CIS 99-1401 Occupational Health and Safety Amendment Act 1997 [Australia - New South Wales]. Statutes of New South Wales, 1997, Vol.1, 16p. (In English)

Internet:

Act modifying the Occupational Health and Safety Act No.20 of 1983 (CIS 90-1407) and repealing the Factories, Shops and Industries Act 1962 (CIS 90-1406). Topics: Australia; law; New South Wales; occupational safety and health; plant safety and health organization; responsibilities of employers. (73721)

CIS 99-1402 Commission Regulation (EC) No.1571/98 of 20 July 1998 implementing Council Regulation (EC) No.577/98 on the organisation of a labour force sample survey in the Community [European Communities]. (French: Règlement (CE) n°1571/98 de la Commission du 20 juillet 1998 sur les modalités d'application du Règlement (CE) n°577/98 du Conseil relatif à l'organisation d'une enquête par sondage sur les forces de travail dans la Communauté [Communautés européennes]) Journal officiel des Communautés européennes - Official Journal of the European Communities, 22 July 1998, Vol.41, No.L 205, p.40-65. (In English, French)

Internet:

Topics: compilation of statistics; conditions of work; directive; European Communities; occupational accidents; occupational diseases; vocational training. (73722)

CIS 99-1403 Factories Ordinance - Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations, 1996 [Gibraltar]. Gibraltar Gazette, 25 Jan. 1996, No.2894, p.152-168. (In English)

Internet:

Topics: emergency organization; Gibraltar; hazard evaluation; information of personnel; law; medical supervision; penalties; plant safety and health organization; prohibited work; responsibilities of employees; responsibilities of employers; role of labour inspection; role of management; safety officers; safety training in industry; subcontractors; temporary workers; workers participation. (73732)

CIS 99-1404 Factories Ordinance - Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996 [Gibraltar]. Gibraltar Gazette, 16 May 1996, No.2914, p.395-418. Illus. (In English)

Internet:

These Regulations introduce into national legislation the provisions of Directive 92/58/EEC on the minimum requirements for the provision of safety and/or health signs at work (CIS 93-1752). Topics: acoustic signalling; danger symbols; Gibraltar; hand signalling; hazard identification; information of personnel; law; optical signalling; safety colours; signalling and communications; warning notices. (73737)

CIS 99-1405 Factories Ordinance - Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1996 [Gibraltar]. Gibraltar Gazette, 29 Feb. 1996, No.2901, p.262-278. (In English)

Internet:

These Regulations transpose into national legislation the provisions of Directive 89/654/EEC concerning the minimum safety and health requirements for the workplace (CIS 90-356). Topics: conditions of work; electrical safety; escape routes; fire protection; Gibraltar; housekeeping; indoor communication ways; law; lighting; locker rooms; plant safety and health organization; preventive maintenance; protection against falling objects; responsibilities of employers; sanitary facilities; thermal environment; ventilation; welfare facilities; workplaces. (73738)

CIS 99-1406 Decree No.14 of 7 August 1998 on plant occupational health services [Bulgaria]. Dăržaven vestnik, 14 Aug. 1998, No.95, p.9-15. (In Bulgarian)

Internet:

Topics: Bulgaria; industrial physicians; law; medical examinations; occupational medicine; plant health services. (73724)

CIS 99-1407 Factories Ordinance - Factories (Boreholes (Offshore Installations) Health and Safety) Regulations 1997 [Gibraltar]. Gibraltar Gazette, 12 June 1997, No.2980, p.351-374. (In English)

Internet:

These Regulations transpose into the law of Gibraltar Council Directive 92/91/EEC concerning minimum requirements for improving the safety and health protection of workers in the mineral-extracting industries through drilling (CIS 93-23). Topics: alarm systems; emergency organization; escape and exit; escape means; explosion prevention; fire prevention; Gibraltar; hazard evaluation; law; major hazards; medical supervision; offshore oil extraction; safety and health organization; supply of personal protective equipment. (73700)

CIS 99-1408 Royal Decree 1932/1998 of 11 Sep. 1998 applying Chapters III and V of Act 31/1995 of 8 Nov. 1995 on the control of occupational hazards to military centres and establishments [Spain]. (Spanish: Real Decreto 1932/1998, de 11 de septiembre, de adaptación de los capítulos III y V de la Ley 31/1995, de 8 de noviembre, de prevención de riesgos laborales, al ámbito de los centros y establecimientos militares [España]) Boletín Oficial del Estado, 18 Sep. 1998, No.224, p.31306-31309. (In Spanish)

Internet:

For the Act of 8 November 1995 see CIS 95-1921. Topics: defence services; emergency organization; law; plant safety and health organization; responsibilities of employers; safety and health committees; Spain; workers participation. (73723)

CIS 99-1409 Commission Decision of 9 Oct. 1998 on the procedure for attesting the conformity of construction products pursuant to Article 20(2) of Council Directive 89/106/EEC as regards aggregates [European Communities]. (French: Décision de la Commission du 9 oct. 1998 relative à la procédure d'attestation de conformité des produits de construction conformément à l'art. 20, paragraphe 2, de la Directive 89/106/CEE du Conseil, en ce qui concerne les granulats [Communautés européennes]) Journal officiel des Communautés européennes - Official Journal of the European Communities, 24 Oct. 1998, Vol.41, No.L 287, p.25-29. (In English, French)

Internet:

Decision taken in application of Directive 89/106/EEC of 21 Dec. 1988 (CIS 93-3) concerning construction products. Topics: approval; bitumen; building materials; compliance tests; concrete; construction industry; directive; European Communities; mortar. (73725)

CIS 99-1410 Commission Decision of 12 Oct. 1998 on the procedure for attesting the conformity of construction products pursuant to Article 20(2) of Council Directive 89/106/EEC as regards liquid applied roof waterproofing kits [European Communities]. (French: Décision de la Commission du 12 oct. 1998 relative à la procédure d'attestation de conformité des produits de construction, conformément à l'art. 20(2), de la Dir. 89/106/CEE du Conseil, en ce qui concerne les kits d'étanchéité liquides pour toitures [Communautés européennes]) Journal officiel des Communautés européennes - Official Journal of the European Communities, 24 Oct. 1998, Vol.41, No.L 287, p.30-34. (In English, French)

Internet:

Decision taken in application of Directive 89/106/EEC of 21 Dec. 1988 (CIS 93-3) concerning construction products. Topics: approval; building materials; compliance tests; construction industry; directive; European Communities; sealants; work on roofs. (73726)

CIS 99-1411 Commission Decision of 12 Oct. 1998 on the procedure for attesting the conformity of construction products ... as regards self-supporting translucent roof kits (except glass-based kits) [European Communities]. (French: Décision de la Commission du 12 oct. 1998 relative à la procédure d'attestation de conformité des produits de construction ... en ce qui concerne les kits de toiture, translucides autoporteurs (excepté ceux à base de produits verriers) [Communautés européennes]) Journal officiel des Communautés européennes - Official Journal of the European Communities, 24 Oct. 1998, Vol.41, No.L 287, p.35-40. (In English, French)

Internet:

Decision taken in application of Article 20(2) of Council Directive 89/106/EEC of 21 Dec. 1988 (CIS 93-3) concerning construction products. Topics: approval; building materials; compliance tests; construction industry; directive; European Communities; work on roofs. (73727)

CIS 99-1412 Commission Decision of 13 Oct. 1998 on the procedure for attesting the conformity of construction products pursuant to Article 20(2) of Council Directive 89/106/EEC as regards road construction products [European Communities]. (French: Décision de la Commission du 13 oct. 1998 relative à la procédure d'attestation de conformité des produits de construction, conformément à l'art. 20(2), de la Directive 89/106/CEE du Conseil, en ce qui concerne les produits pour la construction de routes [Communautés européennes]) Journal officiel des Communautés européennes - Official Journal of the European Communities, 24 Oct. 1998, Vol.41, No.L 287, p.41-44. (In English, French)

Internet:

Decision taken in application of Directive 89/106/EEC of 21 Dec. 1988 (CIS 93-3) concerning construction products. Topics: approval; bitumen; building materials; compliance tests; construction industry; directive; European Communities; road work. (73728)

CIS 99-1413 Factories Ordinance - Factories (Mines and Quarries) (Miscellaneous Health and Safety Provisions) Regulations 1997 [Gibraltar]. Gibraltar Gazette, 18 Dec. 1997, No.3013, p.771-802. (In English)

Internet:

These Regulations introduce into national legislation the provisions of Directive 92/104/EEC of 3 Dec. 1992 on the minimum requirements for improving the safety and health protection of workers in surface and underground mineral-extracting industries (CIS 94-758). Topics: access to workplaces; danger zones; electrical safety; escape routes; explosion prevention; fire prevention; first-aid and rescue organization; Gibraltar; information of personnel; law; lighting; medical supervision; mining and quarrying; plant safety and health organization; preventive maintenance; responsibilities of employers; role of supervisory staff; safety planning; sanitary facilities; ventilation. (73733)

CIS 99-1414 Factories Ordinance - Factories (Boreholes (Sites and Operations) Health and Safety) Regulations 1997 [Gibraltar]. Gibraltar Gazette, 12 June 1997, No.2980, p.376-390. (In English)

Internet:

