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Opening Keynote: Three Megatrends and Four Best Practices That Will Shape Your Business Future

Entrepreneur-turned-Forbes magazine editor-at-large, columnist, author, television commentator, private investor and board director, Rich Karlgaard is a respected forecaster who offers a unique vantage point on the trends driving the business and economic climates.

Predicting the future is easy … getting it right is the hard part. A common mistake among business, investment and government leaders is to overestimate change in the short run (less than two years), but badly underestimate it in the long run (five years or more).

Forbes publisher and global futurist, Rich Karlgaard, cuts through the clutter. He forecasts the business and technology world as it is likely to unfold over the next two, five, and ten years. Karlgaard is uniquely positioned at the intersection of business, economic, innovation, and technological trends. As such, he is able to see, weigh, and articulate the variables that will shape the future.

Rich will kick off AIHce conference with what promises to be an unforgettable presentation on the trends affecting AIHA profession.

Corporate EH&S Software Applications: From Selection to Roll-Out

This session will be presented in the form of a case study of a large-scale corporation's process for selection and implementation of an enterprise Asbestos Information Management System. Topics covered include: System Selection, Evaluation, IT Due-Diligence, Price Models, Procurement and Roll-Out

Research on Welding Fume Emission and Engineering Control

Welding emits fume containing particles enriched with toxic metals and can cause various adverse health effects. In this session, three cutting-edge studies will be presented to address non-conventional emission and control of welding fume particles. 1) Pulsed welding study investigated the effects of pulse parameters on welding fume aerosols. 2) Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) study compared the fume collection efficiency of a low-cost LEV (modified Shop-vac) to a high-end commercial LEV. 3) Short-term welding study analyzed the generation of nitrous oxide and other compounds.

Improving the Indoor Environment: Case Studies in Office and School Settings

10:00 AM - 10:20 AM 

Five years after the renovation of their headquarters in Atlanta, GA, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) revisited the details of the renovation, the successes and the lessons learned. This session will look at the indoor air quality aspect of the project including air monitoring, high efficiency air cleaning, indoor versus outdoor contaminants using a dedicated outdoor air system, maintenance intervals, and differential static pressures which impact energy usage. 

10:20 AM - 10:40 AM 

The increasing number of office workers, increases in public awareness and concern over the health impacts of chemical exposures have led to a proliferation of IAQ complaints. Responding effectively to IAQ complaints presents a significant challenge to facility managers and occupational health professionals. In this session, an effective complaint response strategy will be examined through a real-life case study involving concerns over potential health impacts raised by lawyers employed by the Ontario government, after they detected an objectionable odour in their office space during roofing work. Techniques for developing effective response strategies to IAQ complaints will be presented. 

10:40 AM - 11:00 AM 

Minimum conditions needed to grow mold in the absence of water damage are poorly understood. A study of four unoccupied schools over the summer investigated these issues. Continuous data-logging of temperature and relative humidity allowed for a comparison of patterns associated with mold growth in one school with three mold-free schools. The schools were air-conditioned on varying HVAC schedules, providing information to support the selection of energy-efficient policies for operating unoccupied school areas over the summer. 

Bayesian Professional Judgment Users Group, Part 1

The Bayesian and Professional Judgment Users Group was created to build a network for all professionals actively utilizing Bayesian tools and professional judgment within their practice. This session is a forum for anyone interested in exploring that network and sharing best practices, challenges, and opportunities for strengthening exposure judgments using IH Bayesian tools.

Ask the Expert: Opening Keynote Speaker

This special interactive session follows the Opening Session presentation, "Three Megatrends and Four Best Practices That Will Shape Your Business Future " and provides a unique opportunity for Q&A with our keynote speaker, Rich Karlgaard.

An Introduction to the Revised Strain Index

IHs and other safety professionals often have ergonomics responsibilities placed upon them with little to no training. We will introduce attendees to the Revised Strain Index. The Revised Strain Index (2016) replaces the Strain Index (1995) as a distal upper extremity ergonomics analysis tool. The revised tool examines: intensity of exertion, frequency of exertion, hand/wrist posture, duration of task per day, and duration per exertion. The Revised Strain Index is an essential inclusion in an ergonomics professional's tool box.

Controlling the Hazards: Parts, Sparks, and Strokes

10:00 AM - 10:20 AM 

This presentation will focus on the collaborative efforts between users, facilities, IH and Safety Professionals in an effort to mitigate potential hazardous exposures, as well as potential compliance issues when using 3D printers. 

10:20 AM - 10:40 AM 

Many times, we tend to put hazards into the simple context of can I see it, can I smell it, or can I feel it. However, static electricity typically eludes our routine mindset. The critical points of bonding, grounding, controlling the velocity of the liquid within the transferring mechanism, minimum ignition energy, and splash filing all contribute to the static electricity environment and all must be effectively controlled. In this session, we will discuss the hazards and controls associated with these points as it relates to the transfer/loading of bulk flammable liquids. 

10:40 AM - 11:00 AM 

A primary function of an indoor pool ventilation system is to remove gaseous disinfection by-products (DBPs). Chloramine compounds are of particular importance. A project was conducted at a Seattle Public Pool to assess the effectiveness of a supplemental ventilation system that removes air from a location proximal to the pool. The system, intended to be more effective at removing DBPs, than the general ventilation system, could potentially reduce energy consumption. 

Breaking Through the Risk Management Compliance Paradox

Few topics have a higher profile in organizations than risk management. In recent years there have been advances in several non-financial risk management approaches. Risk management can be used to transform organizational values and culture. Realizing this potential is hampered by the compliance context that has dominated risk management. This gravitational pull tethers decision-making, judgment, and innovation. This session presents a way to make a shift in context and awareness from compliance to vision and positive impact. An evolution from ISO 31000's definition of risk is offered as "the effect of paradox on what matters and is important." Techniques to upgrade EHS/risk management systems and auditing are presented.

Response Efforts to Confirmed Legionnaires Disease in Assisted Living Facilities
New AIHA Technical Guide for Wildfire Impact Investigations for the OEHS Professional, Part 1

This session, the first of a two-part series, will present an overview of the new AIHA Technical Guide for Wildfire Impact Assessments for the OEHS Professional, written by the Environmental Issues Committee's Wildfire Impact Project Team. This session presents a brief summary of the components necessary for a comprehensive assessment, including a relevant history of events, general construction basics, detailed sensory observations, and sampling as needed. The range of wildfire related damages, methods of cleaning/restoring structures and contents to pre-fire conditions, and methods to verify that cleaning/restoration efforts were successful will be discussed.

Not All Gloves Are Created Equal: Selecting Chemical Resistant Products

Did you know that not all gloves are created equal? Gloves of similar thickness and polymer type can perform drastically different from each other. Not all manufacturers or suppliers test their own gloves when developing chemical resistance charts. They often rely on data for other products. Breakthrough time and permeation rate should be evaluated together. There are steps IHs can take to ensure the products they select will provide improved chemical resistance. This educational session will provide attendees the knowledge and tools to select chemical resistant gloves with greater confidence.

Air Dispersion Modeling for IHs: Should You be Using Models?

Air dispersion modeling of indoor and outdoor exposures is a rapidly developing area of industrial/occupational hygiene. Air dispersion modeling has numerous benefits for exposure assessment. Knowing why and when to use these models can be as much an art as a science. This presentation will provide participants with modeling-related perspectives, success stories, problems, and limitations, to assist them in determining whether modeling is appropriate for their situation. Selected models (box, two-zone, AERMOD, CALPUFF, ALOHA, CONTAM, and CFD) will be summarized and discussed.

OSHA Under Trump: A Status Report and Strategy for Moving Forward

This panel will offer three perspectives on the first 17 months of OSHA under the Trump Administration. How has the mission or strategy of the Agency changed? How might these changes at the Agency affect worker safety and health? What do we expect based on the regulatory agendas? How has enforcement been affected? Special attention will be paid to major initiatives under Obama such as electronic recordkeeping and silica. Lastly, the session will focus on what we as Hygienists and the AIHA might do to improve worker protections in the coming years.

ABIH Forum
Bayesian Professional Judgment Users Group, Part 2

The Bayesian and Professional Judgment Users Group was created to build a network for all professionals actively utilizing Bayesian tools and professional judgment within their practice. This session is a forum for anyone interested in exploring that network and sharing best practices, challenges, and opportunities for strengthening exposure judgments using IH Bayesian tools.

Topics in Controls: Heat Stress, PCBs, and Diesel Particles

11:15 AM - 11:35 AM 

This presentation will discuss the success and challenges encountered at a utility when revising their indoor heat stress program to include preplacement medical evaluations for all indoor workers exposed to hot environments. 

Acknowledgements

Alexandra Rodionova, Pacific Gas and Electric, Avila Beach, CA,USA Dr.Paul Georghiou,Avila Beach,CA,USA 

 

Author

Christina Juarez, CIH, Pacific Gas and Electric Paso Robles, CA  
United States of America 


Occupational Exposures in Printed Circuit Board (PCB) Manufacturing

11:35 AM - 11:55 AM 

The printed circuit board (PCB) is produced via the processes of printing, photography, etching and electroplating. Cleaning the ink residues on the screen printing template is a manual task in most PCB manufacturers. Workers manually remove the ink residues with solvent mixtures. Two control strategies were provided after field investigations. The first one was to modify the LEV system. The performance of this engineering control was evaluated by VOCs measurements before and after the change. The second strategy was to recommend the appropriate protective gloves for this manual task. Both successfully reduced the workers' exposures via inhalation and skin contact. 

Acknowledgements

Ms. Yu-Wen Lin (Associate Professor, Department of Public Health, College of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan) integrated and leaded the working group to evaluate the situation and the feasibility and efficiency of the control strategies. Ms. Chia-Lan Tan (Department of Public Health, College of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan) proposed the worker exposure concerns and assisted in the workplace monitoring, the performance evaluation of the LEV system. Ms. Wei-Hsuan Ko (Department of Public Health, College of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan) performed the glove permeation tests. Mr. Cheng-Ping Chang (Associate Professor, Department of Occupational Safety and Health, Chang Jung Christian University, Tainan City, Taiwan) involved in the walk-through investigation and suggested the ventilation modification design. This study was supported by the Occupational Safety and Health Agency (OSHA), Min 

 

Author

YU-WEN LIN, Fu Jen Catholic University New Taipei City, TN  
Taiwan 


Reducing Personal Exposure to Diesel Particulate Matter

11:55 AM - 12:15 PM 

In an underground gold mine in Western Australia, a project was undertaken to assess the effectiveness of diesel particulate filters (DPF) fitted to underground vehicles to reduce exposures to diesel particulate matter (DPM). The similar exposure group (SEG) with the greatest risk to DPM was the underground diamond drillers and drillers offsiders. Data analysed for this project included personal exposure results collected one year prior to the DPF installation and one year post installation. The aim of this study was to demonstrate that a statistically significant reduction in DPM exposure had been achieved by the installation of DPF.  

Acknowledgements

Associate Professor Sue Reed, PhD, MSc, MEngSc, BSc, COH, CIH, ChOHSP, FAIOH, FSIA, is the Director, Occupational and Environmental Health and Safety at Edith Cowan University. Dr Reed provided supervision for a Masters Degree in Occupational Hygiene and Toxicology. A paper associated with this study has been published in the Australia & New Zealand Journal of Health, Safety and Environment, 2016 Volume 32(3). 

 

Author

Mr Andy McCarthy, Rio Tinto Mongolia, 14220  
Mongolia 

Occupational Safety and IH in China, Hong Kong, and Southeast Asia

This educational session will provide different viewpoints on occupational hygiene practice in China, Hong Kong, and Southeast Asia. Topics include: 1) The practical experiences of managing occupational health and safety for a large Chinese construction company; 2) The growth and development of industrial hygiene in Hong Kong; and 3) The ongoing promotion for the expansion of IH practice in China and Southeast Asia.

Weld Fume Safety: Engineering Controls vs. Personal Protection

Engineering controls such as ventilation or dust collection are the first line of defense to protect workers from toxic weld fume exposure. We'll sort through the pros and cons of different approaches to fume and dust mitigation. The session will cover: OSHA standards, engineering controls, evaluating the effectiveness of engineering controls, and personal protection options. How to balance efficacy, energy efficiency, operator comfort and safety will be discussed.

Topics in Healthcare Exposures: Needles and Hazardous Drugs

11:15 AM - 11:35 AM 

During this session, 5 years of needlestick incident data from an aggregate of US hospitals and health systems will be shared. This presentation will provide an overview of the changing prevalence of bloodborne disease in healthcare, a summary of exposure incident data, descriptions of incidents of needlesticks and sharps injuries, and descriptions of incidents of blood and body fluid splashes and use/compliance of PPE. Recommendations for interventions and controls to prevent future exposures and lessons learned will be discussed. 

Acknowledgements

Ginger B Parker, MBA, International Safety Center, Virginia USA Janine C Jagger, MPH, PhD, International Healthcare Worker Safety Center, Virginia USA 

 

Author

Dr. Amber Mitchell, DrPH, MPH, CPH, International Safety Center League City, TX  
United States of America 


Assessment of Hazardous Drug Exposure at Army Medical Facilities

11:35 AM - 11:55 AM 

Hazardous drugs pose a significant surface contamination exposure risk to those in the medical community. The U.S. Army has conducted five years' worth of study to determine the extent to which hazardous drugs pose a risk at Army Medical Treatment Facilities. 

Acknowledgements

Aaron Barrett - U.S. Army Public Health Center, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD USA Jennifer Mancini - U.S. Army Public Health Center, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD USA Rebecca Leaverton - U.S. Army Public Health Center, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD USA 

 

Author

Paul Lilley, U.S. Army Public Health Center Aberdeen Proving Ground , MD  
United States of America 


Assessing Healthcare Workers' Exposure to Antineoplastic Drugs

11:55 AM - 12:15 PM 

Contamination of antineoplastic drugs on work surfaces presents an exposure potential to healthcare workers. Surface wipe sampling is a widely-regarded method to ascertain the amount of drug contamination. We developed a sampling and analytical method capable of simultaneously detecting 10 commonly used antineoplastic drugs from a single wipe. In order to facilitate the use of this protocol, we evaluated a field-ready wipe sample collection toolkit designed to allow most individuals in healthcare to collect surface wipe samples in order to assess risk.  

Acknowledgements

Dr. George Astrakianakis, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada - co-principal investigator, co-developed sampling strategy, led data collection, assisted with data analysis/interpretation Mr. Matthew Jeronimo, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada, co-investigator, led the laboratory analysis and assisted with data analysis Dr. Paul Demers, Occupational Cancer Research Centre, Cancer Care Ontario, Toronto, ON, Canada, co-investigator, assisted with study design and data interpretation Dr. Desre Kramer, Occupational Cancer Research Centre, Cancer Care Ontario, Toronto, ON, Canada, co-investigator, led the development of written protocols and assisted with data interpretation Dr. Andrea Griffiths, Island Health Authority, Victoria, BC, Canada, co-investigator, assisted with site recruitment, data collection and data analysis/interpretation 

 

Author

Dr. Chun-Yip Hon, PhD CIH CRSP, Ryerson University Toronto, Ontario  
Canada 

Mold Analysis Data Are Not Created Equal: Standard Methods Can Help

Practitioners interpret mold data every day, but leave the development of the data up to the lab. The analytical method used has a huge impact on the quality of the data generated. Standard methods can provide a consistent confidence in the data provided by the lab and interpretation of the data. This educational session will share information about available standard methods for analysis of mold and other microbials and the benefits from using them.

