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ILO-CIS Bulletin 1997/01CIS 97-1 --- CIS 97-350Laws, regulations, directivesCIS 97-1 Act of 4 Aug. 1996 concerning the welfare of workers during the performance of their work [Belgium]. (Dutch: 4 Aug. 1996: Wet betreffende het welzijn van de werknemers bij de uitvoering van hun werk; French: Loi du 4 août 1996 relative au bien-être des travailleurs lors de l'exécution de leur travail [Belgique]) Moniteur belge - Belgisch Staatsblad, 18 Sep. 1996, 166th Year, No.180, p.24309-24328. (In Dutch, French) Internet: This Law (effective, for the most part, on 1 Oct. 1996) covers the following matters: scope (excludes domestic workers); definitions; general principles (measures furthering the welfare of workers include those relating to: occupational safety, protection of workers' health at work, psycho-social strain due to work, ergonomics, occupational hygiene, workplace improvement, environmental protection; responsibilities of the employer for the promotion of workers' welfare; responsibilities of workers for their own protection); specific measures concerning work in the same workplace performed by several enterprises; specific measures for work performed by external enterprises; temporary and mobile construction sites; preventive and protective services; composition and role of the High Council for the Prevention of Occupational Risks and the Protection of Workers (Conseil supérieur pour la Prévention et la Protection au travail); establishment, composition and role of Safety and Health Committees in establishments employing on the average more than 50 workers (for mines and underground quarries: more than 20); administrative matters and penalties for non-compliance. The 1952 Act concerning the safety and health of workers (see CIS 95-1552), together with its various modifications, is revoked. Regulations issued under that Act, however, remain in effect. This law transposes into Belgian legislation the framework Directive 89/391/EEC (see CIS 89-1401) concerning the introduction of measures to encourage improvements in the safety and health of workers at work. (68335)
CIS 97-2 Regulations for annuities and compensations payment rules and procedures (Annuities Branch) [Saudi Arabia]. General Organization for Social Insurance, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 2nd ed., 1984. 69p. (In Arabic, English) Internet: This document contains provisions relating to the payment of annuities and compensation under the Social Insurance Law in Saudi Arabia. Contents: rules for computing annuities and compensations; determining eligibility for annuities and compensation of beneficiaries in certain cases; payment procedure and necessary documents; payment of the funeral expense grant; procedures for the submittal and hearing of appeals. Includes ministerial decisions amending the regulations. (68402)
CIS 97-3 Regulations for rules and procedures for implementation of the Occupational Hazards Branch and implementing decisions [Saudi Arabia]. General Organization for Social Insurance, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 2nd ed., 1985. 131p. (In Arabic, English) Internet: This document contains regulations relating to occupational health and safety and payment of workmen's compensation in Saudi Arabia. Contents: schedule of occupational diseases; guide schedule of percentages of permanent disabilities; introduction of stages of implementation of the Occupational Hazards Branch; rules and procedures for the implementation of the Occupational Hazards Branch; extracts from the Labour and Workmen Law concerning rules for safety and protection from occupational diseases and employment injuries. (68403)
CIS 97-4 Order No. 33/93 of 15 October on the organization and operation of the National Commission for the Revision of the List of Occupational Diseases [Portugal]. (Portuguese: Decreto Regulamentar n°33/93 de 15 de Outubro: reformulação da constituição e do regime de funcionamento da Comissão Nacional de Revisão da Lista das Doenças Profissionais) Ministério do Emprego e da Segurança Social, Diário da República, 15 Oct. 1993, Series I-B, No.242, p.5827-5828. (In Portuguese) Internet: Subject: organization and operation of the National Commission for the revision of the list of occupational diseases, created by Decree No.434/73 of 25 August. Contents: functions and composition of the Commission; participation of experts; permanent group; administrative and logistic support. Reference to: Law No.2127 of 3 August. Order No.12/80 of 8 May is abrogated. (68567)
CIS 97-5 Decree-Law No.341/93 of 30 September on the approval of the National Table of Disability due to Occupational Accidents and Diseases [Portugal]. (Portuguese: Decreto-Lei n°341/93 de 30 de Setembro: Tabela Nacional de Incapacidades por Acidentes de Trabalho e Doenças Profissionais) Ministério do Emprego e da Segurança Social, Diário da República, 30 Sep. 1993, Series I-A, No.230, p.5497-5538. Illus. (In Portuguese) Internet: Scheme for the assessment of body disability due to occupational accidents and diseases. Contents: general instructions; musculoskeletal system; dysmorphy; neurology; otorhinolaryngology; ophthalmology; angiocardiology; pneumology; nephrology and urology; gastroenterology; psychiatry; dermatology; reproductive system; haematology; endocrinology; stomatology; oncology; model form for disability assessment. Decree No.43 189 of 23 September 1960 is abrogated. (68569)
CIS 97-6 Order No.96-364 of 30 April 1996 relating to the protection of pregnant or breast-feeding workers as a consequence of their exposure to chemical, biochemical and physical agents and modifying ... the Labour Code...[France]. (French: Décret n°96-364 du 30 avril 1996 relatif à la protection des travailleuses enceintes ou allaitant contre les risques résultant de leur exposition à des agents chimiques, biologiques et physiques et modifiant ... le code du travail... [France]) Journal officiel de la République française, 1 and 2 May 1996, 128th Year, No.103, p.6613. (In French) Internet: Main contents of this Order: prohibition of work for women who notify their employer that they are pregnant and for those who are breastfeeding (work involving exposure to metallic lead and its compounds and that involving work in pressurized atmospheres >1.2bar). Other special measures aim to prevent infection with rubeola and toxoplasmosis. (68480)
CIS 97-7 Occupational Exposure to 1,3-Butadiene: Final Rule [USA]. Department of Labor, Federal Register, 4 Nov. 1996, Vol.61, No.214, Part II, p.56746-56856. (In English) Internet: This final standard (effective date: 3.2.1997) amends the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) occupational standard that regulates worker exposure to 1,3-butadiene (BD). The basis for this action is the finding that OSHA's current 8h time-weighted average (TWA) permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 1000ppm does not adequately protect workers' health. The new limits are 1ppm (8h-TWA) and 5ppm as a 15min short-term exposure limit (STEL). An "action level" of 0.5ppm as an 8h-TWA is included in the standard as a mechanism in some circumstances for exempting the employer from some administrative requirements. In order to protect workers exposed to BD, the new standard requires the implementation of engineering controls, correct work practices and the wearing of personal protective equipment, exposure monitoring, the training of potentially exposed workers, medical surveillance, hazard communication, regulated areas, emergency procedures and recordkeeping. Detailed information is provided on: carcinogenicity; reproductive effects; other studies; quantitative risk assessment; significance of risk; economic impact analysis; environmental impact. In appendix: substance data sheet; technical guidelines; medical screening and surveillance; sampling and analytical methods; respirator fit testing procedures; medical questionnaires aimed at exposed workers. (68336)
CIS 97-8 Commission Directive 96/54/EC of 30 July 1996 adapting to technical progress for the twenty-second time Council Directive 67/548/EEC on the approximation of the laws, regulations and administrative provisions relating to the classification, packaging and labelling of dangerous substances [European Communities]. (French: Directive 96/54/CE de la Commission du 30 juillet 1996 portant vingt-deuxième adaptation au progrès technique de la directive 67/548/CEE du Conseil concernant le rapprochement des dispositions législatives, réglementaires et administratives relatives à la classification, l'emballage et l'étiquetage des substances dangereuses [Communautés européennes]; Spanish: Directiva 96/54/CE de la Comisión de 30 de julio de 1996 por la que se adapta, por vigésima segunda vez, al progreso técnico la Directiva 67/548/CEE del Consejo relativa a la aproximación de las disposiciones legales, reglamentarias y administrativas en materia de clasificación, embalaje y etiquetado de las sustancias peligrosas [Comunidades Europeas]) Official Journal of the European Communities - Journal officiel des Communautés européennes, 30 Sep. 1996, Vol.39, No.L 248, p.1-230. Illus. (In English, French, Spanish) Internet: This is the adaptation of EC Directive 67/548/EEC (see CIS 92-23). It makes a few minor modifications, deletes 8 entries from the list of dangerous substances, adds a new special classification for organic substances (enzymes) and a new R phrase R 65 (Harmful: May cause lung damage if swallowed). In annexes: list of >150 substances and substance classes whose classification and/or labelling requirements have been modified, with CAS and EEC numbers, name (in the 11 official languages of the EC), classification codes, labelling requirements, R and S-phrase codes and concentration limits (where relevant); list of approx. 180 substances for which the risk phrase R 22 is replaced by the new phrase R 65; part B of Annex V of the original Directive is modified by the replacement of the heading and the general introduction by a new Part B: Methods for the Determination of Toxicity and Other Health Effects, by the modification of other parts and the inclusion of new parts dealing with acute toxicity and the delayed neurotoxicity of organophosphorus substances following acute exposure. Member States of the European Communities are obliged to introduce the provisions of this Directive into their own legislation by 31 May 1998 (for certain provisions: 31 Oct. 1997). (68337)
CIS 97-9 Commission Directive 96/94/EC of 18 December 1996 establishing a second list of indicative limit values in implementation of Council Directive 80/1107/EEC on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to chemical, physical and biological agents at work [European Communities]. (French: Directive 96/94/CE de la Commission du 18 décembre 1996 relative à l'établissement d'une deuxième liste de valeurs limites de caractère indicatif en application de la directive 80/1107/CEE du Conseil concernant la protection des travailleurs contre les risques liés à une exposition à des agents chimiques, physiques et biologiques pendant le travail [Communautés européennes]; Spanish: Directiva 96/94/CE de la Comisión de 18 de diciembre de 1996 relativa al establecimiento de una segunda lista de valores límite de carácter indicativo, mediante la aplicación de la Directiva 80/1107/CEE del Consejo, sobre la protección de los trabajadores contra los riesgos relacionados con la exposición a agentes químicos, físicos y biológicos durante el trabajo [Comunidades Europeas]) Official Journal of the European Communities - Journal officiel des Communautés européennes, 28 Dec. 1996, Vol.39, No.L 338, p.86-88. (In English, French, Spanish) Internet: This is a follow-up to the list established by Directive 91/322/EEC (CIS 92-1427) in implementation of Directive 80/1107/EEC (CIS 81-1610). It contains indicative limit values (8h time weighted average and 15min short-term limit) for 23 substances (expressed in mg/m3 and ppm), as well as skin notation where appropriate. The substances are: ethylamine; chlorodifluoromethane; propionic acid; 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene; cumene; allyl alcohol; 2-methoxy-1-methylethylacetate; mesitylene; heptan-2-one; 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene; isopentylacetate; dimethylamine; N,N-dimethylacetamide; 1,2,3-trimethylbenzene; 1-methylbutylacetate; pentylacetate; 3-pentylacetate; tert-amylacetate; hydrogen chloride; orthophosphoric acid; dihydrogen selenide; hydrogen bromide; (2-methoxymethylethoxy)-propanol. (68340)
CIS 97-10 Order No.968/94 of 28 October on restrictions on the marketing and use of certain dangerous substances and preparations [Portugal]. (Portuguese: Portaria n°968/94 de 28 de Outubro: estabelece as limitações da comercialização e da utilização de determinadas substâncias e preparações perigosas) Ministério da Indústria e Energia, Diário da República, 28 Oct. 1994, Series I-B, No.250, p.6500-6502. (In Portuguese) Internet: Subject: restrictions on the marketing and use of certain dangerous substances and preparations, such as pentachlorophenol and compounds; cadmium and compounds; methyltetrachlorodiphenylmethane, methyldichlorodiphenylmethane and methyldibromodiphenylmethane. Annex: names and CAS number of chemical products mentioned. Reference to Decree-Law 232/94 of 14 September; Directive 91/173/EEC; Directive 91/338/EEC (CIS 92-20); Directive 91/339/EEC (CIS 92-21). (68562)
CIS 97-11 Decree-Law No.228/94 of 13 September on restrictions on the use and marketing of asbestos and products containing asbestos [Portugal]. (Portuguese: Decreto-Lei n°228/94 de 13 de Setembro: restrições à utilização e comercialização do amianto e de produtos que o contenham) Ministério da Indústria e Energia, Diário da República, 13 Sep. 1994, Series I-A, No.212, p.5471-5472. (In Portuguese) Internet: Modification of Decree-Law No.28/87 (CIS 87-744), modified by Decree-Law No.138/88 (CIS 90-1075), bringing it into line with Directive 91/659/EEC (CIS 92-19) concerning the use and marketing of asbestos and products containing asbestos. (68563)
CIS 97-12 Decree-Law No.275/94 of 28 October on the import and export of certain dangerous chemicals [Portugal]. (Portuguese: Decreto-Lei n°275/94 de 28 de Outubro: notificação e informação para as importações e exportações de determinados produtos químicos) Ministério do Ambiente e Recursos Naturais, Diário da República, 28 Oct. 1994, Series I-A, No.250, p.6489-6490. (In Portuguese) Internet: Subject: notification and supply of information for the import from and export to third countries of certain chemicals which are banned or severely restricted on account of their effects on human health and the environment, in accordance with Directive 2455/92/EEC (CIS 93-1426). Contents: competent authority; administrative procedures; packing and labelling; penalties. Annex: form for the notification and supply of information. (68564)
CIS 97-13 Decree-Law No.54/93 of 26 February on restrictions on the use and marketing of certain dangerous substances and preparations [Portugal]. (Portuguese: Decreto-Lei n°54/93 de 26 de Fevereiro: limitação do uso, fabricação e comercialização de certas substâncias e preparações perigosas) Ministério do Ambiente e Recursos Naturais, Diário da República, 26 Feb. 1993, Series I-A, No.48, p.843-844. (In Portuguese) Internet: Subject: restrictions on the marketing and use of certain dangerous substances and preparations, such as benzene and compounds, lead carbonates and sulfates, mercury compounds, arsenic compounds, organostannous compounds. Also included: labelling; competent authority; penalties. Annex: names and CAS number of chemical products mentioned. Reference to Decree-Law 47/90 of 9 February (CIS 96-1935); Directive 89/677/EEC. (68565)
CIS 97-14 Order No.1049/93 of 19 October on the prevention of water pollution by asbestos [Portugal]. (Portuguese: Portaria n°1049/93 de 19 de Outubro: prevenção da poluição das águas residuais provenientes do sector de actividade de amianto) Ministérios da Indústria e Energia, da Saúde e do Ambiente e Recursos Naturais, Diário da República, 19 Oct. 1993, Series I-B, No.245, p.5865-5867. (In Portuguese) Internet: Subject: prevention of water pollution by asbestos. Contents: scope; waste disposal; pollution control. Annex: analytical methods. Reference to Decree-Law No.74/90 of 7 March; Directive 87/217/EEC. (68566)
CIS 97-15 Decree-Law No.347/88 of 30 September on restrictions on the marketing of crop protection products [Portugal]. (Portuguese: Decreto-Lei n°347/88 de 30 de Setembro: restrições ao lançamento no mercado nacional de produtos fitofarmacêuticos) Ministério da Agricultura, Pescas e Alimentação, Diário da República, 30 Sep. 1988, Series I, No.227, p.3992-3993. (In Portuguese) Internet: Subject: restrictions on the marketing of crop protection agents on account of their effects on human health and the environment, in accordance with Directive 79/117/EEC. Contents: scope; definitions; competent authority; penalties. (68568)
CIS 97-16 Commission Directive 96/86/EC of 13 Dec. 1996 adapting to technical progress Council Directive 94/55/EC on the approximation of the laws of the Member States with regard to the transport of dangerous goods by road [European Communities]. (French: Directive 96/86/CE de la Commission du 13 déc. 1996 portant adaptation au progrès technique de la directive 94/55/CE du Conseil relative au rapprochement des législations des Etats membres concernant le transport des marchandises dangereuses par route [Communautés européennes]; Spanish: Directiva 96/86/CE de la Comisión de 13 de diciembre de 1996 para la adaptación al progreso técnico de la Directiva 94/55/CE del Consejo sobre la aproximación de las legislaciones de los Estados miembros con respecto al transporte de mercancías peligrosas por carretera [Comunidades Europeas]) Official Journal of the European Communities - Journal officiel des Communautés européennes, 24 Dec. 1996, Vol.39, No.L 335, p.43-44. (In English, French, Spanish) Internet: Adaptation of Directive 94/55/EC (see CIS 95-22). It modifies Annexes A and B (originally from the ADR, see CIS 93-361) by substituting the term "Member State" for "Contracting Party". (68338)
CIS 97-17 Commission Directive 96/87/EC of 13 Dec. 1996 adapting to technical progress Council Directive 96/49/EC on the approximation of the laws of the Member States with regard to the transport of dangerous goods by rail [European Communities]. (French: Directive 96/87/CE de la Commission du 13 déc. 1996 portant adaptation au progrès technique de la directive 96/49/CE du Conseil relative au rapprochement des législations des Etats membres concernant le transport des marchandises dangereuses par chemin de fer [Communautés européennes]; Spanish: Directiva 96/87/CE de la Comisión de 13 de diciembre de 1996 para la adaptación al progreso técnico de la Directiva 96/49/CE del Consejo sobre la aproximación de las legislaciones de los Estados miembros relativas al transporte de mercancías peligrosas por ferrocarril [Comunidades Europeas]) Official Journal of the European Communities - Journal officiel des Communautés européennes, 24 Dec. 1996, Vol.39, No.L 335, p.45. (In English, French, Spanish) Internet: Adaptation of Directive 96/49/EC. It modifies the Annex (originally from the RID, for reference see CIS 90-1084) by substituting the term "Member State" for "Contracting Party" and "the States or the railways". (68339)
CIS 97-18 Decree-Law No.204/93 of 3 June on the prevention of serious accidents that can be caused by certain industrial activities, in order to limit their consequences to people and the environment [Portugal]. (Portuguese: Decreto-Lei n°204/93 de 3 de Junho: prevenção dos riscos de acidentes graves que possam ser causados por certas actividades industriais e ou de armazenagem, bem como a limitação das suas consequências para o homem e o ambiente) Ministério do Ambiente e Recursos Naturais, Diário da República, 3 June 1993, Series I-A, No.129, p.2996-3007. (In Portuguese) Internet: Subject: prevention of serious accidents that can be caused by certain industrial activities, in accordance with Directive 88/610/EEC (CIS 91-24) modifying Directive 82/501/EEC (CIS 83-889). Contents: scope; definitions; creation of the Technical Authority for Major Industrial Risks (ATRIG); notification of hazardous substances and processes; occurrence of serious industrial accidents; environmental protection; penalties. Annexes: list of hazardous industrial processes; list of substances whose storage requires special considerations; list of 180 dangerous chemical substances (with minimum quantities, CAS and EEC numbers noted); indicative criteria for very toxic, toxic, flammable and explosive substances; information to be supplied to the relevant authority on dangerous chemicals and on serious accidents. Decree-Law No.224/87 of 3 June (CIS 89-35) is abrogated. (68561)
CIS 97-19 Decree No.96-775 of 5 Sep. 1996 concerning anti-tuberculosis BCG vaccination, modifying the Public Health Code; Order of 5 Sep. 1996 concerning anti-tuberculosis BCG vaccination and tuberculosis testing [France]. (French: Décret n°96-775 du 5 sept. 1996 relatif à la vaccination par le vaccin antituberculeux BCG et modifiant le Code de la Santé publique; arrêté du 5 sept. 1996 relatif à la pratique de la vaccination par le vaccin antituberculeux BCG et aux tests tuberculiniques [France]) Documents pour le médecin du travail, 4th Quarter 1996, No.68, p.357-358; also in: Journal officiel de la République française, 7 Sep. 1996, p.13376-13377 and p.13385-13386. (In French) Internet: Legislative measures concerning anti-tuberculosis BCG vaccination in tuberculosis testing in France, including a list of occupations to which they apply: occupations in the sanitation and social work sectors; work involving laboratory analysis of biological material; work in penitentiaries and health care institutions likely to involve repeated exposure to tuberculotic patients (e.g. work in home-care, shelters for the indigent and the homeless, rehabilitation centres, half-way houses, child protection agencies, etc.). (68477)
CIS 97-20 Order of 13 August 1996 establishing the technical preventive measures (in particular, isolation) to be introduced in industry and research and teaching laboratories where workers are at risk of exposure to biological agents [France]. (French: Arrêté du 13 août 1996 fixant les mesures techniques de prévention, notamment de confinement, à mettre en œuvre dans les industries et les laboratoires de recherche et d'enseignement où les travailleurs sont... exposés à des agents biologiques pathogènes [France]) Documents pour le médecin du travail, 4th Quarter 1996, No.68, p.361-364; also in: Journal officiel de la République française, 7 Sep. 1996, p.13379-13382. (In French) Internet: This order applies to the protection of workers exposed to biological hazards classified into groups 2,3 and 4 in industry, agriculture and research and teaching laboratories. In annexes: tables outlining the minimum technical and confinement measures to be introduced, depending on the nature of the establishment (laboratory, industrial or agricultural site). (68478)
Chemical data sheets and criteria documentsCIS 97-21 Mercuric oxycyanide. New Jersey Department of Health, Right to Know Program, CN 368, Trenton, NJ 08625-0368, USA, 1993, 2000. 6p. (In English) Internet: Data sheet. May enter the body when breathed in and through the skin. May cause "shakes", irritability, sore gums, memory loss, increased saliva, personality change, brain damage, kidney damage, skin allergy and grey skin colour. Irritates the skin, eyes and respiratory tract. It is an explosion hazard sensitive to friction, impact and heat. (68431)
CIS 97-22 Mercuric subsulfate. New Jersey Department of Health, Right to Know Program, CN 368, Trenton, NJ 08625-0368, USA, 1993, 2000. 6p. (In English) Internet: Data sheet. May enter the body when breathed in and through the skin. May cause "shakes", irritability, sore gums, memory loss, increased saliva, personality change, brain damage, kidney damage, skin allergy and grey skin colour. Irritates the skin, eyes and respiratory tract. May damage the eyes. (68432)
CIS 97-23 Mercuric sulfate. New Jersey Department of Health, Right to Know Program, CN 368, Trenton, NJ 08625-0368, USA, 1993, 2000. 6p. (In English) Internet: Data sheet. May enter the body when breathed in and through the skin. May cause "shakes", irritability, sore gums, memory loss, increased saliva, personality change, brain damage, kidney damage, skin allergy and grey skin colour. Irritates the skin, eyes and respiratory tract. (68433)
CIS 97-24 Mercurous chloride. New Jersey Department of Health, Right to Know Program, CN 368, Trenton, NJ 08625-0368, USA, 1993, 2000. 6p. (In English) Internet: Data sheet. May enter the body when breathed in and through the skin. May cause "shakes", irritability, sore gums, memory loss, increased saliva, personality change, brain damage, kidney damage, skin allergy and grey skin colour. Irritates the skin, eyes and respiratory tract. (68434)
CIS 97-25 Mercurous iodide. New Jersey Department of Health, Right to Know Program, CN 368, Trenton, NJ 08625-0368, USA, 1993, 2000. 6p. (In English) Internet: Data sheet. May enter the body when breathed in and through the skin. May cause "shakes", irritability, sore gums, memory loss, increased saliva, personality change, brain damage, kidney damage, skin allergy and grey skin colour. Irritates the skin, eyes and respiratory tract. (68435)
CIS 97-26 Mercurous nitrate. New Jersey Department of Health, Right to Know Program, CN 368, Trenton, NJ 08625-0368, USA, 1993, 2000. 6p. (In English) Internet: Data sheet. May enter the body when breathed in and through the skin. May cause "shakes", irritability, sore gums, memory loss, increased saliva, personality change, brain damage, kidney damage, skin allergy and grey skin colour. Irritates the respiratory tract. Irritates or burns the eyes and skin. (68436)
CIS 97-27 Mercurous sulfate. New Jersey Department of Health, Right to Know Program, CN 368, Trenton, NJ 08625-0368, USA, 1993, 2000. 6p. (In English) Internet: Data sheet. May enter the body when breathed in and through the skin. May cause "shakes", irritability, sore gums, memory loss, increased saliva, personality change, brain damage, kidney damage, skin allergy and grey skin colour. Irritates the skin, eyes and respiratory tract. (68437)
CIS 97-28 Mercury thiocyanate. New Jersey Department of Health, Right to Know Program, CN 368, Trenton, NJ 08625-0368, USA, 1993, 2000. 6p. (In English) Internet: Data sheet. May enter the body when breathed in and through the skin. May cause "shakes", irritability, sore gums, memory loss, increased saliva, personality change, brain damage, kidney damage, skin allergy and grey skin colour. Irritates the skin and respiratory tract. May damage the eyes. (68438)
CIS 97-29 Phenylmercuric hydroxide. New Jersey Department of Health, Right to Know Program, CN 368, Trenton, NJ 08625-0368, USA, 1993, 2000. 6p. (In English) Internet: Data sheet. May enter the body when breathed in and through the skin. May cause "shakes", irritability, sore gums, memory loss, increased saliva, personality change, brain damage, kidney damage, skin allergy and grey skin colour. Irritates the skin and respiratory tract. May damage the eyes. (68439)
CIS 97-30 Trichloroethylene. New Jersey Department of Health, Right to Know Program, CN 368, Trenton, NJ 08625-0368, USA, 1994, 2000. 6p. (In English) Internet: Data sheet. May enter the body when breathed in. May cause mutations and should be handled with extreme caution. May cause dizziness, lightheadedness, irregular heartbeats, memory loss, headache and depression. May damage the kidneys and liver. The liquid irritates the skin. The liquid and the vapour irritate and may damage the eyes. (68440)
CIS 97-31 Phenylmercuric acetate. New Jersey Department of Health, Right to Know Program, CN 368, Trenton, NJ 08625-0368, USA, 1993, 2000. 6p. (In English) Internet: Data sheet. May enter the body when breathed in and through the skin. It is a teratogen and should be handled with extreme caution. May cause "shakes", irritability, sore gums, increased saliva, personality changes, brain damage, kidney damage, skin allergy, grey skin colour and lung oedema. Irritates the skin, eyes and respiratory tract. May damage the eyes. (68441)
CIS 97-32 4-Nitrobiphenyl. New Jersey Department of Health, Right to Know Program, CN 368, Trenton, NJ 08625-0368, USA, 1993, 2000. 6p. (In English) Internet: Data sheet. May enter the body when breathed in and through the skin. Irritates the skin and eyes. May damage the liver and nervous system. Other health effects are not well known. (68442)
CIS 97-33 Zinc oxide (dust and fume). New Jersey Department of Health, Right to Know Program, CN 368, Trenton, NJ 08625-0368, USA, 1993, 2000. 6p. (In English) Internet: Data sheet. May enter the body when breathed in. May cause metal fume fever which is a flu-like illness with metal taste in the mouth, headaches, cough, shortness of breath, aches and chills. Zinc oxide fume may be produced by welding of galvanized metal. (68443)
CIS 97-34 Methyl trichlorosilane. New Jersey Department of Health, Right to Know Program, CN 368, Trenton, NJ 08625-0368, USA, 1994, 2000. 6p. (In English) Internet: Data sheet. Synonym: trichloromethylsilane. May enter the body when breathed in and through the skin. Corrosive effects on the eyes and the skin. Irritates the respiratory tract. May cause lung oedema. (68444)
CIS 97-35 Anthracene. New Jersey Department of Health, Right to Know Program, CN 368, Trenton, NJ 08625-0368, USA, 1996, 2002. 6p. (In English) Internet: Data sheet. May enter the body when breathed in. May cause mutations and should be handled with extreme caution. Skin contact may cause irritation, itching and burning which is aggravated by sunlight. Repeated contact may cause thickening and pigment changes and skin allergy. Irritates the eyes and respiratory tract. May damage the eyes. (68445)
CIS 97-36 Arsenic trichloride. New Jersey Department of Health, Right to Know Program, CN 368, Trenton, NJ 08625-0368, USA, 1996, 2002. 6p. (In English) Internet: Data sheet. May enter the body when breathed in and through the skin. May cause mutations and should be handled with extreme caution. May irritate and burn the skin and cause thickening and pigment changes. Irritates and burns the eyes. Irritates the respiratory tract. May damage the nervous system. (68446)
CIS 97-37 Barium oxide. New Jersey Department of Health, Right to Know Program, CN 368, Trenton, NJ 08625-0368, USA, 1996, 2002. 6p. (In English) Internet: Data sheet. May enter the body when breathed in. May irritate the skin, eyes and respiratory tract. May damage the eyes. May cause bronchitis. Will appear as spots in the lungs on chest x-ray. (68447)
CIS 97-38 Benzaldehyde. New Jersey Department of Health, Right to Know Program, CN 368, Trenton, NJ 08625-0368, USA, 1996, 2002. 6p. (In English) Internet: Data sheet. May enter the body when breathed in and through the skin. May cause mutations and should be handled with extreme caution. May irritate the skin, eyes and respiratory tract. May cause dizziness and lightheadedness. (68448)
CIS 97-39 Benzyl chloride. New Jersey Department of Health, Right to Know Program, CN 368, Trenton, NJ 08625-0368, USA, 1996, 2002. 6p. (In English) Internet: Data sheet. May enter the body when breathed in. Is a carcinogen and teratogen and should be handled with extreme caution. Corrosive effects on the skin, eyes and respiratory tract. May cause lung oedema, may damage the liver and nervous system. (68449)
CIS 97-40 Boron trifluoride. New Jersey Department of Health, Right to Know Program, CN 368, Trenton, NJ 08625-0368, USA, 1996, 2002. 6p. (In English) Internet: Data sheet. May enter the body when breathed in. Irritates and burns the skin and the eyes. May damage the eyes. Irritates the respiratory tract and may cause nosebleeds and lung oedema. May damage the kidneys. (68450)
CIS 97-41 Bromopropane. New Jersey Department of Health, Right to Know Program, CN 368, Trenton, NJ 08625-0368, USA, 1996, 2002. 6p. (In English) Internet: Data sheet. May enter the body when breathed in and through the skin. Irritates the skin and eyes. May cause dizziness, lightheadedness and fainting. May damage the liver and the lungs. It is a flammable liquid and a fire hazard. (68451)
CIS 97-42 Butyl bromide. New Jersey Department of Health, Right to Know Program, CN 368, Trenton, NJ 08625-0368, USA, 1996, 2002. 6p. (In English) Internet: Data sheet. Synonym: 1-bromobutane. May enter the body when breathed in. Irritates the skin, eyes and respiratory tract. May cause dizziness, lightheadedness and fainting. May damage the liver and kidneys. It is a flammable liquid and a fire hazard. (68452)
CIS 97-43 Butyl chloride. New Jersey Department of Health, Right to Know Program, CN 368, Trenton, NJ 08625-0368, USA, 1996, 2002. 6p. (In English) Internet: Data sheet. May enter the body when breathed in. Irritates the skin, eyes and respiratory tract. May cause dizziness, lightheadedness and fainting. It is a flammable liquid and a fire hazard. (68453)
CIS 97-44 Butylene. New Jersey Department of Health, Right to Know Program, CN 368, Trenton, NJ 08625-0368, USA, 1996, 2002. 6p. (In English) Internet: Data sheet. May enter the body when breathed in. May cause dizziness, lightheadedness and fainting. High levels may cause suffocation from lack of oxygen. It is a highly flammable gas and a fire hazard. (68454)
CIS 97-45 Butyl methacrylate. New Jersey Department of Health, Right to Know Program, CN 368, Trenton, NJ 08625-0368, USA, 1996, 2002. 6p. (In English) Internet: Data sheet. May enter the body when breathed in. Irritates the skin, eyes and respiratory tract. May cause skin allergy. (68455)
CIS 97-46 Butyraldehyde. New Jersey Department of Health, Right to Know Program, CN 368, Trenton, NJ 08625-0368, USA, 1996, 2002. 6p. (In English) Internet: Data sheet. May enter the body when breathed in. Irritates or burns the skin, eyes and respiratory tract. May cause lung oedema. May cause dizziness and lightheadedness. It is a flammable and reactive liquid and a fire and explosion hazard. (68456)
CIS 97-47 Carbaryl. New Jersey Department of Health, Right to Know Program, CN 368, Trenton, NJ 08625-0368, USA, 1996, 2002. 6p. (In English) Internet: Data sheet. May enter the body when breathed in. May cause mutations and may be a teratogen and should be handled with extreme caution. May cause carbamate poisoning with blurred vision, sweating, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. Irritates the skin and eyes. May affect the kidneys and nervous system. (68457)
CIS 97-48 Chloroacetic acid. New Jersey Department of Health, Right to Know Program, CN 368, Trenton, NJ 08625-0368, USA, 1996, 2002. 6p. (In English) Internet: Data sheet. May enter the body when breathed in. Corrosive effects on the eyes and skin. Irritates the respiratory tract. May cause anxiety, blurred vision, "pins and needles", muscle twitching and hallucinations. May damage the kidneys. (68458)
CIS 97-49 Chlorpyrifos. New Jersey Department of Health, Right to Know Program, CN 368, Trenton, NJ 08625-0368, USA, 1996, 2002. 6p. (In English) Internet: Data sheet. May enter the body when breathed in and through the skin. May cause organophosphate poisoning with headache, sweating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and loss of coordination. May damage the liver and nervous system. (68459)
CIS 97-50 Chromic acid. New Jersey Department of Health, Right to Know Program, CN 368, Trenton, NJ 08625-0368, USA, 1996, 2002. 6p. (In English) Internet: Data sheet. May enter the body when breathed in and through the skin. It is a carcinogen and a teratogen should be handled with extreme caution. Corrosive effects on the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. May cause a sore or a hole in the wall that separates the two air passages in the nose. May cause skin allergy and damage the liver. (68460)
CIS 97-51 Chromosulfuric acid. New Jersey Department of Health, Right to Know Program, CN 368, Trenton, NJ 08625-0368, USA, 1996, 2002. 6p. (In English) Internet: Data sheet. May enter the body when breathed in. Corrosive effects to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. May cause skin allergy. (68461)
CIS 97-52 Crotonaldehyde. New Jersey Department of Health, Right to Know Program, CN 368, Trenton, NJ 08625-0368, USA, 1996, 2002. 6p. (In English) Internet: Data sheet. May enter the body when breathed in. It is a mutagen and should be handled with extreme caution. Irritates or burns the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. May cause skin allergy. It is a flammable and highly reactive liquid and is a fire and explosion hazard. (68462)
CIS 97-53 DDT. New Jersey Department of Health, Right to Know Program, CN 368, Trenton, NJ 08625-0368, USA, 1996, 2002. 6p. (In English) Internet: Data sheet. May enter the body when breathed in and through the skin. It is a carcinogen and teratogen and should be handled with extreme caution. May cause nausea, vomiting, headaches, dizziness, confusion, weakness, loss of muscle control and tremors. Irritates the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. May damage the liver and kidneys. (68463)
CIS 97-54 1,2-Dichloroethylene. New Jersey Department of Health, Right to Know Program, CN 368, Trenton, NJ 08625-0368, USA, 1996, 2002. 6p. (In English) Internet: Data sheet. May enter the body when breathed in. Irritates the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. May cause dizziness and lightheadedness. May damage the liver and kidneys. It is a flammable and reactive liquid and a fire and explosion hazard. (68464)
CIS 97-55 1,2-Dichloropropane. New Jersey Department of Health, Right to Know Program, CN 368, Trenton, NJ 08625-0368, USA, 1996, 2002. 6p. (In English) Internet: Data sheet. Synonym: propylene dichloride. May enter the body when breathed in and through the skin. Irritates the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. May cause headache, dizziness, lightheadedness and nausea. May damage the liver and kidneys and affect the nervous system. It is a flammable liquid and a fire hazard. (68465)
CIS 97-56 Diethylaminoethanol. New Jersey Department of Health, Right to Know Program, CN 368, Trenton, NJ 08625-0368, USA, 1996, 2002. 6p. (In English) Internet: Data sheet. May enter the body when breathed in and through the skin. Irritates or burns the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. May damage the eyes. May cause nausea and vomiting. (68466)
CIS 97-57 Diethyl phthalate. New Jersey Department of Health, Right to Know Program, CN 368, Trenton, NJ 08625-0368, USA, 1996, 2002. 6p. (In English) Internet: Data sheet. May enter the body when breathed in. Irritates the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. May damage the nervous system. (68467)