These Regulations transpose into national legislation the provisions of Directive 92/91/EEC of 3 Nov. 1992 concerning minimum requirements for improving the safety and health protection of workers in the mineral-extracting industries through drilling (CIS 93-23). Topics: alarm systems; approval; drilling and boring (rock, earth); explosion prevention; fire prevention; first-aid and rescue organization; Gibraltar; law; medical supervision; permits-to-work; petroleum and natural gas industry; plant safety and health organization; preventive maintenance; responsibilities of employers; safety planning. (73735)

CIS 99-1415 Orders of 26 Dec. 1995 concerning the creation of a functional safety and health structure in mines ... or recourse to an approved external agency for the development of safety and health in quarries [France]. (French: Arrêtés du 26 déc. 1995 relatifs à la création d'une structure fonctionnelle dans les mines ... ou au recours à un organisme extérieur agréé pour le développement de la prévention dans les carrières en matière de sécurité et de santé au travail [France]) Journal officiel de la République française, 13 Jan. 1996, No.11, p.554-556. (In French)

Internet:

Topics: approval; France; law; mining and quarrying; plant safety and health organization; report of activities; safety and health training; safety checks; safety consultants; safety officers. (73739)

CIS 99-1416 Act No.97-37 of 2 June 1997, concerning road transport of dangerous materials [Tunisia]. (French: Loi n°97-37 du 2 juin 1997, relative au transport par route des matières dangereuses [Tunisie]) Journal officiel de la République tunisienne, 6 juin 1997, No.45, p.1020-1022. (In French)

Internet:

Topics: classification; corrosive substances; dangerous substances; drivers; explosive substances; flammable substances; gases; law; packing, filling; penalties; qualifications; radioactive substances; road transport; toxic substances; Tunisia; warning notices. (73729)

CIS 99-1417 Notification No.288 of 17 May 1998 to amend Notification No.660 of 1986 concerning asbestos [Denmark]. (Danish: Bekendtgørelse om aendring af bekendtgørelse om asbest) Lovtidende A, 26 May 1998, Vol.69, No.286-288, p.1629. (In Danish)

Internet:

This Notification (entry into force 15 June 1998) contains several amendments covering, among others, organization of daily work in case of arduous working conditions. For Notification No.660 of 1986 see CIS 88-1763. Topics: asbestos; conditions of work; Denmark; health hazards; heavy work; law; prohibition of use. (73691)

CIS 99-1418 Decree Law No.264/98 of 19 August 1998 transposing into national law the provisions of Directives Nos.94/60/EC, 96/55/EC, 97/10/EC and 97/16/EC establishing restrictions on the marketing and use of certain dangerous substances [Portugal]. (Portuguese: Decreto-lei n°264/98, de 19 de agosto transpõe para a ordem juridica as Directivas n°94/60/CE, 96/55/CE, 97/10/CE e 97/16/CE, que estabeleceram limitações à comercialização e utilização de determinadas substâncias perigosas) Diário da República, 19 Aug. 1998, No.190, p.4097-4101. (In Portuguese)

Internet:

For Directive 94/60/EC see CIS 95-807. Topics: carcinogens; hexachloroethane; classification; creosote; dangerous substances; law; list of chemical substances; mutagens; Portugal; prohibition of use; solvents; toxic substances. (73692)

CIS 99-1419 Order of 5 Jan. 1993 establishing the list of carcinogenic substances, preparations and processes within the meaning of the second paragraph of Article R.231-56 of the Labour Code [France]. (French: Arrêté du 5 janv. 1993 fixant la liste des substances, préparations et procédés cancérogènes au sens du deuxième alinéa de l'article R.231-56 du code du travail [France]) Journal officiel de la République française, 19 Feb. 1993, No.42, p.2729. (In French)

Internet:

Topics: aromatic hydrocarbons; bituminous coal; carcinogens; isopropyl alcohol; nickel; coal tar; dust; France; law; limitation of exposure; list; polycyclic hydrocarbons; smoke; soot. (73693)

CIS 99-1420 Factories Ordinance - Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 1997 [Gibraltar]. Gibraltar Gazette, 15 May 1997, No.2976, p.315-335. (In English)

Internet:

Topics: asbestos; danger zones; Gibraltar; hazard evaluation; health service records; housekeeping; information of personnel; law; limitation of exposure; medical supervision; notification of dangerous substances; respirators; responsibilities of employers; sanitary facilities; supply of personal protective equipment; warning notices. (73699)

CIS 99-1421 Regulation No.996 of 21 Aug. 1997 concerning the classification and labelling of dangerous chemical substances [Norway]. (Norwegian: Forskrift n°996 om klassifisering merking m.v av farlige kjemikalier) Norsk Lovtidend, 10 Oct. 1997, Part I, No.21, p.1854-1865. (In Norwegian)

Internet:

Topics: chemical hazards; chemical products; classification; dangerous substances; labelling; law; Norway; warning notices. (73730)

CIS 99-1422 Commission Regulation (EC) No.2247/98 of 13 Oct. 1998 amending Annex II to Council Regulation (EEC) No.2455/92 concerning the export and import of certain dangerous chemicals [European Communities]. (French: Règlement (CE) No.2247/98 de la Commission du 13 oct. 1998 modifiant l'annexe II du Règlement (CEE) n°2455/92 du Conseil concernant les exportations et importations de certains produits chimiques dangereux [Communautés européennes]) Journal officiel des Communautés européennes - Official Journal of the European Communities, 20 Oct. 1998, Vol.41, No.L 282, p.12-54. (In English, French)

Internet:

The Annex to this Regulation replaces Annex II of Regulation 2455/92 (CIS 93-1426). Topics: chemical products; dangerous substances; directive; European Communities; FAO; harmful substances; list of chemical substances; prohibition of use; supply of information; toxic substances; UNEP. (73731)

CIS 99-1423 Factories Ordinance - Factories (Control of Carcinogens at Work) Regulations 1997 [Gibraltar]. Gibraltar Gazette, 27 Feb. 1997, No.2965, p.41-50. (In English)

Internet:

These Regulations introduce into national legislation the provisions of Directive 90/394/EEC of 28 June 1990 on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to carcinogens at work (CIS 90-1758). Topics: carcinogens; Gibraltar; hazard evaluation; information of personnel; law; limitation of exposure; list of chemical substances; medical supervision; responsibilities of employers. (73734)

CIS 99-1424 Order of 7 Jan. 1997 amending the Order of 20 April 1994 concerning the notification, classification, packaging and labelling of substances [France]. (French: Arrêté du 7 janv. 1997 modifiant l'Arrêté du 20 avril 1994 relatif à la déclaration, la classification, l'emballage et l'étiquetage des substances [France]) Journal officiel de la République française, 6 Apr. 1997, p.5274. (In French)

Internet:

This Order amends the Order of 20 April 1994 (CIS 95-17) on the same subject. Topics: chemical products; classification; dangerous substances; France; hazard identification; labelling; law; packing, filling; warning notices. (73740)

CIS 99-1425 Order of 5 March 1993 amending and completing the Order of 28 Jan. 1991 specifying the means of safety training for personnel undertaking hyperbaric operations [France]. (French: Arrêté du 5 mars 1993 modifiant et complétant l'Arrêté du 28 janv. 1991 définissant les modalités de formation à la sécurité des personnels intervenant dans des opérations hyperbares [France]) Journal officiel de la République française, 17 Mar. 1993, No.64, p.4149. (In French)

Internet:

For the Order of 28 Jan. 1991 see CIS 91-1775. Topics: approval; dangerous work; diving; France; hyperbaric pressure; law; qualifications; safety and health training; work in pressurized atmosphere. (73695)

CIS 99-1426 Factories Ordinance - Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1996 [Gibraltar]. Gibraltar Gazette, 29 Feb. 1996, No.2901, p.285-290. (In English)

Internet:

These Regulations transpose into national legislation the provisions of Directive 89/656/EEC on the minimum health and safety requirements for the use by workers of personal protective equipment at the workplace (CIS 90-385). Topics: Gibraltar; information of personnel; law; protective clothing; responsibilities of employers; supervision of use of protective equipment; supply of personal protective equipment. (73736)

CIS 99-1427 Order of 5 March 1993 requiring certain work equipment to undergo general periodic checks as specified in Article R.233-11 of the Labour Code [France]. (French: Arrêté du 5 mars 1993 soumettant certains équipements de travail à l'obligation de faire l'objet des vérifications générales périodiques prévues à l'article R.233-11 du code du travail [France]) Journal officiel de la République française, 17 Mar. 1993, No.64, p.4149-4150. (In French)

Internet:

Topics: dangerous equipment; France; law; machinery; periodical checks; safety checks. (73696)

CIS 99-1428 Health and Safety: The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 [United Kingdom]. Health and Safety Executive, HMSO, P.O. Box 276, London SW8 5DT, United Kingdom, 1998. 11p. Price: GBP 2.80., ISBN 0-11-079598-9 (In English)

Internet:

These Regulations (entry into force 5 Dec. 1998) repeal Statutory Instruments 1992/195 (CIS 93-1084) and paragraph 3 of Annex 9 of Statutory Instruments 1996/1592 (CIS 97-364). Topics: inspection records; inspection; law; lifting equipment; lifting of loads; loading and unloading; machinery guarding regulations; marking; responsibilities of employers; safety checks; ships; United Kingdom. (73697)

CIS 99-1429 Health and Safety: The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 [United Kingdom]. Health and Safety Executive, HMSO, P.O. Box 276, London SW8 5DT, United Kingdom, 1998. 20p. Price: GBP 3.70., ISBN 0-11-079599-7 (In English)