New Risk-Based Model for Preventing Fatalities and Serious Injuries

Innovative thinkers in safety and health are moving toward the consensus that current approaches for anticipating, identifying, evaluating, and controlling hazards are not sufficiently protecting workers. In this session, the speakers discuss a new six-step model for preventing fatalities and serious incidents in the workplace. This strategy creates separate tracks for addressing low-severity and serious hazards, offers control-based criteria for prioritizing risks, considers HOP factors in creating preventive measures, and outlines how to make the cultural and organizational improvements needed to sustain prevention efforts.

New AIHA Technical Guide for Wildfire Impact Investigations for the OEHS Professional, Part 2

In this second session on the AIHA Technical Guide for Wildfire Impact Assessments for the OEHS Professional, the methods for analysis of fire residue constituents (optical microscopy, assemblage analysis, and electron microscopy) will be described. Qualitative and quantitative parameters and the advantages and limitations of the quantification methods will be discussed. The importance of particle assemblages in the characterization of exposure to wildfire residues will be illustrated with real world examples. Electron Microscopy Methods will be examined. Suggested guidelines for the interpretation of background and atypical concentrations will be addressed.

How Can We Make Risk Management Decisions Better, Faster, and More Accurately? NIOSH Session, Part 1

With increasing environmental health and safety responsibilities, occupational hygienists do not always have the time or resources to do extensive traditional exposure assessments for every task or chemical combination in their facilities. For chemicals with Occupational Exposure Limits (OELs), "The Checklist" tool can quickly identify which chemicals warrant further controls. Using a combination of OELs, vapor pressure and existing ventilation, the tool determines expected exposure levels and recommends the level of ventilation needed to reach a desired exposure level for both particulates and gases/vapors. For some chemicals without OELs, the proposed NIOSH Occupational Exposure Banding process can assign chemicals to appropriate exposure bands or ranges based on chemical toxicity, and the occupational hygienist can use that information to focus on risk management options. 

Becoming a Mid-Career Professional: From IH Technical Geek to EHS Manager

Industrial hygienists (IHs) often begin their careers by mastering various technical specialties for which they have some training. However, not all of them are formally taught the skills needed to progress from IH geek to a EHS manager. In addition, a typical science education does not include formal training in negotiation. This session will present strategies that can be used to make the transition to a mid-career professional. The following perspectives will be provided: 1. Career direction and opportunistic outlook; 2. Negotiation skills; and 3. A tool that can be used to help manage EHS programs.

Topics in Noise: Ear Plugs & Fit-testing

Is Earplug Fit-test Training More Effective Than Individual Earplug Fitting Instruction?

2:00 PM - 2:20 PM 

Noise induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a serious problem among American workers. Earplugs are often used to protect employees from noise. However, for many users the effectiveness is compromised by the inability to correctly fit the earplug. Numerous scientists, researchers, and practitioners have suggested that individual fit-testing can be valuable training. Field studies have determined the effectiveness of training incorporating fit-testing. However, all of these studies have the same serious flaw, lack of a control group for comparison. Results of a field study that determined the effectiveness of fit-test training by comparing to a control group will be discussed. 

Acknowledgements

None 

 

Author

Mingyu Wu, CSP, Ph.D, Grand Valley State University Grand Rapids, MI  


One Refinery's Experience With Custom Fitted Ear Plugs

2:20 PM - 2:40 PM 

With the growing popularity and use of ear plug fit-testing systems, we are discovering employees whose ear anatomy prevents proper fitting of most disposable ear plugs. After investigating options for these employees, one refinery decided to try custom fitted ear plugs. Improvement in employee protection and do's and don'ts learned will be discussed. 

Acknowledgements

Jody Kliebert, Shell Oil Products, Convent, LA, USA Alan Rovira, Shell Oil Products, Norco, LA, USA Michael Ermann, Phonak, Phoenix, AZ, USA Tuan Nguyen, Shell Oil Products, Geismar, LA, USA 

 

Author

Joe Tudor, Shell Health Norco, LA  
United States of America 


Hearing Protector Attenuation Among Metal Manufacturing Workers

2:40 PM - 3:00 PM 

Workers enrolled in hearing conservation programs are routinely provided hearing protection devices to attenuate their noise exposure. While such devices can be effective at reducing noise exposure, they may also over-attenuate noise. Our study examined the prevalence of over-attenuation among a sample of workers at two US metal manufacturing facilities. We performed personal noise dosimetry measurements and HPD fit-testing. Results were compared to data obtained from participant questionnaires and annual audiometric testing results. This study demonstrates the need to incorporate fit-testing into hearing conservation programs to verify that workers are sufficiently protected from over-exposure while minimizing over-attenuation. 

Acknowledgements

Peter M. Rabinowitz, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA (Principle Investigator; manuscript author) Richard L. Neitzel, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA (Principle Investigator; manuscript author) Deron H. Galusha, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA (Statistician; manuscript author) Kan Sun, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA (Data collection, management, and analysis; manuscript author) Jenni Alexander, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA (Data collection) Sandar Bregg, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA (Data collection) Additionally, we would like to thank the facilities and workers for participating in this on-going research.  

 

Author

Stephanie Sayler, MS, CIH, University of Michigan Ann Arbor, MI  
United States of America 

IEQ Considerations Across a Variety of Work and Living Spaces

Facilities with Subsurface Contamination, What May Your Workers Be Breathing?

2:00 PM - 2:20 PM 

Vapor intrusion into indoor air from subsurface contamination is not typically considered when assessing worker exposure. Chemical concentrations in indoor air associated with vapor intrusion may be quite low compared to other airborne chemicals. But, if subsurface vapor intrusion is occurring, exposure to these concentrations contribute to overall worker exposure. Depending on the chemical, mitigation may be warranted. This presentation will describe the general methods for assessing indoor air concentrations associated with vapor intrusion. 

Acknowledgements

Anita Broughton, EIT, CIH; Haley & Aldrich, Inc.; San Diego, CA, USA 

 

Author

Mathew Raithel, Haley & Aldrich, Inc. San Diego, CA  
United States of America 


Implications of Indoor Air Background Concentrations on Health Risks in Buildings

2:20 PM - 2:40 PM 

The presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as a background condition in indoor air has been well documented. The health risks associated with indoor air background concentrations are often not examined. This presentation will provide a characterization of those health risks, based on indoor air background studies conducted across the United States. Our findings indicate that background indoor air concentrations of several VOCs are greater than risk-based screening levels and exposure may result in estimated health risks greater than risk-management thresholds commonly used by regulatory agencies including the EPA. 

Acknowledgements

Richard J. Rago; Haley & Aldrich, Inc.; Hartford, CT, USA Gina Plantz; Haley & Aldrich, Inc.; Bedford, NH, USA  

 

Author

Mr. Jay Peters, Haley & Aldrich, Inc. Bedford, NH  
United States of America 


Influence of Building Type on Indoor Air Pollutants on a College Campus

2:40 PM - 3:00 PM 

Nearly one-third of a college student's day is spent in lecture halls or campus buildings studying and attending classes. Surprisingly, a low number of indoor air quality studies have been conducted in higher education buildings. The goal of this research was to determine if sustainably built and sustainably retrofitted schools result in lower concentrations of air pollutants as compared to conventional school buildings. We conducted comprehensive investigations in each of these building types measuring aldehydes, nitrogen oxides, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, particulate matter, mold and bacteria. 

Acknowledgements

Dr. Joshua Schaeffer, CSU, Ft.Collins, CO, USA (Senior author, conception of study, data analysis.) Dr. Steve Reynolds, CSU, Ft. Collins, CO, USA (Co-author, conception of study, data analysis.) Dr. Sheryl Magzamen, CSU, Ft. Collins, CO, USA (Co-author, Conception of study, statistical analysis.) Kyle Root MS, CSU, Ft. Collins, CO, USA (Co-author, data analysis) Funded by USEPA under Grant RD-83563501-0 Brian Cranmer, CSU Center for Environmental Medicine (Sample analysis) Sarah Barrett, Behavioral Sciences Building Proctor Sheila Dargon, Eddy Hall Building Proctor Jessy Morse, Research assistant (Sample collection)  

 

Author

Grant Erlandson, Colorado State University Fort Collins, CO  
United States of America 

Ergonomics Strategies to Address the Changing Worker and Workplace

Globally, the workforce is getting older. There are two issues that IHs should be concerned with regarding the older worker: reduced physical capabilities and declining health. An understanding of the older worker is required to develop strategies and countermeasures to optimize worker performance and contributions in the ever-changing modern office and industrial workplace. During this session, participants will learn the key physiological changes and health concerns of older workers and how to meet their needs in an ever-changing modern workplace.

Emerging Issues in Beryllium Regulation, Part 1

Medical Surveillance and Regulatory Compliance Models

Dr. Lisa Barker, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO
Beryllium Medical Surveillance
This presentation will outline core components of beryllium medical surveillance programs and highlight the differences in requirements between the DOE and OSHA regulations.

Theodore Knudson, CIH, Materion Brush Inc., Cleveland, OH
"The Final Beryllium Standard - A Guide for Compliance"
This presentation will provide an overview of Materion's "Guide for Compliance" to the final OSHA Beryllium Standard.

Highly Infectious Diseases of IH and Public Health Significance

The Biosafety and Infectious Disease Training Initiative (BIDTI) is funded by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS). This session will provide an overview of highly infectious diseases (HIDs) that have been problematic in our society over the last five years. The presentation will include: infectious disease of of IH and public health significance, an overview of the lessons learned from the 2014-2016 Ebola outbreak, industry-specific occupational exposure scenarios, worker protection and infection control measures, and available resources.

Talc the Mineral & Potential Carcinogen

This session will be presented in two parts. Part 1 will discuss the geology and mineralogy of talc, how it forms in the earth, uses and applications for this mineral resource, and the impact of asbestos contamination. Part 2 will describe how talc has become a significant legal issue, originally as a derivative of asbestos presence and more recently, as an issue as a potential carcinogen in and of itself. Recent awards bolster the assertion that talc may be causative of disease such as ovarian cancer, even without the detection of asbestos as a contaminant.

Assessment and Control of Hazards in the Construction Industry

Worksite Emissions from a Cured-in-Place Pipe (CIPP) Installation Process

2:00 PM - 2:20 PM 

Water pipe repairs are increasingly being completed with polymer coatings and cured in place pipes (CIPP). In 2016, the National Science Foundation funded a study to investigate chemical air emissions caused by the CIPP installation processes. Results indicated previous assumptions about emissions were not supported. Methods for capturing and analyzing emitted materials will be described. 

Acknowledgements

Results presented were published in Environmental Science & Technology Letters in August 2017: http://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.estlett.7b00237. The manuscript is entitled "Worksite Chemical Air Emissions and Worker Exposure during Sanitary Sewer and Stormwater Pipe Rehabilitation Using Cured-in-Place-Pipe (CIPP)". A variety of faculty and students are co-authors on the manuscript and also contributed to this work. 

 

Author

Andrew Whelton, Ph.D., Purdue University West Lafayette, IN  
United States of America 


Creation of an Online Network to Advance Safety and Health in Construction

2:20 PM - 2:40 PM 

The construction industry is highly decentralized, creating unique challenges to reaching stakeholder audiences concerned about improving safety and health. CPWR found that when we work together, we can reach a higher number and wider variety of audiences. We therefore began exploring the idea of creating an online Construction Safety & Health Network. The result is a new online platform that enables members to easily disseminate information to new and broader audiences, find new information to share with existing networks, address emerging hazards, and build sustainable relationships with partners they may not have previously considered or they may not have connected. 

Acknowledgements

Eileen Betit, CPWR - The Center for Construction Research and Training, Silver Spring, MD, USA 

 

Author

Jessica Bunting, MPH, CPWR - The Center for Construction Research and Training Silver Spring, MD  
United States of America 


The CPWR Exposure Control Database for the Construction Industry

2:40 PM - 3:00 PM 

This session will introduce the web-accessible, interactive "Exposure Control Database" developed by The Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR). Attendees will learn how to use this system to predict workers' exposure to job site hazards. How objective data can be leveraged to make informed decisions that proactively protect workers from hazards before the project begins will be explored. 

Acknowledgements

Babak Memarian, Ph.D.: CPWR-The Center for Construction Research and Training, Silver Spring, MD. Dr. Memarian provided guidance throughout the research and development process.  

 

Author

Sara Brooks, MPH, CPH, CPWR - The Center for Construction Research and Training Silver Spring, MD  
United States of America 

Risk Perception in Academic Labs

Due to potential liability and negative impact on an institution's reputation, details about injury numbers and types are most often not released by universities and colleges. In a 2012 study, we examined researchers' risk perception through a safety climate survey. Our study demonstrates that researchers in academia underestimate their risk and their safety behavior strongly correlates with how they view their risk. Facts influencing risk perception as they pertain to the research environment and the impact of safety culture on how researchers view their risk will be discussed.

Electric Arc Protection: Current Standardization in IEEE, IEC and ASTM

Research conducted during the last few years has revealed uncertainties and limitations for interpreting the results of arc test methods for determining the level of arc flash protection needed. Detailed consideration is given to standards developing organizations such as IEEE, ASTM and IEC for arc test methods for different types of protective equipment. Laboratory arc rated values are variable and depend on test equipment, test protocols and data processing procedures. Test methods are grouped and discussed based on the specific arc type used. An overview of test equipment and its impact on test results is demonstrated for each type of arc.

Risk Governance: Museum Collections and Cultural Heritage Artifacts

Museum and historic site managers often lack safety resources to understand and minimize workplace hazards.This interactive session provides real-world strategies for assisting the collection care workforce in managing their occupational risk. Topics include: 1) the challenges of moving from hazard identification to prioritized exposure studies; 2) data on work exposures to arsenic, mercury and p-dichlorobenzene; 3) remediation of century-old mercury contamination at the Edison National Historic Site; and 4) project oversight in a historic public facility, with logistical concerns for hazard communication, exposure potentials and remediation techniques.

Dust Explosions: The Problem, Control Measures & the New NFPA 652

This session will discuss a well-tried approach to identify, assess, and eliminate/control dust explosion hazards. This presentation will provide the attendees with the ability to screen materials and the precautions that should be taken in handling, processing, and storing combustible powders. Various types of ignition hazards and the severity of combustion incidents will be discussed. This session will include the requirements of the New National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 652: "Standard on the Fundamentals of Combustible Dusts".

Pre-Incident Planning: The Most Important Step in HAZMAT Preparedness

This course provides an in-depth exploration of the consensus standard, NFPA 1620, Pre-Incident Planning and its use in HAZMAT emergency preparedness. Presenters will provide participants with a pre-incident plan template based on NFPA 1620 and discuss each of the elements. The session will also highlight planning for an incident command structure or unified command structure as part of pre-incident preparation.

Nanotechnology: Updates and Challenges for the Future, Part 1

The number of new engineered nanomaterials that are more active, efficient, and versatile in their commercial applications continues to rise steadily. However, there are still many questions regarding potential human health implications making the role of the IH challenging. This session will provide an update on the latest thinking in two topics: 1) Nanotechnology: Where is it Today and What is the role of the Industrial Hygienist? and 2) State of the Science: Nanotoxicology of Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs).

Current Challenges in Sampling & Analysis: Rules, Strategies, and Devices

The New Rule on Silica Demands More From Your Lab!

3:15 PM - 3:35 PM 

This study shows how an Industrial Hygiene Laboratory can meet the criteria of quantitation limits in Appendix A for the final rule on respirable crystalline silica. 

Acknowledgements

Tiana Shaw, PhD - OSHA SLTC, Sandy, Utah, USA OSHA Id-142 https://www.osha.gov/dts/sltc/methods/inorganic/id142/id142_v4.pdf 

 

Author

Daniel Johansen, US DOL OSHA Salt Lake Technical Center Sandy, UT  
United States of America 


Dilemmas with Silica Sampling Strategies and Interpretation

3:35 PM - 3:55 PM 

Issues occur when quantifying exposures to crystalline silica for short-term work tasks due to sample duration, method analysis and sample collection limitations. Three case studies will be used as examples: (a) engraving with Tripoli, (b) food coloring process using cristobalite in mixture, and (c) drum filter mixture using 1.5% silica. The Ontario OEL's are used for provincial regulatory purposes and compared with the Canadian government use of the more stringent ACGIH TLVs. 