CIS 97-58 Dimethyl ether. New Jersey Department of Health, Right to Know Program, CN 368, Trenton, NJ 08625-0368, USA, 1996, 2002. 6p. (In English) Internet: Data sheet. May enter the body when breathed in. Irritates the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. May cause headache, dizziness and lightheadedness. May cause severe frostbite. It is a highly flammable liquid or gas and a fire hazard. (68468)
CIS 97-59 Ethanolamine. New Jersey Department of Health, Right to Know Program, CN 368, Trenton, NJ 08625-0368, USA, 1996, 2002. 6p. (In English) Internet: Data sheet. May enter the body when breathed in and through the skin. Corrosive effects on the eyes and skin. Irritates the respiratory tract. May damage the liver and kidneys. (68469)
CIS 97-60 2-Ethoxyethylacetate. New Jersey Department of Health, Right to Know Program, CN 368, Trenton, NJ 08625-0368, USA, 1996, 2002. 6p. (In English) Internet: Data sheet. Synonym: cellosolve acetate. May enter the body when breathed in and through the skin. It is a teratogen and should be handled with extreme caution. Irritates the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. May cause dizziness, lightheadedness and fainting. May damage the kidneys. (68470)
Training materials and practical informationCIS 97-61 Health and safety - Course syllabus. (French: Santé & sécurité - Syllabus) Association nationale pour la prévention des accidents du travail (ANPAT), rue Gachard 88, bte 4, 1050 Bruxelles, Belgium, 1993. 80p. Illus. Bibl.ref., ISBN 2-87112-023-4 (In French) Internet: This manual contains instruction notes for safety and health training courses organized by the Belgian national OSH organization. In 2-4 pages per topic, it presents basic information about common risk factors in the workplace and at home, explaining main prevention and management measures with clear illustrations of different kinds of equipment and hazards. Topics covered include: safety and health at work; accident causes; accident prevention; risk reduction; hazard warnings, motivation and information of workers; OSH legislation; OSH committees; fire prevention and safety; emergency evacuation; electricity; ladders; industrial hygiene; occupational diseases; lighting; ventilation; heating; noise; first aid; ergonomics; manual handling; VDUs; hand tools; grinding wheels; metalworking; woodworking; welding and soldering; work in garages; work in hotels and restaurants; the dangers of gas in the home; dangerous products; home accidents. In annex: list of useful addresses. (68271)
CIS 97-62 Enhancing safety: An Australian workplace primer. Taylor G., Hegney R., Easter K., Technical Publications, Prospect Place, West Perth, Western Australia 6995, Australia, 1996. vi, 341p. Illus. Index. Price: AUD 34.95 (postage and packing AUD 6.00)., ISBN 1-86442-255-6 (In English) Internet: The ten chapters of this book were originally written as modules of a distance learning course in occupational safety and health. Contents: current concepts in work safety and health (theories of workplace accidents, accident costs); common and statute law in Australia; hazard management (identification, evaluation and control); workplace inspections (standard setting, safety audits, reporting); accident prevention (accident causation and investigation); risk engineering (machine guarding, manual handling, fire prevention, electrical safety); hazardous substance management; health at work (health hazards, monitoring); work environment (noise, lighting, airborne contaminants, climate); safety management. (68381)
CIS 97-63 Teaching about job hazards: A guide for workers and their health providers. Wallerstein N., Rubenstein H.L., American Public Health Association, 1015 15th Street NW, Washington DC, USA, 1993. 170p. Illus. 47 ref. Price: USD 20.00., ISBN 0-87553-209-8 (In English) Internet: This manual gives guidelines on providing health and safety education to workers who face on-the-job hazards. Contents: guidelines for worker education; educating individual workers; developing a training workshop; providing education during screening programs; preparing fact sheets and training materials; developing training sessions for workers with low literacy and limited English proficiency; teaching adults; evaluating health and safety education; additional prevention activities; occupational health and training resources; sample training materials: recommendations for a basic worker and community occupational health library; recommendations for a basic occupational health library for primary care providers. (68411)
CIS 97-64 A better place to work: Safety, health and productivity - Action manual for workers. Department of Labor and Employment (Philippines), ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, 1996. 104p. Illus., ISBN 92-2-110427-3 (In English) Internet: This training manual, to be used in OSH courses offered to workers (primarily in developing countries), is based to a large extent on the 1988 ILO manual Higher productivity and a better place to work (CIS 89-782). It covers the following main subjects: materials storage and handling; work-station design; productive machine safety; control of hazardous substances; lighting; welfare facilities; premises; work organization; implementation of improvements. A detailed checklist is provided for the purpose of helping workers to devise measures to improve safety, health and working conditions at their workplace. (68542)
CIS 97-65 Safety and health on the Internet. Stuart R.B., Government Institutes, 4 Research Place, Suite 200, Rockville, MD 20850, USA, 1997. xv, 198p. Illus. Index. Price: USD 39.00., ISBN 0-86587-523-5 (In English) Internet: This manual includes over 200 safety and health Internet sites. It is both a user's guide to the Internet and a "Yellow Pages" showing where safety and health information can be found on the WWW (World Wide Web). Chapters cover: introduction to the Internet; Internet information tools; the Internet as a research tool; networking; an Internet directory; Internet discussion groups dealing with OSH; the SAFETY WELCOME file. Glossary. (68547)
CIS 97-66 Catalogue 1996 - Safety: Videos, publications, press, documentation. (French: Catalogue 1996 - Sécurité: vidéos, éditions, presse, documentation) Centre national de Prévention et de Protection (CNPP), CNPP Vernon, Service éditions, B.P. 2265, 27950 Saint-Marcel, France, 1996. 40p. Illus. (In French) Internet: The 1996 catalogue of the French National Centre for Prevention and Protection (CNPP) includes: (a) videotapes on general safety, fire and fire in health care centres. Length, format, price, contents and target group are indicated; (b) publications on general safety, fire, occupational health and safety, environment and malicious acts. Format, number of pages and price are indicated; and (c) subscription services. Order form included. (68573)
CIS 97-67 Training catalogue 1997 - Safety: Risk management, general safety, fire, environment, malicious acts, safety and health. (French: Catalogue formation 1997 - Sécurité: gestion des risques, sécurité générale, incendie, environnement, malveillance, sécurité et santé) Centre national de Prévention et de Protection (CNPP), CNPP Vernon, Département Formation, B.P. 2265, 27950 Saint-Marcel, France, 1997. 160p. Illus. (In French) Internet: Catalogue of training courses organized by the French National Centre for Prevention and Protection (CNPP) in 1997. Courses are presented in the following main categories: risk management; general safety; fire (4 parts); environment; malicious acts (2 parts); and occupational safety and health. Information on target group, requirements, objective, training method, contents, as well as length, venue, price, dates and inscription, for each course is given. Inscription form is included. (68574)
CIS 97-68 Catalogue 1997 - Publications. (French: Catalogue 1997 - Publications) Institut national de recherche et de sécurité, 30 rue Olivier-Noyer, 75680 Paris Cedex 14, France, 1997. 55p. Illus., ISBN 2-85599-514-0 (In French) Internet: The publications of the 1997 catalogue of the French National Research and Safety Institute are grouped under three main headings: (a) general problems (regulatory texts, safety organization, training, work organization, etc.); (b) hazards and problems common to all industries (lifting, handling, fires, explosions, electricity, machinery, dangerous substances and other mechanical, physical and chemical hazards); and (c) hazards in specific industries (metalworking, construction, woodworking, textile, etc.). Indexes of titles, publication numbers, key words, periodicals and data banks. (68575)
CIS 97-69 What a little software can do. Reisser-Weston E., Safety and Health Practitioner, Nov. 1996, Vol.14, No.11, p.49-50. Illus. (In English) Internet: Different types of safety and health software products are briefly described (audit, risk assessment, training and accident reporting programmes, databases of legislation and chemicals), and factors to be considered when selecting an appropriate system are outlined (user-friendliness, functionality, flexibility, implementation, hardware requirements). (68239)
CIS 97-70 Basic elements of a safety and health policy. (Dutch: Bouwstenen voor een preventiebeleid; French: Notions de base - Eléments d'une politique de prévention) National vereniging tot voorkoming van arbeidsongevallen (NVVA), Gachardstraat 88, Bus 4, 1050 Brussel, Belgium, 1996. 88p. Bibl.ref., ISBN 2-87112-039-0 (fr), ISBN 90-70902-23-0 (ned) (In Dutch, French) Internet: Main points covered in this training booklet concerned with the constituent elements of safety and health policies: organization of an OSH policy (statement of principles, the bodies involved in devising and implementing such policies, work organization, risk and damage evaluation, first aid, hygiene facilities); training and information of workers; purchase of work equipment (ordering, receiving, installation etc.); use of work equipment (personal and collective protection, handling etc.); dangerous substances (ordering, receiving, conditions of use); buildings (internal transport, work locales and working space, electrical installations etc.); fire safety and prevention. (68481)
CIS 97-71 Working with smokers. (Dutch: Roken op het werk; French: Travailler avec des fumeurs) Commissariaat-generaal voor de Bevordering van de Arbeid, Ministerie van Tewerkstelling en Arbeid, Belliardstraat 51, Bureau A 438, 1040 Brussel, Belgium, 1993. 26p. 5 ref. (In Dutch, French) Internet: Contents of this training booklet on the prevention of harmful effects of smoking in the workplace: overview; policies by the enterprise; Belgian legislation concerning the matter; strategic options (prohibition of smoking, taking into consideration local conditions, consulting and involving workers, evaluation and follow-up of the chosen policy); additional material measures that may be taken; the situation in practice; references to Belgian legislation applying to smoking in the workplace. List of useful addresses. (68482)
CIS 97-72 Emergencies in occupational medicine. (French: Urgences en médecine du travail) Hachet J.C., Masson S.A., 120 bd Saint-Germain, 75280 Paris Cedex 06, France; Masson S.p.A., Via Statuto 2/4, 20121 Milano, Italy; Masson S.A., Avenida Príncipe de Asturias 20, 08012 Barcelona, Spain, 2nd ed., 1995. 347p. Illus. Bibl.ref. Index., ISBN 2-225-84703-7 (In French) Internet: Update of CIS 83-855. Main subjects covered in this guide on emergencies at the workplace: analysis of the enterprise with respect to occupational safety and health; role of health care personnel and training; in-plant safety and health organization; first-aid equipment; first-aid and emergency organization; first-aid and emergency treatment (haemorrhage, respiratory distress, cardiovascular disorders, cardiac arrest, coma, hypothermia, shock, musculoskeletal problems, burns, wounds, bites, acute poisoning, psychiatric disorders, diving decompression, large-scale accidents). (68572)
CIS 97-73 Flame arresters: Preventing the spread of fires and explosions in equipment that contains flammable gases and vapours. Health and Safety Executive (HSE), HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 6FS, United Kingdom, 1996. iv, 34p. Illus. 23 ref. Price: GBP 8.50., ISBN 0-7176-1191-4 (In English) Internet: This safety booklet provides information and advice on how flame arresters can reduce risks by preventing the spread of fire and explosion in vessels and pipes containing flammable atmospheres. These arresters are usually located in vent pipes from storage tanks, in pipes carrying vapours or gases to flare stacks, incinerators and furnaces, and in vapour recovery and balancing systems. They are used where there are permanent ignition sources (e.g. incinerators, flare stacks and any piece of equipment or process capable of producing sparks, flames or hot surfaces). This booklet describes the different categories and types of flame arresters, the criteria for their selection and the maintenance requirements. Glossary of terms. (68545)
CIS 97-74 Fire and workplaces. (French: Incendie et lieux de travail) Institut National de Recherche et de Sécurité, 30 rue Olivier-Noyer, 75680 Paris Cedex 14, France, Rev.ed., 1999. 75p. Illus. 48 ref. (In French) Internet: This illustrated training document is aimed at all those concerned with the prevention of fires in the workplace and with protection against fires should they occur. Main areas covered: ignition and propagation of fires; fire fighting within the enterprise; rescue and evacuation organization; fire prevention. In annex: glossary; regulations in France; relevant organizations. (68549)
CIS 97-75 Portable fire extinguishers. (French: Les extincteurs mobiles) Petit J.M., Institut National de Recherche et de Sécurité, 30 rue Olivier-Noyer, 75680 Paris Cedex 14, France, 1996. 55p. Illus., ISBN 2-7389-0410-6 (In French) Internet: Illustrated training guide to the use of portable fire extinguishers in the workplace. Contents: definitions; standards; regulations in France; number, distribution and placement of fire extinguishers within the workplace; utilization; training of personnel in the use of fire extinguishers; different types and categories of fire extinguishers; maintenance and verification; useful addresses. In annex: relevant paragraphs from the rules on portable fire extinguishers issued by APSAD (federation of French insurers) and from the guidance document on extinguisher maintenance issued by CNMIS (national committee for fire and safety equipment). (68550)
CIS 97-76 Painting - Prevention of electrical hazards. (French: Travaux de peinture - Prévention des risques électriques) Organisme Professionnel de Prévention du Bâtiment et des Travaux Publics (OPPBTP), 204, rond-point du Pont-de-Sèvres, Tour Amboise, 92516 Boulogne-Billancourt, France, 1994. 56p. Illus. Price: FRF 77.00 (members), FRF 96.00 (non-members)., ISBN 2-7354-0221-4 (In French) Internet: Training brochure on the prevention of electrical hazards in the construction industry (in particular, those affecting painters), covering the following topics: relevant legislation in effect in France; preparatory work on construction sites; personal protection; measures concerning equipment and tools; definitions; safety measures applying to all kinds of painting work; lock-out procedures; work on pylons. In annexes: safety plans; model forms for certificates; safety signs and posters. (68544)
CIS 97-77 Falls and careless behaviour. (Dutch: Val- en struikelpartijen; French: Chutes et faux pas) Peirens K., Nationale Vereniging tot Voorkoming vanArbeidsongevallen (NVVA), Gachardstraat 88, Bus.4, 1050 Brussel, Belgium, 1995. 20p. Illus. 8 ref., ISBN 2-87112-037-4 (fr), ISBN 90-70902-38-9 (ned) (In Dutch, French) Internet: Illustrated training brochure, concentrating on the following areas: passages and corridors; stairways, ladders and scaffolds; the dangers of falling from heights; proper falling postures. (68543)
CIS 97-78 Designing safe machinery. (French: Concevoir une machine sûre) Institut National de Recherche et de Sécurité, 30 rue Olivier-Noyer, 75680 Paris Cedex 14, France, 1994. 59p. Illus., ISBN 2-7389-0329-0 (In French) Internet: Illustrated document, usable for training purposes, on the design of safe machinery in line with the provisions of European Standard EN 292. As an example, the design and production of a machine for the manufacturing of air-spray containers is followed step by step. The following subjects are covered: from the needs assessment to the prototype; preliminaries to the industrial production of the machine; studies of operational and control elements; building, installing, using and maintaining the machine. In annex: teaching points; check lists and flowcharts for the construction of machinery. (68548)
CIS 97-79 Safety guides - Construction site machinery - Motor dumpers, dump trucks and tipper trucks. (French: Manuels de sécurité - Engins de chantier - Moto-basculeurs, véhicules bennes et tombereaux) Institut national de recherche et de sécurité, 30 rue Olivier-Noyer, 75680 Paris Cedex 14, France, 2nd ed., 1996. 70p. Illus., ISBN 2-85599-260-5 (In French) Internet: Safety guide to motor dumpers, dump trucks and tipper trucks, aimed primarily at drivers and maintenance workers. Main subjects covered: administrative procedures and requirements and French law applicable to these machines; different types of motor dumpers, dump trucks and tipper trucks and technical characteristics; precautions before starting up, when moving off and during driving; safety rules for loading, moving and unloading the machinery; advice on personal behaviour; safety instructions for road transport of earthmoving dumpers and trucks; measures to be taken at the end of the working day; machinery maintenance. (68576)
CIS 97-80 Safety guides - Construction site machinery - Scrapers. (French: Manuels de sécurité - Engins de chantier - Décapeuses) Institut national de recherche et de sécurité, 30 rue Olivier-Noyer, 75680 Paris Cedex 14, France, 2nd ed., 1996. 71p. Illus., ISBN 2-85599-454-3 (In French) Internet: Safety guide to scrapers, primarily aimed at drivers and maintenance workers. Main subjects covered: administrative procedures and requirements and French law applicable to these machines; different types of scrapers and technical characteristics; precautions before starting up, when moving off and during driving; safety rules for use and for the road transport of scrapers; advice on personal behaviour; electrical hazards when driving; machinery maintenance. (68577)
CIS 97-81 Safety guides - Construction site machinery - Mobile cranes. (French: Manuels de sécurité - Engins de chantier - Grues mobiles) Institut national de recherche et de sécurité, 30 rue Olivier-Noyer, 75680 Paris Cedex 14, France, 2nd ed., 1996. 87p. Illus., ISBN 2-85599-440-3 (In French) Internet: Safety guide to mobile cranes, primarily aimed at drivers and maintenance workers. Main subjects covered: administrative procedures and requirements and French legislation applicable to these machines; technical characteristics of mobile cranes; precautions before starting up, when moving off and during driving; advice on how to avoid electricity, demolition work and breakdown dangers; advice on personal behaviour; precautions about mobile cranes equipment; safety rules for use and road transport of mobile cranes; measures to be taken at the end of the working day; machinery maintenance. (68578)
CIS 97-82 Safety guides - Construction site machinery - Mobile loaders. (French: Manuels de sécurité - Engins de chantier - Chargeuses sur roues) Institut national de recherche et de sécurité, 30 rue Olivier-Noyer, 75680 Paris Cedex 14, France, 3rd ed., 1996. 75p. Illus., ISBN 2-85599-157-9 (In French) Internet: Safety guide to mobile loaders, primarily aimed at drivers and maintenance workers. Main subjects covered: administrative procedures and requirements and French laws applicable to these machines; different types of mobile loaders; precautions before starting up, when moving off and during driving; advice on how to avoid electricity, demolition work and other dangers; advice on personal behaviour; safety rules for road transport of mobile loaders; measures to be taken at the end of the working day; machinery maintenance. (68579)
CIS 97-83 Practical guide - Decontamination, bio-cleaning, disinfection, sterilization. (French: Guide pratique - Décontamination, bio-nettoyage, désinfection, stérilisation) Guignard J.P., Glénat M.C., Riondet G., Manillier P., de Ligt H., Le Cavorzin N., Editions Hospitalières, B.P. 136, 94304 Vincennes Cedex, France, 2nd ed., 1995. 272p. Illus., ISBN 2-9507555-7-7 (In French) Internet: Main subjects treated in this guide on bio-cleaning procedures in hospitals: definition, objectives, indications, actions, products, material and equipment, methods and evaluation of decontamination, bio-cleaning, disinfection and sterilization procedures; water treatment, including distillation, demineralization, filtration; air treatment, including filtration; procedures and principles of cleaning of premises; toxicity of products, occupational diseases and accidents, hazard evaluation and control; occupational hygiene and training. Also included: relevant addresses and legislation; glossary. (68580)
CIS 97-84 Human factors - The ambient environment. Hedge A., Cornell University (Ithaca NY, USA), Internet Document, 1997-. 76p. (In English) Internet: Class notes for an undergraduate-level course on the working environment. It covers: lighting, acoustics, noise control, indoor air quality and ventilation, and the thermal environment. Emphasis is placed on the implications of working environment characteristics for planning, design and management of work facilities. (68541)
CIS 97-85 Ergonomic workplace analysis. Ahonen M., Launis M., Kuorinka T., eds., Publications Office, Institute of Occupational health, Topeliuksenkatu 41 a A, 00250 Helsinki, Finland, 1989. 31p. Illus., ISBN 951-801-674-7 (In English) Internet: Training manual (translated from the Finnish) on how to conduct an ergonomic workplace analysis. Guidelines cover analysis of the following workplace aspects: work site; general physical activity; lifting; work postures and movements; accident risks; job content; job restrictiveness; worker communication and personal contacts; decision making; work repetitiveness; attentiveness; lighting; thermal environment; noise. (68546)
CIS 97-86 Responses to drug and alcohol problems in the workplace. ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, 1987. Training kit (brochures + slides + audiotape). Price: CHF 150.00., ISBN 92-2-105823-9 (In English) Internet: This audiovisual training kit, produced in association with the World Health Organization, serves as a step-by-step guide to employers and trade unions seeking to develop a programme to prevent and deal with drug and alcohol problems in the workplace. The kit includes information on the following subjects: the nature and possible causes of drug and alcohol abuse in the workplace; the problems it creates for workers, employers, trade unions and society; aims and objectives of assistance programmes; principles of programme formulation and implementation; different responses to substance use in the workplace, e.g. control measures, prevention, counselling, treatment, vocational rehabilitation and follow-up. Sample policy guidelines, sample programmes, a review of relevant legislation and institutional information sources are presented. The kit includes a sound-slide package useful for audiovisual presentations on the subject. (68393)
CIS 97-87 Alcoholism in the workplace: From addiction to rehabilitation through dialogue. (French: L'alcoolisme en milieu professionnel: de la dépendance à la réinsertion à travers le dialogue) Fromaigeat D., Office cantonal de l'inspection et des relations du travail, case postale 3974, 1211 Genève 3, Switzerland, 2th ed., 2000. 33p. Illus. 16 ref. (In French) Internet: Summary of this booklet on alcoholism in the workplace: nature and extent of the problem (external and warning signs, overview, statistics); the phenomenon of alcohol dependence; physical and psychological signs of alcoholism; consequences of alcoholism (reduced work capability, increased risk of accidents, impact on fellow workers and the enterprise, physiological deterioration, cost for the employer), risk factors at work; prevention in the workplace (role of the employer, stages in the prevention process and in the actions of the employer); legal aspects in Switzerland; information, outside help and support in Switzerland. (68479)
Periodicals, books, databases, audiovisualsCIS 97-88 Safety and outdoor activities. Rhodes K.M., Safety and Health Practitioner, Nov. 1996, Vol.14, No.11, p.60-62. Illus. 6 ref. (In English) Internet: Licensing requirements for outdoor activity centres in the United Kingdom under the Activity Centres (Young Persons' Safety) Act 1995 and the Adventure Activities Licensing Regulations 1996 are described. Activities within the scope of the licensing scheme include caving, climbing, trekking and watersports. Inspection of a centre prior to licensing focuses on how safety is managed, risk assessments, and implementation of control measures. Enforcement measures and required competences of staff employed at the centres are outlined. (68240)
CIS 97-89 Indicators of performance in safety management. Budworth N., Safety and Health Practitioner, Nov. 1996, Vol.14, No.11, p.23-29. Illus. 22 ref. (In English) Internet: Commonly used indicators of safety performance are examined: use of accident data; near miss reporting; safety auditing; behaviour measurement; duration of an accident-free period; safety inspections and safety sampling; accident costs; setting specific goals and monitoring progress; amount of management time spent on safety measures; absence figures; attitude measurement. The strengths and weaknesses of each method are discussed and it is suggested that appropriate measures should be selected to suit the requirements of individual organizations. (68238)
CIS 97-90 The disabled, the disallowed, the disaffected and the disavowed. Hadler N.M., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Mar. 1996, Vol.38, No.3, p.247-251. 29 ref. (In English) Internet: This editorial discusses issues surrounding the provision of compensation for individuals unable to work through disability while excluding those considered to be unworthy of benefits. Problems associated with the determination of disability are examined, with particular reference to regional musculoskeletal symptoms. It is argued that in order to surmount the preoccupation with the unworthy, the concept of disability should be demystified. It should be recognized that individuals with lesser degrees of physical incapacity, or none at all, can still be worthy of help. (68251)
CIS 97-91 ISPESL Annual Report 1993. Fogli d'informazione ISPESL, 1994, Vol.7, No.1, Suppl. 1, 118p. (In English, Italian) Internet: This report covers the activities in 1993 of ISPESL (Istituto Superiore Prevenzione e Sicurezza Lavoro), the Italian Higher Institute for Prevention and Occupational Safety. The activities are divided into the following sections for each department: research; regulatory activities; consulting services and technical assistance; participation in meetings; training and documentation. The listed departments are: Occupational Hygiene; Occupational Medicine; Safety Technology; Industrial Development Sites and Environmental Impact; Documentation, Information and Training; Homologation. (68377)
CIS 97-92 Prevention of major accidents in Australia. Emmett E., Journal of Occupational Health and Safety - Australia and New Zealand, Oct. 1996, Vol.12, No.5, p.581-589. 19 ref. (In English) Internet: The development of the Australian National Standard and Code of Practice for the Control of Major Hazard Facilities is outlined and the main provisions are described. The standard and code are based on a safety report approach and are designed to be implemented by a single responsible public authority in each jurisdiction. The economic implications of implementing the standard are discussed along with the need for corporate responsibility and accountability. (68406)
CIS 97-93 Risk assessment in 1996. Kazer B., Safety and Health Practitioner, June 1996, Vol.14, No.6, p.30-33. Illus. (In English) Internet: The impact of recent legislation on risk assessment is reviewed. Effects on specific groups of workers are outlined (women, young persons, agency or contract workers, peripatetic workers), and difficulties encountered in judging the adequacy of control measures are discussed. Judicial decisions related to stress and hours of work as hazards are summarized. A risk assessment method suitable for small and medium-sized enterprises is suggested. (68308)
CIS 97-94 Information super-highway - Who needs it?. St John Holt A., Safety and Health Practitioner, June 1996, Vol.14, No.6, p.44-48. Illus. 1 ref. (In English) Internet: A basic guide to the use of Internet for occupational health and safety professionals is presented. Computer hardware and software requirements are outlined along with potential costs, using electronic mail, and the newsgroups facility, which joins together groups of people with similar interests. Current health and safety newsgroups include system safety, medical physics, repetitive strain injuries, and disaster planning. Addresses supplying data on occupational health and safety topics are listed. (68310)
CIS 97-95 Do you think that your health or safety are at risk because of your work? A large European study on psychological and physical work demands. Andries F., Kompier M.A.J., Smulders P.G.W., Work and Stress, Apr.-June 1996, Vol.10, No.2, p.104-118. 29 ref. (In English) Internet: A secondary analysis was carried out on survey data collected in 1991 from some 12,500 employees in 12 European Union countries. The main conclusions were: psychological demands, job control, and social support are all related to a perceived health and safety risk at work; each of these characteristics has a unique contribution; physical demands are the most influential determinant; in a cross-national comparison, physical demands are the most influential determinant of health and safety risk in all countries. The data underline the need to monitor risk factors and risk groups and to provide adequate legislation with respect to working conditions. (68345)
CIS 97-96 Critical features of an ISO 9001/14001 harmonized health and safety assessment instrument. Dyjack D.T., Levine S.P., American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal, Oct. 1996, Vol.57, No.10, p.929-935. 61 ref. (In English) Internet: The potential development of an occupational health and safety management system (OHSMS) standard compatible with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9000 series quality assurance standards and 14000 series environmental management standards is discussed. Critical features of a credible ISO 9001/14001-compatible OHSMS assessment instrument, or auditing tool, are evaluated, and existing ISO standards and other assessment instruments are reviewed. Findings suggest that an OHSMS assessment instrument should be generally applicable in any industry, designed for auditors with no health or safety expertise, and congruent with existing ISO system assessment instruments. Future research should be conducted on assessment instrument reliability and validity. (68359)
CIS 97-97 Conformance of ISO occupational safety and health management system standards in public-sector procurement specifications to the GATT/WTO requirements. Markey D., Levine S., Redinger C., American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal, Oct. 1996, Vol.57, No.10, p.936-944. 47 ref. (In English) Internet: Historical, political, legal and technical issues surrounding the possible establishment of an International Organization for Standardization (ISO) occupational health and safety management system (OHSMS) standard are examined. The question of whether the inclusion of such a standard in government procurement specifications would be in conformance with the requirements of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) or the World Trade Organization (WTO) is discussed. It is argued that if requirements for registration against an international OHSMS standard are introduced into government procurement specifications, a significant step will have been taken toward establishing a worldwide standard of practice of occupational safety and health. (68360)
CIS 97-98 New ISO standard for OH&S stalled. Australian Safety News, Oct. 1996, Vol.67, No.9, p.14-15, 57. Illus. (In English) Internet: The possible development of an International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standard for occupational health and safety management systems was discussed at an ISO Workshop held in Geneva, Switzerland, 5-6 Sep. 1996. The standard would be compatible with the ISO 9000 (quality management) and 14000 (environmental management) series. While large industry groups expressed opposition to the development of such a standard, other groups recognized significant advantages in doing so. It appears that the development is unlikely to proceed at present. (68369)
CIS 97-99 3rd Seminar on the Personal Protective Equipment in Europe. Jurvelius H., ed., Ministry of Labour, Occupational Safety and Health Division, P.O. Box 536, 33101 Tampere, Finland, 1996. 107p. Price: FIM 100.00., ISBN 951-735-136-4 (In English) Internet: The focus of this seminar, held in Saariselkä, Finland, 24-26 April 1996, was on the implementation of Directives 89/686/EEC (CIS 90-381) and 89/656/EEC (CIS 90-385) relating to the design and use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Papers cover: free European markets for PPE; design and certification (standardization); selection and use of PPE (application of risk analysis); uniform approach to market control in Europe; evaluation of the current situation. (68304)
CIS 97-100 Business re-engineering and health and safety management. Best practice model. Wright M.S., Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 6FS, United Kingdom, 1996. x, 64p. 4 ref. Price: GBP 25.00., ISBN 0-7176-1302-X (In English) Internet: This report describes a best practice model for directors, managers, and health and safety professionals involved in the planning and implementation of changes in business organization and management which have the potential to impact health and safety. Best practices and lessons learned from a survey of ten organizations which have undergone major organizational change are compiled, and use is made of previous research on the stress and mental health aspects of reorganization. The model is based on the belief that the potential impact of change on health and safety needs to be recognized at an early stage by senior management, and followed up by a well-defined set of health and safety actions. (68243)
CIS 97-101 Plant health circles. (German: Betriebliche Gesundheitszirkel) Westermayer G., Bähr B., Verlag für Angewandte Psychologie, PF 3731, 37027 Göttingen, Germany, 1994. 269p. 210 ref. Price: DEM 58.00., ISBN 3-87844-105-3 (In German) Internet: Contents of this report on the development, implementation and present role of occupational safety and health committees also known as health circles (Gesundheitszirkel) in German enterprises, established for the purpose of promoting health and safety at work: background (the "Berlin" and "Düsseldorf" project); evolution of the concept (concrete examples: the AOK project in Lower Saxony, the Volkswagen initiative); empirical experiences related to quality circles (case studies at Volkswagen, Hoesch Rothe Erde AG, Opel Bochum, Lüneburger Eisenwerk); practical experiences; relevance of occupational health promotion in relation to health circles (evaluation and perspectives). (68511)
CIS 97-102 Guide to health and safety for European Works Councils. European Trade Union Technical Bureau for Health and Safety, Bd. Emile Jacqmain, 155, 1210 Bruxelles, Belgium, 1996. 90p. Bibl.ref. Price: EUR 24.79., ISBN 2-930003-19-7 (In English) Internet: This guide provides an interpretation of European health and safety at work Directives in light of the new situation created by the establishment of European Works Councils (EWCs). Topics covered: EWCs' action on health and safety at work; a transnational approach to health and safety; elements of a common language of prevention drawn from selected Community Directives; statutory provisions for worker participation in health and safety; resource organizations providing expertise and information; list of established EWC agreements covering health and safety at work. This publication is also available in French, German, Czech, Italian and Spanish. (68363)
CIS 97-103 5th International Symposium - Interdisciplinary research for safety and health protection at work. (French: 5e colloque international - Recherche interdisciplinaire au service de la santé et de la sécurité au travail; German: 5. Internationales Kolloquium - Interdisziplinäre Forchung für Sicherheit und Gesundheit bei der Arbeit) International Social Security Association, International Research Section, Case Postale 1, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, 1996. 566p. Illus. Bibl.ref., ISBN 92-843-0103-3 (In English, French, German) Internet: Proceedings of the 5th international symposium on interdisciplinary research for safety and health protection at work, held in Bonn, Germany, 18-20 Sep. 1995. Topics covered: risk assessment by means of statistical analyses and criteria, and analyses of risk factors in companies; prevention approaches based on organization, quality assurance and economics, ergonomics and safety technology, and qualification, motivation and participation; future research perspectives. Includes a number of studies of specific occupations and hazards. Papers are presented in the original language (English, French or German) with summaries in all three languages. (68361)
