating, and pipes, valves and fittings (PVF) division, which will remain with the owner,
William Kelly, and will continue to operate as Alpena Supply Company PVF Division.

Two smaller transactions, with total acquired sales of less than $2 million, also closed effective Dec. 1, 2006. For more information, go to www.airgas.com.

Brady Acquires UK Maker of Safety ID Products

Brady Corp., a provider of identification and safety solutions, has acquired Scafftag Ltd. and its affiliate Safetrak, Ltd. of Barry, Wales, U.K. The acquisition also includes purchase of Scafftag Pty., Ltd. in Perth, Australia. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Scafftag also operates sales offices in Houston, Texas and Dubai.

“Scafftag is a strong strategic fit to Brady’s MRO business in safety and facility identification,” said Greg Anapol, Brady managing director in the U.K. “This acquisition will allow us to enter new markets
and leverage sales through our safety distributors and direct marketing channels. The Scafftag and Safetrack employees will be an important addition to our team and we welcome them to Brady.”

Founded in 1983, Scafftag offers safety identification and facility management products in the U.K. It specializes in products that help companies meet legislative requirements for safety standards
in the oil and gas, construction, and scaffolding industries. Its products include safety tags and weatherproof holders, safety manuals for inspection processes, lockout/tagout devices, valvetags
and software systems for asset inspection management. With sales of approximately $8 million in 2006, the company employs about 45 people in its global operations.

“We will also look to leverage Scafftag products and technologies in other regions of the world,” said Peter Sephton, president-Brady Europe. “In addition, Safetrack technology provides an excellent opportunity to enhance our niche RFID offering in the identification and compliance market.”

Brady in the U.K. is headquartered in Banbury, Oxfordshire, employs about 450 people, and markets products under the brands Brady, Seton, B.I.G, Safetyshop, Focal and Signs & Labels.
More information is available at www.bradycorp.com, www.scafftag.com and www.safetrak.com.