Acknowledgements

none 

 

Author

Lydia Renton, CIH, ROH, FAIHA, BluMetric Environmental Inc Ottawa, Ontario  
Canada 


Direct Reading Plus Sample Collection in One Device

3:55 PM - 4:15 PM 

Bagging, pouring, firing, molding, abrasing are typical processes in many factories around the world. The presenter takes us through a case study from a factory that can now monitor, in real-time, a whole process over a full shift and pinpoint the danger areas to industrial workers so actions can be taken to minimize their exposure. Then the same dust sample is used to correlate with the standard method and analyze the results. 

Acknowledgements

Dr Winnie Chu PHD (quantum chemistry) , Nanozen, Vancouver, BC, Canada - Oversaw the testing activities and assisted the Industrial Hygienists with their interpretation of results and the presentation materials. Dr Amin Energevis PHD (particle dynamics and testing), UBC, Vancouver, BC, Canada - assisted to ensure testing methods and SOPs were designed to be effective using the testers. 

 

Author

Mr Peter Briscoe, Nanozen Vancouver, BC  
Canada 

Transforming Risk Culture with Intention and Leadership

In occupational health and safety (OHS), risk is historically viewed in terms of worker health and well-being. Risk concepts that impact OHS professionals has expanded to include product stewardship, sustainability, social responsibility and public health, etc. This session provides an overview of the current risk continuum in organizations, from individual to the enterprise, and beyond. The impact that advances in cognitive science is having on enterprise risk and ways to transform culture and performance is presented. Perspectives on how to provide leadership that impacts and transforms risk culture are provided.

Upton Sinclair Lecture: North America's Invisible Workers

Last year, Star reporter Sara Mojtehedzadeh went undercover at a Toronto factory where a temp agency worker died to find out how the rise of precarious work is impacting worker safety and reshaping our economy. She will discuss her findings working inside one of the continent's biggest industrial bakeries that relies heavily on temps - as well as her experience reporting other occupational health and safety issues, including the toxic legacy of General Electric factory in Peterborough, Ontario.

How a Laboratory Fire Death Led to a New Safety Initiative

Historically, academic labs have been challenging environments for safety programs: high personnel turnover; a broad set of work conditions, risks and hazards; etc. After the death of a laboratory technician in 2008, University of California (UC) embarked on a comprehensive program to overhaul lab safety. This session will detail the process used to develop and implement the hazard assessment tool, safety improvements, and identification of unique lab PPE needs. The presenters will share the partnership formed between supplier and end user to create a brand new technology and commercial product for laboratory workers.

Emerging Issues in Beryllium Regulation, Part 2

Department of Energy Updates

Dan Field, National Nuclear Security Agency, Washington, DC
"Updates on DOE's Chronic Beryllium Disease Prevention Program"

This presentation will provide updates on the status of proposed changes to DOE beryllium regulations in 10 CFR 850.

Nicole Bernholc, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY
"Communicating the Unique Risks for Beryllium Workers"

This presentation will describe what needs to be communicated to workers regarding risks associated with beryllium in the workplace. While standard aspects of risk communication will be presented, the emphasis will be on what is unique about beryllium risks.

The Academic Climate: Industrial Hygiene and Related Programs

It is common knowledge that universities are undergoing major market pressures that now confront most full-time faculty to produce more research and enroll more students with fewer resources. How have these changes affected the faculty that teaches industrial hygiene and related EHS programs? A survey of faculty will be presented that illuminate some of the challenges and opportunities among today's IH/OH/EHS faculty. Trends in accredited programs in IH/OH/EHS will be examined. The future trends for program losses, mergers, and changes in enrollment and research support and their impact on the profession of IH/OH/EHS will be explored.

Emerging Issues in IH: Electronics Recycling, Nail Technician Intervention, and Odor Evaluation

Safety and Health Issues in the Electronics Recycling Industry

3:15 PM - 3:35 PM 

With the proliferation of electronics, the management of waste streams is changing to keep hazardous materials out of landfills. However, electronic recyclers are creating the potential for exposing workers to lead, mercury, and many other hazardous metals. Results from several IH surveys in this industry will be presented and how worker training, safe work practices, and machine technology are needed to control worker exposures. 

Acknowledgements

none 

 

Author

Mr. Lloyd Andrew III, CIH, CSP, EnvirOSH Services, Inc. Willis, TX  
United States of America 


Development of an Intervention Program for Vietnamese Nail Technicians

3:35 PM - 3:55 PM 

The goal of the talk is to provide an overview of the development of a multilevel intervention program for Vietnamese nail technicians. Findings from the needs assessment, progress on the pilot study, and the challenges of working with immigrant population will be discussed. 

Acknowledgements

Natalie Doan -- Drexel University, Philadelphia, USA Ngan Trinh -- Temple University, Philadelphia, USA They are undergraduate students who have been helping me with the project 

 

Author

Tran Huynh, PhD, CIH, Drexel University - Dornsife School of Public Health Philadelphia, PA  


What's that Smell? Expanding the Boundaries of the Industrial Hygienist

3:55 PM - 4:15 PM 

There are emerging risks beyond the traditional plant setting that can threaten facility operations. The case study presented here examines one such risk, odors emanating from a facility into nearby residential areas. The industrial hygienist has a critical role in these situations. IH principles were applied to identify the source of the odors, evaluate and communicate risks to management and nearby residents and provide recommendations for mitigation. Once completed, the final remedy will eliminate the offending odors, restore the company's reputation in the community, and allow the resumption of manufacturing activities. 

Acknowledgements

N/A 

 

Author

Tina Berceli-Boyle, P.E., Haley & Aldrich, Inc. Bedford, NH  
United States of America 

Exposure Implications of Electronic Cigarette Surface Contamination

Emissions from electronic cigarettes (EC) can lead to second-hand exposure to hazardous chemicals such as nicotine, formaldehyde and acrolein. Nicotine has been found on surfaces due to cigarettes smoking and vaping. Over time, nicotine from tobacco smoke can react with ambient ozone and nitrous acid to form carcinogenic TSNAs. This session will present background information on nicotine deposition and TSNA formation from traditional cigarettes, evidence of potential residual nicotine persistence from EC use, procedures for measuring nicotine, recommendations for ventilation and isolation requirements, and implications of different EC device parameters on the types of contaminants formed by EC use.

Nanotechnology: Updates and Challenges for the Future, Part 2

The number of new engineered nanomaterials that are more active, efficient, and versatile in their commercial applications continues to rise steadily. However, there are still many questions regarding potential human health implications making the IH role challenging. This session will provide an update in: 1) Exposure assessment: current state of sampling techniques, and 2) Risk management and control of occupational exposures to nanoparticles. Current understanding of the hazards, risks and potential legal responsibilities that need to be managed will be discussed.

General Session - Mitigating Opioid Exposure Risks to First Responders - What's Been Done, What's Left to Do & How You Can Help

Opioid addiction is causing an unprecedented public health crisis that requires the collaboration and action of our leading national organizations dedicated to countering addiction. However, we must also consider the potential for our nation's first responders, including law enforcement, emergency medical technicians, and crime lab analysts, to be exposed to opioids while on the job. This moderated roundtable discussion will raise awareness about the drugs, addiction crisis, and precautions first responders must take when responding to medical emergencies and investigating illicit drug activity. Session panelists will provide information on the work that has been done by nonprofit organizations, Federal and State governments, and how industrial hygiene professionals can support the development and implementation of exposure controls and educational materials for first responders.

Studies in Real-Time Detection Systems: Measuring Exposures

Side by Side Evaluation of Real-time Personal Monitors for Respirable Dust

10:00 AM - 10:20 AM 

The use of real-time monitors for respirable dust has become common among IHs. The sensing technology is an optical measurement which can be affected by dust properties and environmental conditions. This study will present the side by side comparison of four real-time dust monitors tested under different conditions in a calm air chamber. There are three main outcomes: 1) the inter-unit variability for each monitor was found to be relatively low; 2) the performance of the calibrated monitors when challenged with a standard material is not consistent; and 3) dust properties and relative humidity can greatly affect the monitors' performance. 

Acknowledgements

Justin, Patts, NIOSH, Pittsburgh, PA, USA Donald, Tuchman, NIOSH, Pittsburgh, PA, USA Elaine, Rubinstein, NIOSH, Pittsburgh, PA, USA 

 

Author

Dr. Emanuele Cauda, NIOSH Pittsburgh, PA  
United States of America 


Intra-Sampling Period Variability: Strengths and Weaknesses of Real-Time Detection

10:20 AM - 10:40 AM 

Air contaminant exposures often fluctuate during the sampling period. Laboratory analysis of time-weighted average (TWA) results provide no information about intra-sampling period concentration variation. A non-dispersive infrared sensor was used to track carbon dioxide concentrations in real time to examine the potential to exceed the Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH) concentration. Exposures in excess of the IDLH value were measured with high certainty, where the TWA sample results did not indicate a problem. Strengths and weaknesses of real-time detection for truly comprehensive exposure assessment that considers intra-sampling period variability will be discussed. 

Acknowledgements

R. Jedd Hill, U.S. Department of Labor, Salt Lake Technical Center, 8660 S. Sandy Parkway, Sandy Utah 84070. Mr. Hill participated in collection of data and authored manuscript describing performance characteristics of non-dispersive IR, Fourier transform IR, and colorimetric detector tubes for real-time detection of carbon dioxide. 

 

Author

Philip Smith, PhD, CIH, U.S. Department of Labor - OSHA Sandy, UT  
United States of America 


Rapid Systems for the Detection of Legionella Bacteria

10:40 AM - 11:00 AM 

Monitoring of Legionella bacteria has received attention due to publicized outbreaks and new guidelines and regulations. Time consuming culture methods are considered the gold standard for the detection of Legionella bacteria. Other alternative methods with short turnaround time such as antibody and DNA based methods are available and may be helpful for fast detection in outbreak situations. We discuss our experience with a qPCR system (iQ-Check – RioRad) and an antibody based detection system (Legipid – Primelab) for the rapid detection of Legionella bacteria in water samples. 

Acknowledgements

Ariunaa Jalsrai, EMLabP&K, Marlton, NJ, USA (Legipid testing) Mandy Trieu, EMLabP&K, Marlton, NJ, USA (qPCR testing) Pamela Torres, EMLabP&K, Marlton, NJ, USA (Lab Manager)  

 

Author

Michael Berg Ph.D., EMLab P&K South San Francisco, CA  
United States of America 

The Emerging Cannabis Industry: Worker Safety and Health, Part 1

As legalization of cannabis for medical and recreational use proceeds in Canada and in a number of states in the US, concern grows about health and safety of the workers in the cannabis industry. To assist the cannabis industry in Colorado, a variety of health and safety stakeholders collaborated to put together a comprehensive guideline of safety regulations and best practices. This educational session will review highlights of the guideline, specific health and safety issues and the current state the marijuana industry in Colorado. In addition, NIOSH has performed health hazard evaluations (HHEs) during harvesting and processing cannabis and will present those findings. The potential impact of cannabis use history on workplace impairment and workplace drug testing will also be discussed, In addition, the AIHA Government Relations Group has set up a Cannabis Industry Health and Safety Task Force to study health and safety issues associated with in the cannabis industry and whose goals and objectives will be discussed.

How to Win Friends and Influence People (The EHS Edition)

"How to Win Friends and Influence People," has been inspiring American leadership and management since 1936. What lessons can an EHS professional learn from a book that is over 80 years old? By focusing on the core concepts of building positive relationships with colleagues and stakeholders we can learn to expand our sphere of influence to be more effective in our mission of protecting worker health. Real life examples will be used to illustrate the four core concepts outlined in this landmark book: 1. How to interact with people; 2. Increasing your likability; 3. Winning people to your side; and 4. How to lead.

A Review on Airborne Fungal Spore Sampling Devices

Different fungal spore sampling devices: 1. common spore traps(e.g. Air-O-Cell and Allergenco-D), 2. filtration-type spore traps(e.g. Bir-Air), 3. filtration-type spore trap with a large MCE membrane filter, 4. others (Andersen impactor, impinger, button sampler) will be compared. Operating principles, % collection rate, fly-by & bounce-off, overloading, temperature influences, flow rates, and microscopy & culture analysis are among the sampling device parameters that will be discussed.

SDS Authoring & Reviewing, Part 1

From dealing with the regulatory bodies themselves, to the challenges of dealing with suppliers and customers, we can give useful advice for dealing with your trickiest compliance questions. Bring the issue you are dealing with and get expert advice for dealing with the daily challenges of compliance. Some common topics and questions include: Evaluating supplier SDS and labels: how can I tell if a SDS I receive is compliant? What can I do if it isn't? How can I use these SDS to evaluate relative product safety? How can I handle trade secrets on supplier SDS? How can I use supplier information to create in-house labeling? This session will be facilitated by registered SDS Authoring Specialists. 

Ask the Expert: Opioids Keynote Panel

This special interactive session follows the General Session presentation, "Mitigating Opioid Exposure Risks to First Responders: What's Been Done, What's Left to Do & How You Can Help " and provides a unique opportunity for Q&A with the panelists:

• Steven E. Lacey, PhD, CIH, CSP – Moderator
• Kemp Chester, Associate Director of the White House's Office of National Drug Control Policy
• Donna S. Heidel, CIH, FAIHA, AIHA board
• John Howard, MD, MPH, JD, LLM, MBA, Director of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
• Fire Commissioner Adam K. Thiel, Philadelphia

Design Review for Industrial Hygienists, Part 1

This classroom experience demonstrates the design review process. When and how to recommend and apply ventilation engineering and safety principles and related calculations to design a variety of workplaces, knowledge of design principals, and the regulations and standards pertinent to both industrial hygiene and building design will be discussed.

Developing Countries: Industrial Hazards and Exposure Potential

This education session will apprise attendees of IH exposure hazards, exposure profiles and potential improvement opportunities in India and Pakistan. Topics to be presented are: 1) The state of EHS in Pakistan. A project to establish an EHS education program for developing EHS professionals will describe the plan, challenges and improvement impacts; and 2) A specific heat stress risk assessment criterion called Thermal Work Limit (TWL). This guideline was validated for use in Middle Eastern Countries. It has the applicability in global work environments with the potential for high heat stress.

The Snook & Ciriello Tables for Manual Material Handling Analysis

Overexertion injuries are the leading cause of non-fatal workplace injuries in the US. Overexertion is defined as excessive physical effort. In 1991, Snook and Ciriello published revised maximum acceptable weights for manual material handling activities. These Snook & Ciriello tables include weight limits for males and females, the capabilities of different percentage of the population, and other variables such as varying frequencies, horizontal & vertical hand positions, and travel distances. These weight limits are an essential inclusion in an ergonomics professional's tool box.

Challenges and Innovations in Sampling & Analysis Methodology

The Difference Between NOA and ACM is More Than Just Two Letters

10:00 AM - 10:20 AM 

The conversations surrounding asbestos continue to evolve. In the early 1980's it started with bulk building material asbestos. A paradigm shift occurred when naturally occurring amphiboles (NOA) were found to have adverse health effects. We, as a lab, are asked to identify all elongate mineral particles (EMP), not just the six regulated-minerals. The driving force of this analysis has been to determine the impact fibers can have on human health. Currently, no published method exists for the identification of minerals outside the regulated 6, and each laboratory seems to have its own approach. The level of analytical effort a lab puts toward NOA analysis is vastly different to the effort put forth in ACM analysis. This case study will aid site investigators on what they should be aware of when asking for non-routine asbestos analysis to ensure the data they receive is repeatable, reliable and defensible. 