CIS 97-104 Tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in patients who have asbestosis and develop cancer. Partanen R., Koskinen H., Hemminki K., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 1995, Vol.52, p.316-319. Illus. 15 ref. (In English) Internet: Concentrations of tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) were assayed by radioimmunoassay in serum samples collected between 1981 and 1987 from 111 patients with asbestosis who where at a high risk of cancer. Follow up of these patients until 1993 showed that 38 had developed cancer (27 lung, three mesothelioma and eight diverse malignancies). The mean serum concentrations of TNF-alpha given in fmol/100µL serum in all the cases with cancer and the cases with lung cancer were significantly higher than the mean concentrations in the exposed controls. The serum concentrations of TNF-alpha correlated moderately with cancer, lung cancer and Neu oncoproteins and epidermal growth factor receptor. Also, there was a significant correlation between development of cancer and severity or progression of asbestosis. There was no correlation between the concentrations of TNF-alpha and severity or progression of asbestosis. The results showed high concentrations of TNF-alpha in the patients who had cancer. TNF-alpha may offer an auxiliary method in early diagnosis of cancers related to asbestosis. (68311)
CIS 97-105 Cancer mortality among silicotics in China's metallurgical industry. Wang Z., Dong D., Liang X., Qu G., Wu J., Xu X., International Journal of Epidemiology, 1996, Vol.25, No.5, p.913-917. 14 ref. (In English) Internet: A retrospective cohort study of lung cancer among silicotics in the Chinese metallurgical industry was conducted on 4372 male subjects. Significant excess lung cancer mortality risk was observed among silicotics in all occupational categories. A more than twofold excess lung cancer risk was reported among both smoking and non-smoking silicotics. (68400)
CIS 97-106 A description of an occupational reproductive health nurse consultant practice and women's occupational exposures during pregnancy. Hewitt J. B., Tellier L., Public Health Nursing, 1996, Vol.13, No.5, p.365-373. Illus. 21 ref. (In English) Internet: This article describes the advanced practice public health nurse role, as implemented in the US state of Wisconsin in 1986, and the women who seek reproductive health consultation with these nurses. Data on the types of workplace exposures that these women had during pregnancy are used to illustrate their occupational history and its importance for pre-conception and early-pregnancy counselling. The sample was limited to 118 women, 19-43 years old, whose pregnancies resulted in live births. Most of the inquiries involved exposure to solvents, which can result in transplacental exposure of the foetuses. (68420)
CIS 97-107 Occupational cancer in Belgium. (French: Le cancer professionnel en Belgique) Caroyer J.M., Strauss P., Archives des maladies professionnelles et de médecine du travail, May 1996, Vol.57, No.3, p.188-192. 23 ref. (In French) Internet: Survey of occupational cancers compensated in Belgium and diagnosed during a determined period. Breakdown by causing agent (asbestos, wood, and different metals (arsenic, chrome, nickel)) as well as by occupation or activity exposing to these agents (asbestos work, wood work, the shoe industry, shipyards, photoengraving, welding). The relative risk for some occupations and toxic substances is calculated. (68504)
CIS 97-108 Effect of different exposure compounds on urinary kinetics of aluminium and fluoride in industrially exposed workers. Pierre F., Baruthio F., Diebold F., Biette P., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 1995, Vol.52, p.396-403. Illus. 34 ref. (In English) Internet: Study conducted in three different plants of the aluminium industry to obtain information on the urinary concentrations of aluminium (Al) and fluoride (F-) in workers exposed to various compounds containing these elements. Sixteen workers participated in the study for one working week. Pollutants were monitored by eight hour personal sampling every day and urine samples were collected during the week. Al and F- were analyzed in both atmospheric and urine samples by atomic absorption spectrometry and ion selective electrode. The results show different characteristics of kinetic curves of Al and F- excretion in workers with different exposures. Particular differences in the behaviour of Al and F- in urine depended upon the original molecular form in the pollutant. The results reinforce the principle that, in biological monitoring, the sampling strategy and the choice of limit value should be dependent on kinetic data that take the exposure compound of the element in question into account. (68317)
CIS 97-109 Asthma, employment status, and disability among adults treated by pulmonary and allergy specialists. Blanc P.D., Cisternas M., Smith S., Yelin E.H., Chest, Mar. 1996, Vol.109, No.3, p.688-696. 40 ref. (In English) Internet: The objective of this cross-sectional survey was to identify risk factors for work disability among adults with asthma treated by pulmonary and allergy specialists. 601 patients were studied by means of computer-assisted, telephone-administered structured interviews carried out by a trained survey specialist. Asthma severity, perceived general health status, quality of life, demographics, and work history were assessed. Complete work disability defined as total work cessation attributed to asthma was reported by 40 patients; partial work disability, defined as change in job, duties, or reduction in work hours, was reported by 53 of 550 subjects. The conclusions were: work disability is common among adults with asthma receiving specialist care. Severity of disease is a powerful predictor, but not the sole predictor of disability in this group. Working conditions, including job-related chemical exposures, are associated with added disability risk, even after taking illness severity into account. (68371)
CIS 97-110 Occupation, employment status and chronic inflammatory bowel disease in Denmark. Bøggild H., Tüchsen F., Ørhede E., International Journal of Epidemiology, 1996, Vol.25, No.3, p.630-637. Illus. 16 ref. (In English) Internet: A study is reported on two large cohorts of Danish men and women, followed up for hospitalization due to chronic inflammatory bowel disease. Of 363 male and 213 female occupational groups, eight and five groups, respectively, had statistically significant increases in standardized hospitalization ratio. No consistent pattern of occupations at increased risk was found, except that there may be a significant association between sedentary work and chronic inflammatory bowel diseases. (68418)
CIS 97-111 Empirical evaluation of the influence of control selection schemes on relative risk estimation: The Welsh nickel workers study. Morabia A., Ten Have T., Landis J.R., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, July 1995, Vol.52, No.7, p.489-493. Illus. 22 ref. (In English) Internet: Empirical evaluation of the theory that relative incidence rate (RIR) and relative risk (RR) can be directly estimated from cas-control studies that have different sampling schemes of controls. With data from the workers of a nickel refinery in South Wales, a nested case-control study of the relation of nickel exposure to respiratory cancers was conducted within each of four fixed subcohorts that differed for stability of exposure, incidence rates and RIR. Respiratory cancers were not rare as risk of nasal and lung cancer in workers unexposed to nickel varied from 15% to 26% over the full risk period. The RIR was adequately estimated by the OR when controls were identified concurrently to case occurrence throughout the risk period. The RR was well approximated with the OR when controls were a sample of the study base. These results add empirical support to the theory that the RIR or the RR can be validly estimated in case-control studies. Overall, this theory is relatively tolerant of large departures from the stability assumptions of exposure and of incidence. (68538)
CIS 97-112 Chronic lymphocytic leukaemias and non-Hodgkin's lymphomas by histological type in farming-animal breeding workers: A population case-control study based on job titles. Amadori D., Nanni O., Falcini F., Saragoni A., Tison V., Callea A., Scarpi E., Ricci M., Riva N., Buiatti E., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 1995, Vol.52, p.374-379. 38 ref. (In English) Internet: A population based case-control study was conducted in an agricultural area in Italy in order to evaluate the association between farming and animal breeding and the risk of developing non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL). Occupational histories and other data were collected by personal interview on 164 NHLs, 23 CLLs, diagnosed in 1988-90, and 977 controls. The article only reports the results of the analysis relative to the coding of job titles through the modified International Labour Office (ILO) classification. Estimates of odds ratios for occupational variables were calculated after adjustment for sex, age, altitude of municipality, first degree familiarity and previous Herpes zoster infection. Subjects working in agriculture associated with animal breeding are at high risk of NHL/CLLs, particularly CLLs and low grade NHLs. This finding could be related to the use of chemicals in agriculture or to exposure to animal-transmitted diseases or specific chemicals used in animal breeding. (68315)
CIS 97-113 Silicosis in automobile foundries. (French: Silicoses dans les fonderies automobiles) Laplaiche N., Documents pour le médecin du travail, 4th Quarter 1996, No.68, p.323-328. Illus. 10 ref. (In French) Internet: In 1989, eight occupational physicians from the largest French automobile foundries decided to organize joint meetings in order to discuss and find solutions to common OSH problems, to uniformize the procedures of medical surveillance in their enterprises and to organize epidemiologic and inter-enterprise studies. One of these study topics was that of silicosis: the physicians collected all relevant data concerning the workers in their enterprises so that they could provide a quantitative evaluation of the extent of the silicosis problem in large French automobile foundries. As a result of this survey, one can arrive at a better understanding of the silicosis hazard in these enterprises, and possibly extrapolate to medium-size foundries. (68475)
CIS 97-114 Transport of delight. Ide C., Safety and Health Practitioner, June 1996, Vol.14, No.6, p.26-29. Illus. 9 ref. (In English) Internet: The effects of health on driver safety are reviewed in the light of the new British Regulations concerning the Reporting of Industrial Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences [sic] (RIDDOR), see CIS 95-1930 for the proper title of the Regulations, which now cover work-related driver and vehicle accidents. The duty of a driver to inform the licensing authority of specific disabilities or health problems is emphasized, and requirements concerning epilepsy, heart diseases, diabetes, sharpness of vision and use of drugs are discussed. (68307)
CIS 97-115 Dioxin concentrations in the blood of workers at municipal waste incinerators. Schecter A., Päpke O., Ball M., Lis A., Brandt-Rauf P., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 1995, Vol.52, p.385-387. 7 ref. (In English) Internet: Increased concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzo-furans (PCDFs) in pooled blood samples from workers at municipal waste incinerators have been reported. With a view to confirming these results, concentrations of PCDDs and PCDFs were determined in the blood of 10 workers from an old municipal waste incinerator without adequate pollution controls, 11 workers from a newer incinerator with modern pollution controls and 25 controls from the general population group. PCDD and PCDF concentrations were determined as well in the slag and fly ash from the older incinerator. Significant increases of certain PCDDs and PCDFs were found in the blood of the workers from the older incinerator compared with the controls. The pattern of increased PCDDs and PCDFs in the blood corresponded to the pattern in the incinerator slag and ash. Modern pollution control technology in new incinerators may be able to minimize potential exposure to slag and fly ash and thus the absorption of PCDDs and PCDFs from this source. (68316)
CIS 97-116 A graduate course in work site health promotion for occupational health practitioners. Kushnir T., Vigiser D., Weisberg E., Ribak J., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Mar. 1996, Vol.38, No.3, p.284-289. 22 ref. (In English) Internet: The rationale, teaching strategies and outcomes of an academic course in work site health promotion at the University Medical School in Tel-Aviv, Israel are described. The course included encouraging the students to undergo health screening and to follow a personal health promotion plan. A 6-month follow-up of the 35 course participants showed that most were still adhering to their plans and maintaining their health promotion achievements. The course format is considered to be an effective means of educating health promoters. (68256)
CIS 97-117 The question of the benefit of blood lactate determinations in check-up examinations by industrial physicians. (German: Zur Frage der Wertigkeit von Blutlaktatbestimmungen bei arbeitsmedizinischen Vorsorgeuntersuchungen) Spallek M., Stork J., Schwantes P., Zentralblatt für Arbeitsmedizin, Arbeitsschutz und Ergonomie, July 1995, Vol.45, No.7, p.268-273. Illus. 29 ref. (In German) Internet: Assessment of the physical capacity for heavy work are needed in check-up examinations by industrial physicians to prevent cardiovascular diseases caused by strenuous work such as the work of a firefighter wearing a respirator. Exercises on the bicycle ergometer at maximum capacity along with blood lactate measurement were found in experiments with volunteers to be a suitable method for the assessment of physical fitness for heavy work. This method provides a more accurate alternative to the method of evaluating physical fitness used until now. The lactate analysis of blood samples has been greatly simplified by a new photometric method. It takes only 60s to complete. The blood samples for photometric lactate measurements are taken from the earlobes. (68526)
CIS 97-118 Health effects of combined exposure to a physical agent and two organizational work risk factors. (French: Effets sur la santé de l'exposition simultanée à un agent physique et à deux contraintes d'organisation du travail) Teyssier Cotte C., Niezborala M., Gauthier A., Mercier M., Archives des maladies professionnelles et de médecine du travail, May 1996, Vol.57, No.3, p.193-199. 29 ref. (In French) Internet: Transversal survey on the health effects of combined exposure to several work risk factors. A questionnaire provided information on married status, life style and leisure activities; medical history, functional symptomatology during the previous six months, work history; training, qualification and previous or current exposures. An exposure record card was made out for each of the risk factors considered. The 493 wage earners studied were divided into five groups: exposure to noise only (118); shift work only (25); noise and piece work conditions (204); noise and shift work (111); all three risk factors (35). Using the group exposed to noise only as reference, the relative risk was calculated for each of the other groups to present disorders, symptoms or pathologies studied in the survey. It appears that the specific pathologies brought about by noise (hearing loss) and repetitive work with a time constraint (osteoarticular pain) were not significantly influenced by simultaneous exposure to other risk factors; the frequency of sleep disorders was multiplied by two or three in the case of exposure to two or three risks; the non specific pathologies were the most frequent in the polyexposed groups. The effects of working conditions on workers' health must be approached in a global manner and not by considering each risk independently of other risks. (68505)
CIS 97-119 Improvements in lung function measurements using a flow spirometer that emphasizes computer assessment of test quality. Banks D.E., Wang M.L., McCabe L., Billie M., Hankinson J., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Mar. 1996, Vol.38, No.3, p.279-283. 12 ref. (In English) Internet: Lung function measurements obtained from 101 steel workers using a commercially available spirometer were compared to measurements performed, on average, 1.3 years later using a newly developed spirometer providing immediate computerized assessments of curve quantity and quality. No group showed the anticipated decline in lung function over time; FVC increased in all groups, while FEV1 increased in one group and showed no change in two others. Results reflect improvements in spirometer technology during the past 15 years. (68255)
CIS 97-120 Excess mortality of unemployed men and women during a period of rapidly increasing unemployment. Martikainen P.T., Valkonen T., Lancet, Oct. 1996, Vol.348, No.9032, p.909-912. 15 ref. (In English) Internet: In this prospective investigation, mortality in both men and women during a period of rapidly increasing unemployment in Finland was studied. Baseline socio-demographic data were obtained for the Finnish population aged 25-59 years (2.5 million people) in 1990, whereas the employment status from 1987-92 was extracted from statistics of Finland's labour force data files. Mortality follow-up was established by record linkage to death certificates from 1991 to 1993. Subjects who experienced unemployment between 1987 and 1992 had greater mortality than those in employment after control for age, education, occupational class and marital status. The mortality ratios for men and women unemployed for the first time in 1990, at a time of low national unemployment, were 2.11 and 1.61, respectively. These values were lower (men 1.35, women 1.30) for those who were unemployed for the first time in 1992 when the national unemployment rate was very high. Jobless individuals who were reemployed had higher mortality than those who were continuously employed, but not as high as those who remained unemployed. (68272)
CIS 97-121 Occupational Medicine, Hygiene and Safety Society of Strasbourg - Meeting of 6 October 1995. (French: Société de médecine, d'hygiène et de sécurité du travail de Strasbourg - Séance du 6 octobre 1995) Archives des maladies professionnelles et de médecine du travail, May 1996, Vol.57, No.3, p.205-218. (In French) Internet: Main subjects dealt with in the papers presented at the meeting of 6 Oct. 1995 of the Société de médecine, d'hygiène et de sécurité du travail de Strasbourg (France): local public service officers: violence, vocational training and work organization; occupational medicine in small communities: legislation, working conditions and occupational accidents; occupational hazards in stone dressing: silicosis, noise and vibration exposure, repetitive strain injury, occupational accidents and chemical hazards. (68507)
CIS 97-122 Occupational Medicine, Hygiene and Ergonomics Society of Western France - Meetings of 24 and 25 November 1994. (French: Société de médecine du travail, d'hygiène industrielle et d'ergonomie de l'ouest - Séances des 24 et 25 novembre 1994) Archives des maladies professionnelles et de médecine du travail, May 1996, Vol.57, No.3, p.219-231. (In French) Internet: Main subjects dealt with in papers presented at the 24-25 Nov 1994 meeting of the Society of Occupational Medicine, Hygiene and Ergonomics of Western France: lipoatrophy of lower extremities due to repetitive strain injuries; health hazards of cleaning staff: musculoskeletal disorders, respiratory diseases, skin diseases, in particular occupational dermatitis, and carpal-tunnel syndrome; asthma due to bisulfites in a laundry; use of pesticides in banana plantations. (68508)
CIS 97-123 The industrial physician as moderator of health circles and problem solving groups. (German: Betriebsarzt als Moderator von Zirkeln und Problemlösungsgruppen) Bundesanstalt für Arbeitsmedizin, Wirtschaftsverlag NW, Postfach 10 11 10, 27511 Bremerhaven, Germany, 1996. 44p. Illus., ISBN 3-89429-724-7 (In German) Internet: The papers presented at a symposium on 26 August 1995 in Berlin, Germany, on the role of industrial physicians as moderators in plant safety and health committees (Gesundheitszirkel) are summarized. They address the goals of the committees, their experiences and the tasks and possible problems encountered by industrial physicians in the role of moderators. (68520)
CIS 97-124 Impairments, disabilities and their assessment. Murlidhar V., Kanhere V., eds., Society for Participatory Research in Asia, 42 Tughlakabad Institutional Area, New Delhi 110062, India, Dec. 1996. 101p. 11 ref. Index. (In English) Internet: Guidelines for assessment of occupational disability through mathematical analysis: extremities and the back; the central nervous system; peripheral and spinal nerves; skin burns and injuries; mental illness; respiratory system; cardiovascular system; reproductive and urinary system; digestive system; haematopoietic system; endocrine system; visual system; ear, nose, throat and related organs. Tables for calculations. (68509)
CIS 97-125 Investigation for recording and assessing the combined physical and mental loads on the cardiac system. (German: Modelluntersuchung zur Erfassung und Bewertung der Wirkung kombinierter physischer und psychischer Belastungen auf Funktionen des Herz-Kreislauf-Systems) Frauendorf H., Caffier G., Kaul G., Wawrzinoszek M., Bundesanstalt für Arbeitsmedizin, Wirtschaftsverlag NW, Postfach 10 11 10, 27511 Bremerhaven, Germany, 1995. 51p. Price: DEM 15.50, ISBN 3-89429-638-0 (In German) Internet: The aim of the investigation was to find out the influence of combined physical and mental load on the activity of the cardiovascular and motor system. Under all tested conditions of the study, there was an increase, with some hyperreactive subjects, of heart rate and arterial blood pressure as well as of the bioelectrical activity of the tested muscles. In the long-term, this could be a risk factor for cardiovascular disorders as well as disorders of the shoulder-arm region. Summary in English. (68530)
CIS 97-126 Occupational health promotion in Berlin. (German: Betriebliche Gesundheitsförderung in Berlin) Busch R., Freie Universität Berlin, ed., Freie Universität Berlin, Referat Weiterbildung, Kooperationsstelle FU-DGB, Rüdesheimer Strasse 1, 14197 Berlin, Germany, 1995. 217p. Price: DEM 15,00., ISBN 3-93000-221-3 (In German) Internet: Main themes of papers presented at this seminar on occupational health promotion in Berlin held in Germany on 10 and 11 July 1994: 1. Overview: general conditions of health promotion at work; motivation of the various partners in plants towards internal occupational health measures; health promotion as a long-term project; qualifications required for the implementation and follow-up of health promotion measures in the enterprise; quality insurance and results assessment; 2. Instruments and methods; 3. Case studies in Berlin: in the industry (Mercedes Benz, Schering Aktiengesellschaft, Siemens, Berliner Wasserbetrieben); in the public service (district Council of Berlin-Reinickendorf, Freie Universität Berlin, psychiatric hospital of Spandau (NKS)); 4. Institutions active in the field of occupational health promotion; 5. Regional cooperation. Appendix. (68558)
CIS 97-127 ABC of work related disorders: Building related illnesses. Appleby P.H., British Medical Journal, Sept. 1996, Vol.313, p.674-677. Illus. 4 ref. (In English) Internet: Information note on building-related illnesses, sometimes referred to as sick building syndrome (SBS)., a term used to describe a situation where more than the expected number of people working in a building suffer from various symptoms for no apparent reason. These symptoms are those associated with common illnesses and allergies, usually in a mild form. There is no single known cause of the syndrome, but several risk factors related to work, buildings and the environment have been identified. SBS not only occurs in office buildings, but has been identified in schools, nurseries, libraries and apartment buildings as well. Common indoor air pollutants and their sources are described. In some workplaces airborne allergens may be involved. Two other kinds of bacterial agents involved in SBS are: actinomycetes, to which outbreaks of humidifier fever are attributed, and Legionella implicated in flu-like illnesses (legionnaires' disease and Pontiac fever). Some suggestions for prevention are made. (68399)
CIS 97-128 Investigating suspected occupational illness and evaluating the workplace. Palmer K., Coggon D., British Medical Journal, Sep. 1996, Vol.313, p.809-811. Illus. 2 ref. (In English) Internet: This information note covers the main reasons for suspecting work-related disorders, such as the occurrence of clusters of cases in the workforce. A walkthrough survey is recommended for evaluating the workplace and simple check lists are given for frequent hazards (physical, chemical, biological, psychosocial) and for control measures. (68414)
CIS 97-129 Occupational kidney diseases of toxic origin. (French: Maladies rénales d'origine toxique professionnelle) Stengel B., Encyclopédie médico-chirurgicale, Toxicologie-Pathologie professionnelle, 4th Quarter 1996, No.113. 8p. 105 ref. (In French) Internet: The kidney is the target organ of many chemicals entering the body (medical drugs, toxic substances of industrial or environmental origin, mycotoxins), as they are usually excreted through it. Even though at present it is impossible to quantify the risk attributable to nephrotoxicity in the causation of chronic renal failure, it is certainly one of its major causation factors. In this information note, the different types of kidney damage due to exposure to toxic substances are described, as well as the early biological indicators of nephrotoxicity. Also included: list of renal disorders caused by the principal nephrotoxic substances present in the work environment: lead, cadmium, mercury, other metals, hydrocarbons, herbicides and silica. (68472)
CIS 97-130 Assessing fitness for work. Davies W., British Medical Journal, Oct. 1996, Vol.313, p.934-938. 8 ref. (In English) Internet: This information note on fitness assessment criteria for employment covers: definitions of key concepts such as hazard, risk, negligible risk and competent assessment. The medical responsibilities (of general, hospital and occupational health practitioners) may take different approaches. The key principles in practice are reviewed and a framework for assessing work fitness is presented applying the following criteria: subject's attendance and performance capabilities and limitations, health and safety risk to others or to self. A table shows a synopsis of outcomes for the application of fitness criteria for different categories of fitness. (68415)
CIS 97-131 Practical guide to safety and health in the public services. (Dutch: Praktische gids voor veiligheid en gezondheid in de openbare diensten; French: Guide pratique de la sécurité et de la santé dans les services publics) Ministère de l'emploi et du travail, Commissariat général à la promotion du travail, rue Belliard 51, 1040 Bruxelles, Belgium, 1993. 61p. (In Dutch, French) Internet: This guide deals with the organization and functions of safety and health committees and plant medical services in the Belgian public service. Relevant Belgian legislation is provided and commented on. (68392)
CIS 97-132 Practical steps to risk assessment on building projects. Eagle G., Safety and Health Practitioner, June 1996, Vol.14, No.6, p.35-36. Illus. (In English) Internet: This simple risk assessment procedure is based on answering a set of basic questions regarding the nature of the building project, and highlighting areas where there is a shortage of information or other weakness. Specific issues requiring further evaluation can then be identified and control measures implemented. The method is suitable for small businesses undertaking projects with which they are already familiar. (68309)
CIS 97-133 Mortality among Finnish sea pilots 1956-85: A retrospective cohort study. Saarni H., Niemi L., Koskela R.S., Pentti J., Kuusela A., Occupational Medicine, Aug. 1996, Vol.46, No.4, p.281-284. 26 ref. (In English) Internet: Mortality data for 262 Finnish sea pilots who died during 1956-1985 were compared to data for the male population in southwest Finland in general. The mortality rate for all cardiovascular diseases and lung cancer was lower among the pilots than in the comparison population; the rates for ischaemic heart diseases were similar in both groups. The lower mortality from ischaemic heart disease among younger pilots who entered the service during this period indicated a health-based selection into piloting. The importance of appropriate medical examinations for sea pilots is stressed. (68325)
CIS 97-134 Study of occupational hazards in the Rabat tanning industry. (French: Etude de risques professionnels dans la tannerie de la ville de Rabat) Laraqui C., Belamallem I., Harourate K., Amrani Joutey N., Ben Haymoud N., Verger C., Curtès J.P., Archives des maladies professionnelles et de médecine du travail, May 1996, Vol.57, No.3, p.200-204. Illus. 10 ref. (In French) Internet: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 30 male subjects in a Rabat tannery (Morocco) combining an analysis of working conditions, health examination, lung function test, chest X-ray, and biological monitoring (chromium blood and urinary levels and stool parasitological analysis). The study revealed poor working and hygiene conditions, lack of organization in the tanning process, lack of protection and non-compliance with regulations. Dermatosis was very frequent: mycosis 70%, tanner's disease 33.3%, palmar and plantar keratoderma 36.7%, allergic and irritating dermatitis 8.4%. Digestive (abdominal pain, transit problems) was found in 63.3% of the cases, lumbalgias and arthralgias in 3.3%. Occupational accidents were reported by the majority of the tanners. Seven had an abnormally high blood chromium level and two had high urinary level chromium level. The tanners were involved either in tanning or in chromium dyeing. No protection is available in the Rabat tannery. A health service as well as medical and technical prevention ought to be put in place urgently. (68506)
CIS 97-135 Epidemiological study of knee pain in a hospital. (French: Etude épidémiologique du genou douloureux dans un hôpital) de Brouwer C., Lecomte A., Archives des maladies professionnelles et de médecine du travail, May 1996, Vol.57, No.3, p.168-175. 38 ref. (In French) Internet: 400 workers chosen at random in a hospital (mean age of total staff: 35.4 years) were questioned about their knee problems. Prevalence data show that 38.9% had a past record of knee pain (33.04% women and 44.8% men). Diagnosis was unknown for 46.6% of the patients. For the others, complaints were distributed as follows: 19.25% meniscus problems; 14.29% patella problems; 11.18% ligament (other than crossed ligaments) and 8.07% crossed ligaments problems. Other problems (hydrarthrosis, for instance) were much less frequent. Sex distribution shows a strong male dominance for meniscus complaints (25.6% of men against 12.7% of women) and a weak female dominance for patella complaints (12.2% of men against 16.5% of women). Other complaints showed no sex difference. Furthermore, the incidence of complaints was statistically correlated to sports activity and to ankle, hip and cervical complaints. The correlation was weaker with lumbar complaints, except for female workers. Length of sick leave showed a correlation with the socio-professional status, while physiological severity showed no such correlation. (68502)
CIS 97-136 Wage workers in agriculture: Conditions of employment and work. (French: Les ouvriers agricoles: conditions d'emploi et de travail) ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, 1996. iv, 97p. Bibl.ref. Price: CHF 17.50., ISBN 92-2-110126-6 (In English, French) Internet: This ILO report on agriculture worldwide identifies the two major occupational hazards as the use of machinery and cutting tools (in particular, tractors and harvesters) and agrochemicals. Safety and health regulations are applied sporadically, and despite international standards, the incidence of agricultural hazards in most countries is poorly documented. ILO data on fatal occupational injuries suggest that agriculture is a high-risk activity. In many countries, labour inspection in agriculture does not appear to be given priority. Recommendations for improvements are put forward. (68305)
CIS 97-137 Productivity improvement and labour relations in the tea industry in South Asia. Sivaram B., ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, 1996. vi, 41p. 13 ref., ISBN 92-2-110393-5 (In English) Internet: This study examines recent experience in productivity improvement schemes in South Asia tea plantations, with particular reference to labour productivity. Socio-economic factors discussed include: enhancing worker health and welfare; controlling common illnesses; plucking productivity and characteristics of good pluckers; health status of women tea workers. (68404)
CIS 97-138 Occupational safety and health in pharmacies. (German: Arbeitssicherheit und Gesundheitsschutz in der Apotheke) Gleiche G., Wissenschaftliche Verlagsgesellschaft mbH, Birkenwaldstraße 44, 70191 Stuttgart, Germany, 1996. 221 p. Illus. Index. Price: DEM 58.00., ISBN 3-7692-1951-1 (In German) Internet: This book on occupational safety and health in pharmacies covers: safe design of workplaces; fire and explosion hazards and prevention; electrical safety; safe storage and handling of compressed gas cylinders (oxygen cylinders) and of harmful and dangerous substances; disposal of harmful waste; organization of first aid and the supply of personal protective equipment. Occupational safety and health checklists for pharmacies are included. (68523)
CIS 97-139 Today's occupational health nurse. (French: L'infirmière de santé au travail aujourd'hui) Carrillo-Larre M., Lemitres A., Editions Maloine, 27 rue de l'école de médecine, 75006 Paris, France, 1997. 152p. Bibl.ref., ISBN 2-224-02316-2 (In French) Internet: The role that industrial nurses play nowadays in occupational medicine is analyzed, with an emphasis on the situation in France. Main subjects covered: status, employment and working conditions and professional responsibility of industrial nurses; occupational health actors, including public and private institutions, industrial structures, occupational health services personnel, medical premises, European and international organizations; in-plant individual and collective actions of the occupational health nurse; development and training of occupational nursing personnel. Useful addresses are included. (68571)
CIS 97-140 The workplace of the driving test examiner. (German: Der Arbeitsplatz des Fahrprüfers) Fischer K., Frosch A., Krankenhagen H.J., Neuhaus T., Raftopoulo A., Bundesanstalt für Arbeitsschutz, Wissenschaftsverlag NW, Verlag für neue Wissenschaft GmbH, Postfach 10 11 10, 27511 Bremerhaven, Germany, 1995. 199p. Illus. Bibl.ref., ISBN 3-89429-916-9 (In German) Internet: This report provides an overview of working conditions of driving test examiners in Germany (experts accredited by the State to deliver driving licenses) and of the associated stress factors (informative, cognitive, emotional and physical) and suggests ergonomic solutions (seat design, vehicle air conditioning, installation of an air filter, tasks rotation, pauses, vocational training, improvement of training provided by driving schools for a better occupational satisfaction of inspectors. Summaries in German, English and French. (68559)
CIS 97-141 Occupational diseases of athletes. (French: Pathologies professionnelles du sportif) Barrault D., Encyclopédie médico-chirurgicale, Toxicologie-Pathologie professionnelle, 4th Quarter 1996, No.113. 6p. 32 ref. (In French) Internet: Main subjects covered in this information note on the occupational diseases of athletes: traumas affecting the musculoskeletal system (fractures, dislocations, sprains, muscular and tendon injuries, stress fractures, growth osteochondrosis, degenerative conditions of the cartilage); skin conditions (chafing, infections, mucous membrane problems, intolerance reactions); problems of the upper respiratory tract (water sports, injuries, allergic rhinitis); asthma brought on by physical effort; problems of the cardiovascular system (athlete's heart,blood pressure, veins, Raynaud's phenomenon); digestive problems; gynaecological problems; dental problems; eye troubles; behavioural aspects. The principal victims of this type of disease are top athletes, but others may also be affected: trainers, physical education teachers, leisure-time organizers, sport managers, firefighters, police officers, guards, security personnel, circus entertainers, etc. (68473)
CIS 97-142 Guidelines for the provision of safety, health and accommodation in agriculture. Occupational Safety and Health Service, Department of Labour, P.O. Box 3705, Wellington, New Zealand, Oct. 1996. 58p. 62 ref., ISBN 0-477-03582-5 (In English) Internet: This booklet provides guidance on compliance with the requirements of the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992 (CIS 93-701) and Regulations 1995 as they relate to agricultural places of work. Contents: safety and health generally (duties of employers and others, safety of children and young persons, agrochemicals, animal handling, hazard identification and control, health monitoring, occupational diseases, noise, prevention of falls, confined spaces, training, protective equipment); machinery safety; general facilities and amenities for agricultural workers. (68352)
CIS 97-143 Health and safety in construction. Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 6FS, United Kingdom, 1996. v, 132p. Illus. 60 ref. Price: GBP 7.95., ISBN 0-7176-1143-4 (In English) Internet: This booklet provides simple guidance on the identification and control of hazards in the construction industry. Contents: organizing the construction site (planning the work, welfare facilities, emergency procedures, inspections); working at heights; excavations and underground services; work in confined spaces; prevention of drowning; moving, lifting and handling loads; site vehicles and mobile plant; health hazards (hazardous substances and processes, noise and vibration); protective equipment; electrical safety; work affecting the public; health and safety management and the law. (68306)
CIS 97-144 Biotechnology and the production of resistant crops. Barrett J.A., Science of the Total Environment, Sep. 1996, Vol.188, Suppl.1, p.S106-S111. 9 ref. (In English) Internet: Issues surrounding the development of resistant crops are discussed. The concerns about engineered forms of resistance are those to do with the trait itself (its source and function), the host plant, and the environment into which it is to be introduced, and those arising from the use and exploitation of the engineered crop, including social and economic factors. Current guidelines in developed countries are outlined and potential problems in assessing scale-dependent hazards are discussed. (68268)