Internet:

These Regulations (entry into force 5 Dec. 1998) repeal Statutory Instruments 1974/903 (CIS 75-1464) and 1992/2932 (CIS 93-5) in their entirety and Regulation 27 of Statutory Instrument 1996/1592 (CIS 97-364). Topics: control and regulation; emergency stop devices; equipment, workplaces and operations; fork-lift trucks; illumination levels; information of personnel; inspection records; inspection; law; machinery guarding regulations; machinery; maintenance; marking; power presses; protection against extreme temperatures; responsibilities of employers; safety checks; safety devices; United Kingdom. (73698)

CIS 99-1430 Order of 29 January 1993 ... concerning ... hazard evaluation and workplace organization for the manual handling of loads, with particular reference to the risk of back injury [France]. (French: Arrêté du 29 janvier 1993 ... relatif ... à l'évaluation préalable des risques et l'organisation des postes de travail lors des manutentions manuelles de charges comportant des risques, notamment dorso-lombaires [France]) Journal officiel de la République française, 19 Feb. 1993, No.42, p.2729-2730. (In French)

Internet:

Order taken in application of Article R.231-68 of the Labour Code relating to reference terms and other risk factors to be taken into account during hazard evaluation and workplace organization for the manual handling of loads. Topics: backache; France; hazard evaluation; law; manual handling; physical workload; risk factors; workplace design. (73694)

[ Top of page ]

CIS 99-1431 Sodium fluoride. New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, Right to Know Program, PO Box 368, Trenton, NJ 08625-0368, USA, 1998. 6p. (In English)

Internet:

Topics: bronchitis; sodium fluoride; colic; convulsions; data sheet; delayed effects; diarrhoea; dyspnoea; elimination of spills; fire hazards; first aid; glossary; health hazards; irritants; limitation of exposure; medical examinations; nephrotoxic effects; neuromuscular disorders; New Jersey; personal protective equipment; skeletal fluorosis; storage; teratogenic effects; threshold limit values; tremor; USA; vomiting. (73531)

CIS 99-1432 Tetrafluoromethane. New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, Right to Know Program, PO Box 368, Trenton, NJ 08625-0368, USA, 1998. 6p. (In English)

Internet:

Topics: arrhythmia; tetrafluoromethane; data sheet; elimination of spills; explosion hazards; fire hazards; first aid; frostbite; glossary; health hazards; limitation of exposure; New Jersey; personal protective equipment; storage; threshold limit values; toxic gases; unconsciousness; USA. (73532)

CIS 99-1433 Tetrahydrophthalic anhydride. New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, Right to Know Program, PO Box 368, Trenton, NJ 08625-0368, USA, 1998. 6p. (In English)

Internet:

Topics: tetrahydrophthalic anhydride; data sheet; dyspnoea; elimination of spills; fire hazards; first aid; glossary; health hazards; irritants; limitation of exposure; medical examinations; New Jersey; personal protective equipment; pulmonary oedema; skin absorption; storage; USA. (73533)

CIS 99-1434 Thallium. New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, Right to Know Program, PO Box 368, Trenton, NJ 08625-0368, USA, 1998. 6p. (In English)

Internet:

Topics: alopecia; blindness; coma; data sheet; delayed effects; elimination of spills; fire hazards; first aid; glossary; health hazards; hepatotoxic effects; irritants; limitation of exposure; medical examinations; nephrotoxic effects; neurotoxic effects; New Jersey; personal protective equipment; skin absorption; skin diseases; storage; thallium; threshold limit values; USA. (73534)

CIS 99-1435 Thallium nitrate. New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, Right to Know Program, PO Box 368, Trenton, NJ 08625-0368, USA, 1998. 6p. (In English)

Internet:

Topics: alopecia; amblyopia; blindness; thallium nitrate; coma; data sheet; delayed effects; elimination of spills; fire hazards; first aid; glossary; health hazards; hepatotoxic effects; irritants; limitation of exposure; medical examinations; nephrotoxic effects; neurotoxic effects; New Jersey; personal protective equipment; skin absorption; skin diseases; storage; teratogenic effects; threshold limit values; toxic gases; USA. (73535)

CIS 99-1436 Trichlorfon. New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, Right to Know Program, PO Box 368, Trenton, NJ 08625-0368, USA, 1998. 6p. (In English)

Internet:

Topics: anxiety; carcinogenic effects; chlorophos; data sheet; diarrhoea; disturbances of coordination; elimination of spills; explosion hazards; fire hazards; first aid; glossary; health hazards; limitation of exposure; medical examinations; migraine; mutagenic effects; nephrotoxic effects; neurological effects; neurosis; New Jersey; personal protective equipment; skin absorption; storage; teratogenic effects; USA; vomiting. (73536)

CIS 99-1437 Trifluralin. New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, Right to Know Program, PO Box 368, Trenton, NJ 08625-0368, USA, 1998. 6p. (In English)

Internet:

Topics: anaemia; trifluralin; data sheet; delayed effects; elimination of spills; fire hazards; first aid; glossary; health hazards; hepatotoxic effects; irritants; limitation of exposure; medical examinations; nephrotoxic effects; New Jersey; personal protective equipment; photosensitization dermatitis; respiratory diseases; skin absorption; skin diseases; storage; toxic gases; USA. (73537)

CIS 99-1438 Triphenyltin chloride. New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, Right to Know Program, PO Box 368, Trenton, NJ 08625-0368, USA, 1998. 6p. (In English)

Internet:

Topics: amblyopia; bronchitis; triphenyltin chloride; data sheet; delayed effects; elimination of spills; fire hazards; first aid; glossary; health hazards; irritants; limitation of exposure; medical examinations; migraine; neurological effects; New Jersey; personal protective equipment; skin absorption; storage; threshold limit values; toxic gases; USA; vomiting. (73538)

CIS 99-1439 Acetic acid. New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, Right to Know Program, PO Box 368, Trenton, NJ 08625-0368, USA, 1998. 6p. (In English)

Internet:

Topics: acetic acid; bronchitis; caustic substances; chemical burns; data sheet; delayed effects; dermatitis; dyspnoea; elimination of spills; explosion hazards; fire hazards; first aid; glossary; health hazards; irritants; limitation of exposure; medical examinations; New Jersey; personal protective equipment; pulmonary oedema; storage; threshold limit values; toxic gases; USA. (73539)

CIS 99-1440 Acetonitrile. New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, Right to Know Program, PO Box 368, Trenton, NJ 08625-0368, USA, 1998. 6p. (In English)

Internet:

Topics: acetonitrile; acute poisoning; cyanides; data sheet; delayed effects; dyspnoea; elimination of spills; explosion hazards; fire hazards; first aid; flammable liquids; glossary; health hazards; irritants; limitation of exposure; medical examinations; migraine; New Jersey; personal protective equipment; skin absorption; storage; teratogenic effects; threshold limit values; thyroid disorders; toxic gases; USA; vomiting. (73540)

CIS 99-1441 n-Butyl acetate. (French: Acétate de n-butyle) Institut national de recherche et de sécurité, 30 rue Olivier-Noyer, 75680 Paris Cedex 14, France, 1998. 4p. 18 ref. (In French)

Internet:

Topics: anaemia; butyl acetate; data sheet; determination in air; fire fighting; fire hazards; first aid; France; handling and storage; health hazards; hepatotoxic effects; irritants; labelling; legislation; limitation of exposure; neurotoxic effects; threshold limit values. (73768)

CIS 99-1442 Isobutyl acetate. (French: Acétate d'isobutyle) Institut national de recherche et de sécurité, 30 rue Olivier-Noyer, 75680 Paris Cedex 14, France, 1998. 4p. 16 ref. (In French)

Internet:

Topics: anaemia; isobutyl acetate; data sheet; determination in air; fire fighting; fire hazards; first aid; France; gastrointestinal diseases; handling and storage; health hazards; hepatotoxic effects; irritants; labelling; legislation; limitation of exposure; neurotoxic effects; threshold limit values. (73769)

CIS 99-1443 Benzoyl peroxide. (Spanish: Peróxido de dibenzoilo) Instituto Nacional de Seguridad e Higiene en el Trabajo, Ediciones y Publicaciones, c/Torrelaguna 73, 28027 Madrid, Spain, 1991. 2p. (In Spanish)

Internet:

Spanish version of IPCS ICSC 4-0225. International Chemical Safety Card. Topics: benzoyl peroxide; chemical hazards; data sheet; elimination of spills; explosion hazards; fire fighting; fire hazards; first aid; hazard identification; health hazards; IPCS; irritants; irritation; labelling; sensitization; Spain; storage; threshold limit values; translation; waste disposal. (73831)

CIS 99-1444 Zineb. (Spanish: Zineb) Instituto Nacional de Seguridad e Higiene en el Trabajo, Ediciones y Publicaciones, c/Torrelaguna 73, 28027 Madrid, Spain, 1991. 2p. (In Spanish)

Internet:

Spanish version of IPCS ICSC 5-0350. International Chemical Safety Card. Topics: zineb; chemical hazards; data sheet; dermatitis; elimination of spills; explosion hazards; fire fighting; fire hazards; first aid; haematological effects; health hazards; hepatotoxic effects; IPCS; irritants; labelling; neurotoxic effects; physical hazards; sensitization; Spain; storage; translation; waste disposal. (73832)