Acknowledgements

NONE 

 

Author

Robyn Denton-Ray, EMSL Analytical, inc Cinnaminson, NJ  
United States of America 


Production of Reference Materials for the Measurement of Metal Oxides

10:20 AM - 10:40 AM 

The scientific institutes of German Social Accident Insurance IFA, IPA and IGF have developed a new method to prepare 96 membrane filters evenly loaded with metal dust. The samples were succesfully used for IFA`s PT scheme and it is planned to improve the technique for the preparation of a reference material. 

Acknowledgements

Franziska Nürnberger, Yvonne Giesen, Brigitte Maybaum, Cornelia Hagemann, Jana Poprizki IFA - Institute for Occupational Safety and Health of the German Social Accident Insurance, 53757 Sankt Augustin, Germany Evaluation of the reference material, statistical and laboratory analyses Christian Monsé IPA - Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, 44789 Bochum, Germany Development of the aerosol generation system C. Monz IGF - Institute for Research on Hazardous Substances of the BG for the raw materials and chemical industry, 44789 Bochum, Germany Development of the dust chamber  

 

Author

Dietmar Breuer, IFA Sankt Augustin 
Germany 


A Comparison of Sampling & Testing Options for Fire Damage Investigations

10:40 AM - 11:00 AM 

This presentation provides a comparison of sampling methodologies and analytical techniques available for fire debris analysis. The capabilities and limitations of the sampling options typically used in the field are evaluated in parallel with discussion about the applicable analytical methods for characterization and quantification of the fire residue components. 

Acknowledgements

None 

 

Author

Eugenia Mirica, Ph.D., EMSL Analytical Inc Cinnaminson, NJ  

Legal Aspects of the IH Profession: Things You Should Care About

For many, environmental, health and safety is, at its core, based upon legal requirements. These myriad of legal requirements include: workers compensation, health insurance, HIPAA, occupational safety and health act, environmental statutes, state and/or local requirements, etc. Many of these topics are lacking from the background and education of a practicing IH. Failure to understand and comply can result in corporate and personal liabilities. Cities, states, and the federal governments are increasingly using compliance actions against both companies and individuals. This presentation will provide attendees an overview of the legal requirements that may impact their EHS practice and an understand of the legal rights and responsibilities of EH&S and employers.

Women in IH: Leadership Journeys to Success, Part 1

This session is a followup event to the Women in IH Focus Group event held at AIHCe 2017 where attendees indicated that they wanted real world examples of career choices and discussion from successful female IHs. In this session, IH Leaders will discuss their professional journeys, career choices and lessons learned. Each presenter will discuss their critical decision points as well as share their Top Five keys to success. These sessions will assist future and current women leaders in empowerment and learning key strategies for success.

Hazardous Atmosphere Estimation

This presentation will assist industrial hygienists in determining whether a confined space is permit required, estimating potential exposure to new substance, and evaluating potential odors from past chemical use. The model uses chemical information, application information, and the dimensions of the space to generate a potential estimation of exposure. The Microsoft Excel printout produced could be attached to confined space permit evaluations, job hazard evaluations, or odor evaluations.

Effective Safety Communication

As a flight instructor, effective communication in the cockpit is paramount to the safety of the instructor and student. This presentation introduces the tips and techniques used by flight instructors into the world of safety training. Using the Baddeley and Hitch model of Working Memory, participants will be able to increase their memory capacity. The training techniques are valuable to ensure employees are retaining safety training information.

The Emerging Cannabis Industry: Health, Safety, and Laboratory Issues, Part 2

As legalization of cannabis for medical and recreational use proceeds in Canada and in a number of states in the US, concern grows about health and safety of the workers. Cannabis grow-op facilities operate in a manner similar to a producer of any consumable natural product such as milk from a dairy. Information on the health and safety issues specific to grow-op facilities, indoor air quality surveys, health and safety concerns, and the state of science of laboratory sampling and analysis in the cannabis industry will be dicussed.

The Complexities of Soil Sampling for Asbestos and Other Mineral Fibers

When trying to properly assess Asbestos and other mineral fibers, soil is a problem matrix. What is the sample to be collected? Where and how may samples do we collect? Shall we collect grab samples, incremental samples and/or composite? These approaches will be discussed along with their advantages and disadvantages. There are a multitude of analysis options including observation in the field, stereomicroscopy, PLM, SEM, TEM and XRD. Advantages and disadvantages of each will be discussed. For risk assessment, ABS (Activity Based Sampling) and the FBAS (Fluidized Bed Asbestos Segregator) will be discussed.

How to Conduct Sampling for Fire-Related Particulates and Odors

Fire-related compounds are ubiquitous in indoor/outdoor environments and can adversely impact indoor/outdoor air quality. Fire compounds can cause a wide range of exposure concerns ranging from irritation to cancer. It is reasonable to ensure that fire-affected indoor and outdoor environments are properly remediated. This discussion will focus on indoor fire remediation. The Remediation Industry Association (RIA) has developed guidelines for fire remediation and sampling. Investigation of fire-affected properties requires knowledge of investigation methods, construction, remediation, and industrial hygiene concepts, and an understanding of applicable fire-related compound sampling methods and their limitations.

SDS Authoring & Reviewing, Part 2

From dealing with the regulatory bodies themselves, to the challenges of dealing with suppliers and customers, we can give useful advice for dealing with your trickiest compliance questions. Bring the issue you are dealing with and get expert advice for dealing with the daily challenges of compliance. Some common topics and questions include: Creating Compliant SDS – how do I ensure compliance with multiple regions? How do I ensure that my software is producing compliant SDS? How do I handle requests from customers for more information? How do I handle multiple classifications for the same product in different regions? How do I ensure that my customers are getting the most recent documentation? This session will be facilitated by registered SDS Authoring Specialists.

Henry J. Smyth Jr. Award: Find the Need and Fill it

While the world is changing, exposure hazards will continue to exist, and with each technological advancement, the science of industrial hygiene, exposure assessment, and risk management can be used to find those exposure concerns and address them. It is critical that our core industrial hygiene principles walk hand in hand with changes in science, technology, and our culture. This presentation is intended to inspire industrial hygienists to think of what we need to do as a profession to transform ourselves to tackle changes in technology and the workplace, identify industrial hygiene needs in those changes, fill those needs with science, and meet the future head on.

Toward a Holistic Approach to Occupational Safety and Health: NIOSH's Early Explorations

Throughout much of its history, worker safety and health has been addressed primarily by identifying risk factors for injury and illness one at a time in the workplace. This approach has helped produce a consistent trend in the reduction of workplace injuries and illnesses. However, the approach may be limited in its ability to continue producing reductions, and the narrow focus addressing risk factors one at a time may limit the ability to improve workers' overall wellbeing. New more holistic approaches may provide a more effective path forward. NIOSH has begun exploring holistic approaches to improving workers' health through initiatives in the exposome, cumulative risk assessment, and Total Worker Health ®. Each of these initiatives contributes in complementary ways to the improvement of worker health and wellbeing, and this session will explore how these three areas may contribute individually and in combination.

Design Review for Industrial Hygienists, Part 2

This classroom experience demonstrates the design review process. When and how to recommend and apply ventilation engineering and safety principles and related calculations to design a variety of workplaces, knowledge of design principals, and the regulations and standards pertinent to both industrial hygiene and building design will be discussed.

Legionella and Water Management: Control Measures, Trend Data and Chemical Treatment

As water management programs are implemented to comply with mandates from local, state, and federal authorities, interpretation of the data they generate will pose a challenge for Water Management Teams. A multivariate model to score the effectiveness of control measures against Legionella in building water systems will be presented. A novel approach to tracking water parameters using a Polar Plot system has been developed to spot trends over time. Finally, an assessment of the health risks created as a by-product of chemicals used to control Legionella will be presented.

STPA Hazard Evaluation Technique: A New Tool in the IH/OS Tool Box

There is a new hazards analysis technique for the IH tool box. STPA, or Systems-Theoretic Process Analysis. With the same goals as any other hazard analysis technique, STPA is based on systems theory while traditional hazard analysis techniques have reliability theory at the foundation. STPA was designed to also address increasingly common interactions between humans, controllers/computers, and equipment. The participants will learn the ins and outs of this new technique, when to apply STPA, what inputs are necessary, what results to expect and where to get additional information.

What Is Best in Class Contractor Management?

One of the key issues facing SH&E professionals is the continued growth of outsourcing non?core business activities to third?party contractors. It remains the prime duty of the owner to ensure that operations are undertaken in a safe manner. The challenge lies in establishing a robust contractor management strategy to effectively mitigate risk. The presentation will focus on the strategic elements used by best in class contractor management programs, share leading edge methods, including regression and correlation statistical analysis approaches, being used in the industry to impact health and safety performance.

Women in IH: Develop Your Professional Brand, Part 2

The purpose of this session is to provide guidance and an opportunity for attendees to brainstorm and develop their personal Brand. The Brand of You is a means to determine your current impression that others have of you versus what you want others to see. Examples of a strong brand include 1) Decisive; 2) Solution Focused; and 3) Business Acumen. Participants will self assign their career stage and join groups (Student/Intern, Early Career, Professional - Mid level, Senior Level) where facilitators will assist them in building their personal roadmaps. The skills learned will assist women in their career journeys to be empowered as well as outline a personal improvement plan. Workshop attendees would be limited to 200 attendees to maximize effectiveness.

Help! I'm Being Audited by OSHA

In a typical year, Federal OSHA and State Plans perform over seventy-eight thousand onsite safety inspections. This presentation will provide the attendees with easy-to-use strategies to prepare for an OSHA audit, even if OSHA never visits your worksite. But the concern doesn't end with the threat of an OSHA audit. A noncompliant work site exposes your employees to both health and physical hazards. The resulting injuries and illnesses have a real effect on your organizations bottom-line. More importantly, by implementing these strategies you'll keep your organizations most valuable asset, the employees, safe and healthy!

Exposure Assessment: Past, Present and Future

Re-creation of Historical Community Exposures to Dusts and Metals

2:00 PM - 2:20 PM 

Estimating historical exposures can be challenging in the absence of quality historical data. This case study involves an evaluation of claimed community health effects associated with material generated from a coal fired power plant. On-site field exposure reconstruction measurements, controlled chamber wind erosion tests, and emission and air dispersion modeling techniques were utilized. Similar multi-pronged approaches can effectively be used when estimating exposures. There are substantial benefits of combining measurement and modeling techniques to produce exposure estimates in the assessment of health risks. 

Acknowledgements

Renee Kalmes, Exponent, Oakland, CA, USA Patrick Sheehan, Exponent, Oakland, CA, USA 

 

Author

Michael Posson, Exponent, Inc. Oakland, CA  
United States of America 


Samples of Formaldehyde in 12,000 U.S. Homes: What We Learned

2:20 PM - 2:40 PM 

Formaldehyde is a recognized irritant and carcinogen at sufficient levels of exposure. Indoor formaldehyde concentrations were measured using passive badge samplers in more than 12,000 U.S. homes. Potential sources were Chinese laminate flooring, other building materials, natural gas appliances, personal care products, etc. The formaldehyde data set provides insights into 1) the distribution of formaldehyde exposures in homes; 2) the factors that influence concentration levels; 3) the differences in formaldehyde levels between homes in U.S. and other countries; and 4) the U.S. residential population exposed to formaldehyde concentrations in excess of the WHO guidance level of 100 µg/m3. 

Acknowledgements

Renee Kalmes, Exponent, Oakland, CA, USA Patrick Sheehan, Exponent, Oakland, CA, USA 

 

Author

Ankur Singhal, Exponent, Inc. Oakland, CA  
United States of America 


Exposure Assessment: Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Versus Tracer Gas Results

2:40 PM - 3:00 PM 

This presentation will focus on the comparison of predicted data (CFD) to measured data (tracer gas study) for the purpose of retrospective and prospective exposure assessment in an indoor industrial environment. Comprehensive graphical and tabular data will be presented to accelerate the understanding of this comparison. 

Acknowledgements

Cassidy D. Strode, Chemistry & Industrial Hygiene, Inc., Wheat Ridge, CO, USA Dr. James O. Rasmuson, Chemistry & Industrial Hygiene, Inc., Wheat Ridge, CO, USA 

 

Author

Daniel Hall, PE CIH, Chemistry and Industrial Hygiene Wheat Ridge, CO  
United States of America 

On Becoming a "Senior" IH: Embracing Change and Challenging Ageism

We can anticipate a significant number of current industrial hygiene practitioners are, or shortly will be, entering the final laps of their careers and reaching traditional retirement age. What does this mean for our profession, the AIHA, and those reaching this stage of life? What does retirement look like in the 21st century for IH professionals? What role does volunteer work provide, as a way of transitioning into a new phase of life. This session will share the experiences of two recently retired IH's and one IH who has absolutely no intention of retiring.

William P. Yant Award Lecture: Reflections on the Past, Present and Future of Occupational Hygiene

Over the past 4 decades there have been phenomenal changes – for example, in technology, the general workforce, and economy, and these have resulted in corresponding important transformations in occupational hygiene (OH) practice, education and scholarship. This presentation will describe some of these changes and their relationship to OH practice and, ultimately, their implications for the future of our profession. The development of computers, in particular personal computers, has completely revolutionized the way we work. The use of PCs, smartphones, the internet and the explosion of social media platforms have all become almost ubiquitous – from childhood to the elderly - in all segments of society and this has changed the way we think, communicate, work, and play. The continuing globalization trend has had a massive influence on many aspects of society, spurring the integration of business operations on a world-wide scale, resulting in regional changes in labour force demands. Concomitantly, there has been a significant increase in the participation of women throughout all sectors of the workforce. Over the past 40 years, the direct impact of these changes and advances on occupational hygiene practice has been remarkable, resulting in revolutionary changes to the focus and breadth of our work, presenting new challenges for the evaluation and control of exposures and the protection of health. How will these and other coming changes affect the future of our profession and how we educate this next generation?

Bring Out Your Dead: Changing Exposures in the Death Industry

The only things certain in life are death and taxes. But the death industry is changing with alternative burial methods which changes workplace exposures. This presentation will look at the hazards associated with a traditional embalming and burial, alternative burial methods, and different burial practices found in cultures across the world. We will explore the hazards for workers in the industry, sampling methodology, and possible safer practices.

Healthy by Design: Building for Wellness

People spend more than 90% of their time indoors. A growing body of research demonstrates the important impact that our physical environments have on our health, happiness, and well-being. This session provides an overview of the WELL Building Standard. Presenters will describe how the WELL Building Standard can be used to design, build, operate, and assess in order to achieve health intentions in a building or space. This framework includes performance requirements for the seven categories relevant to occupant health and well-being: air, water, nourishment, light, fitness, comfort and mind.

Interesting and Unusual NIOSH Health Hazard Evaluations, Part 1

The NIOSH Health Hazard Evaluation Program is a public health practice program that responds to requests about potential hazards in the workplace from across the United States. This roundtable will present the results of three unique and interesting evaluations involving new or emerging hazards in novel settings: 1) the first reported silicosis case at a granite countertop fabricator; 2) metalworking fluid (MWF) exposure and dermatitis at a gun and rifle barrel manufacturing facility; and 3) exposure to cadmium during wing aerial refueling pod decommissioning and maintenance at an aircraft equipment depot.

Sampling and Analysis of Air Contaminants

Sampling and analysis of air contaminants in occupational environments is no easy task. This session will help attendees understand some of the principles of method performance evaluation for select analytes including diacetyl, formaldehyde, and other analytes like aromatics, ketones, and nitrous oxide. Topics will include: 1) canister sampling for diacetyl and other flavorings; 2) review of formaldehyde sampling and analytical methods; and 3) review of the principles, practices, and equipment for performance validation of personal monitoring badges. This session is sponsored by the Sampling and Laboratory Analysis committee.