CIS 97-145 Fecundity and the use of video display terminals. Brandt L.P.A., Nielsen C.V., Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health, Oct. 1992, Vol.18, No.5, p.298-301. 19 ref. (In English) Internet: Data on waiting time to pregnancy, occupational exposures, and life-style factors were obtained for a random sample of 2252 pregnancies among commercial and clerical employees in Denmark. Overall exposure to a video display terminal indicated a slightly increased association with prolonged waiting time to pregnancy. A significant association was observed for self-reported high exposures (≥ 21h per week), but this finding was based on a small number of persons. Limitations of the study are discussed. (68231)
CIS 97-146 Ergonomics and technical risk prevention measures in an automated plant: Ergonomic and technical study of a reinforced concrete pipe manufacture. (French: Mise en sécurité d'une installation automatisée - Etudes ergonomique et technique d'une ligne de fabrication de tuyaux en béton) Kneppert M., Liévin D., Pagliéro D., Krawsky G., Jeandel C., Cahiers de notes documentaires - Hygiène et sécurité du travail, 4th Quarter 1996, No.165, Note No.2031-165-96, p.443-466. Illus. 10 ref. (In French) Internet: Implementing occupational risk prevention measures specific to each part of a process is not enough to ensure the safety of operators who have to carry out work on a whole automated system. Thus, the purpose of this study was to apply new safety techniques to the transfer and handling activities of a reinforced concrete pipe production line in a small firm in the building industry. It comprises three stages: ergonomic analysis of the existing system, proposal of technical solutions, organization of training. The different protection devices recommended are described together with rules for their implementation. The safety of operators required to work on a whole automated process must be devised in terms of the whole process and on a systemic basis, not on a function-by-function basis. (68423)
CIS 97-147 Comparison of respirable samplers to direct-reading real-time aerosol monitors for measuring coal dust. Lehocky A.H., Williams P.L., American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal, Nov. 1996, Vol.57, No.11, p.1013-1018. Illus. 14 ref. (In English) Internet: Two direct-reading aerosol monitors were used to measure airborne coal dust concentrations in three coal-fired electric power generating facilities. Results were compared with those from three types of respirable dust samplers positioned side-by-side as area samplers. Samples were collected for 15 8h shifts over a one-month period. Respirable dust concentrations ranged from 0.23 to 10.83mg/m3. The two direct-reading instruments provided respirable coal dust concentrations that were not significantly different from the side-by-side samplers. Results from all the samplers are compared, and the characteristics of the two direct-reading instruments are discussed. (68246)
CIS 97-148 Electron microscopy studies of silica fume emissions from a silicon smelter in southern Tasmania, Australia. Cunningham E.A., Jablonski W., Todd J.J., American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal, Nov. 1996, Vol.57, No.11, p.1024-1034. Illus. 46 ref. (In English) Internet: Silica fume samples were collected from three emission orifices at a silicon smelter in southern Tasmania. Primary particles and aggregates were sized using transmission electron microscopy. There was considerable variation in particle size and shape; all count distributions were lognormally distributed. It was established that the fume could be accurately classified as an ultrafine aerosol. Results are discussed and compared with earlier work, and the health implications of silica fume are considered. (68248)
CIS 97-149 Detection of occupational exposure to inorganic fibres by urinary fibre analysis. Savolainen H., Cosca-Sliney R., Guillemin M., Occupational Hygiene, 1996, Vol.3, p.351-357. 28 ref. (In English) Internet: Random urine samples were obtained from ten brake-lining factory workers routinely exposed to asbestos, ceramic and glass fibres. The workers excreted higher concentrations of total fibres, chrysotile asbestos fibres, and glass/ceramic fibres than an unexposed control group; the concentration of amphibole asbestos fibres was the same for both groups. Urinary excretion of fibres was not associated with significant biochemical effects in the urine, with the exception that succinate dehydrogenase activity increased with increasing concentration of urinary fibres. Significant occupational exposures to inorganic fibres may be detected by urinalysis. (68301)
CIS 97-150 Pneumatic machines and nut harvesting: Identifying systems restricting the emission of dust during harvesting. (Italian: Macchine pneumatiche e raccolta di nocciole: Individuazione di sistemi atti a limitare l'emissione di polveri durante la raccolta) Romano F., Santoro D., Santonocito E., Suppa D., Prevenzione oggi, Apr.-June 1993, Vol.V, No.2, p.143-161. Illus. (In Italian) Internet: To meet the environmental hygiene problems of large amount of dust produced during the process of picking hazelnuts in Italy by means of turbo-aspirating machines, this research identifies suitable filtering systems. The main types of dust removers for medium-fine dusts were studied: a comparative examination showed that mechanical dust removal by cyclone (centrifugal dust separator) was the most effective. Two prototype filters were designed and built, each consisting of four cyclones with a diameter of 350mm and 250mm, respectively. Field tests showed that the 350mm cyclone had a dust removing capacity of 90%, with no reduction in performance caused by the dust going through it, while the 250mm cyclone removed 93.75% with a reduction in performance of approximately 30%. Though both filtering systems appear to be acceptable, the latter one allows a further reduction of 50% of the fine dust in the working environment. Summary in Italian, French, German, English and Spanish. (68376)
CIS 97-151 Errors in inhalable dust sampling for particles exceeding 100µm. Lidén G., Kenny C.L., Annals of Occupational Hygiene, Aug. 1994, Vol.38, No.4, p.373-384. Illus. 25 ref. (In English) Internet: The sampling convention for inhalable dust (inhalability), proposed by the European Committee for Standardization and the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists, is undefined for particles sizes larger than 100µm owing to experimental difficulties in its measurement. This paper estimates lower and upper envelopes for the inhalability of these larger particles, for the low air velocities predominating in indoor workplaces. Estimates of the inhalable aerosol mass of particles exceeding 100µm are then obtained for the workplace particle size distributions published in the literature. For the reported workplace aerosol size distributions, it is generally found that where the mass median aerodynamic diameter is smaller than 25µm the inhalable mass above 100µm is negligible. Limitations in the applicability of the laboratory-determined inhalable convention to workplace sampling situations are discussed. (68494)
CIS 97-152 Health risks associated with chrysotile asbestos - Papers from a workshop held in Jersey, Channel Islands, 14-17 November 1993. Annals of Occupational Hygiene, Aug. 1994, Vol.38, No.4, p.397-646. Illus. Bibl. (In English) Internet: Compilation of papers presented in a workshop on health risks associated with chrysotile asbestos held in Jersey (Channel Islands) in November 1993 and organized by the Scientific Committee on Mineral Fibres of the International Commission on Occupational Health in collaboration with the International Programme on Chemical Safety. Main subjects dealt with were: chemistry, physics, mineralogy, uses and exposure to chrysotile asbestos; dose-response relationship by industrial sector; cancer mortality and frequency rate; morbidity; evaluation of the relationship between risk and mortality; results of animal experiments; cellular and tissue responses to chrysotile. (68495)
CIS 97-153 Malignant mesothelioma and duration of asbestos exposure: Correlation with tissue mineral fibre content. Roggli V.L., Annals of Occupational Hygiene, June 1995, Vol.39, No.3, p.363-374. Illus. 22 ref. (In English) Internet: Among 441 cases of malignant mesothelioma in the author's files, there were 324 for whom reliable information was available regarding the duration of exposure to asbestos. Included were 298 pleural and 26 peritoneal mesotheliomas. The mean duration of exposure to asbestos was 23 ± 14 years for all cases and was not different for the pleural and peritoneal groups. Lung tissue was available for analysis of mineral fibre content in 94 cases. Linear regression analysis showed a significant correlation between duration of exposure and asbestos bodies per gram of wet lung as determined by light microscopy and between duration of exposure and total uncoated fibres (5µm or greater in length) as well as commercial amphibole fibres per gram as determined by scanning electron microscopy. Individuals with direct exposures had on average higher asbestos contents than patients with indirect exposure. Furthermore, for each duration of exposure, shipyard workers had on average higher asbestos contents than non-shipyard workers. Mesotheliomas are associated with a wide range of durations of exposure to asbestos and pulmonary asbestos burdens and there is a rough correlation between duration of exposure and commercial amphibole content in lung tissue. (68498)
CIS 97-154 Respiratory health of workers exposed to metal dusts and foundry fumes in a copper refinery. Ostiguy G., Vaillancourt C., Bégin R., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Mar. 1995, Vol.52, No.3, p.204-210. 51 ref. (In English) Internet: Cross-sectional and longitudinal (7 years) survey of 494 long-term workers in a copper refinery, carried out from medical questionnaires, chest radiographs and forced spirometry, to assess respiratory health hazards in these workers. The prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD) and small airway disfunction (SAD) was 5% and 7%, which did not differ from the control population. The COPD and SAD were associated with cumulative smoking index. The mean reduction of forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) was 20(7)mL in non-smokers, 26(4)mL in smokers and 26(5)mL in ex-smokers. In the smokers and ex-smokers with COPD, the loss of FEV1 was 53(10). The prevalence of pleural plaques was 11% in older workers with known exposure to asbestos. The data suggest that low level long-term exposure to metal dusts, gases and foundry fumes does not necessarily cause respiratory dysfunction, circumscribed pleural plaques with low grades of width and extent do not reduce forced vital capacity (FVC) significantly and, finally, exposure to asbestos dust that produced pleural plaques does not necessarily produce airway dysfunction. (68535)
CIS 97-155 EOL: A predictive ventilation software applicable to workplace air purification. (French: EOL: un logiciel de ventilation prévisionnelle applicable à l'assainissement de l'air des locaux de travail) Fontaine J.R., Braconnier R., Rapp R., Aubertin G., Cahiers de notes documentaires - Hygiène et sécurité du travail, 4th Quarter 1996, No.165, Note No.2029-165-96, p.409-424. Illus. 12 ref. (In French) Internet: Software for predicting ventilation behaviour (EOL), developed in France by the INRS, is presented. The physical and mathematical bases of the programme are summarized followed by explanations of its use, with particular emphasis on the input of boundary conditions. Finally, some simple examples of numerical simulations using EOL are presented: painting booths, premises with below-the-floor heating, air flow produced by a complex diffuser, laboratory fume hoods, office ventilation. (68421)
CIS 97-156 Surface treatment tanks - Exhaust performance of slots. (French: Cuves de traitement de surface - Performance de captage de fentes d'aspiration) Régnier R., Dessagne J.M., Bonthoux F., Aubertin G., Cahiers de notes documentaires - Hygiène et sécurité du travail, 4th Quarter 1996, No.165, Note No.2030-165-96, p.425-441. Illus. 12 ref. (In French) Internet: An experimental study was carried out to determine the exhaust performances of lateral exhaust slots on surface treatment tanks. Full-scale models of different width/length ratios were tested in a wind tunnel simulating controlled air draught intensity and direction in an exhaust flowrate range covering the values generally recommended. The implementation of the recommendations of the INRS Practical Ventilation Guide leads in the case of a unilateral slot to efficiencies ranging from almost 100% to 60%, depending on the global risk level under consideration. These results apply with antagonistic air draught of 0.5m/s. To maintain the performances, the exhaust rate must be modulated in proportion with air draught intensity. The direction of air draught is also very important. The lesser sensitivity of the bilateral slot solution to air draughts was clearly demonstrated, and this is the only suitable solution for the largest tanks when the efficiency target is over 95%. (68422)
CIS 97-157 Numerical simulation of a local ventilation unit. Kulmala I., Annals of Occupational Hygiene, Aug. 1994, Vol.38, No.4, p.337-349. Illus. 16 ref. (In English) Internet: The applicability of numerical simulation in design of local ventilation was studied by calculating air flow and concentration fields for a local ventilation unit. The calculations were verified by air velocity and tracer gas measurements conducted under controlled conditions. The results of numerical modelling were in satisfactory agreement with the experiments, provided that the boundary conditions used in the calculations were reliable. (68492)
CIS 97-158 Biological monitoring results for cadmium exposed workers. McDiarmid M.A., Freemand C.S., Grossman E.A., Martonik J., American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal, Nov. 1996, Vol.57, No.11, p.1019-1023. Illus. 13 ref. (In English) Internet: Measurements of cadmium in blood and urine were obtained for more than 100 workers at a battery production facility over an 18 month period. Changes in biological parameters are reported for a group of 16 workers medically removed from cadmium exposure following elevations in some biological parameters, and for a group of 15 workers in the platemaking area, where airborne cadmium exposures were being reduced through the use of engineering and work practice controls. Results indicate that both medical removal from cadmium exposure and exposure abatement measures generally result in declines in biological monitoring parameters of exposed workers. (68247)
CIS 97-159 Laboratory and analytical method performance of lead measurements in paint chips, soils, and dusts. Schlecht P.C., Groff J.H., Feng A., Song R., American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal, Nov. 1996, Vol.57, No.11, p.1035-1043. 36 ref. (In English) Internet: The U.S. National Lead Laboratory Accreditation Program (NLLAP) recognizes laboratories capable of analyzing lead in paints, soils and dusts. NLLAP requires successful participation in the Environmental Lead Proficiency Analytical Testing (ELPAT) programme. This study summarizes the performance of laboratories over the first three years (1992-1995) of the ELPAT programme. During this period, 92 to 93% of participating laboratories met the ELPAT proficiency criteria for paint chips, soils and dust wipe analysis. Differences in laboratory performance, analytical techniques and instrumentation are discussed. (68249)
CIS 97-160 Decomposition of thiocyanates during electrolysis. Carey J.J., Lowery S.N., English D.R., Emerich R.T., American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal, Nov. 1996, Vol.57, No.11, p.1044-1046. 5 ref. (In English) Internet: Laboratory tests were carried out to study the fate of thiocyanate ion during the recovery of silver in the photographic industry. A photographic fixer solution spiked with ammonium thiocyanate was electrolyzed in a rotating cathode silver recovery cell and the resulting headspace gases were analyzed. A low concentration of hydrogen cyanide gas was detected in the headspace of the electrolytic cell during electrolysis; hydrogen cyanide was also detected in the test solution after electrolysis. Precautions for controlling worker exposure are outlined. (68250)
CIS 97-161 Health care worker exposure to aerosolized ribavirin: Biological and air monitoring. Shults R.A., Baron S., Decker J., Deitchman S.D., Connor J.D., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Mar. 1996, Vol.38, No.3, p.257-263. 30 ref. (In English) Internet: Urinary concentrations of ribavirin (a drug with potential reproductive effects) were measured in exposed health care workers. Ribavirin was detected in 16 of 26 post-workshift urine samples provided by nurses, and in 5 of 22 samples provided by respiratory therapists. Air sampling of the personal breathing zones of nurses revealed that ventilators and other administration units enclosed by an aerosol containment tent produced significantly lower airborne ribavirin exposures than units without a tent. The use of aerosol containment systems is recommended with all types of ribavirin administration units except mechanical ventilators. (68253)
CIS 97-162 Chemical safety and health in Latin America: An overview. Finkelman J., Science of the Total Environment, Sep. 1996, Vol.188, Suppl. 1, p.S3-S29. Illus. 78 ref. (In English) Internet: Chemical safety and environmental pollution issues associated with the increased use of chemicals in Latin America are examined. Topics covered include: urbanization and air pollution; development of the petrochemical industry and problems of oil spills and exposure to solvents; water pollution; health effects of pesticide use; occupational and public exposure to chemical hazards and recent international agreements on the control of chemical. Recommendations are made for improvements in chemical safety at the national and local level. (68263)
CIS 97-163 Experience from activities in the Third World to improve the knowledge and ability to determine chemical hazards. Jensen S., Science of the Total Environment, Sep. 1996, Vol.188, Suppl.1, p.S101-S105. (In English) Internet: Problems associated with the expanding use of toxic chemicals in developing countries are examined, with particular reference to the need to establish chemical analysis laboratories in these countries. The use of pesticides, in particular DDT, is discussed and the need to test all new pesticides in the country in which they will be used is emphasized. Problems arising from inadequate infrastructure and lack of educated manpower in developing countries are discussed and recommendations for setting up a chemical laboratory are put forward. (68267)
CIS 97-164 The treatment of hydrofluoric acid burns. Matsuno K., Occupational Medicine, Aug. 1996, Vol.46, No.4, p.313-317. 20 ref. (In English) Internet: Properties and uses of hydrogen fluoride and hydrofluoric acid are outlined, the hazards of hydrofluoric acid burns are described, and treatments and first aid procedures are reviewed. Hydrofluoric acid causes severe and painful burns to the skin and eyes. Immediate dilution and decontamination of the exposed areas is most important followed by application of a topical modality. An injection of calcium gluconate solution should also be considered. (68330)
CIS 97-165 Anhydrous ammonia injuries and their treatment. Lessenger J.E., Journal of Agromedicine, 1996, Vol.3, No.3, p.13-26. 34 ref. (In English) Internet: The characteristics of ammonia are described along with sources of exposure and effects on human tissue caused by freeze-dry and caustic burns. Effects on the eyes, respiratory tract, skin and gastrointestinal tract are outlined. First aid care involves evacuation and decontamination, and hospital treatment of patients with respiratory distress. Long-term complications are mainly limited to the eyes and respiratory tract. (68341)
CIS 97-166 High uptake rate radial diffusive sampler suitable for both solvent and thermal desorption. Cocheo V., Boaretto C., Sacco P., American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal, Oct. 1996, Vol.57, No.10, p.897-904. Illus. 11 ref. (In English) Internet: A diffusive sampler with radically changed diffusive path geometry is described. The high value of the diffusive area-path length ratio and the high loading capacity of the adsorber (up to 80mg for ethyl acetate) allow high and constant sampling rates in a wide range of concentrations and exposure times. The cylindrical shape of the cartridge allows both thermal and solvent desorbing, as well as active sampling. Using activated charcoal, exposure time can range from 30min to 24h. Uptake rates for 32 organic compounds were measured experimentally and results were found to be highly reproducible and unaffected by wind speed and airborne mixture composition. (68354)
CIS 97-167 Development of a novel derivatization reagent for the sampling and analysis of total isocyanate group in air and comparison of its performance with that of several established reagents. Streicher R.P., Arnold J.E., Ernst M.K., Cooper C.V., American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal, Oct. 1996, Vol.57, No.10, p.905-913. 30 ref. (In English) Internet: A novel derivatization reagent, 1-(9-anthracenylmethyl)piperazine (MAP), was developed for the sampling and analysis of total isocyanate group in air. Derivatives were prepared by reacting five mono- and difunctional isocyanates with MAP and with three other established isocyanate derivatizing reagents. The reactivity and the intensity and variability of detector response were compared for all reagents. Reaction rates with phenyl isocyanate are discussed. The favourable performance of MAP warrants its further study as a reagent for the determination of total isocyanate group in air. (68355)
CIS 97-168 Evaluation of 1-(9-anthracenylmethyl)piperazine for the analysis of isocyanates in spray-painting operations. Rudzinski W.E., Norman S., Dahlquist B., Greebon K.W., Richardson A., Locke K., Thomas T., American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal, Oct. 1996, Vol.57, No.10, p.914-917. 20 ref. (In English) Internet: A new reagent, 1-(9-anthracenylmethyl)piperazine (MAP), was evaluated for the derivatization of airborne 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) and polyisocyanates generated during spray-painting operations. The reagent, which offers enhanced sensitivity and uniformity of response to both the monomeric and oligomeric forms of HDI, was compared with 1-(2-methoxyphenyl)piperazine (MOP). The validity of the side-by-side sampling protocol was also evaluated. HDI monomer concentrations were below the limit of detection. For polyisocyanates, there was no significant difference in the results as determined by two impingers containing MAP and a third containing MOP when these were positioned in a side-by-side arrangement. (68356)
CIS 97-169 Pulmonary abnormalities and serum immunoglobulins in facsimile machine repair technicians exposed to butyl methacrylate fume. Raymond L.W., Chest, Apr.1996, Vol.109, No. 4, p.1010-1018. Illus. 25 ref. (In English) Internet: Seven repair technicians, repeatedly exposed to facsimile machine fume, developed recurring sore throat, fever, lymphadenopathy, chest tightness, dry cough and dyspnoea. The fume contained butyl methacrylate (BMA), a known skin sensitizer. Chest radiographs were normal, but three of the seven workers had lung crackles and spirometric abnormalities and increased serum levels of immunoglobulins IgE or IgM. Symptoms and most other abnormalities improved when exposure to BMA was stopped. Workers at two other sites were later evaluated. Six of them had daily contact with BMA fume. All had elevated serum IgE levels. Four had lung crackles, which cleared after substitution of a BMA-free paper, but IgE levels remained high. Twelve other staff members without fume exposure served as controls. The significance of the IgE elevations is uncertain. BMA was eliminated from the facsimile transceiver process. In a third group of workers (n=32), with no symptoms, IgE concentrations were elevated in 15 and remained so for 21 months, perhaps because of continuing exposure to residual low levels of BMA. (68372)
CIS 97-170 Unraveling the chronic toxicity of lead: An essential priority for environmental health. Todd A.C., Wetmur J.G., Moline J.M., Godbold J.H., Levin S.M., Landrigan P.J., Environmental Health Perspectives, Mar. 1996, Vol.104, Suppl.1, p.141-146. 68 ref. (In English) Internet: Exposure to lead in the general population has declined, but chronic lead toxicity remains a major public health problem in the United States, affecting millions of children and adults. To close current gaps in knowledge of chronic lead toxicity an integrated, multidisciplinary, marker-based research programme combines a) direct measurement of individual lead burden by Cd-109 X-ray fluorescence analysis of lead in bone, b) determination of ALA-D phenotype as index of individual susceptibility to lead, and c) assessments of subclinical injury produced by lead in the kidneys, nervous system and the reproductive organs. This marker-based research program offers a feasible approach to understand the following questions: a) are current environmental and occupational standards adequate to prevent chronic lead intoxication? b) is lead mobilized from the skeleton during pregnancy or lactation to cause foetal toxicity? c) is lead mobilized from bone during menopause to cause neurotoxicity? d) what is the significance of genetic variation in determining susceptibility to lead? e) what is the contribution of lead to hypertension, renal disease, chronic neurodegenerative disease or declining sperm counts? f) is chelation therapy effective in reducing body lead burden in persons with chronic overexposure to lead? (68375)
CIS 97-171 Irritancy testing in occupational dermatology: Comparison between two quick tests and the acute irritation induced by sodium lauryl sulphate. Bangha E., Hinnen U., Elsner P., Acta dermato-venereologica, Nov. 1996, Vol.76, No.6, p.450-452. 10 ref. (In English) Internet: This study is a comparison between two quick, non-invasive irritancy tests (using dimethyl sulfoxide and sodium hydroxide) with the time-consuming patch testing relying on sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). No correlation between the "quick tests" and SLS tests was observed as a result of skin testing in 181 metal worker trainees. It is proposed to use a spectrum of different tests in occupational dermatology for predicting the individual's risk of developing irritant contact dermatitis. (68391)
CIS 97-172 Relationship between dose in vivo of ethylene oxide and exposure to ethene studied in exposed workers. Granath F., Rohlén O., Göransson C., Hansson L., Magnusson A.L., Törnqvist M., Human and Experimental Toxicology, 1996, Vol.15, p.826-833. Illus. 29 ref. (In English) Internet: In vivo doses of ethylene oxide (EO) arising from ethylene exposure in plastics industry workers were estimated through haemoglobin adducts, determined in samples collected on one occasion in exposed groups. Exposure doses were estimated by using data from the hygienic surveillance programme. The results of this and of a second study with repeated blood sampling in a few persons show a metabolic conversion of ethylene to ethylene oxide of only 0.5%, which is unexpectedly low. The cancer risk associated with ethylene exposure was also estimated. The estimated risk of cancer due to this level of life-long exposure to ethene is 1 x 10-5 per year. (68417)
CIS 97-173 Assessment of occupational exposure to 4,4'-methylenedianiline (MDA) in France. (French: Evaluation de l'exposition professionnelle à la 4,4'-méthylènedianiline (MDA) en France) Robert A., Ducos P., Francin J.M., Cahiers de notes documentaires - Hygiène et sécurité du travail, 4th Quarter 1996, No.165, Note No.2032-165-96, p.467-474. Illus. 35 ref. (In French) Internet: Methylenedianiline (MDA), a suspected human carcinogen in the European carcinogen classification system, is used in a number of industrial sectors in conjunction with resins and composite materials. Exposure to MDA was assessed in workers in 10 French firms by measuring urinary MDA excretion levels. Analysis of 368 post-shift urine samples collected from 133 workers reveals that urinary excretion of MDA is much higher in workers handling flaked MDA than in those handling MDA in solution (44% and 8% of values, respectively, in excess of 50µg/L). The mean rates were 140µg/L for the factories using flaked MDA and 13µg/L for the 6 factories using liquid formulations, with values ranging from 58 to 197µg/L and from <2 to 33µg/L respectively. Simple modifications of working practices can greatly reduce the urinary excretion levels, especially in workers handling flaked MDA. The usefulness of biological monitoring for following up exposed workers and assessing preventive measures is stressed. In the light of the current technical and analytical possibilities in France, it is recommended to reduce the present biological guide value used by industrial hygienists from 100µg/L down to 50µg/L. (68424)
CIS 97-174 Handling of anti-cancer chemotherapy agents: Study of hospital services. (French: Manipulation des chimiothérapies anticancéreuses - Enquête dans les services hospitaliers) Falcy M., Bossard L., Documents pour le médecin du travail, 4th Quarter 1996, No.68, p.329-336. Illus. 10 ref. (In French) Internet: A questionnaire survey was conducted between Nov.1994 and June 1995 among occupational physicians in 596 French hospital complexes. The survey concerned the safety procedures adopted for the handling of cytostatic agents. The first finding is that the seriousness of the preventive effort depends on the intensity of the handling task and the nature of the work performed. Protection levels do not reach the generally recommended levels, but contacts with some of the physicians may lead to an improvement in this situation. In some of the hospitals, efforts or plans are made to introduce a collective prevention scheme. A continuation of this study is foreseen. (68476)
CIS 97-175 Exposure of the deck crew to carcinogenic agents on oil product tankers. Moen B.E., Hollund B.E., Berntsen M., Flo R., Kyvik K.R., Riise T., Annals of Occupational Hygiene, June 1995, Vol.39, No.3, p.347-361. Illus. 25 ref. (In English) Internet: Work on deck on eight oil product tankers was examined. The purpose was to evaluate the need for improvement of the working environment to reduce the risk of occupational cancer. Benzene, polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and organic lead compounds were sampled and the crew answered a questionnaire on acute health effects. By area monitoring, benzene was generally found to be in the range from the detection limit of 0.01ppm up to 1.15ppm, but one tanker which loaded gasoline with the hatches open had levels up to 55ppm. Personal monitoring showed exposure levels in the range 0.01-1.15ppm. The PAH-levels and the levels of organic lead were low. No seamen were observed using respiratory protective equipment. Central nervous system symptoms were reported by the crew with the highest exposures to benzene although benzene may not be the only cause. The exposure to benzene and other hydrocarbons on the deck of oil product tankers ought to be reduced. (68497)
CIS 97-176 The uncertainty factor in the setting of occupational exposure standards. Fairhurst S., Annals of Occupational Hygiene, June 1995, Vol.39, No.3, p.375-385. 6 ref. (In English) Internet: In recent years new programmes have appeared within the European Communities and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development involving risk assessment of chemicals in relation to their potential health effects on various sections of the human population, including workers. As an element of such programmes, judgements are required to be made about the acceptability of occupational exposure to chemicals at particular levels, taking into account the toxicological data available. Some of these programmes seek to establish "health-based" occupational exposure limits. Uncertainty factors have a significant influence in such considerations. There is notable absence of published information in relation to the quantitative aspects of decision-making in this area. This paper discusses the current situation regarding uncertainty factors involved in deriving a "health-based" occupational exposure limit, The Occupational Exposure Standard in the United Kingdom. The uncertainty factors involved in the proposals of the WATCH (Working Group on the Assessment of Toxic Chemicals) panel of the Health and Safety Commission's Advisory Committee on Toxic Substances for occupational exposure standards for substances considered in the period 1990-1993 have been analyzed. (68499)
CIS 97-177 Biologically relevant assessment of dermal exposure. Cherrie J.W., Robertson A., Annals of Occupational Hygiene, June 1995, Vol.39, No.3, p.387-392. 9 ref. (In English) Internet: Dermal uptake of hazardous substances is dependent on the concentration of the material on the surface of the skin rather than its mass. It is suggested that it would be appropriate to consider the integral of concentration, over the skin surface and throughout the exposure duration, as an appropriate index of dermal exposure. For a low volatility substance, this exposure index would correspond to the product of concentration, area of skin exposed and the duration of exposure. For volatile materials, the magnitude of the exposure index would additionally depend on the loss of the substance by evaporation. This dermal exposure index is more likely to reflect the contribution to the overall dose received from the skin than the previously used determinations of mass of hazardous substance on the skin. Suggestions are made for possible methods of making measurements using this index. (68500)
CIS 97-178 Lead and lead containing substances, safety rules for harmful substances 505. (German: Blei und bleihaltige Gefahrstoffe, Technische Regeln für Gefahrstoffe TRGS 505) Ausschuss für Gefahrstoffe, Bundesarbeitsblatt, Apr. 1996, No.4, p.41-46. 1 ref. (In German) Internet: Safety rules on exposure to lead and lead containing substances and products whose lead content is larger than 0.5% by weight came into effect in Germany in 1996. The safety rules describe the protective measures which are necessary on workplaces where the exposure limit of 0.1mg lead/m3 air is exceeded. Mainly addressed are the supply of personal protective equipment, regular medical examinations, labelling and storage of lead containing products. Lead concentrations in excess of the limit value are to be expected in the lead industry, in the manufacture of lead containing paints, lead batteries and during the polishing and welding of lead containing alloys. (68525)
CIS 97-179 Mortality of inhabitants in an area polluted by cadmium: 15 year follow-up. Nishijo M., Nakagawa H., Morikawa Y., Tabata M., Senma M., Miura K., Takahara H., Kawano S., Nishi M., Mizukoshi K., Kido T., Nogawa K., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Mar. 1995, Vol.52, No.3, p.181-184. 22 ref. (In English) Internet: Follow-up study for 15 years (from 1974-5 to 1991) carried out on 2408 inhabitants of the Kakehashi River basin in Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan. The inhabitants had been the subjects of the health impact survey in 1974-5 to evaluate (by measurement of urinary retinol binding protein (RBP)) renal dysfunction induced by cadmium. Analysis of mortality was performed by dividing subjects into a urinary RBP positive group and RBP negative group. After adjustment for age, RBP positive group showed a significant relation to mortality in both sexes. When the standardized mortality ratios according to causes of deaths in the RBP positive group were compared with those of the RBP negative group or the overall Japanese population, increases of this ratio for cardiovascular diseased, especially heart failure, and renal diseases were found in both sexes. The results suggest that the prognosis of the exposed inhabitants with renal tubular dysfunction is unfavourable and the increase of mortality is due to heart failure and renal diseases. (68533)
CIS 97-180 Evaluation of biomarkers for occupational exposure to benzene. Ong C.N., Kok P.W., Lee B.L., Shi C.Y, Ong H.Y., Chia K.S., Lee C.S., Luo X.W., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Aug. 1995, Vol.52, No.8, p.528-533. 26 ref. (In English) Internet: In order to evaluate the relations between environmental benzene concentrations and various biomarkers of exposure to benzene, analyses were carried out on environmental air, unmetabolized benzene in urine, trans,trans-muconic acid (ttMA) and three major phenolic metabolites of benzene (catechol, hydroquinone and phenol) in two field studies on 64 workers exposed to benzene. Forty non-exposed subjects were also investigated. Among the five urinary biomarkers studied, ttMA correlated best with environmental benzene concentration. The results from the study showed that both ttMA and hydroquinone were able to differentiate the background level found in subjects not occupationally exposed and those exposed to less than 1ppm of benzene. This suggests that these two biomarkers are useful indices for monitoring low concentrations of benzene. The good correlations between ttMA, hydroquinone and atmospheric benzene suggest that they are sensitive and specific biomarkers for benzene exposure. (68540)
CIS 97-181 Occupational dermatoses from exposure to epoxy resin compounds in a ski factory. Jolanki R., Tarvainen K., Tatar T., Estlander T., Henriks-Eckerman M.L., Mustakallio K.K., Kanerva L., Contact Dermatitis, June 1996, Vol.34, No.6, p.390-396. 20 ref. (In English) Internet: Patch tests were carried out on 22 workers in a ski factory in Tallinn, Estonia. Eight workers had occupational allergic dermatitis caused by sensitization to epoxy resin compounds, cobalt in glass-fibre reinforcements, and formaldehyde in a urea-formaldehyde glue and a lacquer. Four workers had irritant contact dermatitis from epoxy resin compounds, lacquers, sanding dust, and glass-fibre dust. Three workers had contact allergy from a new sensitizer, diethyleneglycol diglycidyl ether, in a reactive diluent. Immediate transfer of sensitized workers to other work prevents aggravation of their dermatitis and broadening of the sensitization to other compounds. (68258)
