The first demonstration project was successfully completed in Fort Chaffee, Arkansas. Preliminary findings show the AACM procedures to be protective for clean-up of many asbestos-containing buildings.

Two similar buildings at Fort Chaffee, Arkansas, containing similar types and quantities of asbestos, were demolished in April 2006. One demolition utilized the alternative method and one utilized the standard National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) method. As they were demolished, environmental emissions were monitored to determine if the alternative protected the environment as well as the NESHAP method.

The current NESHAP process involves removal of some asbestos materials prior to demolition of the structure. This process can be time-consuming and expensive. After demolition, the removed asbestos and the demolished structure are both disposed in approved landfills. Similarly, the alternative method removes some friable (capable of becoming airborne) asbestos materials, but some asbestos-containing materials are allowed to remain.

The structure is then wetted with amended water to control asbestos fiber release prior to and during demolition. Demolition debris and several inches of affected soil from the AACM process are disposed as asbestos-containing debris at an approved landfill. Data from the evaluation  demonstrated lower than expected levels of asbestos and reduced potential for worker exposure. The cost and time-savings for the first study were significant.

The draft report has been released for public comment and for peer review by a select panel of experts. The public is invited to review the draft report and submit comments by June 11, 2007.

Clarion Safety Systems is the new name for Hazard Communication Systems (HCS), a designer, manufacturer, and distributor of safety labels, facility signage, and markings in Milford, PA. The company was founded in 1989.

Jalite product is installed in such high profile buildings as Lincoln Center, the Chrysler Building, and Duke University Medical Center. FSM

To raise awareness of the problem, the United Kingdom’s Health and Safety Executive (HSE) issued a health alert to the industry in support of World Asthma Day.

HSE’s advice to paint sprayers is ‘don’t expose yourself’ to the risk. Vehicle paint sprayers should know how long it takes for paint mist to clear in their workshop — it can vary from 25 minutes for a spray room to 10 minutes for a spray booth.

They need to display the ‘clearance time’ so that all workers are aware of it, and then ensure that air-face masks are worn for the duration of the ‘clearance time’.

“We know that levels of occupational asthma are particularly high in this industry but they don’t have to be,” said Steve Coldrick, Head of Disease Reduction Programme at HSE. “The problem is that airfed masks are removed too soon, so we want vehicle paint sprayers to wear their protective masks until the paint mist has cleared.”

He continued: “Our advice about clearance times is simple. Know it. Show it, and then Do it.”

Vehicle paint sprayers are at most risk because almost all lacquers and base coats, as well as some water-based paints contain harmful chemicals that are breathed in through paint mist. Wearing air-fed masks is common practice but will only protect people if they are kept on until the invisible paint mist has completely cleared.

Asthma is a serious health problem and symptoms such as severe wheezing, coughing and a tight chest, often prevent sufferers from doing everyday tasks like walking up stairs. Occupational asthma occurs when a person reacts to a substance they are exposed to  at work and it can be prevented by taking simple steps to eliminate exposure to harmful substances.

More information on occupational asthma is available at: www.hse.gov.uk/asthma/index.htm.

The initiative by the Cal-OSHA Consultation Service – called the Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program, or SHARP – combines the efforts of contractors and the agency to implement workplace injury prevention measures. With increasing numbers of inexperienced Latino workers entering the construction industry and injuries rising, Cal-OSHA has nearly tripled its enforcement and prevention efforts.

In San Bernardino and Riverside counties where 46,000 homes were built in 2006, major builders such as Shea Homes, Centex and others have embraced the SHARP program.

The focus on safety has sparked fundamental change in how the builders approach projects, including how subcontractors are chosen.

In many cases, contractors are shifting away from low bidders to subs with exemplary injury prevention programs, according to Cal-OSHA Consultation Service Regional Manager Michael Alvarez.

SHARP firms receive public recognition and possible exemption from programmed inspections for up to two years. After residential construction, Cal-OSHA will be taking a closer look at safety in strip-mall projects and food processing.

For more information on the SHARP program, go to www.dir.ca.gov or contact Mr. Alvarez at malvarez@dir.ca.gov. FSM