Topics in Noise: Hearing Conservation Programs

Use of Statistical Analysis & Modeling for Hearing Conservation Programs

2:00 PM - 2:20 PM 

Over decades, IHs have acquired personal noise exposure data and audiograms on hundreds of thousands of workers. Yet, workers are still exhibiting Standard Threshold Shifts. By applying known statistical relationships between exposure and outcome based on damage-risk criterion models, it was possible to identify workers with recordable STSs that were not work-related or who were at risk of presenting a recordable. An additional benefit of this approach serves to help identify noise exposure models for individual workers or cohort groups which may be inadequate due to unusual patterns and variability of exposure or where the noise exposure may be confused by other environmental or health related factors. 

Acknowledgements

Dr. Robert Bertrand, Bertrand-Johnson Acoustics, Inc., (Principal Investigator), Dr. Daniel Johnson Bertrand-Johnson Acoustics (Principal Investigator, Deceased), Zhaoxing Huang, MSc, Eng. Principal Programmer  

 

Author

Rob Brauch, Occupational Health and Safety Solutions Williamsville, NY  
United States of America 


Cost and Effectiveness of Hearing Conservation Programs

2:20 PM - 2:40 PM 

This presentation will discuss an analysis of elements and costs of the hearing conservation programs at multiple US manufacturing sites and relate these measures to hearing outcomes among workers at these sites. 

Acknowledgements

This research was conducted by a research team consisting of Stephanie Sayler (University of Michigan) Peter Rabinowitz (University of Washington), and Linda Cantley and Deron Galusha (Yale University) This research was funded by grants from the National Institute on Aging (Disease, Disability and Death in an Aging Workforce, NIH/NIA, 1 R01 AG026291-06), National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety (Assessing hearing conservation effectiveness, 1 R01 OH010132-01), and a contract with Alcoa Inc. At the time of the site visits, Linda Cantley received a portion of her compensation at Yale through a long-standing contractual agreement with Alcoa, Inc. The authors wish to thank the participating worksites, without whose support this research would not have been possible.  

 

Author

Assoc Prof Richard Neitzel, PhD, CIH, FAIHA, University of Michigan School of Public Health Ann Arbor, MI  
United States of America 


Receipt of Noise Training to Prevent Occupational Hearing Loss

2:40 PM - 3:00 PM 

Occupational exposure to loud noise is a common hazard on construction sites and workers have high rates of hearing loss. The Center for Construction Research and Training conducted a pilot study with trainers and workers to collect data on noise training and self-reported hearing loss. Workers were surveyed on their receipt of training to prevent noise-induced hearing loss. This presentation will present the results of the survey and discuss how those results are changing training practices. 

Acknowledgements

Eileen Betit, CPWR – The Center for Construction Research and Training, Silver Spring, MD, USA. Ms. Betit is the r2p Director at CPWR. Helaine Resnick, PhD, MPH, Resnick, Chodorow and Associates, Silver Spring, MD, USA. Dr. Resnick is a consultant of CPWR for the TRU-Net worker survey and helped with data analysis. Tina Norris, Resnick, Chodorow and Associates, Silver Spring, MD, USA. She assisted with statistical analysis of the worker survey. Scott Earnest, PhD, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH, USA. Dr. Earnest is the Deputy Director of the Office of Construction Safety and Health, NIOSH and a member of the NIOSH-OSHA-CPWR r2p Working Group. Elizabeth Garza, MPH, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH, USA. She is Public Health Analyst for the Office of Construction Safety and Health, NIOSH and a member of the NIOSH-OSHA-CPWR r2p Working Group. Linda Goldenhar, PhD, CPWR – The Center for Construct 

 

Author

MK Fletcher, MSPH, CPWR-The Center for Construction Research and Training Silver Spring, MD  
United States of America 

Current Ergonomic Challenges and Assessment Tools

Occupational Safety and Ergonomics Training Challenges Posed by Generation Z

2:00 PM - 2:20 PM 

Demographers have labelled those born during the period 1995-2010 as Generation Z, which now comprises the largest proportion of upper education students and entry level industrial training audiences. This generation is very different in terms of their responses to traditional teaching methods. Researchers in Auburn University's Occupational Safety and Ergonomics Program have experimented with training approaches that have proven to be very effective with Generation Z students. Lessons learned from these activities will be presented along with suggestions for how to incorporate these lessons into industrial training classes. 

Acknowledgements

I wish to especially acknowledge the contributions of Dr. Richard F. (Rich) Sesek, my colleague at Auburn University. He and I have worked jointly in this research and the results presented here are the results of combined efforts. 

 

Author

Dr. Robert Thomas Jr., PhD, PE, CPE, FAIHA, Auburn University Auburn, AL  
United States of America 


DUET: A Practitioner-Friendly Upper Extremity Risk Assessment Tool

2:20 PM - 2:40 PM 

This presentation describes a new upper extremity risk assessment tool (DUET: Distal Upper Extremity Tool) based upon fatigue failure theory principles. This tool is capable of developing estimates of the daily dose of cumulative loading experienced by a worker, even if the loading is highly variable. Validation against existing epidemiological databases demonstrates that the tool is associated with both prevalence and incidence of upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders. 

Acknowledgements

The author would like to acknowledge Dr. Mark C. Schall, Jr., Dr. Richard Sesek, and Rong Huangfu, MISE for their collaboration on this work. 

 

Author

Dr. Sean Gallagher, Auburn University Auburn, AL  
United States of America 


Ergonomic Hazards for Non-routine Work at an Equipment Assembly Plant

2:40 PM - 3:00 PM 

Various tools have been developed and used in evaluating ergonomic hazards in the workplace, but little is known on whether and how varying task arrangements might affect the occupational hazard. As products are increasingly made to custom orders, ergonomic hazards at the workplace may become even more complex. Can we adapt the old tools to solve new problems? 

Acknowledgements

Results in this presentation were from the MS thesis work by Chen-Chun Sun, who carried out the entire study. Active participation from the employees in the case study was greatly appreciated. 

 

Author

Dr. Yuli Huang, Ph.D., CIH, National Kaohsiung First University of Science and Technology Kaohsiung 
Taiwan 

When Disaster Strikes: OS&H Professional Support during the Hurricane Harvey Response

On August 25, 2017, the Category 4 Hurricane Harvey made landfall over Texas. Hurricane Harvey was declared a Major Disaster. Emergency Support Functions (ESFs) under the National Response Framework were activated. Response and recovery operations have inherent hazards associated with them including uncharacterized and uncontrolled work sites. Safety and Occupational Health (SOH) professionals need to be experienced in a wide range of issues, but also highly adaptive to meet the needs of the situation. For this session, IHs will discuss their roles, responsibilities, and lessons learned supporting ESF 6 - Temporary Housing, ESF 9 - Search and Rescue, and ESF 10 - Oil and Hazardous Materials Response.

Studies in Respiratory Protection: Assessment Challenges & Solutions

Respiratory Protection for Abrasive Blasting and Thermal Arc Spray Cladding

3:15 PM - 3:35 PM 

A boiler surface treatment process included abrasive blasting of surfaces followed by thermal arc spray cladding which generated airborne hexavalent chromium levels exceeding regulatory limits (OSHA PEL). The employees were provided with abrasive blasting supplied-air respirators which provided protection to mitigate hexavalent chromium exposures below exposure limits. However, at times, employees performing tasks had to disconnect respirator from one airline port and reconnect at new location inside Boiler. During this movement, employees did not have a safe location to change from supplied-air respirator to an air-purifying respirator for walking to the next work-location inside the boiler. 

Acknowledgements

Maharshi,Mehta,International Safety Systems Inc.,S. Brunswick, NJ, USA 

 

Author

Ankit Sharma, CIH, International Safety Systems, Inc. Houston, TX  
United States of America 


Simulated Workplace Evaluation of a Respirator Seal Integrity Monitor

3:35 PM - 3:55 PM 

To our knowledge, no low-cost tool is available to monitor the actual respirator protection level in the workplace. In this study, a recently-developed, novel real-time Respirator Seal Integrity Monitor (ReSIM) was pilot tested with human subjects wearing a full-mask elastomeric respirator in a simulated workplace setting. Results showed that ReSIM properly detects respirator performance failures in real time. ReSIM will produce a significant positive impact on assessing the real-time respirator performance during actual use. The current prototype can be further developed into an industrial product capable of fitting into a respirator. 

Acknowledgements

Maija Leppänen, Ph.D.1 2, Michael Yermakov, MD. 1, Jonatan Corey, Ph.D., Assistant Professor 3 Sergey A. Grinshpun, Ph.D., Professor 1 1Center for Health-Related Aerosol Studies, Department of Environmental Health, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, US 2University of Eastern Finland, Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Kuopio, Finland 3Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering and Construction Management, College of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Cincinnati, OH, US ML and MK contributed in the testing with the human subjects, data analysis and writing. JC contributed in the development and adjustment of the tested prototype. SG contributed in the study design, data analysis and interpretation, and performed the overall supervision of this research effort.  

 

Author

Bingbing Wu, University of Cincinnati Cincinnati, OH  
United States of America 


Testing of Used Respirator Cartridges Confirm Change Schedules

3:55 PM - 4:15 PM 

Methods are presented by which one may validate respirator change schedules for a air-purifying respirators by testing used respirator cartridges and demonstrating that they retain significant capacity after one use. 

Acknowledgements

Jim Johnson, formerly of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, had suggested the idea behind this test.  

 

Author

Charles Manning, PhD, CIH, AIHA Fellow, Assay Technology Livermore, CA  
United States of America 

Jeffrey S. Lee Lecture: Big Bangs and Black Holes: Past, Present, and Future Opportunities and Challenges for Industrial Hygiene

The Industrial Hygiene profession has taken on many new challenges in the recent past dealing with new and exciting emerging technologies, such as Nanotechnology, Advanced Manufacturing, Synthetic Biology, Advanced Robotics, and the rapidly changing nature of work and the workplace. Protecting workers as these new technologies emerge requires development of new skills that can be very challenging, but also exciting and rewarding – a Big Bang. However, in the midst of these new developments, we must continue to deal with workplace health and safety challenges best described as 'legacy' issues. In the first century AD, the Roman Scholar Pliny the Elder perceived health risks to those working with zinc and sulfur. Here we are, nearly 2,000 years later, we still struggle with managing and eliminating basic hazards, exposures, and risk issues – if allowed, this can be a Black Hole. We know that work related lung disease creates a huge emotional and economic burden for any country, and we know there are effective interventions. Silicosis, often considered an 'old' industrial disease is still a challenge in the US, and even more so as other countries race toward advanced industrialization. The light at the end of the tunnel is not the train coming at us; rather it is an opportunity for our profession to lend our talents to aligned pursuits such as Product Stewardship and Sustainability. In that way, our Big Bang can include a meaningful contribution to worker health while helping new technologies advance and providing guidance to developing economies so that legacy diseases do not become an element of the Workplace of the Future.

Interesting and Unusual NIOSH Health Hazard Evaluations, Part 2

The NIOSH Health Hazard Evaluation Program is a public health practice program that responds to requests about potential hazards in the workplace from across the United States. This roundtable will present the results of three unique and interesting evaluations: 1) optical radiation hazards from a plasma arc cutting system in a steel building materials manufacturer; 2) metalworking fluids at an engine machining plant; and 3) exposures to lead during a weapons qualification course at an indoor firing range.

Implications of USP 800 in Healthcare Systems and Pharmacies

USP Chapter 800 will go into effect on July 1, 2018. Healthcare organizations and pharmacies that prepare or administer hazardous drugs will be impacted by the requirements of these new standards designed to protect staff and the environment. Topics include: identifying hazardous drugs, implementing a reproductive health program, and hazardous drug sampling.

Hazard Analysis Lessons Learned

Hazard Analysis (HA) is a systematic approach to identifying, analyzing, and controlling hazards. Because there are many different applications for HA, it is not surprising the Hazard Analysis process comes in many different shapes and sizes. This presentation will provide first-hand experiences, successes, and failures from years of Hazard Analysis experience including some of the mistakes commonly seen in the Hazard Analysis process and lessons learned.

Selling Safety to the Front Line Employee

Is safety culture driven from the top down or the bottom up? Having buy-in from leadership is important. What if leadership is already on board, but your employees still don't seem to get it? To be successful, safety professionals must be able to sell safety up and down the organization. Tactics used to sell safety to leadership are somewhat different than those we use for front line employees. Effectively selling safety has to do with creating an environment where employees are buying safety and not being sold safety. Attendees will learn three (3) key factors to successfully sell safety to front line employees.

Current Topics in Laboratory Health & Safety: Chemical Exposures & Ventilation

A Comprehensive Policy for the Management of Time Sensitive Chemicals

3:15 PM - 3:35 PM 

Old and forgotten chemical containers can pose significant hazards in the laboratory environment. Time-sensitive chemicals can become more hazardous upon prolonged storage. These containers must be actively managed to prevent serious incidents in the laboratory. This presentation focuses on the practical application of industry best practices to manage time-sensitive chemicals. The development process, including references and guidance used, will be discussed and the final policy, incorporating management practices for five categories of time-sensitive chemicals, will be shared. 

Acknowledgements

Laurel Davis, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA USA. Requirements implementation, writing and editing, controls and management strategies. Kurt Ettinger, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA USA. Writing and editing, controls and management strategies. Li (Julie) Zhu, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA USA. Writing and editing, controls and management strategies, chemical container tracking. Martin Neitzel, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA USA. Review and editing, identification of time-sensitive chemicals, controls and management strategies, assessment criteria. Douglas Taube, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA USA. Review and editing, identification of time-sensitive chemicals, controls and management strategies, assessment criteria. Scott Taylor, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA USA. Review and editing, identification of time-sensi 

 

Author

Alyssa Brand, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory Berkeley, CA  
United States of America 


Direct Reading Methods for Assessing VOC Exposures

3:35 PM - 3:55 PM 

Half a million US employees work in laboratories with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which pose both toxicological and physical hazards. Traditionally, VOCs have been monitored using air pump and adsorbent tube techniques that are expensive, time consuming, and impractical. The advent of DRMs (direct reading methods) now make it possible to monitor VOCs in real time with significant accuracy and precision. Research was conducted to develop monitoring strategies using wireless PID sensors to effectively monitor VOC exposure and risk. 

Acknowledgements

Coauthors: Amie Norton (2), Isaac Zhao (3), Peter B. Shaw (1), Dylan T. Neu (1), Amos Doepke (1), and William Connick (2) (1)NIOSH, Cincinnati, OH, USA (2) University of Cincinnati,Cincinnati, OH, USA, (3) Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA  

 

Author

Kenneth Brown PhD, NIOSH Cincinnati, OH  
United States of America 


Laboratory Ventilation: Impact on the Building Environment

3:55 PM - 4:15 PM 

Chemical safety practices and laboratory engineering controls are taught to students and professional researchers. If random but recurring lapses in proper procedures occur, what would be the consequences, the effect on the indoor environmental quality, the affect on building systems? This case study summarizes the investigation initiated by concerns regarding poor air quality during an un-announced safety inspection and the findings on the effects on laboratory workers and building system components. 

Acknowledgements

Bruce Faulseit, EMSL Analytical, Inc.; Cinnaminson NJ; USA- assisted in the evaluation of the laboratory engineering control systems and HVAC system. Tim Garvey, EMSL Analytical, Inc.; Cinnaminson NJ; USA- assisted in the evaluation of the laboratory HVAC system and housekeeping program. Eugenia Mirica, EMSL Analytical, Inc.; Cinnaminson NJ; USA- performed SEM/EDX analysis of the particulate to determine its composition.  