CIS 97-182 Occupational allergic dermatitis due to acrylates in Lodz. Kieć-Swierczyńska M., Contact Dermatitis, June 1996, Vol.34, No.6, p.419-422. 11 ref. (In English) Internet: Among 1619 suspected occupational dermatitis patients examined during 1990-1994 in Lodz, Poland, sensitivity to acrylates was diagnosed in nine individuals (four dental technicians, four dentists, and one textile printer). The most common sensitizers were ethyleneglycol dimethacrylate, methyl methacrylate, 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate and triethyleneglycol dimethacrylate. Compared to dental technicians, dentists were sensitive to a greater number of acrylate and methacrylate allergens and to other allergens including metals and rubber additives. Dental technicians were sensitive almost exclusively to methacrylates, and the textile printer only to acrylates. (68259)
CIS 97-183 Trichloroethylene and concomitant contact dermatitis in an art painter. Puerschel W.C., Odia S.G., Rakoski J., Ring J., Contact Dermatitis, June 1996, Vol.34, No.6, p.430-431. Illus. 8 ref. (In English) Internet: A brief case report is presented of an art painter who developed chronic dermatitis and eczematous skin lesions following daily contact with trichloroethylene (TCE) over a period of four years. The lesions cleared when the painter stopped working with TCE but eczema developed on both hands when holding TCE-painted pictures. (68260)
CIS 97-184 Silicosis among foundry workers: Implication for the need to revise the OSHA standard. Rosenman K.D., Reilly M.J., Rice C., Hertzberg V., Tseng C.Y., Anderson H.A., American Journal of Epidemiology, Sep. 1996, Vol.144, No.9, p.890-900. Illus. 21 ref. (In English) Internet: The incidence of pneumoconiosis in 1,072 current and retired workers of an American automotive foundry was investigated. Approximately half of these workers had worked at the foundry for 20 or more years. Sixty workers had radiographic evidence of pneumoconiosis. Twenty-eight workers had radiographs consistent with silicosis. The asbestos-related changes were not associated with increasing exposure to silica, but rather with being in the maintenance department. An increased risk of 1.45 was found for having a radiograph consistent with silicosis after 20 years of work at the current US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standard, and an increased risk of 2.10 after 40 years of work. The data show that the current OSHA standard (0.1mg/m3) is not sufficiently low to protect workers against the development of radiologic evidence of silicosis. Exposures at the NIOSH recommended exposure limit of 0.05mg/m3 already result in a lower prevalence (0.3-0.8%) of radiographic evidence of silicosis, suggesting that the OSHA standard is set at too high a value. (68273)
CIS 97-185 Neurobehavioural evaluation of Venezuelan workers exposed to inorganic lead. Maizlish N.A., Parra G., Feo O., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 1995, Vol.52, p.408-414. Illus. 27 ref. (In English) Internet: To assess neurobehavioural effects of low exposure to lead, 43 workers from a lead smelter and 45 workers from a glass factory were evaluated with the World Health Organization neurobehavioural core test battery (NCTB) in a cross-sectional study. Historical blood lead concentrations were used to classify exposure based on current, peak and time-weighted average. Although the exposed workers performed less well than the non-exposed in 10 of 14 response variables, only profile of mood states tension-anxiety, hostility and depression mood scales showed a significantly poorer dose-response relation with blood lead concentration in multiple linear regression models that included age, education and alcohol intake as covariates. The frequency of symptoms of anger, depression, fatigue and joint pain were also significantly increased in the exposed group. This study is consistent with the larger body of neurobehavioural research of low occupational exposure to lead. (68319)
CIS 97-186 Combined electroneurographic and electromyographic studies in lead workers. Yeh J.H., Chang Y.C., Wang J.D., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 1995, Vol.52, p.415-419. 27 ref. (In English) Internet: In order to evaluate the effects of chronic exposure to lead on the peripheral nervous system, nerve conduction velocity and electromyographic studies were performed on 31 lead workers of a battery recycling factory and 31 matched controls. Compared with the control group, the distal motor latency of the median nerve was significantly prolonged in workers with lead neuropathy. The electromyographic abnormalities found were neurogenic polyphasic waves in workers with abnormal electromyographic findings. There was a positive linear correlation between the index of cumulative exposure to lead and the distal motor latencies of the tibial nerve, as well as a negative correlation with conduction velocities of the sural nerve after multivariate analysis and control of potential confounding by age and sex. Electromyographic abnormalities also occurred in workers with blood lead concentrations between 17.4 and 58µg/dL. Electromyographic study in distal extensors of the upper limbs may be used as a tool for biological monitoring of effects in lead workers. (68320)
CIS 97-187 Bronchoprovocation tests in the diagnosis of isocyanate-induced asthma. Banks D.E., Tarlo S.M., Masri F., Rando R.J., Weissman D.N., Chest, May 1996, Vol. 109, No. 5, p.1370-1379. Illus. 33 ref. (In English) Internet: This study reviews work performed over the past 25 years to improve the approach to non-irritant exposures for the accurate diagnosis of isocyanate-induced asthma. Although the technology used in testing has become more sophisticated, the requirements of the physician have remained unchanged. Direct physician involvement in the testing procedure remains critical to the worker's safety and for the accurate diagnosis of isocyanate-induced asthma. (68373)
CIS 97-188 Evaluation of lead exposure in workers at a lead-acid battery factory in Korea: With focus on activity of erythrocyte pyrimidine 5'-nucleotidase (P5N). Kim Y., Harada K., Ohmori S., Lee B.K., Miura H., Ueda A., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, July 1995, Vol.52, No.7, p.484-488. 29 ref. (In English) Internet: Activity of erythrocyte pyrimidine 5'-nucleotidase (P5N) and other biological variables were examined in 66 exposed workers in a lead-acid battery factory and in 26 non-exposed workers in Korea. The time-weighted average of 13 of 18 air samples for lead exceeded 0.05mg/m3. Blood lead concentration (PbB) in 39 of the 66 exposed workers was above 40µg/dL and the mean PbB in the exposed group was 45.7(15,7)µg/dL. Compared with the non-exposed group, erythrocyte P5N activity and activity of erythrocyte aminolevulinic-acid dehydratase (ALAD) were significantly inhibited. The findings show that the depression of erythrocyte P5N activity by lead exposure results in the accumulation of erythrocyte pyrimidine nucleotides. The results indicate that the erythrocyte P5N activity test provides supporting evidence of lead exposure and shows the effect of lead on nucleotide metabolism. (68537)
CIS 97-189 The current state of pesticide management in Sub-Saharan Africa. Ondieki J.J., Science of the Total Environment, Sep. 1996, Vol.188, Suppl.1, p.S30-S34. 16 ref. (In English) Internet: Topics covered in this review include: pesticide usage in Sub-Saharan Africa; health and environmental concerns (poisoning, wildlife contamination); pesticide regulation and legislation; the need for alternative pest control strategies (integrated pest management). Recommendations include those for the training of farmers and other users in the correct handling and use of pesticides, and strengthening of regulatory controls. (68264)
CIS 97-190 Pesticides hazards in developing countries. Koh D., Jeyaratnam J., Science of the Total Environment, Sep. 1996, Vol.188, Suppl.1, p.S78-S85. 21 ref. (In English) Internet: Pesticide exposure and associated health hazards in developing countries are reviewed. Types of pesticides and their acute toxic effects are described and the extent of acute pesticide poisoning is estimated. Factors contributing to poisoning include lack of suitable protective clothing, poor knowledge and understanding of safe practices, use of excess pesticide concentrations, and inadequate maintenance of equipment. The need for a control programme is emphasized, and the responsibilities of governments, the agrochemical industries and international agencies are outlined. (68265)
CIS 97-191 Green revolution agriculture and chemical hazards. Pimentel D., Science of the Total Environment, Sep. 1996, Vol.188, Suppl.1, p.S86-S98. 93 ref. (In English) Internet: Health and environmental problems associated with the extensive use of fertilizers and pesticides in agriculture are discussed, with particular reference to developing countries. Contents: extent of use of pesticides and crops treated; health and environmental effects of pesticide exposure (food contamination, pesticide poisoning, antifertility effects, neurotoxic effects); extent of use of fertilizers; health and environmental effects of exposure to nitrogen-containing fertilizers. The need for government policies to protect public health and the environment is emphasized. (68266)
CIS 97-192 Case report: Fraudulent pesticide injury: Value of the work site visit. Lessenger J.E., Journal of Agromedicine, 1996, Vol.3, No.3, p.27-32. 12 ref. (In English) Internet: An agricultural worker who complained of feeling ill following insecticide exposure attempted to make an insurance claim for compensation. Lack of correlation between the patient's history and a physical examination prompted further investigation and a work site visit which revealed that no pesticide exposure had occurred. The claim was considered to be fraudulent. The need for accurate diagnosis of pesticide poisoning and a work site visit to provide objective information is emphasized. (68342)
CIS 97-193 A survey of respiratory symptoms in a farming population in northeastern Colorado. Champney M.R., Stallones L., Blehm K.D., Tucker A., Merchant D., Journal of Agromedicine, 1996, Vol.3, No.3, p.47-57. 14 ref. (In English) Internet: A cross-sectional study of respiratory symptoms among farm residents in Colorado, USA involved personal interview, an industrial hygiene evaluation, and pulmonary function testing. The calculated prevalence rate of reduced pulmonary function was 12.7 per 100. Significant associations were found between specific job tasks, smoking, age and duration of involvement in agriculture. Respiratory dysfunction was more strongly associated with cigarette smoking than with any other characteristic of the farm population. The use of questionnaires to correctly identify decreased pulmonary function was of limited value. (68343)
CIS 97-194 Pesticide-induced immunotoxicity: Are Great Lakes residents at risk?. Thomas, P.T., Environmental Health Perspectives, Dec. 1995, Vol.103, Supplement 9, p.55-61. 78 ref. (In English) Internet: In this literature review several organophosphate and organochlorine compounds are considered, including pesticides commonly found in the Great Lakes basin of North America. These substances have a high immunotoxic potential. Residents and workers in the area may inadvertently be exposed to these compounds through food chain biomagnification. Evidence is quoted from laboratory animal data and occupational exposure studies suggesting immunotoxicity. A significant threat to the human immune system that is sufficient to predispose residents of the Great Lakes basin to increased disease cannot be ruled out when making risk assessment decisions. (68379)
CIS 97-195 Pesticide exposure risks in greenhouse operations. (Italian: Definizione dei rischi di esposizione ad antiparassitari nelle lavorazioni e nell'impiego degli stessi nelle coltivazioni in serra) Benvenuti F., Spagnoli G., Prevenzione oggi, Jan.-Mar. 1993, Vol.V, No.1, p.129-152. Illus. 13 ref. (In Italian) Internet: This study describes the risks of pesticide use in greenhouse agricultural operations. Crop diseases and the chemicals used for their management are reviewed. The TLVs of the most common products are given. Risks of exposure and prevention criteria are discussed, including the re-entry times after pesticide application that are required to avoid hazards to workers. Types of greenhouses in the Italian Lazio region are described. The use of personal protection equipment is recommended together with the adoption of biological solutions in order to reduce exposure to pesticides. Relevant Italian legislation is discussed. (68413)
CIS 97-196 Exposure of lumberjacks to chainsaw exhausts - An analysis using ambient concentration measurements, biological monitoring and video recordings. (German: Belastung von Forstwirten durch Motorsägenabgase - eine Analyse mit Hilfe von Expositionsmessungen, biologischem Monitoring und Videoaufzeichnungen) Bünger J., Bombosch F., Mesecke U., Vodegel D., Stalder K., Zentralblatt für Arbeitsmedizin, Arbeitsschutz und Ergonomie, Aug. 1995, Vol.45, No.8, p.302-310. Illus. 25 ref. (In German) Internet: Measurements of carbon monoxide (CO) concentrations in the breathing zone of forestry workers (conducted in Germany between May and October 1994) during wood clearing, tree lopping and tree felling operations with chain saws yielded values which were frequently in excess of the threshold limit value of 30ppm. Peaks of 400ppm and in some cases even 600ppm were measured during lopping of dense tops of coniferous trees and during tree felling in calm weather with low wind speed. The biological threshold limit in blood was often exceeded. (68527)
CIS 97-197 Epidemiological evaluation of release of monocyte TNF-alpha as an exposure and effect marker in pneumoconiosis: A five year follow up study of coal workers. Schins R.P.F., Borm P.J.A., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, July 1995, Vol.52, No.7, p.441-450. 31 ref. (In English) Internet: Study to determine the reproducibility with previous cross-sectional findings and the predictive value of initial release of tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) towards later progression of coalworkers' pneumoconiosis (CWP). Release of monocyte TNF-alpha after in vitro stimulation with coal mine dust, silica and endotoxin was measured in 104 retired miners and was related to stage of CWP and cumulative exposure. A subgroup of 46 miners was screened by high resolution computed tomography (HRCT). As observed previously, dust stimulated release of TNF-alpha was increased in miners, especially in the early stages of pneumoconiosis. Cumulative exposure was related to pneumoconiotic stage but not to release of TNF-alpha. Initial concentrations of TNF-alpha were related to later progression of CWP. The results show the significant involvement of TNF-alpha in pneumoconiosis in humans induced by coal dust and that this routine test possibly constitutes a powerful tool to estimate individual prognosis of pneumoconiotic disease, even after the end of occupational exposure. (68536)
CIS 97-198 Ocular effects of exposure to triethylamine in the sand core cold box of a foundry. Reilly M.J., Rosenman K.D., Abrams J.H., Zhu Z., Tseng C., Hertzberg V., Rice C., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 1995, Vol.52, p.337-343. 10 ref. (In English) Internet: The acute and chronic ophthalmological effects of triethylamine exposure among foundry workers in the sand core cold box were assessed. A corneal examination, a visual acuity test and a questionnaire to assess vision symptoms in exposed workers were performed. Personal air measurements for triethylamine were also obtained. Despite low concentrations of triethylamine and no corneal oedema, exposed workers reported vision symptoms. Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanism for the reported vision symptoms, which occurred below the current United States standard. The current recommended ACGIH threshold of 4.1mg/m3 seems more appropriate. (68314)
CIS 97-199 Effects within the week on forced vital capacity are correlated with long term changes in pulmonary function: Reanalysis of studies on car painters exposed to isocyanate. Dahlqvist M., Tornling G., Plato N., Ulfvarson U., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Mar. 1995, Vol.52, No.3, p.192-195. 17 ref. (In English) Internet: Study to examine if car painters who work with polyurethane paints that contain hexamethylenediisocyanate (HDI) and hexamethylenediisocyanate biuret trimer (HDI-BT) develop acute as well as chronic impairment of lung function. Data were reanalyzed from two earlier studies on a group of car painters. Data on changes in forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) within the week were available for 20 car painters who were also examined six years later. Ten men showed a decline in FVC within the week. A significant correlation was found between the change in FVC within the week and the long term (six year) change in FVC, standardized for the effects of aging and smoking and adjusted for the number of peak exposures. The results suggest that the decrease in FVC within the week might serve as a guide to identify car painters at risk of a further decrement in lung function above the effects of aging, smoking and exposure. (68534)
CIS 97-200 Exposure to styrene and chronic health effects: Mortality and incidence of solid cancers in the Danish reinforced plastics industry. Kolstand H.A., Juel K., Olsen J., Lynge E., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 1995, Vol.52, p.320-327. 33 ref. (In English) Internet: The occurrence of non-malignant diseases and solid cancers in workers exposed to styrene in the Danish reinforced plastics industry was studied. 36620 workers of 386 reinforced plastics companies and 14293 workers not exposed to styrene from similar industries were followed up from 1970 to 1990. The mortality from non-malignant causes and the incidence of solid cancers were compared with the national rates. Poisson models were used for internal comparisons. A total of 3031 deaths and 1134 newly diagnosed cases of solid cancer were reported in the workers in the reinforced plastics industry. In companies where 50% or more of the workers produced reinforced plastics, an increased mortality rate ratio for degenerative disorders of the nervous system and an increased incidence rate ratio for pancreatic cancer was found. For both disease categories increased occurrence was also found among long-term workers, workers of the period with the highest exposure to styrene, and workers with a latent period of more than 10 years after the start of employment. No other non-malignant diseases or solid cancers showed these patterns. The findings have to be interpreted with caution, due to the company based exposure assessment, but the possible association between exposures in the reinforced plastics industry, mainly styrene, and degenerative disorders of the nervous system and pancreatic cancer deserves attention. (68312)
CIS 97-201 Worker exposures to nitrosamines in a rubber vehicle sealing plant. Reh B.D., Fajen J.M., American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal, Oct. 1996, Vol.57, No.10, p.918-923. Illus. 17 ref. (In English) Internet: Inhalation exposures to nitrosamines were evaluated at a plant manufacturing rubber vehicle sealing. All of the 28 personal breathing zone samples contained detectable concentrations of nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), nitrosodiethylamine, nitrosopiperidine, and nitrosomorpholine; 27 samples had detectable samples of nitrosopyrrolidine. Personal exposures were highest for operators of the salt bath line, which appeared to be the primary source of nitrosamine formation. Nitrosamine exposures at the plant were much higher than the current German standard. Plant investigators recommended that the ventilation systems be improved to reduce exposures to the lowest feasible concentrations until the source of nitrosamines could be eliminated. (68357)
CIS 97-202 Longitudinal study of the health of cotton workers. Li D., Zhong Y.N., Rylander R., Ma Q.Y., Zhou X.Y., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 1995, Vol.52, p.328-331. Illus. 21 ref. (In English) Internet: A group of 110 newly employed workers in a cotton mill in Shijiazhuang, China, was investigated by questionnaire, skin testing and spirometric measurements (airway responsiveness through forced expiratory volume in one second, FEV1). The workers were examined before starting work, at ten weeks and at one year. Decreases in FEV1 were small at ten weeks and one year and slightly higher among people with skin reactions to cotton dust extracts. Airway responsiveness was increased at ten weeks and remained about the same after one year except in the workers positive for the skin test. Subjective symptoms of chest tightness and cough with phlegm increased progressively at ten weeks and one year, nasal irritation remained unchanged and dry cough decreased between ten weeks and one year. The results suggest that the airway inflammation caused by cotton dust increases with increasing exposure time and that the changes are more notable in workers with reactivity to cotton dust extract. (68313)
CIS 97-203 Polyneuropathy induced by carbon disulphide in viscose rayon workers. Chu C.C., Huang C.C., Chen R.S., Shih T.S., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 1995, Vol.52, p.404-407. 24 ref. (In English) Internet: A study was carried out in order to understand the prevalence of polyneuropathy and correlations among the clinical manifestations, electrophysiological findings and degree of exposure to carbon disulfide (CS2) in workers from a viscose rayon factory. 163 workers received a detailed physical and neurological evaluation. Fixed point air samples were analyzed for CS2. Nerve conduction velocity was studied in 26 workers with symptoms similar to neuropathy. The results show that the outbreak of polyneuropathy was attributed to higher concentrations of CS2 in fibre cutting areas. Even in other jobs with relatively lower concentrations of CS2, the hazard of subclinical polyneuropathy cannot be overlooked. (68318)
CIS 97-204 Epidemiological study of eye irritation by hydrogen sulphide and/or carbon disulphide exposure in viscose rayon workers. Vanhoorne M., de Rouck A., de Bacquer D., Annals of Occupational Hygiene, June 1995, Vol.39, No.3, p.307-315. Illus. 26 ref. (In English) Internet: In the framework of an extensive health survey, 123 male viscose rayon workers exposed to hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and/or carbon disulfide (CS2) and 67 controls not exposed to either of these chemicals answered questions on eye irritation complaints in a self-administered questionnaire. The exposed subjects had a significantly higher prevalence of eye pain, burning and photophobia. Adjustment for age and smoking in logistic regression revealed significantly more eye complaints for all workers that were highly exposed. In a postal survey one-third of the ex-workers of the same viscose rayon factory reported having left the factory because of eye complaints, indicating that their occurrence may be underestimated in the cross-sectional study. (68496)
CIS 97-205 Chemical risks linked to offset printing. (French: Risques chimiques liés à l'impression offset) Lafontaine M., Framboisier X., Morèle Y., Gendre J.C., Braud M.C., Ferrand C., Guillouzic J.F., Cahiers de notes documentaires - Hygiène et sécurité du travail, 4th Quarter 1996, No.165, Note No.2033-165-96, p.475-480. Illus. 16 ref. (In French) Internet: This study examined commonly used inks and solvents, in order to determine and quantify the main constituents. Atmospheric and personal samples were then taken in newspaper and book printing shops to evaluate the pollution levels engendered during printing (inhalable fraction, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) and during cleaning (solvents). The pollution engendered by these operations was generally slight, except for cleaning operations of medium duration, where levels in excess of OELs may be found (aromatic solvents in particular). (68425)
CIS 97-206 Exposure to harmful substances in the paper industry. (German: Stoffbelastungen in der Papierindustrie) Amtliche Mitteilungen der Bundesanstalt für Arbeitsschutz, Jan. 1996, No.1, p.3-4. (In German) Internet: The results of an extensive study of exposure to harmful substances in the German paper and paper products industries are summarized. The measurements were taken between 1974 and 1993 in 102 companies. They covered 123 harmful substances. Concentrations in excess of the existing exposure limits were obtained for dust, formaldehyde, styrene, methanol, acetone, 2-butanone and toluene. In large enterprises the concentrations of dust and formaldehyde were in general significantly lower than in small and medium-size enterprises. While the formaldehyde concentrations in the vicinity of the paper making machines increased between 1987 and 1993, dust concentrations decreased between 1984 and 1993. (68528)
CIS 97-207 Worker exposure to endotoxin, phenolic compounds and formaldehyde in a fiberglass insulation manufacturing plant. Milton D.K., Walters M.D., Hammond K., Evans J.S., American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal, Oct. 1996, Vol.57, No.10, p.889-896. 35 ref. (In English) Internet: Worker exposures in a fibreglass wool insulation manufacturing plant were investigated using area and personal sampling. Both production and maintenance workers were exposed to endotoxin, phenolic compounds and formaldehyde. The greatest potential for exposure was restricted to specific areas of the plant. There was considerable within-area variation, and variability in personal exposures was high. Personal endotoxin exposures were frequently in excess of suggested thresholds for acute respiratory effects. The finding of highly variable exposure within individuals engaged in a continuous and routine manufacturing process has important implications for industrial hygiene practices and for occupational epidemiology. (68353)
CIS 97-208 Asbestos - Overview and handling recommendations. Deutsche Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ) GmbH, P.O. Box 51 80, 65726 Eschborn, Germany, 1996. 203p. Illus., ISBN 3-528-02318-X (In English) Internet: Contents of this report on asbestos and on recommendations for its handling: introduction (definitions); asbestos: deposits; uses, characteristics; legal regulations for the production, introduction to the market and use of asbestos containing materials and asbestos products (Germany, European Union, USA, standards in other countries, ILO standards); environmental aspects and health hazards (asbestosis, mesothelioma, other); application areas; occupational safety measures in handling asbestos; asbestos abatement and disposal of asbestos containing materials; asbestos substitutes; country analysis: asbestos in developing countries, country profiles stating in each case legislation, R & D, substitutes, risk philosophy: Chile, China, India, Israel, South Africa, Tunisia, USA; development of handling recommendations: overview of rules of other donor organizations and financial institutions (World Bank, EBRD, UNEP), design of a catalogue of recommendations on the management of asbestos in plans for joint developmental/political projects; annexes (maps on deposits, consumption, data sheet, questionnaires on country profiles). (68430)
CIS 97-209 Gas oils (diesel fuels/heating oils). CONCAWE, Madouplein 1, 1030 Bruxelles, Belgium, 1996. v, 61p. 116 ref. (In English) Internet: This dossier summarizes the toxicological, health, safety and environmental information available on gas oils, including diesel fuels and heating oils. Under normal conditions of storage, handling and use as fuels, gas oils do not present a hazard to health, providing excessive skin contact is avoided. Repeated skin contact causes drying, cracking, irritation and dermatitis; animal experiments provide evidence of potential dermal carcinogenicity. Vapour inhalation may result in depression of the central nervous system and the respiratory system. Advice is given on safe handling, emergency treatment, disposal, and fire and explosion hazards. (68270)
CIS 97-210 Toxicological profile for diazinon: Update. Agency for Toxic Substances and Diseases Registry (ATSDR), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Division of Toxicology, Toxicology Information Branch, 1600 Clifton Road NE, E-29, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA, Aug. 1996. 209p. Illus. Bibl.ref. (In English) Internet: Contents: public health statement; health effects; chemical and physical information; production, import, use and disposal; potential for human exposure; analytical methods; regulations and advisories; glossary. Health hazards include: neurotoxic effects (central nervous system); pancreatic damage. (68281)
CIS 97-211 Toxicological profile for 1,2-dichloroethene: Update. Agency for Toxic Substances and Diseases Registry (ATSDR), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Division of Toxicology, Toxicology Information Branch, 1600 Clifton Road NE, E-29, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA, Aug. 1996. 159p. Illus. Bibl.ref. (In English) Internet: Contents: public health statement; health effects; chemical and physical information; production, import, use and disposal; potential for human exposure; analytical methods; regulations and advisories; glossary. Health hazards include: liver damage; lung diseases; heart diseases; haematotoxic effects; blood-cell anomalies (decreased number of red blood cells). (Update of CIS 91-1248). (68282)
CIS 97-212 Toxicological profile for endrin and endrin aldehyde: Update. Agency for Toxic Substances and Diseases Registry (ATSDR), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Division of Toxicology, Toxicology Information Branch, 1600 Clifton Road NE, E-29, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA, Aug. 1996. 191p. Illus. Bibl.ref. (In English) Internet: Contents: public health statement; health effects; chemical and physical information; production, import, use and disposal; potential for human exposure; analytical methods; regulations and advisories; glossary. Health hazards include: neurotoxic effects (central nervous system); brain and spinal cord damage; convulsions; liver damage; embryotoxic effects. (Update of CIS 91-1249). (68283)
CIS 97-213 Toxicological profile for hexachlorobenzene: Update. Agency for Toxic Substances and Diseases Registry (ATSDR), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Division of Toxicology, Toxicology Information Branch, 1600 Clifton Road NE, E-29, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA, Aug. 1996. 268p. Illus. Bibl.ref. (In English) Internet: Contents: public health statement; health effects; chemical and physical information; production, import, use and disposal; potential for human exposure; analytical methods; regulations and advisories; glossary. Health hazards include: immunotoxic effects; embryotoxic effects; porphyria cutanea tarda (skin lesions, arthritis, liver toxicity, neurological effects, gastric disorders); liver damage; thyroid disorders; neurotoxic effects; bone diseases; renal damage; haematotoxic effects; endocrine disorders; carcinogenic effects. (Update of CIS 91-1268). (68284)
CIS 97-214 Toxicological profile for naphthalene: Update. Agency for Toxic Substances and Diseases Registry (ATSDR), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Division of Toxicology, Toxicology Information Branch, 1600 Clifton Road NE, E-29, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA, Aug. 1995. 200p. Illus. Bibl.ref. (In English) Internet: Contents: public health statement; health effects; chemical and physical information; production, import, use and disposal; potential for human exposure; analytical methods; regulations and advisories; glossary. Health hazards include: irritation of the respiratory tract; lung diseases; haemolytic anaemia (jaundice, gastrointestinal disorders); embryotoxic effects; cataractogenic effects. (Update of CIS 91-1628). (68285)
CIS 97-215 Toxicological profile for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHS): Update. Agency for Toxic Substances and Diseases Registry (ATSDR), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Division of Toxicology, Toxicology Information Branch, 1600 Clifton Road NE, E-29, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA, Aug. 1995. 458p. Illus. Bibl.ref. (In English) Internet: Contents: public health statement; health effects; chemical and physical information; production, import, use and disposal; potential for human exposure; analytical methods; regulations and advisories; glossary. Health hazards include: carcinogenic effects; teratogenic effects; skin diseases; immunotoxic effects. (Update of CIS 91-1624). (68286)
CIS 97-216 Toxicological profile for selenium: Update. Agency for Toxic Substances and Diseases Registry (ATSDR), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Division of Toxicology, Toxicology Information Branch, 1600 Clifton Road NE, E-29, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA, Aug. 1996. 293p. Illus. Bibl.ref. (In English) Internet: Contents: public health statement; health effects; chemical and physical information; production, import, use and disposal; potential for human exposure; analytical methods; regulations and advisories; glossary. Health hazards include: irritation of the eyes, skin and mucous membranes; pulmonary oedema; bronchitis; skin diseases; antifertility effects; teratogenic effects. (68287)
CIS 97-217 Toxicological profile for 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane: Update. Agency for Toxic Substances and Diseases Registry (ATSDR), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Division of Toxicology, Toxicology Information Branch, 1600 Clifton Road NE, E-29, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA, Aug. 1996. 150p. Illus. Bibl.ref. (In English) Internet: Contents: public health statement; health effects; chemical and physical information; production, import, use and disposal; potential for human exposure; analytical methods; regulations and advisories; glossary. Health hazards include: liver damage; gastric disorders; possible carcinogenic effects. (68288)
CIS 97-218 Toxicological profile for toxaphene: Update. Agency for Toxic Substances and Diseases Registry (ATSDR), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Division of Toxicology, Toxicology Information Branch, 1600 Clifton Road NE, E-29, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA, Aug. 1996. 215p. Illus. Bibl.ref. (In English) Internet: Contents: public health statement; health effects; chemical and physical information; production, import, use and disposal; potential for human exposure; analytical methods; regulations and advisories; glossary. Health hazards include: lung diseases; neurotoxic effects; liver damage; renal damage; adrenal gland disorders; immunotoxic effects; embryotoxic effects; possible carcinogenic effects. (Update of CIS 91-1627). (68289)
CIS 97-219 Toxicological profile for 1,1,1-trichloroethane: Update. Agency for Toxic Substances and Diseases Registry (ATSDR), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Division of Toxicology, Toxicology Information Branch, 1600 Clifton Road NE, E-29, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA, Aug. 1995. 277p. Illus. Bibl.ref. (In English) Internet: Contents: public health statement; health effects; chemical and physical information; production, import, use and disposal; potential for human exposure; analytical methods; regulations and advisories; glossary. Health hazards include: hypotension; respiratory disorders; neurotoxic effects; skin irritation. (Update of CIS 91-1630). (68290)
CIS 97-220 Toxicological profile for dinitrocresols. Agency for Toxic Substances and Diseases Registry (ATSDR), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Division of Toxicology, Toxicology Information Branch, 1600 Clifton Road NE, E-29, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA, Aug. 1995. 175p. Illus. Bibl.ref. (In English) Internet: Contents: public health statement; health effects; chemical and physical information; production, import, use and disposal; potential for human exposure; analytical methods; regulations and advisories; glossary. Health hazards include: metabolic disturbances; convulsions; gastric disorders; hepatic damage; renal damage; skin eruption; cataracts on ingestion. (68291)
CIS 97-221 Toxicological profile for dinitrophenols. Agency for Toxic Substances and Diseases Registry (ATSDR), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Division of Toxicology, Toxicology Information Branch, 1600 Clifton Road NE, E-29, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA, Aug. 1995. 233p. Illus. Bibl.ref. (In English) Internet: Contents: public health statement; health effects; chemical and physical information; production, import, use and disposal; potential for human exposure; analytical methods; regulations and advisories; glossary. Health hazards include: metabolic disturbances; paraesthesia; white blood cells decrease; skin eruption; cataracts, possibly leading to blindness. (68292)
CIS 97-222 Toxicological profile for disulfoton. Agency for Toxic Substances and Diseases Registry (ATSDR), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Division of Toxicology, Toxicology Information Branch, 1600 Clifton Road NE, E-29, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA, Aug. 1995. 209p. Illus. Bibl.ref. (In English) Internet: Contents of this criterion document on disulfoton (also known as di-syston): public health statement; health effects; chemical and physical information; production, import, use and disposal; potential for human exposure; analytical methods; regulations and advisories; glossary. Health hazards include: neurotoxic effects (convulsions, tremor) by blood cholinesterase inhibition; visual function disorders. (68293)
CIS 97-223 Toxicological profile for methyl t-butyl ether. Agency for Toxic Substances and Diseases Registry (ATSDR), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Division of Toxicology, Toxicology Information Branch, 1600 Clifton Road NE, E-29, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA, Aug. 1996. 223p. Illus. Bibl.ref. (In English) Internet: Contents: public health statement; health effects; chemical and physical information; production, import, use and disposal; potential for human exposure; analytical methods; regulations and advisories; glossary. Health hazards include: irritation of the eyes and skin; neurotoxic effects (central nervous system). (68294)