CIS 99-1445 Ziram. (Spanish: Ziram) Instituto Nacional de Seguridad e Higiene en el Trabajo, Ediciones y Publicaciones, c/Torrelaguna 73, 28027 Madrid, Spain, 1991. 2p. (In Spanish)

Internet:

Spanish version of IPCS ICSC 5-0348. International Chemical Safety Card. Topics: ziram; chemical hazards; data sheet; elimination of spills; explosion hazards; fire fighting; fire hazards; first aid; hazard identification; health hazards; IPCS; irritants; labelling; neurotoxic effects; physical hazards; Spain; storage; translation; waste disposal. (73833)

CIS 99-1446 Methyl iodide. (Spanish: Yoduro de metilo) Noticias de seguridad, Dec. 1998, Vol.60, No.12. 3p. Insert. (In Spanish)

Internet:

Chemical safety card published by the Consejo Interamericano de Seguridad, 33 Park Place, Englewood, NJ 07631, USA. Topics: carcinogens; iodomethane; data sheet; determination in air; elimination of spills; first aid; health hazards; irritants; limitation of exposure; medical supervision; neurotoxic effects; personal protective equipment; threshold limit values; USA; waste disposal. (73834)

CIS 99-1447 Chlorobiphenyl (42% chlorine). (Spanish: Clorodifenilo (42% de cloro)) Noticias de seguridad, Dec. 1998, Vol.60, No.12. 4p. Insert. (In Spanish)

Internet:

Chemical safety card published by the Consejo Interamericano de Seguridad, 33 Park Place, Englewood, NJ 07631, USA. Topics: carcinogenic effects; carcinogens; chlorobiphenyl; chloracne; data sheet; determination in air; elimination of spills; first aid; health hazards; hepatic damage; irritants; limitation of exposure; medical supervision; personal protective equipment; respirators; threshold limit values; USA; waste disposal. (73835)

CIS 99-1448 4-Aminobiphenyl. (Spanish: 4-Aminodifenilo) Noticias de seguridad, Jan. 1999, Vol.61, No.1. 5p. Insert. (In Spanish)

Internet:

Chemical safety card published by the Consejo Interamericano de Seguridad, 33 Park Place, Englewood, NJ 07631, USA. Topics: 4-aminobiphenyl; bladder diseases; bladder tumour; carcinogens; data sheet; determination in air; elimination of spills; explosion hazards; fire fighting; fire hazards; first aid; health hazards; irritants; labelling; limitation of exposure; medical supervision; methaemoglobinaemia; personal protective equipment; self-contained breathing apparatus; skin absorption; storage; USA; waste disposal. (73836)

CIS 99-1449 Vanadium pentoxide fumes. (Spanish: Humo de pentóxido de vanadio) Noticias de seguridad, Jan. 1999, Vol.61, No.1. 4p. Insert. (In Spanish)

Internet:

Chemical safety card published by the Consejo Interamericano de Seguridad, 33 Park Place, Englewood, NJ 07631, USA. Topics: bronchitis; vanadium pentoxide; chronic bronchitis; data sheet; determination in air; eczema; first aid; health hazards; irritants; limitation of exposure; medical supervision; personal protective equipment; pneumotoxic effects; respirators; skin allergies; threshold limit values; USA; volatile substances. (73837)

CIS 99-1450 alpha-Naphthylamine. (Spanish: Alfa-naftilamina) Noticias de seguridad, Feb. 1999, Vol.61, No.2. 5p. Insert. (In Spanish)

Internet:

Chemical safety card published by the Consejo Interamericano de Seguridad, 33 Park Place, Englewood, NJ 07631, USA. Topics: 1-naphthylamine; bladder tumour; data sheet; delayed effects; determination in air; dyspnoea; eczema; elimination of spills; explosion hazards; fire fighting; fire hazards; first aid; health hazards; irritants; irritation; labelling; limitation of exposure; medical supervision; methaemoglobinaemia; neurological effects; personal protective equipment; respirators; skin absorption; skin allergies; storage; USA; waste disposal. (73838)

CIS 99-1451 Methylcyclohexane. (Spanish: Metilciclohexano) Noticias de seguridad, Feb. 1999, Vol.61, No.2. 4p. Insert. (In Spanish)

Internet:

Chemical safety card published by the Consejo Interamericano de Seguridad, 33 Park Place, Englewood, NJ 07631, USA. Topics: bladder tumour; methylcyclohexane; data sheet; delayed effects; determination in air; dyspnoea; eczema; elimination of spills; fire fighting; fire hazards; first aid; health hazards; irritants; irritation; limitation of exposure; medical supervision; methaemoglobinaemia; narcotic effects; neurological effects; personal protective equipment; respirators; skin absorption; skin allergies; threshold limit values; unconsciousness; USA; vertigo; waste disposal. (73839)

[ Top of page ]

CIS 99-1452 Using ILO standards to promote environmentally sustainable development - Discussion booklets. Bureau for Workers' Activities, International Labour Office, 4 route des Morillons, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, 1996. 42p (Guide); 22p; 26p; 22p; 20p; 14p; 18p; 10p; 10p. (8 Booklets). Illus. 22 ref. (In English)

Internet:

Topics: economic aspects; environment; ILO; international cooperation; pollution control; role of workers organizations; social aspects; training manuals; training material. (73806)

CIS 99-1453 Communication. (Dutch: Communicatie; French: Communication) PREVENT, rue Gachard 88, 1050 Bruxelles, Belgium, 1999. 4p. Illus. 5 ref. (In Dutch, French)

Internet:

Topics: Belgium; data sheet; information of personnel; legislation; plant safety and health organization; responsibilities of employees; responsibilities of employers; role of supervisory staff; safety and health committees; supply of information; training material. (73794)

CIS 99-1454 Office health and safety audit. Hay D., CCH New Zealand Limited, 24 The Warehouse Way, Northcote, P.O. Box 2378, Aukland 1, New Zealand, 1997. approx. 148p. (10 modules)., ISBN 0-86475-371-3 (In English)

Internet:

Topics: check lists; emergency organization; evaluation of control measures; evaluation of equipment; hazard evaluation; legislation; New Zealand; notification of occupational accidents; plant safety and health organization; responsibilities; safety analysis; subcontractors; training manuals; training material; vocational training; work organization; workers participation; workmen's compensation. (73798)

CIS 99-1455 Principal and contractor health and safety audit. Hay D., CCH New Zealand Limited, 24 The Warehouse Way, Northcote, P.O. Box 2378, Aukland 1, New Zealand, 1998. approx. 148p. (11 modules)., ISBN 0-86475-313-6 (In English)

Internet:

Topics: check lists; evaluation of control measures; hazard evaluation; legislation; New Zealand; plant safety and health organization; plant safety supervision; responsibilities; safety analysis; subcontractors; training manuals; training material; work organization. (73799)

CIS 99-1456 Films, videos and CD-ROMs of the German Mutual Industrial Accident Insurance Association - Status as of April 1999. (German: Filme, Videos und CD-ROM der gewerblichen Berufsgenossenschaften) Hauptverband der gewerblichen Berufsgenossenschaften (HVBG), Alte Heerstrasse 111, 53754 Sankt Augustin, Germany, 1999. 265p., ISBN 3-88383-506-4 (In German)

Internet:

Topics: audiovisual material; audiovisual training; catalogue; CD-ROM; film catalogue; Germany; safety films; training material; videotape. (73801)

CIS 99-1457 Catalogue 1999 - Audiovisual materials. (French: Catalogue 1999 - Audiovisuels) Institut national de recherche et de sécurité, 30 rue Olivier-Noyer, 75680 Paris cedex 14, France, Dec. 1998. 67p. Illus. Index., ISBN 2-85599-122-6 (In French)

Internet:

Topics: audiovisual material; audiovisual training; film catalogue; France; safety films; training material; videotape. (73803)

CIS 99-1458 Catalogue 1999 - Publications. (French: Catalogue 1999 - Publications) Institut national de recherche et de sécurité, 30 rue Olivier-Noyer, 75680 Paris cedex 14, France, Dec. 1998. 63p. Illus. Index., ISBN 2-85599-514-0 (In French)

Internet:

Topics: catalogue; construction industry; dangerous equipment; dangerous substances; electrical safety; electromagnetic radiation; ergonomics; explosion prevention; fire protection; fire, explosions; France; legislation; machinery; materials handling; metalworking industry; noise; personal protective equipment; safety and health organization; safety and health training; safety literature; textile industry; training material; transport; vibration; woodworking industry. (73804)

CIS 99-1459 Your health and safety at work. (French: Votre sécurité et votre santé au travail; Spanish: Su salud y seguridad en el trabajo) Bureau for Workers' Activities, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, 1999. CD-ROM (minimum configuration: Pentium based PC; Windows 95 or 98; 12-speed CD-ROM drive). (In English, French, Spanish)

Internet:

This CD-ROM contains the full text versions of 12 booklets on occupational safety and health matters, including instructor's guide; glossary; ILO Conventions and Recommendations; ILO Code of Practice on safety in the use of chemicals at work; catalogue of ILO publications; IPCS international chemical safety cards by CAS number, by risk phrases and in alphabetical order; images; booklets and newsletters produced by the IPCS and other institutions; OSHWEB index of resources on Internet; and 13 video clips on personal protective equipment, ergonomics and machine guarding. Topics: audiovisual training; CD-ROM; ILO; IPCS; occupational safety and health; safety literature; training material. (73821)