 

Author

Mr. Michael Menz, CIH, CHMM, EMSL Analytical Cinnaminson, NJ  
United States of America 

Computers and IH: New Applications in Data Center Evaluation, Smart Inventory Management, and Software for Silica Monitoring

New Applications for IH Evaluation Methods in Large Data Centers

3:15 PM - 3:35 PM 

With the growth of cloud-based information management, modern data centers are emerging as a major new source of high-technology jobs. The operation of these facilities has also introduced many new challenges in atmospheric and contaminant control, not only for employee protection, but also, to protect sensitive electronic equipment and confidential data. New applications of traditional IH methods for recognition, evaluation and control have demonstrated high value in a series of field studies in Data Centers. This presentation summarizes real-world examples of practical field applications of IH methods for this new industry and provides some lessons learned and recommendations. 

Acknowledgements

none 

 

Author

Mr. Daniel Chute, CIH, CSP, BSI EHS Services and Solutions, Inc. Reston, VA  
United States of America 


*WITHDRAWN* Managing IH Equipment Inventory Using Smart Connected Technology

3:35 PM - 3:55 PM 

The presentation will explore the implementation of an electronic asset and inspection management system to track the usage and calibration of industrial hygiene and safety equipment in a corporate organization. The equipment is used by the corporate group as well as checked out to remote locations for use. The speaker will discuss the implementation process and strengths of having an electronic and mobile system for managing equipment. 

Acknowledgements

Perry Logan, Manager, 3M Corporate Industrial Hygiene, St. Paul, MN USA. David Stein, Technical Service Specialist, 3M Personal Safety Division, St. Paul, MN USA.  

 

Author

Eli Miller, 3M St. Paul, MN  


New NIOSH Software for Field-based Crystalline Silica Monitoring

3:55 PM - 4:15 PM 

The NIOSH Mining Program has worked on the development of a new monitoring approach for the quantification of respirable crystalline silica (RCS) directly at the mine site. The new approach will allow IHs to generate RCS exposure data within a few minutes of sample collection. The NIOSH Mining Program identified the need for a new software tool to support the professionals in conducting this field-based protocol. This session will present the development of the new NIOSH software and its features. 

Acknowledgements

Lauren, Chubb, NIOSH, Pittsburgh, PA, USA Gregory Cole, NIOSH, Pittsburgh, PA, USA 

 

Author

Dr. Emanuele Cauda, NIOSH Pittsburgh, PA  
United States of America 

TLVs: Use, Misuse, and Misunderstandings

Threshold Limit Values TLVs© are voluntary exposure guidelines, that are widely used to guide workplace chemical exposure evaluations. But, TLVs need to be used within the limitations identified by ACGIH. The presentation will include the uses and misuses of TLVs, the process for developing TLV Documentations, and the science underlying a specific TLV. The presenters have been affiliated with ACGIH and the ACGIH TLV Committee, but are not speaking as representatives of ACGIH.

You Are What You Write: Communication Methods Using Digital Media

James Humes, speechwriter for five Presidents, once said, "The art of communication is the language of leadership." This interactive session will focus on communicating effectively using social media. Correspondence "dos and don'ts" will be analyzed through two key examples with suggested solutions. Example 1 will focus on Social Media and include using Privacy Settings, the impact of sharing e-mails, and using social media for one's organization. Excample 2 will discuss E-mail etiquette: there are two sides to every message. E-mail examples will be presented and helpful tips given on being more effective in message communication.

Aerosol Measurements: Cyclonic and Spectroscopic Measurement

Collection Efficiency: Parallel-Particle Impactor vs. Aluminum Cyclone

9:00 AM - 9:20 AM 

Samples were collected during two field sampling events, using two different size-selective samplers in parallel: Aluminum (AL) Cyclone and Parallel-Particle Impactor (PPI). The samples were analyzed for respirable particulate and ∝-quartz. Air concentrations of respirable dust and ∝-quartz were compared by analyte and sampler type. 

Acknowledgements

Scott Van Etten, National Director of Industrial Hygiene, Caroline Frank, IH Analyst, Katherine Foster, IH Analyst, EMSL Analytical Inc., Cinnaminson, NJ, USA. 

 

Author

Vincent Daliessio Jr., CIH, EMSL Analytical Inc. Cinnaminson, NJ  
United States of America 


Field and Laboratory Study of End-of-Shift Cyclone for Quartz Measurement

9:20 AM - 9:40 AM 

A respirable size-selective sampler (End-of-Shift (EoS) cyclone) was recently developed for direct on filter quartz measurement using a portable Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer. The EoS cyclone was based on the concept of the GS3 cyclone. Respirable dust size-selective sampling was conducted in laboratory and occupational environment. The presentation will provide the performance of the EoS cyclone in the collection of the respirable dust and quartz using portable and laboratory FTIR spectrometers. 

Acknowledgements

Leah Tipton, Emanuele Cauda, Martin Harper Dust, Ventilation and Toxic Substances Branch, Pittsburgh Mining Research Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15236 USA They were involved in laboratory and field samplings and quartz measurement with the portable and laboratory FTIRs.  

 

Author

TAEKHEE LEE, CDC/NIOSH Pittsburgh, PA  
United States of America 


Preparation of Mineral Calibration Samples for Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR)

9:40 AM - 10:00 AM 

Respirable crystalline silica (RCS) field measurements are challenged by mineral interferences in personal exposure samples. To compensate for these interferences, a multivariate analysis model is being developed to quantify RCS mass in mineral mixtures. Mass accuracy is improved by training the model with representative calibration samples. In the current study, a method was developed for generating calibration samples representative of respirable dust in occupational settings. 

Acknowledgements

Robert Stach, Ulm University, Germany; Multivariate Analysis Boris Mizaikoff, Ulm University, Germany; Multivariate Analysis Emanuele Cauda, NIOSH, Pittsburgh, PA; Particle Sampling and Analysis 

 

Author

Dr. Teresa Barone, Ph.D., NIOSH Pittsburgh, PA  
United States of America 

Low-cost 3-D Printing and Fabrication: Not Low in Fume Emission

Lowering the cost of 3-D printers has brought more applications to places lacking sufficient ventilation and other controls. In this session, three studies will be presented on research conducted on fume emissions from 3-D fabrication equipment. First study examined a low-cost metal 3-D printer. The results indicated metal emissions similar to a welding process. Second study examined a 3-D printer with multi-nozzles. The multi-nozzle 3-D printing emits more particles than single-nozzle printing. Third study examined the fume emission from a 3-D laser cutter and engraver resulting in an overexposure to respirable particulates despite a short sampling period.

Donald E. Cummings Memorial Award

Traditionally, decisions regarding the acceptability of workers' exposures have been based on quantitative data collected with personal samplers or direct-reading instruments. This approach to assessing exposures is limited because there are seldom enough resources to evaluate all exposure scenarios, resulting in only a small portion of all possible exposure measures ever measured (<<95%). 
This discussion will describe a process where exposures are estimated based on empirical observation, rules-of-thumb, chemical and physical properties and determinants of exposure. By using these basic tools, the role of quantitative measurements, i.e. of making decisions regarding exposure acceptability, shifts to being used to calibrate, evaluate and validate the exposure estimates derived from the applying the basic tools. This approach requires many fewer resources and can be completed much faster, resulting in the opportunity to assess many more exposure scenarios. The approach also results in a more rigorous characterization of the work-place, work-force and work-practices and can address questions that may arise in the future such as impact of a change in an OEL or exposure assessment for investigation of an illness cluster, epidemiology study or response to toxic tort. 

Days of Our Lives: Practical Applications for the IH Laboratory and their Customers. Part 1: The Storms of Sampling and Analysis

In this episode (Season 30, Episode 1) Cindy (field practitioner) and Laura (laboratory specialist) plot to thwart the trials and tribulations encountered when conducting an exposure assessment in Salem. They have to overcome scheduling deadlines, research on potential hazards, reluctant employees, equipment malfunctions, massive sample backlogs, and communication breakdowns. The planning and collaboration between the field practitioner and the laboratory specialist in the real world is not as easy as it looks in the soap opera. The viewers will leave knowing all the important interactions necessary in performing an Emmy-winning exposure assessment.

Using Anthropometrics for Industrial Workplace Design

The Using Anthropometrics for Industrial Workplace Design session provides guidance on designing job tasks to fit the majority of the population. Anthropometrics uses body dimensions, including heights and reach distances, to best design industrial workstations to fit workers. Participants will learn about how to use this tool and apply it to the workplace.

Emerging Issues in IH: Law Enforcement and National Security

Evaluation of Thermal Stress in Law Enforcement Personnel

9:00 AM - 9:20 AM 

There is a large body of research on the effects of heat exposure on workers including firefighters, miners, and agricultural workers. Law enforcement officers are at high risk for occupational heat related illness due to environmental conditions, physical demands of the job, and mandatory protective equipment. Despite the obvious risks, there is little research specific to law enforcement personnel. 

Acknowledgements

Data collection and analysis, including IRB submission, completed by MPH student: Carrie Foster University of Arizona Tucson, AZ, U.S.A. Financial support provided by the Arizona section of the American Industrial Hygiene Association.  

 

Author

Dr. Stephanie Griffin, CIH, University of Arizona Tucson, AZ  
United States of America 


Opioid Exposure Prevention for Law Enforcement Agencies

9:20 AM - 9:40 AM 

The United States is experiencing an epidemic of opioid overdose deaths. Opioids pose significant hazards to law enforcement personnel during first-responder activities, criminal investigations, evidence collection, and forensic analysis. This case study outlines the current state of the law enforcement response, exposure control strategies, and opportunities for the involvement of IHs and safety professionals in the prevention of exposures. 

Acknowledgements

D/F/LT. Lisa Gee-Cram (Michigan State Police, Lansing, MI, USA) provided subject matter expertise and leadership in narcotic investigation operations. Ms. Elizabeth Gormley (Michigan State Police, Sterling Heights, MI, USA) provided subject matter expertise and leadership in the forensic analysis of drugs. Ms. Donna Heidel, CIH, FAIHA (Bureau Veritas North America, Inc.) provided subject matter expertise in pharmaceutical industrial hygiene and leadership in connecting this case study with the broader industrial hygiene profession. Mr. Robert Lieckfield, Jr., CIH, FAIHA (Bureau Veritas North America, Inc., Novi, MI, USA) provided expertise in the development and application of surface wipe sampling for opioids and other drugs. Mr. Don Rust, CIH, CSP (3M Personal Safety Division, St. Paul, MN, USA) provided expertise in the evaluation and selection of PPE for law enforcement.  

 

Author

Mr. Robert Kirkby, CIH, Michigan State Police Lansing, MI  
United States of America 


The 21st Century: The Role of the IH in Global Commerce and National Security

9:40 AM - 10:00 AM 

The global economy and new technologies, such as nanomaterials, have created a number of product stewardship challenges for the industrial hygienist (IH). Nanomaterials can be utilized as chemicals, pesticides/antimicrobials, food, drugs, cosmetics or in a variety of devices. Nanomaterials can be targeted for theft from the U.S. via export activities. This presentation discusses the dangers of illicit technology transfers via export and import and ways to prevent them. 

Acknowledgements

At this point, Christine Knezevich has been the sole contributor within the NTWG with assistance in developing this submission by John Baker, BSI, Houston, TX, US. Paul Webb, Colden Corp, Boston MA, US is available to assist with presentation if necessary. 

 

Author

Ms. Christine Knezevich, CIH, MS, MBA, Wright Patterson AFB Beavercreek, OH  
United States of America 

Bloodborne Pathogens: The First 25 Years of OSHA Enforcement

OSHA promulgated the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (BPS) in 1991 and the Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act (NSPA) in 2000. Since OSHA began enforcement, global changes have risen in occupational risk from exposures to newer BBPs, such as Ebola and Zika Viruses, because of increasing access to US healthcare systems from infected populations around the world. Authors analyzed OSHA enforcement data over the first 25 years of the BPS. This presentation will provide detailed analysis about the frequency of OSHA inspections and citations for requirements including the Exposure Control Plan, use of safety-engineered devices, vaccinations, and more. The conclusions will provide insights into the changing patterns of OSHA enforcement.

Risk Analysis Using Layer of Protection Analysis (LOPA)

Layer of protection analysis (LOPA) is a simplified method of risk assessment that provides the a middle ground between a qualitative analysis and a traditional quantitative risk analysis. LOPA builds upon well-known process hazards analysis techniques, applying semi-quantitative measures to both the evaluation of the frequency of potential incidents, as well as the probability of failure of the protection layers. LOPA uses simplifying rules to evaluate event frequency, independent layers of protection, and the consequences, to provide an estimate of risk. This presentation provides an overview of the LOPA process, with the addition of key highlights on the LOPA technique.

Leverage Digital EHS Inspection and Asset Management Systems

Mobile inspection and connected systems are becoming common across many applications including EHS. Tools of digital technology create opportunities to meet the challenges to efficiently manage EHS programs and systems. This presentation will explore the organization, implementation challenges, application and benefits derived from implementing a scaled inspection and asset management system. The speakers will discuss: strategies for developing a local/global system, the collection and analysis of large data sets and relating findings to system wide efficiency gains.

Environmental Exposure Assessments for Patients with Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis

The clinical outcomes of patients with hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) are improved when the inciting environmental antigen has been identified. Industrial hygienists/exposure scientists should have a role in assessing environments for these antigens. They can ultimately contribute to reducing the burden of disease associated with HP. This presentation will provide a comprehensive overview of exposure assessment methods in the study of HP; with the goal of creating investigatory tools that can be implemented to increase the proportion of patients for whom the inciting antigen is identified.

IH Perspective in Emgerency Response to a Process Plant Fire

This presentation will review how industrial hygienists are useful in the 3 stages of emergency response (prepare, respond, recover) by using a real world example of a process plant fire. Information will show how an IH can aid: 1) preparation for an incident by developing/reviewing facility response plans, reviewing legislation, training, etc.; 2) response during an incident with decision tools, sampling options and training requirements; and 3) recovery through hazardous materials handling training, assessment tools and protocols.

Topics in Controls: Respirable Crystalline Silica, Fit-Test, and Welding Fume

Effectively Reduce Employee Exposures to Respirable Crystalline Silica

10:15 AM - 10:35 AM 

OSHA recently revised their crystalline silica regulation. Based on historical sampling results, a company with two glass manufacturing sites was out of compliance with the regulation and was provided with estimates up to $10 million to reduce exposures. This presentation will provide an overview of sampling methodologies and practical ideas for exposure reduction. Although some situations may require expensive engineering controls, some exposures can be substantially reduced with simple and inexpensive controls. 

Acknowledgements

Rob Rottersman, MS, CIH, Ramboll Environ, Chicago, IL, USA - provided sampling strategy guidance and report review. Matthew Spaw, Ramboll Environ, Chicago, IL, USA - assisted with field work. The other people involved with this project were employed by the glass manufacturing company, and they asked to remain confidential. 

 

Author

Natalie Fox, CIH, CSP, Ramboll Chicago, IL  
United States of America 


Respirator Fit Capability Test for Full Facepiece Air-Purifying Respirators

10:35 AM - 10:55 AM 

This study was conducted to evaluate if the RFC test methods developed for half-mask respirators are applicable to full facepiece respirators. Benchmark RFC test data for full facepiece air-purifying respirators were collected by using PortaCount Plus. As the required fit factor increased, the panel passing rate (PPR) decreased slightly. This study concluded that the test methods developed for half-mask respirators are appropriate for full facepiece respirators.  