CIS 97-224 Toxicological profile for mirex and chlordecone. Agency for Toxic Substances and Diseases Registry (ATSDR), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Division of Toxicology, Toxicology Information Branch, 1600 Clifton Road NE, E-29, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA, Aug. 1995. 333p. Illus. Bibl.ref. (In English) Internet: Contents of this criterion document on the insecticides mirex and chlordecone (also known as Kepone®): public health statement; health effects; chemical and physical information; production, import, use and disposal; potential for human exposure; analytical methods; regulations and advisories; glossary. Health hazards include: liver damage; neurotoxic effects; damage of the reproductive system; tremor; skin eruption; renal damage; embryotoxic effects; possible carcinogenic effects. (68295)
CIS 97-225 Toxicological profile for polybrominated biphenyls (PBBS). Agency for Toxic Substances and Diseases Registry (ATSDR), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Division of Toxicology, Toxicology Information Branch, 1600 Clifton Road NE, E-29, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA, Aug. 1995. 248p. Illus. Bibl.ref. (In English) Internet: Contents: public health statement; health effects; chemical and physical information; production, import, use and disposal; potential for human exposure; analytical methods; regulations and advisories; glossary. Health hazards include: skin disorders (acne); possible human carcinogen. (68296)
CIS 97-226 Toxicological profile for asbestos: Update. Agency for Toxic Substances and Diseases Registry (ATSDR), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Division of Toxicology, Toxicology Information Branch, 1600 Clifton Road NE, E-29, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA, Aug. 1995. 192p. Illus. Bibl.ref. (In English) Internet: Contents: public health statement; health effects; chemical and physical information; production, import, use and disposal; potential for human exposure; analytical methods; regulations and advisories; glossary. Health hazards include: asbestosis; pleural thickening; lung cancer; pleural mesothelioma; peritoneal mesothelioma; carcinogenic effects. (Update of CIS 91-1259). (68297)
CIS 97-227 Toxicological profile for benzidine: Update. Agency for Toxic Substances and Diseases Registry (ATSDR), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Division of Toxicology, Toxicology Information Branch, 1600 Clifton Road NE, E-29, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA, Aug. 1995. 170p. Illus. Bibl.ref. (In English) Internet: Contents: public health statement; health effects; chemical and physical information; production, import, use and disposal; potential for human exposure; analytical methods; regulations and advisories; glossary. Health hazards include: sensitization dermatitis; carcinogenic effects; bladder cancer. (68298)
CIS 97-228 Toxicological profile for carbon disulfide: Update. Agency for Toxic Substances and Diseases Registry (ATSDR), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Division of Toxicology, Toxicology Information Branch, 1600 Clifton Road NE, E-29, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA, Aug. 1996. 219p. Illus. Bibl.ref. (In English) Internet: Contents: public health statement; health effects; chemical and physical information; production, import, use and disposal; potential for human exposure; analytical methods; regulations and advisories; glossary. Health hazards include: neurotoxic effects; cardiac diseases; liver damage; chemical burns. (68299)
CIS 97-229 Toxicological profile for creosote: Update. Agency for Toxic Substances and Diseases Registry (ATSDR), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Division of Toxicology, Toxicology Information Branch, 1600 Clifton Road NE, E-29, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA, Aug. 1996. 241p. Illus. Bibl.ref. (In English) Internet: Contents: public health statement; health effects; chemical and physical information; production, import, use and disposal; potential for human exposure; analytical methods; regulations and advisories; glossary. Health hazards include: irritation of the eyes, skin and respiratory tract; chemical burns; skin eruption; photosensitization dermatitis; convulsions; liver damage; renal damage; carcinogenic effects; skin cancer; scrotal cancer; embryotoxic effects. (Update of CIS 91-1264). (68300)
CIS 97-230 Report of the European Workshop on National Registers of Chemical Products. Ministry of Labour, Occupational Safety and Health Division, P.O. Box 536, 33101 Tampere, Finland, 1996. 47p. 3 ref., ISBN 951-735-101-1 (In English) Internet: This workshop, held in Tampere, Finland, 30 Nov.-1 Dec. 1995, provided information on existing procedures for the collection of data on chemical products in various European countries. Procedures in 13 countries are described and the views of the chemical industry on national registers of chemical products are outlined. The possibility of establishing a European Commission recommendation or guideline on national registers of chemical products was also discussed. (68302)
CIS 97-231 The operation of the Industrial Chemicals (Notification and Assessment) Act 1989 - Annual Report 1995-96. National Occupational Health and Safety Commission (Worksafe Australia), Australian Government Publishing Service, GPO Box 84, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia, 1996. vi, 66p. Illus. 13 ref. (In English) Internet: This report concerns activities within the Australian National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme (NICNAS), set up under the 1989 Act (see CIS 91-1760). Contents: objectives and overview of NICNAS; new chemicals (256 assessments); existing chemicals (assessment work in progress for 5 priority existing chemicals); new and improved assessment methodologies; NICNAS information and consultation activities; finance and staffing; future directions. Appendices include lists of chemical reports published and permits issued. (68362)
CIS 97-232 Environmental chemodynamics: Movement of chemicals in air, water, and soil. Thibodeaux L.J., John Wiley & Sons, 605 Third Ave., New York NY 10158-0012, USA; Baffins Lane, Chichester, West Sussex PO19 1UD, United Kingdom, 2nd ed., 1996. 593p. Illus. Bibl.ref. Index. Price: USD 69.95 (in North America), GBP 55.00 (in Europe)., ISBN 0-471-61295-2 (In English) Internet: Advanced-level manual on the environmental fate of chemicals. It covers: chemical and thermal equilibria at environmental interfaces; transport fundamentals (diffusion and mass transfer, turbulence in the environment); chemical exchange between air and water; chemical exchange between water and adjoining soil; chemical exchange between air and soil; intraphase chemical transport and fate. Appendices on: measurement units; physical constants; chemical data; physical properties; environmental data. (68380)
CIS 97-233 Australian and New South Wales regulation and control of hazardous materials. Crawford B., Brian Crawford, 131 Ewos Parade, Cronulla, New South Wales 2230, Australia, 3rd ed., 1994. v, 386p. Illus. Index. Price: AUD 40.00., ISBN 0-646-18911-5 (In English) Internet: This manual provides guidance on the legal requirements in Australia and New South Wales relating to: exposure standards for harmful substances; classification of dangerous goods; explosives; gases; flammable liquids and solids; oxidizing agents; poisons; radioactive substances; corrosive substances; industrial chemicals; dust; flammability; packaging, labelling and storage; transportation of hazardous goods; pharmaceuticals and therapeutic goods; agricultural chemicals; food; environmental and workplace planning; non-ionizing radiation; biological hazards; air; water; waste; trade in hazardous material; safety equipment. Introductory chapters cover sources of legislation and statutory controls, information sources and toxicology. (68382)
CIS 97-234 Health, safety and ergonomic aspects in use of chemicals in agriculture and forestry. Kundiev Y., ed., Institute for Occupational Health, 75, Saksagansky St., Kiev, Ukraine, 1994. v 243p. Illus. Bibl.ref., ISBN 951-802-062-0 (In English) Internet: These proceedings of an international symposium held on 8-11 June 1993 in Kiev, Ukraine, deal with pesticide use in agriculture and forestry. Some topics discussed in the 29 papers: international perspectives in the safe use of pesticides; trends in the development of new pesticides; the IRPTC databank; safe use of pesticides in forestry; ergonomics in agrarian reform; metabolic degradation of pesticides; EC rules for pesticides and their residues; mechanisms of acute poisoning of agricultural workers by pesticides after re-entry; cardiac work-load on pesticide workers; pesticide residues after spraying in greenhouses; holistic approach to exposure risk assessment; pre-screening methods for the evaluation of pesticide carcinogenicity; delayed neurotoxic effects of combinations of organophosphorus and pyrethroid pesticides; morbidity and mortality among alachlor manufacturing workers; pesticide biomonitoring; evaluation of hazard from the combined effects of triazine herbicides and sodium nitrite using cytochromes P-450; combined action of pesticides; modifying effect of formulation components on δ-methrin activity; health effects of polymers used in forestry; detoxication of organochlorine compounds in agrobiocenosis; chromatographic methods for the determination of microquantities of organic substances; membrane toxicity as a marker of adverse effects. (68394)
CIS 97-235 Toxicological profile for xylene (Update). Agency for Toxic Substances and Diseases Registry (ATSDR), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Division of Toxicology, Toxicology Information Branch, 1600 Clifton Road NE, E-29, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA, Aug. 1995. 270p. Illus. Bibl. (In English) Internet: Contents: public health statement; health effects; chemical and physical information; production, import, use and disposal; potential for human exposure; analytical methods; regulations and advisories; references; glossary. Health hazards include: irritation of the eyes, skin and upper respiratory tract; respiratory disorders; lung diseases; gastric disorders; visual function disorders; liver damage; renal damage; neurotoxic effects; heart diseases; teratogenic effects. (Update of CIS 91-1633). (68491)
CIS 97-236 Occupational medicine studies of the problems caused by fumigation with methyl bromide. (German: Arbeitsmedizinische Untersuchungen zur Problematik der Durchführung von Begasungen mit Methylbromid) Hallier E., Verlag Dr. Markus Hänsel-Hohenhausen, 63324 Egelsbach, Germany, 1996. 146p. Illus. 138 ref. Price: DEM 70.00., ISBN 3-8267-1089-4 (In German) Internet: Methyl bromide is used in the food industry, agriculture and forestry as a pesticide, herbicide and disinfectant. Exposure levels during the fumigation of buildings and soil in greenhouses with methyl bromide were measured. In addition, the effects of methyl bromide on human tissue were studied in in vitro experiments. Blood samples from three cases with acute methyl bromide poisoning in France were analyzed. Based on the results, a new method for medical supervision was developed. This method relies on the analysis of protein adducts in blood samples. (68522)
CIS 97-237 Exposure to polybrominated dibenzofurans and dibenzodioxins in copper smelting plants and in the production of flameproofed plastics. (German: Belastung durch polybromierte Dibenzofurane und -dioxine in Sekundärkupferhütten und bei der Herstellung flammgeschützter Kunststoffe) Kieper H., Bundesanstalt für Arbeitsschutz, Wirtschaftsverlag NW, Postfach 10 11 10, 27511 Bremerhaven, Germany, 1996, 115p. Illus. 23 ref. Index. Price: DEM 25.50., ISBN 3-89429-670-4 (In German) Internet: Exposure to polybrominated dibenzodioxins (PBDD) and dibenzofurans (PBDF) was determined at selected workplaces in two scrap metal smelting plants and three plants producing flameproofed plastics in Germany. The smelting plants were chosen because they also process copper-containing scrap with small amounts of plastics. In the plants producing flameproofed plastics, samples of flame retardants applied in flameproofing as well as samples of flameproofed plastics were analyzed for the presence of PBDD and PBDF in addition to air samples. In the air samples the concentrations of mono- to hexabromodibenzofurans ranged from 258 to 77,414pg/m3. Most of the air samples contained PBDD and PBDF with bromine at positions 2, 3, 7 and 8. None or very low concentrations of these compounds were detected in the flame retardants and in the flameproofed plastics samples as well as in all samples that were analyzed in the scrap metal smelting plants. (68553)
CIS 97-238 Development and assessment of methods for the biomonitoring of aromatic hydrocarbons - Final report. (German: Entwicklung und Erprobung von Methoden des Biologischen Monitorings für BTX-Aromaten - Schlussbericht) Angerer J., Bader M., Einhaus M., Pirich C., Rüdiger H.W., Lehnert G., Bundesanstalt für Arbeitsmedizin, Wirtschaftsverlag NW, Verlag für neue Wissenschaft GmbH, Postfach 10 11 10, 27511 Bremerhaven, Germany, 1995. 133p. Illus. Bibl.ref., ISBN 3-89429-957-6 (In German) Internet: Because of their toxicity, their common use in the industry as well as their presence in motor emissions, aromatic hydrocarbons (BTX: bezene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene) are a major health hazard for workers and for the general public. Exposure assessment is mainly done by air sampling and comparison to exposure limits. However, this technique does not reflect accurately individual exposure. Thus, determination of substances or of their metabolites in biological fluids is the most objective assessment method of occupational risk. Main contents of this report: physico-chemical properties, metabolism and chronic toxicity of BTX; biomonitoring methods of exposure to BTX in blood (static/dynamic headspace technique), plasma determination; biomonitoring methods for the assessment of BTX effects (haemoglobin and DNA adducts, DNA single strands breakage with nick-translation, micronuclei); results of a case study in a styrene factory in Germany involving 25 exposed workers and 25 controls. List of abbreviations. Summaries in German and English. (68557)
CIS 97-239 Maximum reduction of the exposure to chemical substances through changes in product formulation and forming in the plastic industry. (German: Minimierung stofflicher Belastungen durch Veränderung der Produktformulierung und Formgebung - Kunststoffindustrie) Berstermann H.M., Lorenz I., Bundesanstalt für Arbeitsschutz, Wirtschaftsverlag NW, Verlag für neue Wissenschaft GmbH, Postfach 10 11 10, 27511 Bremerhaven, Germany, 1995. 134p. Illus. 90 ref., ISBN 3-89429-918-5 (In German) Internet: This report on the use of low-dust additive formulations in the plastics processing industry is limited to stabilizers, antistatic agents and flame retardants to polyvinyl chloride and polyolefine plastics. Main contents: dust and exposure to dust; additives for PVC; additives for polyolefines. Summaries in German, English and French. (68560)
CIS 97-240 Health hazards faced by hairdressers. (German: Gesundheitsgefährdung im Friseurhandwerk) Bundesanstalt für Arbeitsmedizin, Wirtschaftsverlag NW, Postfach 10 11 10, 27511 Bremerhaven, Germany, 1996. 105p. Illus., ISBN 3-89429-711-5 (In German) Internet: At a conference held on 25 and 26 April 1995 in Berlin, Germany, on the health hazards faced by hairdressers, 13 papers were presented. Following subjects were covered: skin and respiratory diseases caused by the exposure to hair preparations; initiatives to prevent skin and respiratory diseases among hairdressers such as substitution of harmful chemicals, installation of efficient ventilation systems and the use of protective gloves. (68519)
CIS 97-241 Are you involved in the carriage of dangerous goods by road or rail?. Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 6FS, United Kingdom, Oct. 1996. 22p. Illus. (In English) Internet: This booklet provides guidance on the legal requirements for the carriage of dangerous goods by road or rail: classification of dangerous goods and subsequent action to be taken; packaging and labelling; provision of documentation; suitability of vehicles and containers; carriage in bulk; carriage of limited quantities; loading and unloading; vehicle marking; emergency equipment; driver training; emergency procedures; related regulations. (68365)
CIS 97-242 The index of antimicrobials: An international guide to 1600 products by trade name, chemical, application and manufacturer. Ash M., Ash I., eds., Gower Publishing Ltd., Gower House, Croft Road Aldershot, Hampshire, GU11 3HR, United Kingdom, 1996. xvii, 468p. Price: GBP 95.00., ISBN 0-566-07816-3 (In English) Internet: This reference work contains information (chemical name, CAS number, uses, use levels, toxicology, environmental effects, precautions, storage) on more than 1,600 trade name and generic chemicals that are used to impart protection against contamination and deterioration to materials from moulds, mildew, bacteria and fungi. Trade name products are cross-referenced by chemical composition, application, CAS and EINECS numbers. Generic chemicals that either function as antimicrobial agents or are part of the trade name product's composition are also included along with their manufacturers and distributors. There is an alphabetical listing of the major application areas in which these products are used: plastics, paints, foodstuffs, cosmetics, industrial cleaning, water treatment, pulp paper, etc. A directory containing detailed information for the manufacturers of the trade name products and generic chemicals is also included. (68416)
CIS 97-243 Hydrogen sulfide and mercaptans. (French: Hydrogène sulfuré et mercaptans) Cézard C., Encyclopédie médico-chirurgicale, Toxicologie-Pathologie professionnelle, 2nd Quarter 1994, No.103, 8p. 148 ref. (In French) Internet: Data sheet on the effects, the determination and the sampling of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and of mercaptans in the atmosphere and biological matter. Even today H2S is one of the gases that cause the greatest number of fatal occupational accidents following acute exposure. The acute effects of mercaptans are on the whole less drastic. Main points covered: metabolic fate; toxicity; exposure monitoring; treatment after acute exposure; exposure limits: H2S (ceiling: 10ppm, TWA: 5ppm); methylmercaptan (TWA: 0.5ppm); ethylmercaptan (TWA: 0.5ppm); butylmercaptan (synonym butanethiol, TWA: 0.5ppm); phenylmercaptan (synonym thiophenol, TWA: 0.5ppm). (68484)
CIS 97-244 Nitrate fertilizers: Hazards and their prevention. (French: Engrais azotés. Risques. Prévention) Bonderf J., Delemotte B., Encyclopédie médico-chirurgicale, Toxicologie-Pathologie professionnelle, 2nd Quarter 1996, No.111, 4p. 20 ref. (In French) Internet: Information note. If nitrate fertilizers are used under unsatisfactory conditions, they can present a risk to the farmer, the consumer and the environment. Principal hazards affecting the user: ammonia (eyes, skin, respiratory and digestive system); nitrous fumes (asphyxia in farm labourers, lung damage (silo filler's disease), chronic lung disease, dental caries). (68487)
CIS 97-245 Mercury and its inorganic compounds. (French: Mercure et composés inorganiques) Hoet P., Lauwerys R., Encyclopédie médico-chirurgicale, Toxicologie-Pathologie professionnelle, 2nd Quarter 1996, No.111, 7p. 101 ref. (In French) Internet: Mercury (Hg) exists in its metallic form, as well as part of monovalent and bivalent inorganic compounds (mercurous chloride and mercury chloride, etc.) and organic compounds. These compounds have different toxic properties, and in this article only metallic mercury and its inorganic compounds shall be considered. Points discussed in this information note: physical and chemical properties, utilization and exposure sources, metabolism, toxicity (acute and chronic); biological monitoring (in blood and urine); treatment. Exposure limits and recommendations: WHO, ACGIH, BAT and MAK concentrations in Germany, VME in France. Table of legal measures applicable in France. (68488)
CIS 97-246 Safety rules on harmful substances TRGS 552: N-Nitrosamine. (German: Technische Regeln für Gefahrstoffe TRGS 552: N-Nitrosamine) Ausschuss für Gefahrstoffe, Bundesarbeitsblatt, Mar. 1996, No.3, p.65-69. 19 ref. (In German) Internet: These safety rules on n-nitroso amines came into effect in Germany in 1996. They concern 12 known carcinogenic n-nitroso amines to which exposure in the workplace is prohibited by law, except for some industrial processes judged to be essential for the economy. Such processes occur primarily in the metalworking industry, in foundries, and the rubber, chemical and leather industries. If such unavoidable processes lead to a concentration of 1µg/m3 (or, in some cases, 2.5µg/m3) in the air on the workplace, specific actions for the protection of personnel become mandatory. These include air quality monitoring, improved equipment design, substitution, improved work organization and supply of personal protective equipment. (68512)
CIS 97-247 Safety rules on harmful substances TRGS 554: Diesel engine emissions (DME). (German: Technische Regeln für Gefahrstoffe TRGS 554: Dieselmotoremissionen (DME)) Ausschuss für Gefahrstoffe, Bundesarbeitsblatt, Mar. 1996, No.3, p.69-77. 11 ref. (In German) Internet: The safety rules TRGS 554 on diesel engine emissions came into effect in Germany in early 1996. They concern exposure to diesel exhaust particles in the workplace. Such particles are known carcinogens. Protection measures include the supply of a sufficient quantity of fresh air in underground mines where diesel locomotives are used, the replacement of diesel fork-lift trucks by battery-operated trucks and the installation of an exhaust system in diesel-engine inspection pits. If the particle emission by diesel engines cannot be kept below 0.1mg/m3 or if the particle concentration in the air at the workplace cannot be kept below 0.2mg/m3 particulate removing respirators need to be supplied and other additional measures such as the limitation of working hours become necessary. (68513)
CIS 97-248 Safety rules for harmful substances TRGS 557: Dioxins (polyhalogenated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans). (German: Technische Regeln für Gefahrstoffe TRGS 557: Dioxine (polyhalogenierte Dibenzo-p-Dioxine und Dibenzo-Furane)) Ausschuss für Gefahrstoffe, Bundesarbeitsblatt, Mar. 1996, No.3, p.85-90. 8 ref. (In German) Internet: The safety rules on the limitation of exposure to polyhalogenated dibenzodioxins (PHDD) and dibenzofurans (PHDF), which came into effect in Germany in early 1996, outline the conditions which favour the formation of PHDD and PHDF and the methods for quantifying exposure concentrations. Protective measures are specified. Special measures are needed in workplaces in the chemical industry, coking plants, smelting plants, foundries, fire-resistance testing stations and in crematoria, where PHDD and PHDF frequently occur. (68515)
CIS 97-249 Maximum allowable workplace concentrations and biological tolerance values for working materials 1996. (German: MAK- und BAT-Werte-Liste 1996) Senatskommission zur Prüfung gesundheitsschädlicher Arbeitsstoffe, VCH Verlagsgesellschaft mbH, Postfach 10 11 61, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 1996. 188 + xxii p. Bibl.ref., ISBN 3-527-27571-1 (In German) Internet: Definition of the notion of "maximum concentration at the workplace" (MAK) and discussion of its basis and usefulness (limited, in the case of pregnant workers), of verification and compliance, of the relation of time-weighted average MAKs to peak exposures, and of the special problems posed by mixtures, allergens and substances absorbed by the skin. List of about 350 substances with their chemical formulas and MAKs in ppm and mg/m3. This updated list of exposure limits contains 11 substances added to the list since 1995. For 37 substances in the list changes in the classification and/or proposed exposure limit have been made. Additional information is given on known or suspected carcinogens (about 150, including drugs and tobacco smoke), dusts, organic peroxides, petrol, turpentine and cutting fluids. "Indicative technical concentrations" (TRK) are given for carcinogens and mutagens for which no permissible exposure level can be established. "Biological tolerance values" (BAT) are defined and listed for some substances. (68521)
CIS 97-250 Safety rules for harmful substances TRGS 516: Antifouling paints. (German: Technische Regeln für Gefahrstoffe TRGS 516: Antifouling-Farben) Ausschuss für Gefahrstoffe, Bundesarbeitsblatt, July-Aug. 1996, Vol. 7-8, p.67-70. (In German) Internet: Ordinance TRGS 516 on antifouling paints issued in July 1996 replaces ordinance TRGS 516 of October 1989. It pertains to the handling, storage, transport, application, removal and disposal of antifouling paints. Antifouling paints are applied as surface coating to hulls of ships and other water transport and fishing equipment to prevent the growth of microorganisms and plants or the propagation of animals. Antifouling paints prohibited from use are listed. Measures reducing emission levels during the application and removal of antifouling paints are prescribed. The Ordinance also lists personal protective equipment needed by those working with such paints and it outlines the medical examinations needed by personnel exposed to the paints. (68529)
CIS 97-251 Metal encephalopathy. (French: Encéphalopathies liées aux métaux) Emile J., Fressinaud C., Allain P., Encyclopédie médico-chirurgicale, Toxicologie-Pathologie professsionnelle, 2nd Quarter 1996, No.111, 6p. 48 ref. (In French) Internet: Contents of this information note: clinical, aetiological and physiopathological data; basic principles of biological diagnosis; information on encephalopathy caused by exposure to specific metals (aluminium, bismuth, lithium, mercury, lead, manganese). (68489)
CIS 97-252 Safety rules on harmful substances TRGS 523: Pesticides with very toxic, toxic or health impairing substances or composition. (German: Technische Regeln für Gefahrstoffe TRGS 523: Schädlingsbekämpfung mit sehr giftigen, giftigen und gesundheitsschädlichen Stoffen und Zubereitungen) Ausschuss für Gefahrstoffe, Bundesarbeitsblatt, Mar. 1996, No.3, p.79-84. (In German) Internet: Safety rules TRGS 523, which came into effect in Germany in early 1996, provide a list of safe practices for the utilization of harmful pesticides. These rules concern the use of pesticides in health services, livestock rearing, crop protection, food and feed protection and the fumigation of buildings. The personal protective equipment needed for different types of pesticide applications such as spraying, atomizing and coating is outlined. Persons assigned for this kind of work must be properly trained. In Germany, only persons who passed an examination are allowed to carry out the job. (68514)
CIS 97-253 A guide to the safe use of agrichemicals in forestry. Occupational Safety and Health Service, Department of Labour, P.O. Box 3705, Wellington, New Zealand, Oct. 1996. 23p. Illus. 1 ref. (In English) Internet: This guide identifies hazards associated with the use of agrichemicals in forestry and outlines control measures. The focus is on the use of hand sprayers. Contents: responsibilities of employers and others (safety programme, provision of training); chemical hazards (provision of information, protective clothing and equipment, washing facilities, spills and emergencies); site hazards; checklist. (68351)
CIS 97-254 Cement. Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 6FS, United Kingdom, Oct. 1996. 2p. 4 ref. (In English) Internet: This data sheet provides advice on the safe use of cement. Contents: health effects (skin burns, dermatitis, eye irritation, dust inhalation, musculoskeletal risk); legal requirements (control of hazardous substances, manual handling activities); preventing and controlling dust exposure; personal protection; manual handling; personal hygiene; first aid. Revision of CIS 93-275. (68364)
CIS 97-255 Herald of Free Enterprise: Report retrospective. Quigley D., Occupational Safety and Health, Nov. 1996, Vol.26, No.11, p.38-43. Illus. (In English) Internet: This report reviews the accident in which the British roll-on roll-off (ro-ro) ferry (Herald of Free Enterprise) capsized on 6 March 1987 near Zeebrugge, on the Belgian coast. The direct cause was the inflow of water through the bow door, which had not been shut (contrary to ship's standing orders). Although the ship did not entirely sink, a large number of passengers and crew were trapped inside and died. The report analyzes the reasons why the rescue organization failed. Among other causes: negligence of the captain and officers; passenger overloading; lack of electronic monitoring of the doors; difficulties in having access to lifejackets etc. Comments and recommendations are made relating to the safety, loading and stability of the ship and to life-saving measures in such emergencies. (68396)
CIS 97-256 Development of instrumentation and modelling in accelerating rate calorimetry. Mores S., Nolan P.F., Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 6FS, United Kingdom, 1996. vi, 113p. 45 ref. Price: GBP 25.00., ISBN 0-7176-1177-9 (In English) Internet: This report describes the capabilities and limitations of the Accelerating Rate Calorimeter (ARC) for the determination of the thermal runaway potential of substances and chemical reaction mixtures. A critical appraisal of the ARC is presented and the development of a new data handling software package is described. Developments in the kinetic interpretation of test data are described along with the determination of safety limits for large-scale systems, and the design and use of the reaction hazards adiabatic device. (68241)
CIS 97-257 Study of upward flame spread on inclined surfaces. Wu Y., Drysdale D.D., Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 6FS, United Kingdom, 1996. iii, 95p. Illus. 8 ref. Price: GBP 30.00., ISBN 0-7176-1289-9 (In English) Internet: This report describes a study of the mechanism of the trench effect, identified as being responsible for the rapid fire growth which occurred during an escalator fire at London's King's Cross Underground Station in 1987. Experiments were carried out to examine the influence of relevant factors on flame behaviour and to provide data for the validation of computational flow dynamics (CFD) simulations. Both experiments and CFD simulations showed that the buoyant flow movement in the inclined trench depended on the trench inclination and that there was a critical angle of inclination for the trench effect to occur. (68242)
CIS 97-258 Fire Protection Handbook™. Cote A.E., ed., National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 1 Batterymarch Park, P.O. Box 9101, Quincy, MA 02269-9101, USA, 17th ed., 1991. xvi, [2122]p. Illus. Bibl.ref. Index. Price: USD 115.00., ISBN 0-87765-378-X (In English) Internet: This is a thoroughly revised and updated edition of one of the major reference sources on fire prevention and protection. Six major strategies of fire prevention are emphasized: prevention of ignition; design to slow early fire propagation; detection and alarm; suppression; fire confinement; evacuation of occupants. The main sections of the manual are: basics of fire and fire science (including statistics on the extent of annual damage in the US, with analysis); fire prevention; materials, products and environments; detection and alarm; suppression systems; confinement of fires; evacuation of occupants; systems approaches to property classes; organization for fire protection; information and analysis for fire protection. In appendices: tables and charts; SI units and conversion tables; organizations in the US concerned with fire protection; career opportunities; complete list of official NFPA documents. (68332)
CIS 97-259 The SFPE handbook of fire protection engineering. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 1 Batterymarch Park, P.O. Box 9101, Quincy, MA 02269-9101, USA, 2nd ed., 1995. viii, [1185]p. Illus. Bibl.ref. Index. Price: USD 163.00., ISBN 0-87765-354-2 (In English) Internet: This revised handbook is the only major reference work on fire protection engineering to combine theory, research results and calculation methods in a practical form. Produced jointly by NFPA and the Society of Fire Protection Engineers, it presents practical strategies for understanding and solving analysis and design problems. This revised edition has 6 sections: fundamentals (fluid mechanics, types of heat transfer, thermochemistry, chemical equilibrium, thermal decomposition of polymers, structural mechanics, premixed burning, properties of building materials, probability, statistics); fire dynamics (flame and air behaviour during fires, combustion by-products, ignition of liquid fuels, smoldering combustion, spontaneous combustion, flaming ignition, smoke properties); hazard calculations (burning rates, calorimetry, heat generation, fire modelling, compartment fires, smoke and heat venting, human behaviour, emergency movement, explosion protection); design calculations (detection systems, hydraulics, fire protection systems, fire resistance of materials, smoke control); fire risk analysis (computer simulations, fire risk ranking, extreme value theory, reliability, subjective measurements, economical aspects, quantitative risk assessment in chemical process industries). Appendices. (68334)
CIS 97-260 Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code Handbook. Benedetti R.P., ed., National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 1 Batterymarch Park, P.O. Box 9101, Quincy MA 02269-9101, USA, 6th ed., 1997. xvii, 516p. Illus. Bibl.ref. Index. Price: USD 74.22., ISBN 0-87765-408-5 (In English) Internet: This US handbook (prev. edn. abstracted in CIS 90-1333) provides background information on the provisions of standards NFPA 30, Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code, NFPA 30A, Automotive and Marine Service Station Code and NFPA 395, Standard for the Storage of Flammable and Combustible Liquids on Farms and Isolated Sites. For Code NFPA 30, the following topics are covered: tank storage: piping, valves and fittings; container and portable tank storage; operations. Topics covered under Code NFPA 30A include: storage; piping, valves and fittings; fuel dispensing systems; pits and below-grade and sub-floor work areas; service stations located inside buildings; electrical and heating equipment; operational requirements; marine service stations. Code NFPA 395 covers both general and specific requirements for the storage of flammable and combustible liquids in isolated locations (incl. farms). For all 3 standards, lists of other relevant NFPA codes are given. In supplement: fire hazard properties of some common liquids. (68269)
CIS 97-261 Life Safety Code® Handbook. Coté R., ed., National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 1 Batterymarch Park, P.O. Box 9101, Quincy, MA 02269-9101, USA, 6th ed., 1994. xi, 900p. Illus. Bibl.ref. Index. Price: USD 75.50., ISBN 0-87765-396-8 (In English) Internet: This handbook explains the requirements found in the Life Safety Code® (NFPA 101), with emphasis for each part of the code on the following: intent and interpretation; historical perspective on provisions; application of requirements. The main sections of the Code are as follows: fundamental requirements; definitions; classification of occupancy and hazard of contents; means of egress; features of fire protection; building service and fire protection equipment; requirements for new and existing occupancies (assembly occupancies (i.e. for large gatherings); schools; hospitals and clinics; jails; hotels and dormitories; apartment buildings; lodging and rooming houses; one- and two-family dwellings; nursing homes; stores; business premises; industrial premises; storage premises; special structures and high-rise buildings). In appendices: case histories; fire alarm systems; sprinkler systems; elevator codes; fire tests for life safety code users; legal applications. (68331)
CIS 97-262 National Electrical Code: Handbook 1996. Earley M.W., Sheehan J.V., Caloggero J.M., eds., National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 1 Batterymarch Park, P.O. Box 9101, Quincy, MA 02269-9101, USA, 7th ed., 1996. xiv, 1016p. Illus. Bibl.ref. Index. Price: USD 77.50 (CD-ROM version: USD 175.00)., ISBN 0-87765-405-0 (In English) Internet: This edition of the US National Electrical Code Handbook is based on the new edition of NFPA 70 (the Code itself). The purpose of the Handbook is to explain code requirements, especially changes to the code since the previous edition. It also serves as a helpful guide in applying code provisions. The complete text of the code can be found in the Handbook, together with explanations and commentary (code intent and interpretation, historical perspective, application of requirements, illustrations and tables). Contents: definitions and requirements for electrical installations; wiring and protection; wiring methods and materials; equipment for general use; special occupancies (buildings); special equipment; special conditions; communications systems. (68333)
CIS 97-263 The effects of chronic industrial noise exposure on urinary cortisol, fatigue, and irritability - A controlled field experiment. Melamed S., Bruhis S., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Mar. 1996, Vol.38, No.3, p.252-256. 36 ref. (In English) Internet: Urinary cortisol levels were measured three times a day for 35 textile mill workers; subjective fatigue and post-work irritability were assessed. Under conditions of chronic noise exposure, the cortisol level at the end of the work shift was high and was accompanied by high levels of accumulated fatigue and post-work irritability. Use of earmuffs (average attenuation 30 to 33dB) for a period of seven working days resulted in a decline in cortisol level during the work shift and a concomitant reduction in reported fatigue and post-work irritability. Findings support the view that noise can act as a general stressor. (68252)