CIS 99-1460 Publications - Complete list 1999/2000. (French: Publications - Offre complète 1999/2000; German: Publikationen - Gesamtangebot 1999/2000; Italian: Pubblicazioni - Elenco completo 1999/2000) Schweizerische Unfallversicherungsansalt, Zentraler Kundendienst, Postfach, 6002 Luzern, Switzerland, Dec. 1998. 149p. Illus. Index. (In French, German, Italian)

Internet:

Topics: catalogue; directory; safety and health documentation; safety and health institutions; safety literature; Switzerland; training material. (73822)

CIS 99-1461 Safety, health and working conditions - Training manual. Employers' Federation of Sri Lanka, Photocopy, 1999. 106p. Illus. On file at CIS., ISBN 91-7522-115-2 (In Singalese)

Internet:

Translation into Sinhalese of the training manual "Safety, Health and Working Conditions" published in English by the Joint Industrial Safety Council of Sweden (CIS 87-148). Aspects covered: safety, health and technical equipment; workplace climate, lighting and noise, chemical risks to health; ergonomics; work organization and working time; daily activity for safety, health and well-being. In appendices: checklist for improving safety, health and working conditions; discussion leader's guide. Topics: check lists; conditions of work; dangerous substances; ergonomics; lighting; microclimate; noise; occupational safety and health; Sri Lanka; training manuals; training material; translation; work organization. (73827)

CIS 99-1462 Catalogue 1999 - Posters. (French: Catalogue 1999 - Affiches) Institut national de recherche et de sécurité, 30 rue Olivier-Noyer, 75680 Paris cedex 14, France, Dec. 1998. 40p. Illus., ISBN 2-85599-064-5 (In French)

Internet:

Topics: biological hazards; construction industry; dangerous equipment; dangerous substances; electrical safety; face and eye protection; fire, explosions; first aid; France; hearing protection; machinery; materials handling; personal protective equipment; poster catalogue; safety and health training; safety posters; training material; woodworking industry. (73805)

CIS 99-1463 Videos from the Health and Safety Executive 1999/2000. Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 6FS, United Kingdom, Mar. 1999. 35p. Illus. (In English)

Internet:

This catalogue gives details of programmes produced by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), United Kingdom, between 1978 and 1999. Most of the programmes are directed at particular industries, and were produced in response to the particular safety needs of that industry, identified by the HSE's inspectors. Topics: agriculture; audiovisual material; audiovisual training; biological hazards; chemical hazards; children; construction work; dust control; electrical safety; film catalogue; offshore oil extraction; safety films; small enterprises; training material; transport industry; United Kingdom; woodworking industry; young persons. (73824)

CIS 99-1464 HSE Books - List of free publications (revised February 1999). Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 6FS, United Kingdom, Feb. 1999. 16p. (In English)

Internet:

Replaces CIS 98-1180. Topics: catalogue; safety and health documentation; safety literature; training material; United Kingdom. (73825)

CIS 99-1465 Farmwise - Your essential guide to health and safety in agriculture. Health and Safety Commission, Agriculture Industry Advisory Committee, HSE Books, P.O.Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 6FS, United Kingdom, 1999. 47p. lllus. Bibl.ref. (In English)

Internet:

http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/misc165.pdf

Topics: agricultural equipment; agriculture; children; economic aspects; first aid; health hazards; maintenance and repair; materials handling; notification of occupational accidents; occupational safety and health; personal protective equipment; protection against falls from heights; safety and health committees; safety guides; subcontractors; training material; United Kingdom; welfare facilities. (73810)

CIS 99-1466 Safety at work on construction sites - Training programme on CD-ROM. (French: Sécurité au travail sur les chantiers - Programme d'apprentissage sur CD-ROM) Schweizerische Unfallversicherungsansalt, Zentraler Kundendienst, Postfach, 6002 Luzern, Switzerland, 1999. CD-ROM (minimum configuration: PC 486/66 MHz, with Pentium recommended; 8 MB RAM, with 16 MB recommended; 4-speed CD-ROM drive, with 8-speed recommended; Windows 3.x or higher). (In French)

Internet:

CD-ROM for training at work or at school, for apprentices and new workers or for updating knowledge of all workers. Modules include: safety glasses; protective gloves; safety shoes; ear protectors; safety helmets; openings in floors; edges of floors and opening in walls; double ladders; simple ladders; trestle scaffolds; mobile scaffolds; and work scaffolds. Topics: CD-ROM; construction industry; construction sites; safety training in industry; training material. (73823)

CIS 99-1467 Targeting the intolerable: A new international Convention to eliminate the worst forms of child labour. (French: L'intolérable en point de mire: une nouvelle convention internationale pour éliminer les pires formes de travail des enfants; Spanish: Señalando lo intolerable: Una nueva convención internacional para eliminar las peores formas de trabajo infantil) ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, 1999. 57p. (17 leaflets and 1 booklet in a folder)., ISBN 92-2-111669-0 (fr), ISBN 92-2-111669-4 (es), ISBN 92-2-111669-7 (En) (In English, French, Spanish)

Internet:

The Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention, 1999 (No. 182), is complemented by the Worst Forms of Child Labour Recommendation, 1999 (No. 190). Topics: agriculture; brick and tile industry; carpet weaving; child labour; conditions of work; deep-sea fishing; domestic service; glass industry; ILO; international agreements; match manufacturing industry; mining industry; recovery of substances; role of workers organizations; sex workers; slate; tanning industry; training manuals; training material. (73807)

CIS 99-1468 Child labour - An information kit for teachers, educators and their organization. ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, 1998. Information pack containing 2 books (54p., 28p. Illus.); 4 booklets (10p., 34p., 14p., 18p. Illus.); 1 game; 4 posters; 1 videotape (length: 54min)., ISBN 92-2-111040-0 (In English)

Internet:

Topics: child labour; ILO; safety and health propaganda; safety posters; safety training in schools; teaching; training course; training material. (73830)

CIS 99-1469 A workers' manual on pollution prevention - How to clean up your workplace and the environment at the same time. Canadian Labour Congress, 2841 Riverside Drive, Ottawa, Ontario K1V 8X7, Canada, Mar. 1998. 57p. Illus. 7 ref. (In English)

Internet:

Topics: Canada; collective agreements; environmental pollution; hazard evaluation; legislation; pollution control; recycling of materials; substitution; toxic substances; training manuals; training material; waste disposal; workplaces. (73826)

CIS 99-1470 Questions and answers - EMF in the workplace. U.S. Department of Energy, Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402, USA, Sep. 1996. 66p. Illus. approx. 220 ref. (In English)

Internet:

Topics: antifertility effects; biological effects; carcinogenic effects; circadian rhythm; CRT display terminals; electromagnetic fields; exposure evaluation; exposure; ongoing research; teratogenic effects; training manuals; training material; USA. (73797)

CIS 99-1471 Manual for measuring occupational electric and magnetic field exposures. Bowman J.D., Kelsh M.A., Kaune W.T., Publications Dissemination, EID, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 4676 Columbia Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45226, USA, Oct. 1998. viii, 137p. Bibl.ref. Index. (In English)

Internet:

Topics: description of technique; electric fields; exposure evaluation; magnetic fields; measurement and investigation; measurement of physical agents; training manuals; training material; USA. (73800)

CIS 99-1472 Eye and face protection: Guidelines for selection and use of PPE. (Spanish: Protectores oculares y faciales: guía orientativa para la elección y utilización de los EPI) García-Pintos J.P., Instituto Nacional de Seguridad e Higiene en el Trabajo, Servicio de Ediciones y Publicaciones, c/Torrelaguna 73, 28027 Madrid, Spain, 1998. 20p. Illus., ISBN 84-7425-507-4 (In Spanish)

Internet:

Topics: check lists; data sheet; face and eye protection; face shields; maintenance; personal protective equipment; protection criteria; safety spectacles; Spain; training manuals; training material; welders helmets. (73796)

CIS 99-1473 In-plant transport. (Dutch: Intern transport; French: Transport interne) PREVENT, rue Gachard 88, 1050 Bruxelles, Belgium, 1999. 4p. Illus. 4 ref. (In Dutch, French)

Internet:

Topics: Belgium; data sheet; drivers of mobile equipment; fork-lift trucks; in-plant transport; legislation; plant safety organization; safety rules; signalling and communications; training material. (73792)

CIS 99-1474 Safety shoes: Guidelines for selection and use of PPE. (Spanish: Calzado de uso profesional: guía orientativa para la elección y utilización de los EPI) García-Pintos J.P., Instituto Nacional de Seguridad e Higiene en el Trabajo, Servicio de Ediciones y Publicaciones, c/Torrelaguna 73, 28027 Madrid, Spain, 1998. 16p. Illus., ISBN 84-7425-507-4 (In Spanish)

Internet:

Topics: check lists; comfort criteria; data sheet; insulating footwear; maintenance; personal protective equipment; protection criteria; safety shoes; Spain; training manuals; training material. (73795)

CIS 99-1475 Agricultural operations: Agricultural tractors and machinery. (Portuguese: Trabalho agrícola: tractores e máquinas agrícolas) Briosa F., Instituto de Desenvolvimento e Inspecção das Condições de Trabalho, Lisboa, Portugal, 1998. 171p. Illus. 40 ref., ISBN 972-8321-17-1 (In Portuguese)

Internet:

Abstract in English and in French. Training awareness manual aimed at farmers and operators to help them make safe use of agricultural equipment and follow appropriate instructions regarding safety and health risks. The manual focuses on milk and mixed farming, mainly forage production as a case study. Main risk factors are tractors, walking tractors, soil tillage equipment, fertilizers, sowing and planting equipment, pest control equipment (including handling and use of phytopharmaceutical products), equipment for forage harvesting, transporting equipment for agricultural use. Topics: agricultural chemicals; agricultural equipment; fertilizer spreaders; harvesting machinery; mechanical hazards; Portugal; preventive maintenance; safe working methods; safety devices; safety guides; toxic substances; tractors; training material. (73761)

CIS 99-1476 Reducing sprains and strains in construction through worker participation - A manual for managers and workers with examples from scaffold erection. Koningsveld E.A.P., Vink P., Urlings I.J.M., de Jong A.M., The Center to Protect Workers' Rights, 5th floor, 111 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20001, USA, May 1998. 32p. Illus. (In English)

Internet:

Topics: building industry; construction industry; erection and dismantling; manual handling; manual lifting; materials handling; musculoskeletal diseases; physical workload; responsibilities of employers; safety programmes; scaffolds; sprains; training manuals; training material; workers participation. (73778)

CIS 99-1477 Road construction and maintenance machines. (French: Machines de construction et d'entretien routiers) Institut national de recherche et de sécurité, 30 rue Olivier-Noyer, 75680 Paris cedex 14, France, Feb. 1999. 47p. Illus., ISBN 2-7389-0715-6 (In French)

Internet:

Topics: confined spaces; earthmoving equipment; France; legislation; maintenance; overhead electric lines; road work; safe working methods; safety guides; sloping ground; training material. (73802)

CIS 99-1478 Manual handling of loads. (Dutch: Manueel hanteren van lasten; French: Manutention manuelle de charges) PREVENT, rue Gachard 88, 1050 Bruxelles, Belgium, 1999. 4p. Illus. 4 ref. (In Dutch, French)

Internet:

Topics: Belgium; data sheet; ergonomics; expectant mothers; legislation; lifting equipment; manual handling; manual lifting; plant safety organization; training material. (73793)

CIS 99-1479 ErgoEASE¿ version 2.1. David Morgan & Associates, P.O. Box 1385, Amherst, NH 03031, USA, 1996. Computer diskettes (minimum configuration: PC486, with Pentium recommended; 16MB RAM; Windows 3.1 or higher). Price: USD 10,000 for unlimited users (USD 3,000 for single users). (In English)

Internet:

Aimed at enterprises, ErgoEASE¿ is a tool providing ergonomic analysis of a job and identification of jobs which have the highest level of ergonomic risk. Once the operations are identified, it provides a more in-depth analysis of each job, from which users can determine accurate process time for the task involved, as well as the means to quantify and justify manufacturing changes. All users must be trained and certified in the software use. Annual software maintenance (upgrades, newsletters) is available. Topics: computer applications; computer programme; computer simulation; ergonomic evaluation; ergonomics; training material. (73829)

CIS 99-1480 Tobacco, alcohol and hand hygiene. (Dutch: Roken, alcohol and handen wassen; French: Tabac, alcool et hygiène des mains) PREVENT, rue Gachard 88, 1050 Bruxelles, Belgium, 1999. 4p. Illus. 5 ref. (In Dutch, French)

Internet:

Topics: alcoholism; Belgium; data sheet; legislation; passive smoking; personal hygiene; plant safety and health organization; smoking; training material. (73791)

[ Top of page ]

CIS 99-1481 Implementation and evaluation of the Safety Element Method at four mining sites. Alteren B., Safety Science, Apr. 1999, Vol.31, No.3, p.231-264. Illus. 59 ref. (In English)

Internet:

The Safety Element Method (SEM) is a method for the improvement of safety results and safety approaches in the Norwegian mining industry. A group of organizational members assesses the current and desired situation for their own organization within defined areas. Based on this assessment, a strategy and action plan for the attainment of internal goals is developed. The implementation of the method in four mining companies is described and evaluated. Opinions regarding the experiences with the method are, on the whole, positive. Subjective assessments play a prominent role in SEM, but these assessments are supported by an extensive review of empirical data such as accident reports, interview results and a questionnaire. This means that the internal assessments correspond well to the safety results of the companies and also to the independent external reviews carried out by the researcher. Topics: cooperation; mining industry; plant safety organization; programme evaluation; role of management; role of supervisory staff; safe working methods; safety consciousness; safety programmes; subjective assessment; workers participation. (73665)

CIS 99-1482 The INDICATE safety program: Evaluation of a method to proactively improve airline safety performance. Edkins G.D., Safety Science, Dec. 1998, Vol.30, No.3, p.275-295. Illus. 38 ref. (In English)

Internet:

A new airline safety programme called INDICATE (Identifying Needed Defences In the Civil Aviation Transport Environment) was applied in one of the operational bases of an Australian regional airline. Results suggest that the programme can have a positive influence on airline safety performance, specifically, improving staff confidence in how safety is managed; increasing staff willingness to report safety hazards and incidents; improving organizational safety culture; and reducing staff perceptions of the severity and likelihood of safety hazards occurring within the airline. The success has resulted in a number of Australian and international airlines adopting the programme. Topics: air transport; attitude towards accidents; disobeying safety instructions; hazard evaluation; human behaviour; information of personnel; programme evaluation; risk awareness; role of management; safety consciousness; safety officers; safety programmes. (73682)

CIS 99-1483 Sickness absence in private sector establishments in Singapore. Chan O.Y., Gan S.L., Chia S.E., Singapore Medical Journal, 1997, Vol.38, No.9, p.379-383. 24 ref. (In English)

Internet:

A questionnaire survey was conducted in June 1995 to determine the current level of sickness absenteeism in private sector establishments in Singapore. Overall, 14.4% of the 628,477 employees took sick leave, while the percentage of working days lost due to sick leave, excluding maternity leave, was 1.1%. An average of 3.2 days of medical leave were taken per person per year. Industry specific characteristics seemed to have more influence on sickness absence than establishment size, employee's sex and occupation, number of hours worked and overtime work. Over 60% of the establishments, particularly larger companies and those in manufacturing, implemented measures to control sickness absence, most commonly counselling, disciplinary procedures and attendance allowance or bonus. Over 13% monitored sickness absenteeism using computerized records. Compared to overseas sickness absenteeism (lost time) rates, the rates observed in this study do not appear high. Topics: questionnaire survey; risk factors; sickness absenteeism; Singapore; statistics. (73602)

CIS 99-1484 Development of a hazard and operability-based method for identifying safety management vulnerabilities in high risk systems. Kennedy R., Kirwan B., Safety Science, Dec. 1998, Vol.30, No.3, p.249-274. Illus. 43 ref. (In English)

Internet:

In recent years there has been widespread acknowledgement of the significance of managerial and organizational failures in the causation of accidents. The activities and processes involved in managing safety have come under increasing scrutiny via the development of approaches for safety management and safety culture assessment. It is argued, however, that current approaches do not fully or explicitly address how safety management systems will actually fail in practice. Therefore, the Safety Culture Hazard and Operability (SCHAZOP) approach is described as a means by which specific safety management vulnerabilities, and targeted resolution of such vulnerabilities, can be identified. The development of the method, examples of its application, and the way forward with this methodology are discussed. Topics: attitude towards accidents; description of technique; disasters; hazard evaluation; human behaviour; human factors; human failure; major hazards; management failure; plant safety organization; role of management; safety consciousness; safety training in industry. (73681)

CIS 99-1485 Organizational prerequisites for the implementation of systematic health, environment and safety work in enterprises. Nytrö K., Saksvik P.Ö., Torvatn H., Safety Science, Dec. 1998, Vol.30, No.3, p.297-307. 17 ref. (In English)

Internet:

Under the Norwegian internal control regulation of 1992, preventive health and safety systems have become mandatory for every enterprise, regardless of size and business. Enterprises are expected to implement proper systematic actions to ensure that they operate in accordance with requirements specified in laws and regulations in the health, environment and safety (HES) domain. In this study, organizational factors contributing to the successful implementation of internal control of HES were investigated. Results showed that 45% of the companies in Norway had implemented internal control four years after onset of the regulation. A total of 36% were under way, and 19% had not started yet. Available internal HES competency with professional training was the strongest predictor for success in managing systematic HES work. Thereafter followed such factors as external push and pull (customers, labour inspection and business partners). Time elapsed since implementation of the regulation was also of importance. Topics: implementation of control measures; legislation; Norway; plant safety and health organization; pollution control; responsibilities of employers; role of government; role of management; role of workers organizations; survey; workers participation. (73683)

CIS 99-1486 Saving money and improving health through new ways of quality management. (German: Finanzen und Gesundheit schonen, durch neue Formen des Qualitätsmanagements) Kähler J., Die BG, Nov. 1998, No.11, p.674-678. Illus. (In German)

Internet:

In general, new cases of occupational diseases or accidents have been on a downward trend since 1992 in Germany. However, in health care they have been on the rise. Affected are nurses in hospitals, nursing homes and homes for the mentally retarded. The lifting and carrying of heavy loads leads to a high rate of spinal disorders in this profession. The main causes are wrong body postures and ill-designed workplaces. The German insurance company for the health care profession initiated a programme in 1996 which integrates health protection into quality management. The insurer provides training and advice on ergonomic work design. Topics: back disorders; economic aspects; ergonomics; health programmes; hospitals; ISO; manual handling; nursing personnel; plant safety and health organization; role of insurance institutions; work design. (73813)