Acknowledgements

This study was funded by the Influenza Coordination Unit (ICU), National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD. The following people are coauthors of the presentation and they helped with the study design, data collection and data analysis in the study: Michael Bergman, Samy Rengasamy, James Harris, Robert B. Lawrence, Brenda Boutin, and Christopher Coffey National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, National Personal Protective Technology, Pittsburgh, PA USA 

 

Author

Ziqing Zhuang, National institute for Occupational Safety and Health Pittsburgh, PA  
United States of America 


*WITHDRAWN* Realistic Issues While Assessing Welding Fume Exposures

10:55 AM - 11:15 AM 

Welding processes are significant health and safety hazards and pose challenges for IHs attempting to provide solutions to prevent exposures. Welding hazards depend on the type of welding operation as well as the metal components that are welded together. Health hazards from welding can be effective controlled. Welders working in a military vehicle production facility conducting total vehicle restoration were noted working in a confined space environment without local exhaust ventilation and lacking proper respiratory protection. 

Acknowledgements

Ms. Kim Nguyen and Mr. Jaime Buyayo helped conduct the personal sampling at the military facility. They are both employed by the Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton, Oceanside, California, USA Mr. Sam Guello, CSP, CIH provided professional oversight and guidance and he is also employed by the Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton, Oceanside, California Kevin W. Hanley, MSPH, CIH, REHS/RS, Sr. Research Industrial Hygienist at NIOSH provided guidance and the rationale for the use of the ACGIH TLV-TWA for manganese. Mr. Hanley is from NIOSH, DSHEFS, IWSB, located at Cincinnati, OH.  

 

Author

Tauseef Badar, MS/ IH, Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton San Diego, CA  
United States of America 

Should You Be Worried? EHS Professionals in Jail

In the last decade, we have seen an increasing trend towards government criminal prosecution of what historically has been a regulatory violation and/or civil matter. While this was primarily with environmental matters, the frequency of this criminal prosecution in regards to health and safety matters has increased to a noticeable extent. In this talk we will focus on: 1. Some of the cases and examples of recent prosecutions of EHS personnel; 2. The elements of a criminal prosecution; 3. Recognition of criminal exposure; and 4. Criminal risk management.

Real Time Sensor Technology: Applications By IH Students

Real-time direct reading technology is advancing rapidly, becoming affordable, and being adopted for exposure measurement, control applications and research. This technology allows IHs to get continuous and immediate measurements from multiple sensors, can be worn by workers, and can be linked to workplace environmental controls. Presenters will discuss the use of sensor selection, performance and integration into various building control system configurations, use of real time sensors to validate the well mixed room exposure model, and an evaluation of the precision and accuracy of off-the-shelf, affordable air quality sensors.

Stokinger Lecture: The Importance of Confirming Protection from Risks in All the Places We Live, Learn, Work, and Play

As industrial hygiene professionals in an increasingly interconnected world, we have impactful opportunities to make it easier for everyone to get the right things done right for healthy individuals, organizations, and society by helping to build and sustain connected, protected, and respected communities of leaders, cultures, and systems with all the tools, training, and experience needed to anticipate and recognize hazards, evaluate exposures, and control, and confirm protection from risks to safety, health, well-being, and productivity in all the places we live, learn, work, and play. Our industrial hygiene decision-making framework and process to "anticipate and recognize hazards, evaluate exposures, and control and confirm protection from risks (ARECC)" is at the heart of that statement. The importance of the confirmation step cannot be overstated because it is essential to our ability to make risk-informed decisions to effectively understand, communicate, and manage risks. Exposure-informed hazard assessment ensures that realistic information about actual exposure compositions, concentrations, and conditions is factored into any laboratory-based studies. Hazard-informed exposure assessment ensures that the relevant exposures are assessed in the appropriate locations and at the appropriate times. New wearable sensor customers, creators, curators, and analysts can also increasingly collaborate to control and confirm protection from risks.

Days of Our Lives: Practical Applications for the IH Laboratory and their Customers.Part 2: Drama Implementing Sustainable Continuous Improvement Program: Benefits, Hurdles, and Culture

Over the past 30 years the business community has adopted, dropped, and replaced numerous iterations of continuous improvement activities. Everyone is familiar with quality initiatives started in the automotive industry including Ford Quality is Job #1, Six Sigma with Green and Black Belts, Lean Manufacturing and Toyota Method. In many respects, the basis for this quality emphasis comes from the teachings of Edward Deming in the 1950s to the Japanese industry programs. The focus of this session is not to explain the processes of these programs, but rather an emphasis on describing benefits for the practitioners, hurdles to implementation, and the cultural shift needed to get beyond tolerating quality initiatives to development of a strong, sustainable continuous improvement program.

Protecting African Workers: A Focus on East Africa

The continent of Africa is a huge territory with diverse geography, highly developed cities, vast rural areas, and rapidly developing economic industries. Governmental EHS regulations are diverse, may not exist and not uniformly applied. Workers may come from diverse cultural and language groups, complicating the communication of safe and healthy work procedures. International companies may apply a standard of care consistent with their home country and these requirements may be novel to African workers. Speakers will provide examples from their experience educating workers and management of industrial hygiene in East Africa (Botswana and Tanzania). New alliances and relationships have been forged with local universities and regulatory bodies.

Flash Fire and Explosions Caused by Electrostatic Discharges

Electrostatic charge is normally generated whenever two materials (solids and/or liquids) make and then break contact. Electrostatic charge generation is expected during operations such as liquid and powder flow through piping, hoses, and chutes, agitation/mixing, and filtration. Electrostatic discharges can ignite flammable atmospheres and cause pinholing of piping and vessels. This presentation will discuss the conditions under which electrostatic charges can generate, accumulate, and cause incendive discharges. Practical techniques for identifying, quantifying, eliminating and controlling electrostatic ignition hazards will be presented.

Leadership & The Industrial Hygienist: A Perfect Combination!

While much has been written on the topic of leadership in traditional safety, industrial hygiene is traditionally thought of as a technical profession. But isn't the Industrial Hygienist (IH) also a candidate to be a great Leader? This talk will define several key elements of being a great Leader and connect each with the field of industrial hygiene. It's vitally important that both undergraduate and graduate industrial hygiene curriculums include content related to leadership. By virtue of the technical training received and the role played in EH&S programs, the IH is perfectly positioned to become an effective Leader in any organization.

Developments in Beryllium Regulation, Sampling and Laboratory Analysis

Beryllium regulations worldwide have been in a state of flux with rulemaking proposals from OSHA, the Department of Energy, and the Working Party on Chemicals in the European Union. It is difficult to keep up with what is needed to stay compliant and more importantly, to properly protect workers. This session, offered by the Sampling and Laboratory Analysis Committee, provides an update on regulations and compliance deadlines. It also provides insights on best practices for sampling and laboratory analysis, based on the Practitioner's Guide to Beryllium Hazard Management prepared by the Beryllium Health and Safety Committee.

Exposure Assessments in Aviation and Live Weapons Training

A suite of methods were used to characterize exposure environments unique to aviation and live weapons training. Direct reading instruments, NIOSH methods and in-house methods were used to collect and analyze samples, exhaled breath samples used to characterize exposure burden, biomarkers, and dermall exposure. In all of these case studies, health risk assessments were designed to drive real-time sensing requirements, exposure mitigation strategies and causality for observed health outcomes.

Interesting OSHA Health Cases, Part 1

This forum will review the findings of some of OSHA's most interesting enforcement cases, serving to enlighten all regarding the practice of industrial hygiene in American workplaces and the impact of the agency in addressing health-related exposures.

1. Beryllium Exposure in Industrial Mold Manufacturing 
2. Asbestos Exposure at the Abandon Hospital
3. Hydrogen Sulfide Exposure during Beef Flavoring

Current Issues in Regulatory Policy: Updates on Lead and Legionella

HUD's Lead Safe Housing Programs in a Changing Regulatory Environment

1:00 PM - 1:20 PM 

HUD amended its Lead Safe Housing Rule for pre-1978 assisted housing in January 2017. Changes in funding levels for HUD's Lead Hazard Control Grant Programs have affected their implementation approaches and outreach and engagement strategies for stakeholders, including communities, non-profits and philanthropies, and lead and other environmental consultants and contractors. This presentation analyzes the effects of these changing regulatory environmental conditions on HUD's lead safe housing programs. 

Acknowledgements

Matthew Ammon, Director, Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes, US Department of Housing and Urban Development, Washington, DC, USA, supported and provided insightful suggestions on the development of the research methods and implementation approaches. 

 

Author

Warren Friedman, PhD, CIH, FAIHA, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Washington, DC  
United States of America 


New Cost Benefit Analysis of Policies to Prevent Childhood Lead Exposure

1:20 PM - 1:40 PM 

This presentation reviews a new cost benefit and policy analysis of ten policies that promise to greatly reduce childhood lead poisoning. The policies include addressing lead in drinking water, paint, dust, soil, food, consumer products, aviation fuel and other sources. It also examines evidence-based academic and behavioral interventions to the roughly 1.8 million children with a history of lead exposure. It draws on the most recent data available and is the first study of its kind in the US since 2000. 

Acknowledgements

The report included a large number of subject matter experts and an advisory committee. The presenter (Jacobs) served as a contributing author and expert. Other contributing personnel (all from Washington DC) included: Rebecca Morley (Pew), Amber Lenhart (Pew), Gabriela Illa (Pew), Mary Jean Brown (retired from CDC), Vanessa Sacks (Child Trends), Kristin Moore (Child Trends), Fadumo Abdi (Child Trends), George Miller (Altarum Institute), Paul Hughes-Cromwick (Altarum Institute), Corwin Rhyan (Altarum Institute), Steven Martin (Urban Institute), Gregory Acs (Urban Institute), Rich Hamburg (Trust for America’s Health), Albert Lang (Trust for America's Health). External reviewers and advisors are too numerous to list here, but will be acknowledged in the presentation. The work was funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and Pew Charitable Trusts.  

 

Author

Dr David Jacobs, PhD, CIH, National Center for Healthy Housing Washington, DC  
United States of America 


New Standards and Regulation for Legionella Control in Building Water Systems

1:40 PM - 2:00 PM 

The waterborne pathogen Legionella is known for causing Legionnaire's disease. In this session the following new industrial standards and one state regulation will be reviewed and discussed: 1) New York state regulation for monitoring and treating all the cooling towers in New York for Legionella bacteria; 2) ASHRAE Standard 188 for Legionella risk management in building water systems; 3) CDC issued guideline to implement water management plan based on ASHRAE standard 188; 4) Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) mandates its facilities implement a water management program; and 5) National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) International will issue a building water health standard. 

Acknowledgements

ASHRAE 188: Legionellosis: Risk Management for Building Water Systems June 26, 2015  

 

Author

Zhe Zhang, Ph.D., SanAir Technologies Laboratory Powhatan, VA  
United States of America 

Topics in Protective Clothing & Equipment: Focus on Respirators & Gowns

Effect of Stockpiling Conditions on Respirators and Surgical Gowns

1:00 PM - 1:20 PM 

Personal protective equipment (PPE) such as respirators and surgical gowns are stockpiled in preparation for public health responses to outbreaks such as SARS, influenza, and Ebola. Resource limitations have led facilities to stockpile PPE in environments that may not meet manufacturer storage recommendations or exceed shelf life, increasing the potential for PPE degradation. Even when stored at manufacturers' recommended conditions, the influence of long-term storage time alone on PPE performance is unknown. 

Acknowledgements

Presenter would like to acknowledge key contributers: -Susan Moore, Phd, CDC/NIOSH/NPPTL, Pittsburgh, PA, U.S. -Patrick Yorio, Phd, CDC/NIOSH/NPPTL, Pittsburgh, PA, U.S. -Kerri Wizer, MS, CPH, CDC/NIOSH/NPPTL, Pittsburgh, PA, U.S.  

 

Author

Lee Greenawald, Ph.D., CDC/NIOSH/NPPTL Morgantown, WV  


Evaluation of the Performance of Reusable Isolation Gowns

1:20 PM - 1:40 PM 

Recent infectious disease outbreaks highlighted the need for more effective PPE, such as isolation gowns. The critical properties for an isolation gown include its ability to keep liquids from passing through the gown and to withstand the physical stresses exerted during healthcare tasks. The Association of the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) PB70 is used to define isolation gown barrier performance levels. The physical and barrier performance of nine reusable isolation gowns were evaluated. Results show that six of the models did not pass liquid penetration testing based on AAMI PB70.  

Acknowledgements

Patrick Yorio, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; provided input for data analysis 

 

Author

Dr F.Selcen Kilinc-Balci, CDC/NIOSH Pittsburgh, PA  
United States of America 


A Manikin-Based Assessment of Powered Air-Purifying Respirators

1:40 PM - 2:00 PM 

NIOSH has initiated efforts to update powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR) certification standards. Advanced headforms are currently used at NIOSH for respirator performance research. To support standards development, this preliminary study used an advanced headform to assess the performance of two models of loose-fitting PAPRs at different breathing work rates and PAPR flowrates. 

Acknowledgements

none 

 

Author

Mr. Michael Bergman, NIOSH/NPPTL Pittsbugh, PA  
United States of America 

Mock Trial: Use of Expert IH Testimony in a Wrongful Termination Case, Part 1

This mock legal proceeding showcases and explains the important evidence and expert testimony that would occur in a wrongful termination case. This factual scenario involves an ex-employee suing his former employer in a civil lawsuit. The plaintiff was exposed to chemical vapors over a 6-month period. The exposure occurred in a make-shift office adjacent to a machine room. Numerous requests to relocate offices were denied. Two external agencies inspected the working conditions and issued citations. The plaintiff suffered serious health consequences and eventually felt compelled to quit. The legal issues explored are "constructive termination," failure to reasonably accommodate, and battery. Evidence will be presented by competing expert witnesses in attempt to prove or defend whether the working conditions were "intolerable."

Days of Our Lives: Practical Applications for the IH Laboratory and their Customers. Part 3: A Reawakening: ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Evolving Mindset of the International Laboratory Standard

The International Standard for Calibration and Testing Laboratories – ISO/IEC 17025 was revised in 2017. Over the past 20 years the industrial hygiene profession has relied on the ISO/IEC 17025 standard to provide confidence in analytical data from testing laboratories to support health and safety decisions. The revisions adopted in 2017 create a different mindset, going from prescriptive to more performance based criteria. This shift will pose some challenges and opportunities for both the accreditation bodies such as AIHA Laboratory Accreditation Programs, LLC and the laboratory community. This session will describe the key differences between the 2005 and 2017 ISO/IEC 17025 standards and how those differences could impact both the laboratory and data user.

Case Studies on the Respiratory Deposition of Metal Fume Particles

Occupational exposure to metal fume particles can cause various adverse health outcomes. This session will describe three case studies on the respiratory deposition of metal fume particles in the lungs. In the first study, a lung deposition sampler (LDS) was developed to mimic total aerosol deposition and a novel method to determine deposited metal was validated with this sampler. The second study focused on acquiring critical information for the fate and dosimetry of inhaled ultrafine particles (UFP). Lastly, a computational fluid-particle dynamics (CFPD) model was developed to predict the transport and deposition of the metal fume in human upper airway.

Innovations that Ignite Worker Health

The Dow Chemical Company is in the early stages of implementation of a 10-year company goal on Total Worker Health (TWH) with its 3 strategic elements: Healthy Culture, Healthy Workplace and Healthy People. The TWH goal is driving increased collaboration between the IH Expertise and Health Services organizations and strengthening the way these groups partner with Operations and other key stakeholders. Examples of innovative technologies and tools to create a healthy workforce will be shared. These innovations are creating work environments with reduced chemical and noise exposure, improved ergonomics, and better management of thermal stress.

Healthcare Worker Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Drugs

OSHA and US Pharmacopeia's recent publications on safe handling of Hazardous Drugs (HDs) clearly states that it is applicable in all healthcare settings. Understanding the risks is critical to interpretation and execution of the regulations. A wealth of information has been published concerning hazardous drugs, workplace contamination, worker exposure, and adverse health effects. Successfully implemented programs will be reviewed. The goal of this program is to provide attendees a customizable template to implement a safe handling program and the knowledge to make facility specific assessments of risk.