CIS 97-264 Comparison of daily noise exposures in one workplace based on noise criteria recommended by ACGIH and OSHA. Petrick M.E., Royster L.H., Royster J.D., Reist P., American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal, Oct. 1996, Vol.57, No.10, p.924-928. 8 ref. (In English) Internet: Noise exposures at a light manufacturing facility were evaluated for 50 employees using paired noise dosimeters, one set to the new American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) noise criteria, and one to the present Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) hearing conservation criteria. The majority of exposures fell below an 8h TWA (OSHA) of 85dBA. The average difference between the predicted ACGIH TWA and the OSHA TWA was 4.6dB (range 0.2 to 12.6dB). Overall, these differences would project a 36% increase in the percent of employees enrolled in the hearing conservation programme, and a 50% increase in the percent required to wear hearing protection. (68358)
CIS 97-265 Psychoacoustic method for the measurement of sound levels emitted by earphones. Application to so-called "communication" hearing protectors. (French: Méthode psychoacoustique de mesure du niveau sonore émis par les écouteurs. Application aux protecteurs de l'ouïe dits "de communication") Damongeot A., Didry G., Kusy A., Cahiers de notes documentaires - Hygiène et sécurité du travail, 4th Quarter 1996, No.165, Note No.2034-165-96, p.481-489. Illus. 16 ref. (In French) Internet: Calculating the sound levels to which wearers of communication hearing protectors are exposed to requires knowledge of the electroacoustic emission characteristics of the earphones (relation between emitted sound level and supply voltage). The psychoacoustic method described is used to determine these characteristics. It consists in asking test subjects to equalize the intensities of test sounds emitted alternately by the earphone and by a loudspeaker, making the latter easier to measure. Measurements were made with 10 test subjects and 3 types of earphone. Good reproducibility was achieved (deviations not exceeding 2dB for the same subject and the same earphone position). The inter-individual dispersion was wider, with standard deviations as high as 4.7dB, reflecting morphological differences in the subjects and differences in the fit of the earphones. This method could constitute a reference method for validating faster measurement techniques such as the "MIRE" technique (Microphone in the Real Ear) or the "HATS" technique (Head and Torso Simulators) currently being developed. (68426)
CIS 97-266 The EN ISO 11200 series of standards - Determination of sound emission pressure levels at the workplace. (French: La série de normes EN ISO 11200 - Détermination du niveau de pression acoustique d'émission au poste de travail des machines industrielles) Jacques J., Cahiers de notes documentaires - Hygiène et sécurité du travail, 4th Quarter 1996, No.165, Note No.2035-165-96, p.491-507. Illus. 12 ref. (In French) Internet: The European series of standards EN ISO 11200 to 11204 helps to determine sound emission pressure levels at the workplace. According to the regulations (including Machinery Directive 89/392/EEC, see inter alia CIS 94-782) this level must be taken into consideration, together with the sound power level, in complying with safety requirements concerning work equipment noise. This paper proposes a guide to help users to come to grips with these standards and make proper use of them. It includes: general presentation and definitions; influence of the measurement environment; precision and reproducibility; the special case of standard EN ISO 11203; implementation. Two sets of tables are appended, presenting the "applicability" of the standards in the series in a large number of workplace situations, and the compatibility of the EN ISO 11200 standards with the EN ISO standards for determining sound power level. (68427)
CIS 97-267 Influence of noise leaks on the acoustic efficiency of machine enclosures. (French: Importance des fuites acoustiques sur l'efficacité globale d'un capotage de machine) Thomé J.P., Cahiers de notes documentaires - Hygiène et sécurité du travail, 4th Quarter 1996, No.165, Note No.2036-165-96, p.509-518. Illus. 12 ref. (In French) Internet: Acoustic enclosures and hoods are widely used to reduce machine noise in the industrial environment. Unfortunately these devices are never entirely soundproof, and noise leakage tends to reduce their overall efficiency. Theoretical models exist for predicting the acoustic behaviour of slits in enclosure panels by calculating the amount of energy transmitted and describing the spatial distribution pattern (directivity) of the radiated sound field. This paper briefly examines two of these models which are simple to use for practitioners working on the "sound-tightness" of enclosures, and proposes technical solutions for reducing noise transmission through most types of commercial enclosures at the design stage: sealing compounds, flaps and profiled seals, noise baffles, acoustically absorbent materials, reactive mufflers. (68428)
CIS 97-268 The effects of noise and physical workload on the temporary threshold shift (TLS). (German: Wirkungen von Lärm und körperlicher Arbeit auf die temporäre Lautheitsverschiebung (TLS)) Schardt F.W., Moser L., Rosenfeld J., Arbeitsmedizin - Sozialmedizin - Umweltmedizin, July 1996, Vol.31, No.7, p.276-280. Illus. 28 ref. (In German) Internet: The effect of exposure to noise with sound pressure level of 80dB and frequency 4kHz alone and in combination with 20 minutes of physical exercise at 40% VO2 max on the systolic and diastolic blood pressure and on the hearing sensitivity of 12 healthy male volunteers was studied. A loudness scaling hearing test was used to measure the changes in hearing sensitivity. The combined exposure to noise and physical exercise significantly changed the systolic blood pressure by 5mmHg. It increased the diastolic pressure by 3.5mmHg. Hearing sensitivity decreased more than by noise or physical exercise alone. The decrease in hearing sensitivity after the combined exposure lasted more than 240 seconds. (68554)
CIS 97-269 Effects of pulsed magnetic fields on the developing mouse embryo. Frölen H., Svedenstål B.M., Paulsson L.E., Bioelectromagnetics, 1993, Vol.14, p.197-204. 7 ref. (In English) Internet: The influence of a pulsed magnetic field (PMF) on the embryogenesis of mice (CBA/S-strain) was investigated in five experiments based on 707 exposed and 543 unexposed pregnant females. No significant increase in PMF-induced foetal malformations was observed. However, though not significantly increased, there were more malformations in PMF-treated mice consistently across all experiments than in controls. In all groups in which exposure started on day 5 post-conception, or earlier, placental resorptions were significantly more frequent than in controls. Comparison with earlier studies suggests that the effects seen here may be strain-related. (68232)
CIS 97-270 Effects of low-frequency magnetic fields on fetal development in rats. Huuskonen H., Juutilainen J., Komulainen H., Bioelectromagnetics, 1993, Vol.14, p.205-213. 24 ref. (In English) Internet: Mated females of the Han:Wistar-strain of rat were exposed to a 50Hz (sinusoidal) magnetic field or to a 20,000pps (sawtooth) magnetic field from day 0 to day 20 of pregnancy. Each treatment group contained 72 rats. No major malformations were observed in the exposed rats and there was no increase in the number of resorptions or dead foetuses compared to the unexposed controls. Foetal body masses and measures of gross foetal development were normal. However, an increase in the number of skeletal anomalies and implantations observed suggests that exposure to these magnetic fields may have some developmental effects in rats. (68233)
CIS 97-271 The effects of continuous exposure to 20-kHz sawtooth magnetic fields on the litters of CD-1 mice. Wiley M.J., Corey P., Kavet R., Charry J., Harvey S., Agnew D., Walsh M., Teratology, 1992, Vol.46, p.391-398. Illus. 34 ref. (In English) Internet: Four groups of mated CD-1 mice were exposed to 20kHz magnetic fields from day 1 to day 18 of pregnancy. There were at least 140 pregnant females in each group. Evaluation of numbers of implantations, foetal deaths and resorptions, gross external, visceral and skeletal malformations, and foetal weights revealed no significant differences between any of the exposed groups and the unexposed controls. Results do not support the hypothesis that the 20kHz magnetic fields associated with video display terminals are teratogenic in mammals. (68234)
CIS 97-272 Cancer incidence near radio and television transmitters in Great Britain: 1. Sutton Coldfield transmitter. Dolk H., Shaddick G., Walls P., Grundy C., Thakrar B., Kleinschmidt I., Elliott P., American Journal of Epidemiology, Jan. 1997, Vol.145, No.1, p.1-9. Illus. 34 ref. (In English) Internet: This study of cancer incidence in 1974-1986 evaluates a previous unconfirmed report of a "cluster" of leukaemias and lymphomas near a television and FM radio transmitter in the West Midlands, England. The study used a national database of postcoded cancer registrations, population and socioeconomic data from the 1981 census. The study area was defined as a 10km radius circle around the transmitter. The risk of adult leukaemia within 2km was 1.83 (observed/expected ratio) and there was a significant decline in risk with distance from the transmitter. These findings confirmed the previously reported excess of leukaemias near the said radio and television transmitter. Study of other radio and TV transmitters is required since no causal implications can be made from a single cluster investigation of this kind. (68397)
CIS 97-273 Risk of thyroid nodules in subjects occupationally exposed to radiation: A cross sectional study. Antonelli A., Silvano G., Bianchi F., Gambuzza C., Tana L., Salvioni G., Baldi V., Gasperini L., Baschieri L., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Aug. 1995, Vol.52, No.8, p.500-504. 18 ref. (In English) Internet: Cross-sectional study to examine by ultrasonography the prevalence of thyroid nodules in medical workers occupationally exposed to X radiation at a hospital in Pisa, Italy. Fifty male medical workers exposed to radiation were randomly matched for age with 100 male workers not occupationally exposed to ionizing radiation who lived in a slightly iodine deficient area (control group 1) and with 100 male workers not exposed to radiation who lived in Pisa (control group 2). Of the occupationally exposed subjects, thyroid nodules were detected in 19 (38%). Among controls, thyroid nodules were detected in 19 (19%) subjects of control group 1 and in 13 (13%) of control group 2. Comparison of exposed and control groups, stratified into 30-39, 40-49 and 50-59 year old age subgroups, showed a higher significant relative risk for thyroid nodules in the exposed subjects. The results suggest that occupational exposure to radiation may be a risk factor for thyroid nodules. (68539)
CIS 97-274 Epidemiologic studies of the effect of low radiation doses on occupationally exposed persons. (German: Epidemiologische Studien zur Wirkung kleiner Strahlendosen bei beruflich strahlenexponierten Personen) Blettner M., Fehringer F., Seitz G., Arbeitsmedizin - Sozialmedizin - Umweltmedizin, Feb. 1996, Vol.31, No.2, p.66-69. Illus. 5 ref. (In German) Internet: In Germany a registration system of persons exposed to low doses of radiation in the workplace has been initiated. The register includes personal data, radiation exposure, diseases and confounding factors such as smoking and other exposures. Periodic medical examinations are being offered to these persons even when they have entered jobs where they are no longer exposed to low doses of radiation. The life doses and the cancer incidence can be determined among those followed up. A survey of the data collected so far is given. The effort is part of an international study by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) of the effects of the exposure to low doses of radiation at the workplace. (68551)
CIS 97-275 Thermal effect of visible light and infra-red radiation (i.r.-A, i.r.-B and i.r.-C) on the eye: A study of infra-red cataract based on a model. Okuno T., Annals of Occupational Hygiene, Aug. 1994, Vol.38, No.4, p.351-359. Illus. 16 ref. (In English) Internet: Exposure to intense optical radiation in the workplace leads to the development of infrared cataracts. To investigate the role of the wavelength of optical radiation in infrared cataract formation, the temperature rise induced in the eye by monochromatic optical radiation (visible light and infrared (i.r.)) was calculated on the basis of a mathematical model. It is shown that, in accordance with Goldmann's theory, when visible light or i.r.-A is incident on the eye, the radiation is absorbed by the iris and converted into heat which is then conducted to the lens, inducing cataracts. When i.r.-B or i.r.-C is incident on the eye, it is adsorbed by the cornea and converted into heat which is then conducted to the lens, inducing cataracts. It is suggested that i.r. cataracts are induced by i.r.-B or i.r.-C in the workplace. (68493)
CIS 97-276 Influence of indoor air quality and personal factors on the sick building syndrome (SBS) in Swedish geriatric hospitals. Nordström K., Norbäck D., Akselsson R., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Mar. 1995, Vol.52, No.3, p.170-176. 25 ref. (In English) Internet: Symptoms of sick building syndrome and personal factors were measured by means of a standardized self administered questionnaire in 225 female hospital workers of eight hospital units in the south of Sweden. The technical investigation comprised a building survey and measurements of room temperature, supply air temperature, air humidity and exhaust air flow. The prevalence of symptoms differed from one unit to another. Eye irritation was related to work stress and self reported exposure to static electricity. Nasal symptoms were related to asthma and hay fever only. Throat symptoms were more common in smokers, subjects with asthma or hay fever, new buildings, and in buildings with a high ventilation flow. Facial skin irritation was related to a lack of control of the work conditions. General symptoms, such as headache and fatigue, were related to current smoking, asthma or hay fever, work dissatisfaction and static electricity. As the prevalence of symptoms was high, there is a need to improve the indoor environment as well as the psychosocial environment in hospitals. (68532)
CIS 97-277 Decompression sickness, pathogenesis and management of spinal damage. (Italian: Patogenesi e trattamento del danno spinale nella forma neuro sensoriale della malattia da decompressione) Bernini P., Faralli F., Fiorito A., Gagliardi R., Brauzzi M., Panico S., Paoluzzi M., Prevenzione oggi, Jan.-Mar. 1993, Vol.V, No.1, p.87-103. Illus. 29 ref. (In Italian) Internet: The effects and management recommended for decompression sickness are reviewed. Clinical local symptoms are mainly neurological with motor and sensory deficits. They are accompanied by other symptoms ranging from skin and joint pains to sudden death from respiratory arrest. The management of the patients consists of emergency treatment for basic life support, followed by advanced treatment using pharmacological means, recompression therapy, neuromuscular rehabilitation with cycles of hyperbaric oxygen therapy and physiotherapy. (68412)
CIS 97-278 Grinder characteristics and their effects on hand-arm vibration. Stayner R.M., Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 6FS, United Kingdom, 1996. 200p. Illus. 23 ref. Price: GBP 45.00., ISBN 0-7176-1265-1 (In English) Internet: This report presents results of studies to investigate the effect of machine design on the magnitude of vibration at handles of portable grinders. The work involved a literature review and experimental vibration measurements using a range of grinders and operating conditions. Much of the variance in vibration was caused by a large number of small effects; few generalizations of practical significance could be made. The most important factors were type or design of machine, wheel unbalance and width of the workpiece. Recommendations for choice and use of grinders are put forward. (68410)
CIS 97-279 Pathology of mechanical vibration transmitted to the upper limbs. (French: Pathologie des vibrations mécaniques transmises aux membres supérieurs) Lasfargues G., Fontana L., Catilina P., Encyclopédie médico-chirurgicale, Toxicologie-Pathologie professionnelle, 4th Quarter 1996, No.113. 6p. 104 ref. (In French) Internet: Chronic exposure of the upper limbs to mechanical vibration causes vascular and neurological health problems (often referred to as "angioneurological disorders") as well as damage to the musculoskeletal system (bones, joints, muscles, tendons). Even though these various conditions represent different physiopathological and clinical pictures, they are usually referred to as part of "vibration syndrome". Aspects covered in this information note: epidemiology of the syndrome; Raynaud's phenomenon; neuropathy; osteoarticular problems; compensation and prevention in France. (68471)
CIS 97-280 Work in a hot environment. (French: Travail à la chaleur) Malchaire J., Encyclopédie médico-chirurgicale, Toxicologie-Pathologie professionnelle, 2nd Quarter 1996, No.111, 4p. Illus. 12 ref. (In French) Internet: Contents of this information note: extent of the problem (16% of French manual workers complained of the heat in a survey conducted in 1986); thermal balance; relevant standards (ISO 7726, 8996, 9920, 7730, 7243, 7933, 9886); measurement of basic parameters; heat indexes; hot environments (WBGT index, the Sweating Index SWreq); measurement strategies. (68490)
CIS 97-281 Controlling the radiation safety of display laser installations. Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 6FS, United Kingdom, Oct. 1996. 4p. 9 ref. (In English) Internet: This leaflet provides general radiation safety information for employers and employees who use display laser installations, and for manufacturers and suppliers of this equipment. High power lasers may cause eye injury or skin burns. Key problems relate to safety assessment of laser beam viewing, and restriction of access to beams identified as hazardous. (68366)
CIS 97-282 The radiation safety of lasers used for display purposes. Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 6FS, United Kingdom, Oct. 1996. iv, 34p. Illus. 14 ref. Price: GBP 10.00., ISBN 0-7176-0691-0 (In English) Internet: This guide provides radiation safety information for employers and employees who use display laser installations, and for manufacturers and suppliers of this equipment. Contents: laser-induced eye damage; supplier requirements (basic safeguards, determination of exposure conditions, hand-over arrangements and documentation, venue considerations); user requirements (operator training and supervision); installation safety assessment (potential hazards, emission evaluation). In appendices: wavelengths of different lasers; maximum permissible exposures. (68367)
CIS 97-283 Radiation protection data sheets for the use of radionuclides in unsealed sources. (French: Fiches techniques de radioprotection pour l'utilisation de radionucléides en sources non scellées) Cahiers de notes documentaires - Hygiène et sécurité du travail, 4th Quarter 1996, No.165, p.519-536. 5 ref. (In French) Internet: These radiation protection data sheets are intended for supervisors and staff in the medical, hospital, pharmaceutical, university and industrial laboratories and departments where radionuclides are handled, and also for all those involved in safety and health at work in this field. They provide essential data on radiation protection measures during the use of radionuclides in unsealed sources. The eight data sheets published here cover nickel-63, gallium-68, selenium-75, krypton-85, indium-111, cesium-137 - baryum-137, iridium-192, gold-198. (68429)
CIS 97-284 Effects of ionizing radiation. (French: Effets des rayonnements ionisants) Abadia G., Gimenez C., Encyclopédie médico-chirurgicale, Toxicologie-Pathologie professionnelle, 2nd Quarter 1994, No.103, 8p. Illus. 19 ref. (In French) Internet: Principal points covered in this information note on the effects of ionizing radiation: physical data and basic information; sources of human exposure to ionizing radiation (natural and artificial exposure); biological effects: molecular, cellular and tissue effects; effects on humans (deterministic and random effects, teratogenicity); measures to be taken after a case of overexposure (external or internal). (68485)
CIS 97-285 Radiation protection. (French: Radioprotection) Abadia G., Gimenez C., Encyclopédie médico-chirurgicale, Toxicologie-Pathologie professionnelle, 2nd Quarter 1994, No.103, 6p. 19 ref. (In French) Internet: Principal points covered in this information note on radiation protection: regulations on the national (French) and international (European) level; role of international bodies (the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP), the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR), the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)); preventive measures (technical and medical); the compensation system for radiation-induced diseases in France. (68486)
CIS 97-286 Do supports of the lumbar spine help to prevent back disorders caused by heavy work?. (German: Nutzen Lumbal-Stützgurte zur Prävention von Rückenbescherden bei körperlicher Schwerarbeit?) Kössler F., Die BG, June 1996, No.6, p.418-426. Illus. 41 ref. (In German) Internet: Back belts are worn to support the spine during heavy manual lifting tasks. The present knowledge of the effects of back belts on trunk muscle activity, intra-abdominal and intra-discal pressure and on the cardiovascular system is outlined. The subjectively perceived benefits of back belts and the present knowledge on the reduction of backache by back belts are included in the literature survey. It is concluded that improper or irregular use of the lumbar belt can be more hazardous than beneficial in heavy lifting tasks. It is recommended to give priority to training the personnel in assuming an ergonomic body posture for lifting heavy loads. The personnel that uses back belts needs instructions on how to use them properly. Monitoring the frequency of use and the back problems that occur with and without the use of back belts will provide information that can be contributed to the ongoing discussion of the benefits of back belts. (68556)
CIS 97-287 Ladders for chimney sweepers. (German: Leitern für Schornsteinfeger) Schröder, BAU, Feb. 1996, No.2, p.88-93. Illus. (In German) Internet: The German safety regulations that apply to the design and use of portable and fixed ladders by chimney sweepers are outlined. The mobile ladders which are used by chimney sweepers to climb onto roofs need to be secured at the bottom. They may be used to stand on for work at heights only if the site is not more than 7m above ground and the work does not take longer than 2h. Tools and materials needed for work at height while standing on a ladder may not exceed 10kg. Fixed ladders installed on roofs for chimney sweepers are required to be at least 350mm wide and made of metal with anticorrosive coating. (68516)
CIS 97-288 The European Seminar on the Market Control of Machinery in the EEA. Jurvelius H., ed., Ministry of Labour, Occupational Safety and Health Division, P.O. Box 536, 33101 Tampere, Finland, 1996. 81p. Price: FIM 100.00., ISBN 951-735-141-0 (In English) Internet: The objective of this seminar, held in Tampere, Finland, 19-20 June 1996, was to discuss the implications of the EEC Machinery Directive in Member States, with particular reference to market control. Topics discussed include: the objectives of the New Approach Directives - the freedom of movement of machinery and the high level of safety; market control practices in the Member States; harmonization of practices; practical application of the Machinery Directive; notification procedures. (68303)
CIS 97-289 The performance of industrial helmets under impact. An assessment of the British Standard BS 5240 Pt.1, 1987. Hulme A.J., Mills N.J., Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 6FS, United Kingdom, 1996. 69p. Illus. 37 ref. Price: GBP 15.00., ISBN 0-7176-1029-2 (In English) Internet: The impact test for industrial safety helmets in British Standard 5240 concerns only vertical impacts onto the crown of the helmet mounted on an immovable headform. Methods of testing helmets in lateral and vertical impacts were devised involving a crash dummy test with a flexible neck of stiffness equivalent to a human neck, and measurement of the rotational acceleration of the head. Overall, the tests showed that the current BS 5240 impact test and its criteria for injury are unrealistic. Provision for side impact tests would lead to improvements in helmet designs. (68409)
CIS 97-290 A critical review of the literature on sharps injuries: Epidemiology, management of exposures and prevention. Hanrahan A., Reutter L., Journal of Advanced Nursing, Jan. 1997, Vol.25, No.1, p.144-154. Illus. 130 ref. (In English) Internet: Literature review on the epidemiology, management and prevention of sharps injuries in health care workers, particularly nurses. The problem is of special importance because of the increasing evidence of a small, but measurable, risk of the transmission of human immunodeficiency virus through sharps injuries. A retrospective survey of the factors related to these injuries was conducted, primarily in hospital settings. The authors point out the need to investigate the organizational and behavioural factors both in hospitals and in other health care settings. (68398)
CIS 97-291 Airborne fungal contamination in air-conditioning systems: Effect of filtering and humidifying devices. Parat S., Fricker-Hidalgo H., Perdrix A., Bemer D., Pelissier N., Grillot R., American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal, Nov. 1996, Vol.57, No.11, p.996-1001. Illus. 34 ref. (In English) Internet: Air samples collected above and below filters and humidifiers in air-conditioning systems were analyzed for total culturable airborne fungi and for 4 specific moulds. Two types of filters were studied in four air-conditioning systems. Concentration levels below the high-efficiency filters were significantly lower than those above the filters; filter efficiency was dependent on the fungi. Concentration levels below the humidifier were lower than above it. The association of a high-efficiency filter with a humidifying device containing uncontaminated water reduces the risk of microbiological air contamination. The effect of particle size on filter efficiency is discussed. (68244)
CIS 97-292 Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in a beef farmer. Young G.R., Fletcher N.A., Zeidler M., Estibeiro K.L., Ironside J.W., Lancet, 31 Aug. 1996, Vol.348, No.9027, p.610-611. 5 ref. (In English) Internet: This brief communication describes the diagnosis of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) in a beef farmer in the United Kingdom in 1995. The patient presented with visual disturbances and later developed generalized myoclonic twitching; he died three months after the onset of symptoms. A single case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) had occurred in a cow on the farm in 1991, but it was not known to what extent the farmer had been in contact with the infected cow. The case is consistent with sporadic CJD. (68350)
CIS 97-293 The medical and epidemiologic effects on workers of the level of airborne Thermoactinomyces spp. spores present in Australian raw sugar mills. Dawson M.W., Scott J.G., Cox L.M., American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal, Nov. 1996, Vol.57, No.11, p.1002-1012. 36 ref. (In English) Internet: Total airborne bacteria spore concentrations were monitored in and around two cane sugar mills before, during and after the cane processing season. Viable airborne bacteria counts were obtained to confirm the presence of Thermoactinomyces sacchari, a bacterium known to cause bagassosis. The total airborne bacteria spore count was lower than those reported in other industries (cotton milling, wood chip handling) during normal operations. Airborne counts during activities known to generate higher levels than usual were also lower than expected. Medical examinations of workers at both mills revealed no cases of acute bagassosis and no evidence of the development of chronic bagassosis. (68245)
CIS 97-294 New York City police officers [sic] incidence of transcutaneous exposures. Pagane J., Chanmugam A., Kirsch T., Kelen G.D., Occupational Medicine, Aug. 1996, Vol.46, No.4, p.285-288. 22 ref. (In English) Internet: To assess potential exposure to blood borne infection, data on incidents involving needlestick injuries and human bites among New York City police officers were examined; urine toxicology results of arrested individuals were also analyzed. The transcutaneous exposure rate was 38.7 per 10,000 officers. Exposure rates were highest among those between the ages of 20 and 29 years and those with between 4 and 10 years of service. More than 60% of arrested individuals tested positive for potentially injectable drugs. Widespread vaccination and continued education on precautions should be considered for all officers. (68326)
CIS 97-295 Susceptibility to varicella zoster virus infection in health care workers. Gallagher J., Quaid B., Cryan B., Occupational Medicine, Aug. 1996, Vol.46, No.4, p.289-292. 12 ref. (In English) Internet: Analysis of blood samples from 970 health care workers in a hospital in Ireland showed that 928 (95.7%) were immune to the varicella zoster virus (VZV) (chickenpox) and 42 (4.3%) were non-immune. Of the 894 clinical staff tested, 4.5% were non-immune. The advantages and disadvantages of selective staff screening are discussed. It is considered that all health care workers involved in the clinical care of patients should be screened for past VZV infection before taking up duty; those who are susceptible to VZV should be made aware of the risks and health effects associated with the disease. (68327)
CIS 97-296 Health risks of work in pathology laboratories. (German: Gesundheitsrisiken bei Arbeiten in pathologischen Laboratorien) Neumann H.D., Rosenlehner R., Wichmann H.E., Arbeitsmedizin - Sozialmedizin - Umweltmedizin, Mar. 1996, Vol.31, No.3, p.107-112. Illus. 37 ref. (In German) Internet: A questionnaire survey of the personnel in 3 pathology laboratories was conducted to assess the risk of injuries. In addition the infection risk was determined by studying the records of occupational diseases between 1973 and 1977 and the literature published between 1984 and 1990. Cuts by microtome blades were found to occur frequently and a high infection risk for tuberculosis and hepatitis B was found. An exposure evaluation yielded formaldehyde values which were frequently in excess of the exposure limit in force in Germany. (68552)
CIS 97-297 Scabies as an occupational disease. (German: Berufskrankheit Scabies) Agathos M., Dermatosen in Beruf und Umwelt, May-June 1996, Vol.44, No.3, p.126-128. Illus. 9 ref. (In German) Internet: This survey of epidemiologic and case studies on the infection risk caused by scabies in Germany comes to following conclusion: Nurses in hospitals and nursing homes who come in close contact with elderly scabies patients or with patients with deficient immune system infected with scabies norvegica run a high infection risk. In order to reduce the risk to nursing personnel, each patient with an itch and patients infected with the HIV virus with hyperkeratosis should be examined by a dermatologist for the presence of scabies. Although at present scabies is not compensated as an occupational disease in Germany it should be reported as an occupation-related disease. (68555)
CIS 97-298 Upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders at a pulp and paper mill. Silverstein B.A., Hughes R.E., Applied Ergonomics, June 1996, Vol.27, No.3, p.189-194. 11 ref. (In English) Internet: Physical examinations, health status interviews and questionnaire surveys were conducted on 40 employees in two departments of a pulp and paper mill. There was a higher prevalence of hand and wrist disorders in the power and recovery department than in the paper machine area. Use of a steel lance was associated with shoulder disorders and elbow arthritis. There was evidence that some of the health findings could not be explained by the job analysis. (68386)
CIS 97-299 Musculoskeletal problems among VDU workers in a Hong Kong bank. Yu I.T.S., Wong T.W., Occupational Medicine, Aug. 1996, Vol.46, No.4, p.275-280. 26 ref. (In English) Internet: A questionnaire survey of 121 visual display unit (VDU) users in a Hong Kong bank revealed that musculoskeletal problems were fairly common among them. Frequent users of VDUs had more problems than did infrequent users, particularly in the neck and shoulder regions. Identified risk factors included working posture, repetitive movements and work station design. Back, neck and shoulder problems were more related to unfavourable working postures; arm, hand and wrist problems were more affected by repetitive movements. Improvements in work station design and work organization are recommended. (68324)
CIS 97-300 Occupational overuse syndrome and the effects of psychosocial stressors on keyboard users in the newspaper industry. Stephens C., Smith M., Work and Stress, Apr.-June 1996, Vol.10, No.2, p.141-153. 29 ref. (In English) Internet: In a survey of 550 keyboard users working in different offices of the same newspaper company, 29.3% of workers reported experiencing neck, shoulder or arm pain. Differences between high- and low-pain reporting office groups were significantly related to perceptions of the quality of the work environment. Factors associated with low-pain reporting environments included higher peer cohesion, higher staff support, higher control, less work pressure, less stress, greater autonomy and more physical comfort. Consideration should be given to psychosocial factors in the design of work and workplaces. (68348)
CIS 97-301 Postural analysis of nursing work. Hignett S., Applied Ergonomics, June 1996, Vol.27, No.3, p.171-176. Illus. 41 ref. (In English) Internet: The Ovako Working Posture Analysis System (OWAS) was used to measure the severity of working postures adopted by 26 nurses when carrying out manual handling operations on Care of the Elderly wards. The percentage of harmful postures adopted during patient handling tasks was significantly higher than during non-patient handling. Patient handling is a contributory factor in the high recorded incidence of musculoskeletal dysfunction in the nursing profession. There is a need for a change in attitude within the profession to reduce the manual handling burden. (68384)
CIS 97-302 An exploratory study of the relationship between biomechanical factors and right-arm musculoskeletal discomfort and fatigue in a VDT data-entry task. Pan C.S., Schleifer L.M., Applied Ergonomics, June 1996, Vol.27, No.3, p.195-200. 25 ref. (In English) Internet: In a study of 43 VDT workers entering data with their right hand, peak key force and keystroke rate and self-ratings of right arm discomfort and fatigue were monitored. In general, lower key forces and lower keystroke rates were associated with higher ratings of right arm musculoskeletal discomfort, and lower keystroke rates were associated with higher ratings of fatigue. Results appear to be contrary to conventional biomechanical models that postulate a positive association between key force, keystroke rate and musculoskeletal discomfort. Further research is required to clarify the relationship. (68387)
CIS 97-303 Subjective fatigue symptoms among computer systems operators in Poland. Kamieńska-Żyła M., Prync-Skotniczny K., Applied Ergonomics, June 1996, Vol.27, No.3, p.217-220. 2 ref. (In English) Internet: A questionnaire survey of over 600 computer systems operators in Poland investigated 26 symptoms of subjective mental fatigue and musculoskeletal strain. Greatest discomfort among both men and women was in relation to eye strain, backache and headache. All symptoms, except visual fatigue, were more strongly experienced by women than by men, and younger workers complained more of all symptoms than did older ones. More attention should be paid to the ergonomic design of computer workstations. (68390)
CIS 97-304 Night work and eating habits in a cohort of nurses from 1980 to 1990. (French: Travail de nuit et alimentation dans une cohorte d'infirmières de 1980 à 1990) Niedhammer I., Lert F., Marne M.J., Archives des maladies professionnelles et de médecine du travail, May 1996, Vol.57, No.3, p.176-187. Illus. 27 ref. (In French) Internet: The association between night work and eating habits was studied in a sample of 469 French nurses, who were followed-up and interviewed in 1980, 1985 and 1990. Eating habits (total food intake, composition of meals, time and frequency of meal taking) were more affected by night shift. Coffee and tobacco consumption was not associated with night work. As irregular eating habits could be associated with digestive disorders, these results confirm the importance of prevention and information in developing proper nutritional hygiene among shiftworkers. (68503)
CIS 97-305 Manual handling activities and risk of low back pain in nurses. Smedley J., Egger P., Cooper C., Coggon D., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Mar. 1995, Vol.52, No.3, p.160-163. 22 ref. (In English) Internet: Cross-sectional study of 2405 nurses employed by a group of teaching hospitals. Self-administered questionnaires were used to collect information about occupational activities, non-occupational risk factors for back symptoms, and history of low back pain. The study confirms that low back pain is highly prevalent among nurses and is associated with a high level of sickness absence. People who often reported non-musculoskeletal symptoms were significantly more likely to report low back pain. Specific manual handling tasks were associated with an increased risk of back pain. However, no such association was found with mechanized patient transfers. (68531)
CIS 97-306 Strategies for prevention of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Kolare S., Applied Ergonomics, Feb. 1993, Vol.24, No.1, p.64-67. (In English) Internet: The text of a paper agreed at the first International Conference on the Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders, held in Sweden in 1992, is presented. The occurrence and causes of these disorders are outlined and strategies for their prevention are suggested in relation to: the role of international organizations and the creation of international standards and guidelines; activities at the national and workplace levels (economic benefits and incentives, information and training, ergonomically designed equipment and work systems, surveillance and health care, legislation); and research. (68235)