CIS 99-1487 Protocol for medical examinations at work. (Spanish: Protocolo para los exámenes de salud en el trabajo) Alvarez Fernández C., Mapfre seguridad, 2nd Quarter 1997, Vol.17, No.66, p.25-33. Illus. 15 ref. (In Spanish)

Internet:

Pursuant to Article 22 of the Spanish Act on the prevention of occupational hazards (CIS 99-708) and according to the inherent risks of each job, the State must undertake periodic medical examinations of its workers, and worker representatives must know if such examinations are necessary for measuring the impact of working conditions on health or for ascertaining whether the health status of workers entails danger for themselves or for third parties. Consequently, protocols for medical examinations must be designed for each particular job. The design of occupational medical examination protocols must include the primary prevention of non work-based pathologies, always in compliance with established methodological guidelines in this field. Occupational medical examinations must be supplemented by common medical information about healthy habits, and prevention included in any general physical examination. Topics: government services; medical supervision; occupational medicine; periodic medical examinations; Spain; special examinations and tests. (73622)

CIS 99-1488 Nottingham Health Profile: An assessment of health-related quality of life within a worker population. (Spanish: Perfil de salud de Nottingham: una medida de la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud en una población laboral) Cortina Birlanga S., Barrera Puigdollers M.T., Alfonso Sánchez J.L., Sáiz Sánchez M.C., González Arraez J.I., Cortés Vizcaíno C., Medicina y seguridad del trabajo, 1998, Vol.45, No.177, p.21-32. Illus. 37 ref. (In Spanish)

Internet:

Working, as a daily activity, may have a consequence on self-perceived health. The Nottingham Health Profile was used to measure it on a working population, and its possible contribution evaluated to obtain information based on medical and other criteria. To complete the information, a survey based on personal and socio-economic variables was used. Socio-economic level is an important variable for the measurement of the health level of working people. It is concluded that the Nottingham Health Profile may be an important instrument to evaluate the self-perceived health of working people. Topics: age-linked differences; degree of skill; economic aspects; elementary occupations; employees; mental health; occupational health survey; psychological effects; questionnaire survey; social aspects; state of health; subjective assessment; work capacity. (73611)

CIS 99-1489 Gender aspects of work-related injuries in a Swedish municipality. Lindqvist K., Schelp L., Timpka T., Safety Science, Apr. 1999, Vol.31, No.3, p.183-196. 28 ref. (In English)

Internet:

All unintentional injuries treated at in- and out-patient facilities were recorded over a period of one year in a Swedish municipality. Work-related injuries were studied in more detail with the help of telephone interviews and hospital records. The rate of work-related injuries among the gainfully employed was 33 per 1,000. Men suffered more work-related injuries than did women (46 compared to 12 per 1,000 gainfully employed persons), and there were gender differences with regard to work-related injuries and injury event patterns. Young men showed the highest rate of injuries. Injuries caused during machine operation were the most common for both men and women, accounting for almost one quarter of all injuries. Injuries caused by falls were most common amongst females in the age groups 15-24 (25%) and 45-64 (28%). Topics: accident absenteeism; age-linked differences; agricultural operations; epidemiologic study; falls of persons; frequency rates; head injuries; injuries to lower extremities; injuries to upper extremities; injuries; location of injury; machinery; occupational accidents; sex-linked differences; Sweden; types of accident. (73662)

CIS 99-1490 Workers compensation policy in Australia: Best practice or lowest common denominator?. Purse K., JIR - The Journal of Industrial Relations, June 1998, Vol.40, No.2, p.179-203. Bibl.ref. (In English)

Internet:

Reports issued in 1996 and 1997 by the Heads of Workers Compensation Authorities on the state of workers compensation policy nation-wide are examined and their implications are discussd. Several of the authorities' proposals are considered to be clear attempts to pass on the costs resulting from employer negligence to the community as a whole. The general thrust of the reports favours business interests over workers' welfare and security, advocating cost cutting and administrative simplicity rather than investment in protective and preventive measures. Topics: Australia; economic aspects; legal aspects; rehabilitation; responsibilities of employers; role of government; workmen's compensation. (73591)

CIS 99-1491 Towards innovative occupational health and safety regulation. Gunningham N., JIR - The Journal of Industrial Relations, June 1998, Vol.40, No.2, p.204-231. Bibl.ref. (In English)

Internet:

The possibilities for designing efficient and effective occupational health and safety regulation for those enterprises that are not "best practice" performers are examined. In relation to this group, the article focuses on three main ways in which current regulatory approaches might be substantially improved: the allocation of regulatory resources; strategies for inspection and enforcement; and the use of management systems and legislation to control contractors and suppliers. Weaknesses in current arrangements are identified and recommendations are made for adopting a number of regulatory reforms and innovations drawing from experience internationally, or based on recent and important developments in regulatory theory, and on approaches constructed during the course of this research. Particular emphasis is placed on innovations such as focused inspections, the use of audit services, and the use of principal contractors as surrogate regulators. Topics: Australia; enforcement; labour inspection; legislation; national organization; penalties; role of labour inspection; subcontractors; training of OSH personnel. (73592)

CIS 99-1492 International safety and health standards. Takala J., Forastieri V., Occupational Hygiene, 1998, Vol.4, No.3-6, p.167-177. Illus. 9 ref. (In English)

Internet:

The International Labour Organization (ILO) promotes global social justice by its standard-setting mechanism. A large number of standards related to occupational safety and health are issued and, once ratified by member States, have become an integral part of national legislation. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) issues voluntary standards. The types of standards issued by the ILO and the ISO are described and the need to standardize occupational safety and health management systems is highlighted. The role of the ILO is explained and safety management systems are summarized and evaluated. The toll of annual fatal occupational accidents is estimated to be 330,000 worldwide. The costs of occupational accidents and diseases can be up to 4% of the gross national product. Drafting of new standards may be done as a collaborative effort with the ILO and its tripartite constituents and with professional organizations, such as the International Occupational Hygiene Association. Topics: cost of accidents; cost of diseases; ILO; international agreements; ISO; occupational safety and health; role of government; role of management; safety consciousness; standardization; statistics. (73661)

CIS 99-1493 Safety and health conditions in the workplace (I). (Spanish: Condiciones de seguridad y salud en los lugares de trabajo (I)) Blasco Mayor A., Prevención, Oct.-Dec. 1998, No.146, p.50-68. Illus. (In Spanish)

Internet:

Topics: comment on law; occupational safety and health; responsibilities of employers; safety by design; Spain; welfare facilities; workplace design; workplaces. (73616)

CIS 99-1494 Integrated safety and health management in small and medium-sized enterprises. Spanish case studies. (Spanish: Gestión integrada de la prevención (G.I.P.) en las Pymes. Experiencias en España) Ormazábal Beraza L.A, Prevención, Oct.-Dec. 1997, No.142, p.16-21. Illus. (In Spanish)

Internet:

Topics: cost-benefit analysis; plant safety and health organization; plant safety and health supervision; safety planning; small enterprises; Spain. (73630)

CIS 99-1495 Occupational risks and the value and modelling of a measurement of severity. Cuny X., Lejeune M., Safety Science, Apr. 1999, Vol.31, No.3, p.213-229. Illus. 18 ref. (In English)

Internet:

A statistical method for integrating several constituent elements of severity is proposed for measuring the severity of the consequences of potentially dangerous events. Principal component analysis is used to calculate a resultant severity, as in some physical measurements. The statistical modelling of severity is also investigated, with the aim of contributing to the quantitative assessment of occupational risks. The choice of parametric models is detailed and illustrated by the search for a suitable model for workplace accidents in an organizational setting. The practical value of modelling severity is discussed. Topics: dangerous occurrences; hazard evaluation; mathematical models; severity rates; statistical evaluation. (73664)

CIS 99-1496 Meeting the challenge of privatization: Its impact on occupational health and safety, public health and environmental protection. Veleva V., New Solutions, 1998, Vol.8, No.4, p.415-449. Illus. (In English)

Internet:

Summarizes the proceedings of the 9th Annual Symposium on Environment and Occupational Health during Societal Transition in Central and Eastern Europe held in June 1998 in Budapest, Hungary. Topics discussed: global issues of privatization, international and European standards and programmes, cooperation among trade union federations, legislative and policy changes since democratization and their impact on the environment and health and safety. The main challenge was to draw out strategies for improvement and define the role of trade unions, universities, non-governmental organizations, and occupational health and safety professionals in this complex process. Topics: asbestos cement industry; asbestos; case study; conference; Eastern Europe; environment; health hazards; industrial organization; international agreements; legal aspects; pesticides; petroleum and natural gas industry; pollution control; printing industry; role of government; role of private bodies; role of workers organizations; transition economies. (73741)

CIS 99-1497 Privatization in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe and its implications for occupational safety and health and the environment. Rice A., New Solutions, 1998, Vol.8, No.4, p.451-460. Illus. (In English)

Internet:

Privatization is the key to a well-functioning market economy. Transition has unleashed a complex process with industries in flux, breakups, and mergers, and countries face new health problems. Globalization generates lower wages, relaxes standards, and introduces new work practices. Change must not be abused. Studies show that union-organized workplaces are safer than when no union is present and that an orderly industrial relations system with appropriate collective bargaining mechanisms is important. The problems are political more than technical; the new social partners must engage in dialogue. Topics: alcoholism; collective agreements; diet; Eastern Europe; economic aspects; environment; industrial organization; multinational enterprises; qualifications; role of government; role of private bodies; role of workers organizations; small enterprises; smoking; social aspects; transition economies; unemployment; work organization. (73742)