Waterborne Pathogens Mysteries Solved

Following a brief introduction to waterborne pathogens, three case studies will be reviewed during which unusual or hidden sources of waterborne pathogens amplification were identified during the risk assessment or outbreak investigation. Each case study will outline the risk assessment process and investigation plan, review the unusual sources of amplification identified, and discuss recommended control strategies.

AIHA Local Sections: Managing, Marketing, Collaborating & Engaging

The wealth of human talent with the AIHA local sections is phenomenal. However, the structure, format, and level of business experience varies. This presentation describes the business case of an AIHA local section that was struggling because of gaps in leadership skills and how it was transformed into an organization that operated more like a business. It was done by networking, incentive programs, prominent speakers, revised bylaws and operations manual, and marketing and sales techniques. This presentation will discuss some of the successes and failures. In conclusion, the information will inspire and educate current AIHA leaders to make sound business choices going forward for industrial hygiene profession as a career pathway and the AIHA organization as a whole.

Notable Confined Spaces: Solutions to Improve Outcomes, Part 2

This session will discuss two confined space entry issues: 1) How confined space accidents can be attributed to a failure to adequately identify the changes in confined space hazards and risks during a confined space activity. The MOC process contained within the new NFPA 350 will be utilized to demonstrate how a MOC process could have prevented CSE incidents; and 2) Hazards associated with subsurface infrastructures where the only possible means of atmosphere exchanges is through the manhole opening. This study used exhaust gas from a small engine as a source of CO for monitoring the progress of ventilation and visualized surface air movement inside the airspace of the structure.

Come Watch a Speaker's Epic Failure (So You Don't Experience One)!

Often it's more important to know what not to do, than what to do. This is especially true for making a presentation. Have you ever been to a really bad session? Well, this one is sure to top it! Participants will enjoy playing "spot the bad presenting" as non-stop speaking "don'ts", mistakes, and faux pas galore are demonstrated. Attendees will win "fabulous" prizes as they help "correct" these examples of poor presentation practices. Sure to be a fun, educational, and lively session!

Interesting OSHA Health Cases, Part 2

This forum will review the findings of some of OSHA's most interesting enforcement cases, serving to enlighten all regarding the practice of industrial hygiene in American workplaces, and the impact of the agency in addressing health-related exposures.

1. Overexposure to PNOR and MDI during Truck Refurbishing 
2. Temp Worker Heat Stress Fatality 
3. Nickel Carbonyl Exposure Results in Death

A New Silica Control Tool in British Columbia, Canada

A round table format will be utilized to discuss a new online silica risk assessment and control tool (Tool) developed for the British Columbia Construction Safety Association (BCCSA). The Tool assists employers in conducting appropriate silica risk assessments and implementing effective controls and safe work practices. Panel members will discuss the history of the tool, the field data that has been used in the tool, the inputs, and limitations of the tool. Also, a project aiming to validate and optimize the tool for another jurisdiction, Alberta, will be discussed.

Nanotechnology Updates: Focus on Nanoparticles

Control Banding for Engineered Nanomaterials Case Studies

2:15 PM - 2:35 PM 

This presentation highlights the use of risk banding models in assessing and managing workplace EHS risks for nanotechnology applications. Three control banding models for engineered nanomaterials were reviewed and used to evaluate exposure scenarios from manufacturing and research. This presentation summarizes the results for each model. The model criteria, practical applications, limitations, and differences in output will be outlined. 

Acknowledgements

Shannon Magari, ScD, MS, MPH - Colden Corporation, Syracuse, NY, USA. Role: study reviewer and lead for statistical analysis. Taryn Dausman, MS - Colden Corporation, Ballston Lake, NY, USA. Role: study contributor: literature search on scenarios and model application.  

 

Author

Michele Shepard, PhD, MS, CIH, Colden Corporation Ballston Lake, NY  
United States of America 


NIOSH 7402 and the Tsai Diffusion Sampler Methods for Carbon Nanotubes

2:35 PM - 2:55 PM 

This session will present a comparison of the NIOSH 7402 method and the Tsai Diffusion Sampler method for collecting and analyzing carbon nanotubes. 

Acknowledgements

The corresponding author of this project is Dr. Candace Tsai from Colorado State University in Fort Collins, CO. The co-author of this project is Daniel Theisen from Colorado State University in Fort Collins, CO. This project was supported by the Mountain and Plains Education and Research Center, Grant T42OH009229, funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or the Department of Health and Human Services 

 

Author

Jared Khattak, Colorado State University Fort Collins, CO  
United States of America 


Emissions from Printed Paper and Cell Toxicity Test with Paper Particles

2:55 PM - 3:15 PM 

The aim of this research was to investigate and characterize airborne particles released from printing and shredding paper. The study was designed to evaluate the exposure using real time instruments and Tsai diffusion samplers. To evaluate the particle concentration and the size distribution of printer emission, printer emitted particles (PEPs) were determined in notable size formed with metal granules and graphite. Furthermore, potential exposure risks to paper particles were also evaluated via cell toxicity test using human lung cells (BES2B and HBE1). 

Acknowledgements

Alison Bauer, University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA Kalpana Velmurugan, University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA Cathy Su, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA Jared, Khattak, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA Daniel Theisen, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA Candace Su-Jung Tsai*, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA * Corresponding Author I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my advisor Dr. Candace Su-Jung Tsai for the continuous support of my Master’s study and related research, for her patience, motivation, and immense knowledge. Her guidance helped me in all the time of research since 2015. Author’s special thanks to Roy Geiss (Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA) for technical support on TEM and EDS. This project was supported by the Grant T42OH009229, funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Its contents a 

 

Author

Nara Shin, Colorado State University Fort Collins, CO  
United States of America 

NIOSH Research on Reducing Welding Fume Exposures in Electric Power Generation

NIOSH research is focused on identification and modification of welding processes that are minimal generators of fume and chromium (VI) in stainless welding, especially as compared with shielded metal arc welding. Previous NIOSH studies have shown that several gas metal arc processes yield very low emission rates of fume, Cr, Ni, Mn and chromium (VI). Present studies are continuing to attempt further reduction in emissions. Field studies in collaboration with Xcel Energy will examine actual exposures. Field studies are also continuing on the effects of multiple welding helmet designs on in-helmet exposure concentrations.

Days of Our Lives: Practical Applications for the IH Laboratory and their Customers. Part 4: A Stranger in Town: HSE Role in Protecting Worker Encounters with Illicit Drugs

Drug use has been an international issue for decades and generally not a focus of the HSE industry. Over the past 10 years, the need for HSE involvement has grown with concerns over investigating and cleaning up of methamphetamine laboratories and now the health and safety of first responders to the very hazardous opioids and similar concerns over laboratory practitioners in the law enforcement community. With the legalization of marijuana across the country, HSE practitioners must address worker concerns when cultivating and processing marijuana as part of their daily job functions. In addition, prescription, recreational and illicit drug use by workers is affecting their ability to work safely. This session will discuss the emerging health and safety components related to the opioid epidemic and expanding marijuana industry and how the HSE community can get involved in ensuring the health and safety of these groups of workers not previously with the purview of our industry.

Laboratory Considerations for Analysis of Radiologically-Contaminated IH Samples

There are significant challenges in preparing and qualifying a laboratory to accept radiologically-contaminated samples for chemical analysis. This session will discuss the following requirements: hiring a radiation safety officer, obtaining a radioactive materials license, qualifying and training personnel, finding a waste broker, lining up bonding and insurance, a decommissioning plan, designated and secured receiving areas, monitoring of packages, designated handling areas, identifed instruments for analysis of samples, and environmental controls. These requirements are over and above the normal preparations needed for an industrial hygiene lab.

Emergency Preparedness & Response after Crisis and Catastrophe

Chlorine Exposure During a Biological Decontamination Study

2:15 PM - 2:35 PM 

During a mock subway system decontamination (decon) study, personal chlorine exposure was monitored during a Level A entry into the exclusion zone. Chlorine exposures were observed up to 5 times the IDLH value of 10 ppm. While this decon method is very efficacious, this study demonstrates the health hazards involved with manual spray decon using pH-amended bleach in a subway tunnel if used after a biological terror event. 

Acknowledgements

Andrew Imler, Eastern Research Group, Inc., Morrisville, NC USA - co-author, provided assistance with sampling and analysis Rebecca DeVries, Eastern Research Group, Inc., Morrisville, NC USA - provided assistance with statistical analysis  

 

Author

John Archer, US EPA RTP, NC  
United States of America 


The Flint Water Crisis: Institutional Ethics Considerations

2:35 PM - 2:55 PM 

The National Academy of Sciences recently created a committee to review their Standard on Scientific Integrity. The existing standard was largely focused on individual misconduct. It was lacking institutional and behavior aspects that can create ethical conflicts. The Flint Water Crisis provides a real life example on how institutional factors may have influenced actions and inactions within organizations that resulted in a major population exposure to lead contaminated drinking water. This presentation includes an overview of the events that preceded the lead contamination event, the delay in public disclosure, and the consequences from a loss of public confidence in local and State authorities. 

Acknowledgements

None at this time. 

 

Author

Mr Steven Neilson, CIH, U.S. Department of Energy Newport News, VA  
United States of America 


Industrial Hygiene in the Wake of a Catastrophe

2:55 PM - 3:15 PM 

We typically think of industrial hygiene as something that is practiced during the course of normal business, during regular business hours,and in a fairly predictable manner. This session will discuss what if a catastrophic event beyond your wildest nightmares just occurred rendering the entire facility a giant mangled field of hazards? How will you safely and effectively facilitate the post disaster investigation, the requisite demolition, and the rebuilding of the plant? 

Acknowledgements

Tom Caldwell, PE, Chief Engineer with Atlas Engineering, provided all structural engineering and life safety support. His expertise was critical to the successful completion of the project. Cheryl Mackenzie of the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board served as liaison between all parties and provided an invaluable service. 

 

Author

Mr. Theodore Rowland III, CIH, Terracon Consultants, Inc. North Charleston, SC  
United States of America 

Mock Trial: Use of Expert IH Testimony in a Wrongful Termination Case, Part 2

This mock legal proceeding showcases and explains the important evidence and expert testimony that would occur in a wrongful termination case. This factual scenario involves an ex-employee suing his former employer in a civil lawsuit. The plaintiff was exposed to chemical vapors over a 6-month period. The exposure occurred in a make-shift office adjacent to a machine room. Numerous requests to relocate offices were denied. Two external agencies inspected the working conditions and issued citations. The plaintiff suffered serious health consequences and eventually felt compelled to quit. The legal issues explored are "constructive termination," failure to reasonably accommodate, and battery. Evidence will be presented by competing expert witnesses in attempt to prove or defend whether the working conditions were "intolerable."

Applying ISO 45001 to Manage Your Workplace Ergonomics Program

The causes of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) have been effectively managed by ergonomics programs modeled after common processes. The new draft 45001 safety management system standard provides an excellent model for managing an ergonomics improvement process. This presentation will illustrate the key elements of an ergonomics improvement process and how they are aligned with ISO 45001, share real industry applications and examples, and highlight the lessons learned from leading organizations and benchmarked companies.

Exposure Assessment: Estimating Methods

US Air Force Exposure Assessment Strategy

2:15 PM - 2:35 PM 

The development and implementation of an US Air Force Exposure Assessment Strategy utilizing the AIHA's "A Strategy for Assessing and Managing Occupational Exposures" (4th ed.) and the DOD Industrial Hygiene Assessment Model will be presented. 

Acknowledgements

Rob Eninger, AFIT, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH - Coauthor Jeremy Slagley, AFIT, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH - Coauthor Heidi Grandin, USAFSAM, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH - Coauthor Jennifer Hardos, USAFSAM, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH - Coauthor Cheryl McWilson, USAFSAM, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH - Coauthor 

 

Author

Matthew Ferreri, Maj, USAF, BSC, CIH, US Air Force Falls Church, VA  


Translating Dermal Lead Accumulation into Dose

2:35 PM - 2:55 PM 

How do dermal lead (Pb) concentrations translate into dose? This presentation will discuss methods used to estimate dose from dermal lead accumulation data during various weapons firing scenarios. This session will highlight the information needed to run models and the effects of data gaps. 

Acknowledgements

Alice Weber, Army Public Health Center, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, United States. Project lead. Rebecca Leaverton, Army Public Health Center, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, United States. Project team member. 

 

Author

Rachel Seymour, CIH, Army Public Health Center Baltimore, MD  
United States of America 


Novel Method for Estimating Dermal Contact with Hand-Applied Cleaning Solutions

2:55 PM - 3:15 PM 

This session will describe a novel method to address uncertainty in skin-to-liquid contact that occurs during use of hand-applied cleaning solutions. Volunteers wearing a white cotton glove over a nitrile glove simulated cleaning a vinyl floor tile with a rag wetted with a cleaning solution. This activity was performed with two cleaning solutions, three solution volumes, four cleaning durations, and two rag types. Regression analyses indicated that subject, duration, rag-loaded solution volume, and rag type were significant predictors for each solution. This approach is applicable to a variety of dermal contact scenarios. 

Acknowledgements

Kenneth T. Bogen DrPH, DABT (Exponent, Inc., Oakland, CA, USA); Ankur Singhal, MA (Exponent, Inc., Oakland, CA, USA); and Patrick Sheehan, PhD (Exponent, Inc., Oakland, CA, USA). KB co-conceived the study, performed the imaging, conducted the statistical analyses, and interpreted the results; AS was a volunteer during the simulation and interpreted the results; and PS co-conceived the study, was a volunteer during the simulation, and interpreted the results. 

 

Author

Ryan Lewis, PhD, CIH, Exponent, Inc. Oakland, CA  
United States of America 

Legionnaires' Disease, a Re-emerging Threat: Latest Investigative Tools

Since 2000, the reported incidence of Legionnaires' disease (LD) has increased over four-fold across the United States. The vast majority of LD cases are considered sporadic or travel related and are not typically investigated. Yet, recent changes to public health policies and health care regulations have been based on LD investigations. OSHA responce to allegations of workplace acquired LD is resulting in more scrutiny on employer prevention programs. The session will enable IHs to understand the latest science in Legionella research, methods of prevention and what to expect when OSHA or the CDC knocks on your clients' door.

Closing Session - Total Exposure Health - A Revolutionary Way to Think of Exposure and Primary Prevention

Total Exposure Health (TEH) is a bold solution to capture workplace, environmental, and lifestyle exposures to the individual using advances in science, technology, and informatics to help reduce short- and long-term health risks to individuals and to provide clinically relevant information individuals and their providers to prevent disease, enhance human performance. By educating individuals about their exposure profile, TEH will enable individuals and families to make healthy lifestyle choices tailored to their exposure profile as a minimum and also to their adverse genetic proclivity when known. 

TEH is a holistic approach to integrating science, technology, informatics, and medicine into interconnected preventive health systems. This emphasis on "Personalized Healthcare" moves industrial hygienists from worker health to exposure sciences for diverse populations capitalizing on the rapidly accelerating advances in sensor technology, genomic sciences, health information technology, and precision medicine to enable new knowledge and understanding to protect and prevent disease, encourage patient/provider interaction, and improve population health and well-being.

New Multi-phase Sampler for Inhalable Fraction Vapor (IFV) Compounds

Industrial hygienists are challenged frequently to sample for chemicals that exist in the air simultaneously as an aerosol and a vapor. A new multi-phase personal sampler will be discussed that combines the sampling efficiency of the IOM for inhalable particulate with traditional sorbent tubes into one sampler. Flow rates and sampling heads can be varied to accommodate other sampling devices. A variety of treated/untreated filters and sorbent tubes can be used with this sampler.

Individual topic purchase: Selected
American Industrial Hygiene Association
Credit Hours: 140.00
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