CIS 97-307 Electromyographic and subjective evaluation of hand tools: The example of masons' trowels. Strasser H., Wang B., Hoffmann A., International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, 1996, Vol.18, p.91-106. Illus. 23 ref. (In English) Internet: This case study evaluates an ergonomically designed handle of a mason's trowel in comparison with two standard types. Job-specific working elements were performed by 10 subjects in a laboratory. Electromyographic activity (EA) of selected arm muscles was registered continuously and summed up during all of the test sessions. The ergonomic quality of the handles was rated by means of a questionnaire both before and after the work sessions. The ergonomically designed handle should provide specific relief for muscular strain. Significantly lower EA values were measured during most of the test phases with the new handle. However, subjective rating data after the working sessions differed clearly among the 3 handles, corresponding well to the pretest assessment. (68274)
CIS 97-308 Continuous feedback to promote self-management of rest breaks during computer use. Henning R.A., Callaghan E.A., Ortega A.M., Kissel G.V., Guttman J.I., Braun H.A., International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, 1996, Vol.18, p.71-82. Illus. 22 ref. (In English) Internet: This report on experiments was designed to investigate worker self-management of discretionary rest breaks during intensive computer work, with a view to reduce musculoskeletal discomfort and the risk of repetitive strain injury. Typists received scheduled breaks unless their discretionary breaks reached a target level of 30sec every 10min. Typists in treatment conditions received continuous feedback, indicating how their discretionary breaks compared with target levels. Those in the feedback conditions controlled discretionary breaks better than controls. They also reported less task disruption and back discomfort. (68275)
CIS 97-309 Industrial workstation design: A systematic ergonomics approach. Das B., Sengupta A.K., Applied Ergonomics, June 1996, Vol.27, No.3, p.157-163. Illus. 21 ref. (In English) Internet: Ergonomics guidelines for the design of an industrial workstation are presented. The approach is based on matching the anthropometry of the user population with the various components of the workstation. The essential workstation dimensions are determined in relation to working posture, work height, normal and maximum reach distances, lateral clearance, and angle of vision and eye height. The importance of building a mock-up of the designed workstation and its evaluation with representative subjects is emphasized. The procedure is illustrated using a supermarket checkout counter as an example. (68383)
CIS 97-310 PATH: A work sampling-based approach to ergonomic job analysis for construction and other non-repetitive work. Buchholz B., Paquet V., Punnett L., Lee D., Moir S., Applied Ergonomics, June 1996, Vol.27, No.3, p.177-187. Illus. 18 ref. (In English) Internet: The PATH (Posture, Activity, Tools and Handling) procedure was developed to characterize the ergonomic hazards of construction and other non-repetitive work. Posture codes were based on the Ovako Working Posture Analysis System (OWAS), with other codes included for describing worker activity, tool use, loads handled and grasp type. A pilot study of six construction labourers revealed that they spent large proportions of their time in non-neutral trunk postures, and approximately 20% of their time performing manual material handling tasks. The method may be used to identify ergonomically hazardous construction tasks. (68385)
CIS 97-311 Chronic venous insufficiency in French workers: A multicentric survey. (French: L'insuffisance veineuse chronique des membres inférieurs en entreprise: enquête réalisée auprès de trois populations de salariés français) Sobaszek A., Dômont A., Frimat P., Dreyfus J.P., Mirabaud C., Catilina P., Archives des maladies professionnelles et de médecine du travail, May 1996, Vol.57, No.3, p.157-167. 6 ref. (In French) Internet: Chronic venous insufficiency of the lower limbs affects about one French person out of three. Despite this, few studies has tried to determine its frequency at work or to appraise the influence of work conditions on this pathology. A survey was conducted through 1,974 questionnaires. A venous insufficiency has been found in 40% of respondents (83% women). The average age of the concerned subjects is 40 years. Work, mainly stooping, shows a significant link with venous insufficiency in women. Among men, more frequently subject to a standing position, a significant link with venous insufficiency was found. Women working in a humid atmosphere seem to be more at risk to develop venous insufficiency. (68501)
CIS 97-312 Explant culture, immunofluorescence and electron-microscopic study of flexor retinaculum in carpal tunnel syndrome. Allampallam K., Chakraborty J., Bose K.K., Robinson J., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Mar. 1996, Vol.38, No.3, p.264-271. Illus. 20 ref. (In English) Internet: An approach to the study of the cellular pathogenesis of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is presented based on the culture of flexor retinaculum (FR) cells from subjects with and without CTS. Characterization of the cultured cells revealed contractile properties and a faster growth rate within the CTS cells compared to the controls. It is possible that the presence of these contractile cells is responsible for increasing the contractility of the FR, leading to a decrease in the volume of the carpal tunnel, thus exerting pressure on the median nerve and triggering CTS. (68254)
CIS 97-313 Aetiology of work-related carpal tunnel syndrome: The role of lumbrical muscles and tool size on carpal tunnel pressures. Cobb T.K., Cooney W.P., An K.N., Ergonomics, Jan. 1996, Vol.39, No.1, p.103-107. Illus. 6 ref. (In English) Internet: Five cadaveric upper extremities were mounted on an apparatus. Active grip was simulated by loading each of the eight finger flexor tendons with 1kg each. Carpal tunnel pressures were measured with and without 1in and 2in tubing in the hand and before and after removing the lumbrical muscles. Both tool size and lumbrical muscles had a significant effect on carpal tunnel pressure. Higher, but non-significant, pressure changes occurred for the 2in tubing. Modification in tool handle design may be beneficial in controlling carpal tunnel syndrome in the workplace. (68261)
CIS 97-314 Comparison of the respiratory and hemodynamic responses of healthy subjects to exercise in three different protocols. Bogaard H.J., Woltjer H.H., van Keimpema A.R.J., Serra R.A., Postmus P.E., de Vries P.M.J.M., Occupational Medicine, Aug. 1996, Vol.46, No.4, p.293-298. Illus. 32 ref. (In English) Internet: Fifteen subjects underwent exercise tests using three different protocols: an increase of 30W every three minutes; an increase of 10W every minute; and a continuous load increase of 10W/min. Respiratory and haemodynamic measurements were made at submaximal and peak exercise. The only differences that were noted among the three protocols concerned the submaximal values of oxygen uptake and carbon dioxide output. For the evaluation of submaximal exercise using gas-exchange data, the protocol that is used must be taken into account. (68328)
CIS 97-315 A comparison of cardiovascular risk as measured by compound blood lipid indices and two indices including lifestyle factors in occupational health service. Berg J.E., Occupational Medicine, Aug. 1996, Vol.46, No.4, p.299-303. 34 ref. (In English) Internet: Cardiovascular risk was measured for 252 employees in a non-manufacturing firm using total cholesterol levels, a compound index of blood lipid components (the atherogenic index), and two other compound indices which included information on smoking habits and blood pressure. Results showed that a compound blood lipid index of cardiovascular risk, which may be drawn easily in an occupational health setting in an unfasting state and sent by post to a laboratory, mimics the allocation of persons to an increased risk group using combined indices. The use of the compound index together with advice to stop smoking is suggested as a time-saving strategy. (68329)
CIS 97-316 Does a back support have a positive biomechanical effect?. Magnusson M., Pope M.H., Hansson T., Applied Ergonomics, June 1996, Vol.27, No.3, p.201-205. Illus. 38 ref. (In English) Internet: In a study of the biomechanical effects of back supports, 12 subjects performed a simulated lifting task according to NIOSH guidelines. The back support reduced the electromyographic signal in the dorsal muscles and also reduced the height loss as measured by a stadiometer. In most subjects, the support also gave a subjective impression of increased support and increased lifting capacity. (68388)
CIS 97-317 Load carriage using packs: A review of physiological, biomechanical and medical aspects. Knapik J., Harman E., Reynolds K., Applied Ergonomics, June 1996, Vol.27, No.3, p.207-216. 117 ref. (In English) Internet: Topics discussed in this literature review include: energy cost of load carriage; benefits of physical training; muscle activity; effects of fatigue; and medical problems (foot blisters, foot overuse injury, stress fractures, low back injuries). It concludes that there are several approaches for facilitating load carriage: reducing total loads, modifying equipment, improving load distribution, and specific techniques aimed at injury prevention. Appropriate changes can lead to lower energy costs, reduced injuries and improved performance. (68389)
CIS 97-318 Can the computerized physical examination differentiate normal subjects from abnormal subjects with benign mechanical low back pain?. Newman N., Gracovetsky S., Itoi M., Zucherman J., Richards M., Durand P., Xeller C., Carr D., Clinical Biomechanics, Dec. 1996, Vol.11, No.8, p.466-473. Illus. 18 ref. (In English) Internet: A computerized physical examination device was used to evaluate low back pain patients. Surface electromyography electrodes placed on the skin over the lumbar spine collected kinematic data on the activity of the multifidus muscle. The collected parameters on the lumbar column motility were first determined using forty normal subjects and then compared with twenty abnormal subjects and validated through the data of twenty-nine sprain and forty-two discogram positive patients. Each subject was tested without any clinician's input and afterwards compared with the clinician's evaluation. The accuracy and consistency in the detection of abnormal subjects, provided quantitative information on worker's functional capacity and allows the comparison of different treatments and outcome evaluations. (68395)
CIS 97-319 Grip strength as a measure of sincerity of effort in occupational rehabilitation. Fairfax A.H., Balnave R., Adams R., Journal of Occupational Health and Safety - Australia and New Zealand, Oct. 1996, Vol.12, No.5, p.547-556. 17 ref. (In English) Internet: Results of 42 grip strength tests carried out during a five-year period at an occupational rehabilitation facility were analyzed. When grip strength curves were plotted, many abnormal shapes were obtained which fulfilled published criteria for submaximal effort. When maximum grip strength values were matched with grip strength norms, rehabilitation subjects (both with and without upper limb injury) were considerably weaker than expected. Deliberately submaximal performance given by some subjects could not be ruled out. Underlying causes of submaximal performance should be identified and rectified to obtain genuine maximal performance indicators. (68405)
CIS 97-320 Locomotion while load-carrying in reduced gravities. Wickman L.A., Luna B., Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine, Oct. 1996, Vol.67, No.10, Section 1, p.940-946. Illus. 9 ref. (In English) Internet: Six subjects ran or walked underwater on a treadmill in simulated reduced-gravity levels while carrying a range of loads. Energy expenditure, calculated from measured oxygen consumption, was positively correlated with gravity-level, speed of movement and load size. The data are used to project that individuals in average physical condition will be able to walk for 8h on the moon while carrying up to 170% of their bodymass without undue fatigue, and on Mars with up to 50% of their body mass. Implications for the design of portable life support systems are discussed. (68407)
CIS 97-321 Physiological, psychophysical, and psychological responses of firefighters to firefighting training drills. Smith D.L., Petruzzello S.J., Kramer J.M., Misner J.E., Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine, Nov. 1996, Vol.67, No.11, p.1063-1068. 22 ref. (In English) Internet: Fifteen firefighters wearing full firefighting gear performed two firefighting tasks (advancing fire hose, chopping wood) inside a training structure containing live fires. Measurements of heart rate, temperature and blood lactate and perceptions of psychophysical and psychological variables suggest that the tasks used in this study impose considerable physiological, psychophysical and psychological strain. The combination of physical exertion in full protective gear and at high thermal heat loads led to near maximal heart rate and elevated temperatures after only 16min of activity. Verbal responses appeared to underestimate the physiological stress of the body. (68408)
CIS 97-322 The pulse - An old indicator of physical strain that uses modern measurement techniques. (French: La fréquence cardiaque, un indice d'astreinte physique ancien servi par une métrologie moderne) Meyer J.P., Documents pour le médecin du travail, 4th Quarter 1996, No.68, p.315-322. Illus. 19 ref. (In French) Internet: The usefulness of heart rate monitors in occupational medicine is evaluated. Part I provides a survey of existing monitors, and it makes some recommendations for their use in obtaining data and for the interpretation of such data. Part II contains sample heart rate recordings, and it discusses the difficulties of obtaining reliable heart rate data during work. Part III deals with the interpretation of data, the limitations of such monitors and their usefulness in reducing the physical load on workers. (68474)
CIS 97-323 Prevention of work-related musculoskeletal diseases. (German: Prävention arbeitsbedingter Muskel-Skelett-Erkrankungen) Bundesanstalt für Arbeitsmedizin, Wirtschaftsverlag NW, Postfach 10 11 10, 27511 Bremerhaven, Germany, 1996. 128p. Illus., ISBN 3-89429-210-5 (In German) Internet: At the symposium on musculoskeletal diseases caused or enhanced by work, which took place on 10 June 1995 at the Federal Institute for Occupational Medicine in Berlin, Germany, 10 papers were presented. Subjects covered: extent of musculoskeletal diseases at workplaces in Germany; results of epidemiological studies conducted in companies and offices and of experimental studies on the effects of vibrations or combined physical and mental work on musculoskeletal diseases; survey of plant health programmes in Germany; survey of plant health programmes initiated in other countries such as Finland and Norway to reduce musculoskeletal diseases at the workplace; instruments for the promotion of plant health programmes such as training to assume ergonomic work postures and physical fitness programmes; experiences with physical fitness and training programmes; use of lifting equipment by nursing personnel. (68518)
CIS 97-324 Studies by industrial physicians conducted in connection with diseases of the musculoskeletal system. Results and experiences gained in a pilot study with the goal of developing a model for a plant health programme. (German: Untersuchungen zu Erkrankungen des Stütz- und Bewegunhgssystems in der betriebsärztlichen Praxis. Ergebnisse und Erfahrungen einer Pilotstudie mit dem Ziel der Entwicklung betrieblicher Präventionsmodelle) Caffier G., Steinberg U., Kössler F., Bundesanstalt für Arbeitsmedizin, Wirtschaftsverlag NW, Postfach 10 11 10, 27511 Bremerhaven, Germany, 1996. 105p. Illus. 35 ref., ISBN 3-89429-166-4 (In German) Internet: In an electrical equipment manufacturing plant, 70 women participated in a study of the relationship between work, musculoskeletal disease and subjectively perceived musculoskeletal problems. The women who participated in the study either performed manual work affecting mainly the neck and shoulder or office work which included work at the computer. A detailed questionnaire was answered by the participating women and they were subjected to a thorough orthopaedic examination. A close relationship was found to exist between the physical workload and the results of medical examinations. Based on this study, measures for the prevention of musculoskeletal diseases were derived. (68517)
CIS 97-325 Bodyspace - Anthropometry, ergonomics and the design of work. Pheasant S., Taylor & Francis Ltd., Rankine Road, Basingstoke, Hampshire RG24 8PR, United Kingdom, 2nd ed., 1996. xi, 244p. Illus. 340 ref. Index. Price: GBP 24.50., ISBN 0-7484-0326-4 (In English) Internet: Contents of this manual: introduction to ergonomics, anthropometry, human proportion and design; principles and practice of anthropometry; workspace design in relation to reach, clearance and posture; sitting posture and seat design; anthropometry of the hand, handle design, and biomechanics of tool design; ergonomics in the office (design of desks and chairs, visual demands of screen-based work, keyboard use); ergonomics in the home; health and safety at work (human factors in industrial safety, ergonomic injuries, back injuries, lifting and handling, upper limb disorders); anthropometry characteristics of different populations; tables of anthropometry data. (68401)
CIS 97-326 Overuse syndrome and the overuse concept. Fry H.J.H., National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Australian National University, GPO Box 4, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia, Jan. 1993. vi, 38p. Bibl.ref., ISBN 0-7315-1507-2 (In English) Internet: This working paper summarizes the historical, clinical and histological evidence for muscle pathology in relation to overuse syndrome and discusses the concept of self injury (muscle damage caused by its own contractions). Other topics addressed include psychogenesis, malingering, hysteria, spinal nerve roots, central nervous system dysfunction, and response to rest treatment. The document includes 12 commentaries on the paper which provide supporting information and examine potential weaknesses, which are in turn responded to by the author. (68237)
CIS 97-327 Ergonomic principles related to mental workload - Part 2: Design principles. (French: Principes ergonomiques relatifs à la charge de travail mental - Partie 2: Principes de conception) International Organization for Standardization, Case postale 56, 1211 Genève 20, Switzerland, 1996. iv, 11p. (In English, French) Internet: Part 2 of this international standard provides guidance on the design principles of work systems, including task and equipment design and design of the workplace, as well as working conditions, emphasizing mental workload and its effects as specified in ISO 10075. This part of the standard does not address problems of measurement of mental workload or of its effects. Contents: scope; normative references; definitions; design principles: general principles, guidelines concerning fatigue, monotony, reduced vigilance, satiation; information and training. Annex: examples of design solutions (informative). (68510)
CIS 97-328 Occasional smoking in a Minnesota working population. Hennrikus D.J., Jeffery R.W., Lando H.A., American Journal of Public Health, Sep. 1996, Vol.86, No.9, p.1260-1266. 15 ref. (In English) Internet: In a population of working adults the prevalence of occasional smoking was examined together with long-term smoking patterns of occasional smokers. Occasional smokers constituted 18.3% of all smokers in the baseline sample and 21.5% of all smokers in the cross-sectional sample surveyed 2 years later. Job monotony or repetitiveness were related to an increase in daily smoking at follow-up, while a change to more restrictive workplace smoking policies was associated with quitting. The results also confirm that a substantial proportion of smokers are low-rate users. (68419)
CIS 97-329 Battle on the buses. McCamley B., Health and Safety, May 1996, p.4-8. Illus. 2 ref. (In English) Internet: Increasing numbers of violent attacks on bus drivers in Dublin, Ireland, over the past decade have led to the development of an assaults intervention programme which provides treatment and counselling for post-traumatic stress disorder. Results of an independent stress study undertaken to assess the impact of the working environment on the health of bus drivers revealed that violence, shift work and running time were all considered to be sources of stress. Trade union suggestions for programmes to protect the health and safety of these workers are put forward. (68321)
CIS 97-330 Emergency decision making in the offshore oil and gas industry. Flin R., Slaven G., Stewart K., Human Factors, June 1996, Vol.38, No.2, p.262-277. 46 ref. (In English) Internet: The findings of a study of emergency decision making on offshore installations are discussed. The study included an examination of procedures for the selection, training and competence assessment of offshore installation managers (OIMs), and interviews with OIMs who had managed an offshore emergency. The characteristics of decision making that the on-scene commander requires in an offshore crisis are discussed in terms of recent developments in theories of naturalistic decision making, with particular reference to recognition-primed decision making. (68262)
CIS 97-331 The Fort McMurray demonstration project in social marketing: Health- and safety-related behaviour among oil sands workers. Guidotti T.L., Watson L., Wheeler M., Jhangri G.S., Occupational Medicine, Aug. 1996, Vol.46, No.4, p.265-274. 6 ref. (In English) Internet: In a survey of 150 oil sands workers in Fort McMurray, Canada, the workers reported much stronger attitudes toward safety and risk-taking behaviour than did community residents in general, including strong advocacy of vigorous enforcement of occupational health and safety standards. However, they showed a variability in behaviour at home similar to that seen in the general population, generally reporting less consistent use of personal protection at home than at work. The potential may exist to transfer the technology and attitudes from workplace health and safety to community safety, possibly by involving these workers directly in community initiatives. (68323)
CIS 97-332 Violence in the nursing profession: Occupational and lifestyle risk factors in Swedish nurses. Arnetz J.E., Arnetz B.B., Petterson I.L., Work and Stress, Apr.-June 1996, Vol.10, No.2, p.119-127. 25 ref. (In English) Internet: In a national study of more than 2600 Swedish nurses, 30% reported having experienced violence at work. Occupational factors with significant correlations to workplace violence were nursing discipline (type of ward or facility), years of work experience, supervisory responsibilities, night work, work dissatisfaction, work-related musculoskeletal injury, and frequency of patient handling. Demographic/lifestyle factors related to violence were age, sex, smoking, coffee consumption at work, and use of alcohol to relax after work. An increased risk was observed in psychiatric and geriatric wards. Results form the basis of a pilot intervention study. (68346)
CIS 97-333 Postal service tries to reverse violent image through employee assistance and team approach. Voelker R., Journal of the American Medical Association, 12 June 1996, Vol.275, No.22, p.1710-1711. (In English) Internet: The problem of violence among U.S. postal workers is discussed and the development of an employee assistance programme is described. The programme includes the establishment of incident response and assessment teams in each postal district and an alcohol recovery programme. Work climates are assessed for potentially dangerous situations and counselling is offered to employees. Preventive measures include establishing a policy for dealing with harassment, threats and violence, and providing nonpunitive access to medical and mental health resources. (68370)
CIS 97-334 Tobacco, caffeine, alcohol and carpal tunnel syndrome in American industry - A cross-sectional study of 1464 workers. Nathan P.A., Keniston R.C., Lockwood R.S., Meadows K.D., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Mar. 1996, Vol.38, No.3, p.290-298. 23 ref. (In English) Internet: The effects of legal drug use on the prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) were studied in 656 nonclaimant workers and 808 working patients with upper extremity symptoms. Greater use of tobacco combined with greater consumption of caffeinated beverages and alcohol abuse was associated with more median nerve slowing, more specific hand/wrist symptoms, and more definite CTS as confirmed by nerve conduction studies. Greater use of alcohol was associated with a reduced prevalence of symptoms. While legal drugs affect the health of the median nerve and the prevalence of CTS, their effects explain only a small portion of the total risk. (68257)
CIS 97-335 Employee stress and health complaints in jobs with and without electronic performance monitoring. Smith M.J., Carayon P., Sanders K.J., Lim S.Y., LeGrande D., Applied Ergonomics, Feb. 1992, Vol.23, No.1, p.17-27. 25 ref. (In English) Internet: A questionnaire survey of 745 employees in U.S. telecommunications companies examined job stress among directory-assistance operators, service representatives and clerks. Employees who had their performance electronically monitored perceived their working conditions as more stressful, and reported higher levels of job boredom, psychological tension, anxiety, depression, anger, health complaints and fatigue. Because of the low response rate (25%), results should be interpreted with caution. (68236)
CIS 97-336 Overview on drug and alcohol testing in the workplace. Hanson M., Bulletin on Narcotics, 1993, Vol.45, No.2, p.3-44. 163 ref. (In English) Internet: This literature review examines the nature and extent of alcohol and drug use in the US workplace, as well as related problems, strategies for managing alcohol- and drug-related difficulties, and arguments for and against drug and alcohol testing. To date, the supportive evidence for the usefulness of drug and alcohol testing is inconclusive, although testing programmes are useful in identifying drug users. Their deterrent value is uncertain, however, and they are not efficient tools for linking drug users to assistance programmes. Enterprises considering the introduction of drug and alcohol testing programmes should ask themselves the following questions: (1) Is substance abuse a problem for them? (2) Will testing respond to the problem? (3) Will testing be cost-effective? (4) Are there any ethical and legal issues involved? (68276)
CIS 97-337 Drug and alcohol testing in the workplace: Moral, ethical and legal issues. Raskin C., Bulletin on Narcotics, 1993, Vol.45, No.2, p.45-81. 84 ref. (In English) Internet: This article discusses the arguments advanced by the proponents and opponents of drug and alcohol testing in the workplace, considering moral, ethical and legal issues. It is emphasized that perhaps the most important issue is that testing might lead to discrimination against disabled persons, persons with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), minorities and pregnant women. The overview of national perspectives demonstrates that, while the issues are the same, no single country has a universally applicable approach to drug and alcohol testing. Testing methodologies, specific safeguards concerning privacy and workplace medical examination have developed along unique national lines. The specific legal situation in five countries (Canada, France, Netherlands, U.K. and USA) is discussed in detail. (68277)
CIS 97-338 Types of drug-testing programmes in the workplace. Mørland J., Bulletin on Narcotics, 1993, Vol.45, No.2, p.83-113. 47 ref. (In English) Internet: Different types of testing are examined in this review. Pre-employment testing is a popular type of screening, but a number of other programmes exist: probable cause, post-accident, reasonable suspicion, post-treatment, random and voluntary testing programmes. Implications and consequences of testing are discussed together with ways in which testing can be integrated into broad programmes. Concerning infrastructure, the suitability of testing premises within the workplace and the medical skills of the operators are emphasized as well as the costs. Testing programmes can also be divided into health and control testing. In a health programme the physician should act as the company's medical advisor. In a control programme the employer initiates the testing and obtains the interpreted results. (68278)
CIS 97-339 Drug-testing methods and clinical interpretations of test results. Kapur B.M., Bulletin on Narcotics, 1993, Vol.45, No.2, p.115-154. 47 ref. (In English) Internet: Technical aspects of drug testing methods in the workplace and interpretation of test results are described with procedure instructions. The most sophisticated drug-testing approach is gas chromatography, coupled with mass spectrometry (GC/MS); it is used in confirmatory testing. Typically it is preceded by a rapid immunoassay method, to eliminate the majority of the "negative" samples. A "positive" drug finding can have a serious impact on the livelihood of an individual, therefore persons conducting such tests should adhere to the strictest laboratory performance standards. The most common types of testing are described by means of assay of blood, urine and hair specimens. Breath analysis is also employed for alcohol testing. (68279)
CIS 97-340 Current practice and experience in drug and alcohol testing in the workplace. Zwerling C., Bulletin on Narcotics, 1993, Vol.45, No.2, p.155-196. Illus. 67 ref. (In English) Internet: This review focuses primarily on the US experience in drug and alcohol testing in the workplace. The association between drugs and alcohol on one hand and occupational injuries and other adverse employment outcomes on the other is discussed in detail. Cost-benefit issues are discussed. Caution should be exercised in transposing results from one setting to another. Relatively little is known on whether drug testing in the workforce is effective in reducing drug usage. (68280)
CIS 97-341 Bully for you. Health and Safety, May 1996, p.9-10. (In English) Internet: It is estimated that up to 4% of workers in Ireland may suffer from a form of persistent bullying to a degree likely to cause fear, anxiety, stress or depression. Physical and non-physical forms of bullying are described and psychological effects are outlined. Employers' responsibilities include development of a policy and action plan, and providing appropriate training to alert staff to the problem. (68322)
CIS 97-342 Work-related violence - Is national reporting enough?. Beale D., Cox T., Leather P., Work and Stress, Apr.-June 1996, Vol.10, No.2, p.99-103. 15 ref. (In English) Internet: Criteria for reporting violent incidents in Great Britain under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 (see CIS 95-1930) are discussed. The main criticism is that the reporting of violent incidents is still entirely dependent on the physical outcome of the incident and not on its nature. It is recommended that employers should establish their own internal systems for reporting and recording a wider range of violent and potentially violent incidents for the purposes of risk assessment and risk management. (68344)
CIS 97-343 Moderating effects of social support in shiftworking and non-shiftworking nurses. Schmieder R.A., Smith c.S., Work and Stress, Apr.-June 1996, Vol.10, No.2, p.128-140. 50 ref. (In English) Internet: Effects of various sources of social support (supervisors, co-workers, spouse, friends and relatives) on personal health and job-related attitudes were examined in 213 nurses at two U.S. hospitals. Measures included role ambiguity (as an indication of job strain), global job satisfaction, intent to quit, and perceived health problems. Results highlighted the importance of social support provided by supervisors in buffering (moderating) work stress, particularly among shift workers. Consideration should be given to the promotion of social support in the workplace. (68347)
CIS 97-344 A re-analysis of the Occupational Stress Indicator. Davis A.J., Work and Stress, Apr.-June 1996, Vol.10, No.2, p.174-182. 34 ref. (In English) Internet: The Occupational Stress Indicator (OSI), a set of seven self-report questionnaires, was issued to a sample of university staff. Data from the 336 respondents were used to reassess the apparently low reliabilities of many of the OSI scales previously reported. While the reliabilities were higher than those obtained originally, they were still unacceptably low. The strengths and weaknesses of this device are discussed and suggestions for future refinements are put forward. (68349)
CIS 97-345 Inside stress claims - The Victorian experience. McDowall E., Australian Safety News, Sep. 1996, Vol.67, No.8, p.26-31. (In English) Internet: Workers' compensation claims for stress-related illness in Victoria, Australia have increased in recent years. Stress claims accounted for 4.9% of total claims in 1995-96, and were, on average, more costly than most other claims. Most stress claims in Victoria occur in the community services sector, particularly in education, hospitals, and the police and prison services. The nature and causes of occupational stress are discussed, current legislation is outlined, and suggestions for stress management initiatives are put forward. (68368)
CIS 97-346 Psychosocial work environment and sickness absence among British civil servants: The Whitehall II Study. North F.M., Syme S.L., Feeney A., Shipley M., Marmot M., American Journal of Public Health, Mar. 1996, Vol. 86, No.3, p.332-340. 54 ref. (In English) Internet: This study sought to examine the association between the psychosocial work environment and subsequent rates of sickness absence. The analyses were based on a cohort of male and female British civil servants (n = 9072). Rates of short spells (less than or equal to 7 days) and long spells (> 7 days) of sickness absence were calculated for different aspects of the psychosocial work environment, as measured by self-reports and personnel managers' ratings (external assessments). Low levels of work demand, control and support were associated with higher rates of short and long spells of absence in men and, to a lesser extent, in women. After adjustment for grade, the combination of high demands and low control was only associated with higher rates of short spells in the lower grades. In conclusions, the psychosocial work environment may predict rates of sickness absence. Increased levels of control and support at work could have beneficial effects in terms of both improving the health and well-being of employees and increasing productivity. (68374)
CIS 97-347 Long-term psychosocial work environment and cardiovascular mortality among Swedish men. Johnson J.V., Stewart W., Hall E.M., Fredlund P., Theorell T., American Journal of Public Health, Mar. 1996, Vol.86, No.3, p.324-331. 66 ref. (In English) Internet: This study examined the effect of cumulative exposure to work organization (psychological demands, work control and social support) on prospectively measured cardiovascular disease mortality risk. A sample of 22,517 Swedish males was followed over a 14-year follow-up period and 521 deaths from cardiovascular disease were identified. A nested case-control design was used. Work environment exposure scores were assigned to cases and controls by linking lifetime job histories with a job exposure matrix. In the final multi-variable analysis, workers with low work control had a relative risk of 1.83 for cardiovascular mortality. Workers with combined exposure to low control and low support had a relative risk of 2.62 . The conclusions were that long-term exposure to low work control is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease mortality. (68378)
CIS 97-348 Towards a transactional perspective on stress at work: Methodological evaluation choices. (French: Vers une perspective transactionnelle du stress au travail: pistes d'évaluations méthodologiques) De Keyser V., Hansez I., Cahiers de médecine du travail - Cahiers voor arbeidsgeneeskunde, 1996, Vol.33, No.3, p.133-144. Illus. 33 ref. (In French) Internet: This article explores methodological evaluation pathways for studying stress at work. The approach is based on a definition of stress that depends on the control of the situation and that adopts a transactional concept of psychological stress at work, one that puts the emphasis on the importance of personal evaluation of the situation and on the processes of coping. It surveys the indicators used by work stress researchers and the limitations of these indicators. Principal methodological problems discussed: difficulties in establishing causal relationships; the issues discriminating and convergent validity; demonstrating the effects of chronicity; reliability of measures. Examples drawn from a hospital environment illustrate the discussion. (68483)
CIS 97-349 Preventing stress at work. (Spanish: La prevención del estrés en el trabajo) Instituto Nacional de Seguridad e Higiene en el Trabajo, Condiciones de trabajo, 1996, No.8, 402p. Bibl.ref., ISBN 84-7425-443-4 (In Spanish) Internet: Spanish translation of the issue of the ILO Conditions of Work Digest devoted to occupational stress. For a complete review, see CIS 93-1748. (68570)
CIS 97-350 Job satisfaction of personnel in charge of the care of the mentally retarded. (German: Arbeitszufriedenheit bei Betreuern geistig behinderter Menschen) Fabian A.S., Profil Verlag GmbH, München, Germany, 1996. 179p. Illus. 142 ref. Price: DEM 42.00., ISBN 3-89019-384-6 (In German) Internet: A questionnaire survey of 126 men and 225 women working in small and large institutions for the mentally retarded was conducted in 1992 to 1993 in Germany. The purpose of the survey was to compare job satisfaction and stress of nursing personnel in small community-integrated institutions for the mentally retarded with that in large isolated institutions. Independent of the size and type of institution, the degree of training and continued education of the nursing personnel turned out to be the most important factor influencing job satisfaction and subjectively perceived stress. (68524)
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