CIS 99-1498 Privatization - The new challenge to working conditions in Bulgarian enterprises. Kokalov I., Atschkova P., Zaikova M., Todorov T., Popov T., New Solutions, 1998, Vol.8, No.4, p.479-492. Illus. (In English)

Internet:

Bulgaria is facing serious economic problems. Privatization is going slowly and painfully. High unemployment, poor working conditions, lack of proper health and safety systems at work are only some of the problems faced presently by the trade unions. Yet there is still a place for optimism. Examples demonstrate that privatization of state enterprises accompanied by proper legal requirements and trade union involvement can, in fact, improve working conditions. Topics: Bulgaria; case study; chocolate and confectionery industry; conditions of work; economic aspects; industrial organization; plant health services; role of government; role of private bodies; role of workers organizations; social aspects; unemployment; work organization. (73744)

CIS 99-1499 4th Seminar on personal protective equipment in Europe, Kittilä, Finland, 2-5 Dec. 1997. Jurvelius H., ed., Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Laajaniityntie 1, 01620 Vantaa, Finland, 1998. 180p. Illus. Bibl.ref. Price: FIM 100.00., ISBN 952-00-0455-6 (In English)

Internet:

Topics: approval; comfort criteria; conference; Eastern Europe; enforcement; equipment testing; European Communities; Finland; hazard evaluation; legislation; marking; personal protective equipment; preventive maintenance; protection against cold; protection criteria; protective clothing; selection of equipment; supply of personal protective equipment; testing. (73719)

CIS 99-1500 Action plan for the prevention of occupational accidents. (Spanish: Plan de acción sobre la siniestralidad laboral) Instituto Nacional de Seguridad e Higiene en el Trabajo, c/Torrelaguna 73, 28027 Madrid, Spain, 1998. 30p., ISBN 84-7425-517-1 (In Spanish)

Internet:

Topics: legislation; national organization; occupational accidents; penalties; plant safety and health organization; safety and health training; safety checks; safety programmes; Spain. (73617)

CIS 99-1501 Occupational health. Harrington J.M., Gill F.S., Aw T.C., Gardiner K., Blackwell Science Ltd., Osney Mead, Oxford OX2 0EL, United Kingdom, 4th ed., 1998. vii, 423p. Illus. Bibl.ref. Price: GBP 19.95., ISBN 0-632-04832-8 (In English)

Internet:

Topics: harmful physical agents; harmful substances; hazard evaluation; health services; infectious diseases; legislation; limitation of exposure; manuals; medical supervision; neuropsychic stress; occupational diseases; occupational hygiene; occupational medicine; personal protective equipment; plant health services; toxicology; United Kingdom; ventilation. (73785)

CIS 99-1502 China: Promoting safety and health in township and village enterprises. International Labour Office (ILO), ILO East Asia Multidisciplinary Advisory Team (ILO/EASMAT), P.O. Box 2-349, Radjamnern Avenue, Bangkok 10200, Thailand, 1998. vi, 55p., ISBN 92-2-111334-5 (In English)

Internet:

Topics: China; enforcement; health programmes; ILO; labour inspection; legislation; national organization; plant safety and health organization; public OSH institutions; report; role of employers organizations; role of workers organizations; safety and health training; safety programmes; training of OSH personnel. (73786)

CIS 99-1503 Financial and technological statistics on occupational accidents - Years 1993-1994-1995. (French: Statistiques financières et technologiques des accidents du travail - Années 1993-1994-1995) Caisse nationale de l'assurance maladie des travailleurs salariés, Direction des risques professionnels, 33 avenue du Maine, BP 7, 75755 Paris Cedex 15, France, 1997. 405p. Illus. (In French)

Internet:

Topics: commuting accidents; cost of accidents; economic aspects; fatalities; France; frequency rates; occupational accidents; occupational diseases; severity rates; statistical trends; statistics. (73671)

CIS 99-1504 Sources and methods - Labour statistics - Volume 8: Occupational injuries. (French: Sources et méthodes - Statistiques du travail - Volume 8: Lésions professionnelles; Spanish: Fuentes y métodos - Estadísticas laborales - Volumen 8: Accidentes de trabajo) ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, 1st ed., 1999. xxii, 393p., ISBN 92-2-010753-8 (In English, French, Spanish)

Internet:

This first edition of Volume 8 of Sources and Methods - Labour Statistics presents methodological descriptions of the national statistics on occupational injuries published by the ILO in the 1997 edition of the Yearbook of Labour Statistics (CIS 98-596). It contains descriptions in respect of 113 countries, areas and territories. The purpose of this volume is twofold: first, to provide basic methodological information on the sources and methods used in each country in compiling these statistics, and, second, to illustrate the differences between the various national series with respect to the concepts and methodologies used by countries. The descriptions are presented under standard headings which allow for easy comparison of the different characteristics. Topics: accident absenteeism; compilation of statistics; ILO; industries; injuries; national organization; national variables; occupational accidents; services; statistics. (73710)

CIS 99-1505 Labour Administration annual report - Fiscal year 2054/2055, 1997/1998 [Nepal]. Ministry of Labour, Department of Labour, Adwait Marg, Bagh Bazar, P.O. Box 6515, Kathmandu, Nepal, 1998. 121p. (In English)

Internet:

Topics: child labour; developing countries; ILO; international cooperation; national organization; Nepal; public OSH institutions; report of activities; safety and health training; statistics; women. (73709)

CIS 99-1506 Occupational safety and health in small and medium-sized enterprises - II - Survey: Safety organization - Description of risks. (French: La prévention dans les PME - II - Enquête: prise en charge de la sécurité - Représentation des risques) Favaro M., Davillerd C., François M., Mougenot C., Perot K., Weiss D., Institut national de recherche et de sécurité, 30 rue Olivier-Noyer, 75680 Paris Cedex 14, France, Dec. 1997. 207p. Illus. 161 ref. (In French)

Internet:

Topics: causes of accidents; dangerous equipment; medical supervision; plant safety and health organization; questionnaire survey; responsibilities of employers; risk awareness; risk factors; role of management; small enterprises; social aspects; statistical evaluation. (73674)

CIS 99-1507 Trends in occupational accident potential in France from 1974 to 1994: Some observations, questions and answers. (French: Evolution de l'accidentabilité au travail en France de 1974 à 1994: quelques constats, des questions, quelles réponses?) Monteau M., Institut national de recherche et de sécurité, 30 rue Olivier-Noyer, 75680 Paris Cedex 14, France, Jan. 1998. 44p. Illus. 41 ref. (In French)

Internet:

Topics: accident absenteeism; age-linked differences; commuting accidents; economic aspects; France; frequency rates; mortality; new technologies; non-permanent workers; occupational accidents; severity rates; social aspects; statistical trends. (73675)

CIS 99-1508 Occupational safety and health - New challenges. Directorate General Factory Advice Service and Labour Institutes, Central Labour Institute Building, N.S. Mankikar Marg, Sion, Mumbai 400 022, India, Aug. 1998. 93p. Illus. Bibli.ref. (In English)

Internet:

Topics: conference; dangerous substances; developing countries; disposal of harmful waste; harmful substances; India; legal aspects; occupational safety and health; plant safety and health organization. (73703)

CIS 99-1509 National directory - Profiles of agencies, institutions and organisations. ILO-FINNIDA Asian-Pacific Regional Programme on Occupational Safety and Health, c/o ILO ROAP, United Nations Building, 10200 Bangkok, Thailand, Feb. 1998. 220p. (In English)

Internet:

Topics: developing countries; directory; ILO; India; private OSH institutions; public OSH institutions; safety and health institutions. (73707)

CIS 99-1510 Directory of the national information network on occupational safety and health in Vietnam. ILO-FINNIDA Asian-Pacific Regional Programme on Occupational Safety and Health, c/o ILO ROAP, United Nations Building, 10200 Bangkok, Thailand, Oct. 1997. 98p. (In English)

Internet:

Topics: developing countries; directory; ILO; private OSH institutions; public OSH institutions; safety and health institutions; Vietnam D.R.. (73708)

CIS 99-1511 Final report of the inquiry into workplace safety - Volume one. Volume two - Appendices. Standing Committee on Law and Justice, Parliament of New South Wales Legislative Council, Parliament House, Macquarie Street, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia 2000, Nov. 1998. x, 112p. + appendices (approx. 200p.) Illus. Bibl.ref., ISBN 0-7313-9322-8 (In English)

Internet:

Topics: Australia; child labour; comparative study; Denmark; economic aspects; employee rights; Germany; labour inspection; legislation; national organization; New South Wales; Norway; occupational accidents; occupational diseases; occupational safety and health; plant safety and health organization; report; role of workers organizations; safety and health institutions; small enterprises; subcontractors; Sweden; United Kingdom; workmen's compensation. (73790)

CIS 99-1512 The Nepal Occupational Safety and Health Information Network - Profiles of Nepalese agencies, institutions and organizations involved in occupational safety and health. National CIS Centre, Department of Labour, Adwait Marg, Bagh Bazar, P.O. Box 6515, Kathmandu, Nepal, Aug. 1996. 57p. (In English)

Internet:

Topics: developing countries; directory; Nepal; private OSH institutions; public OSH institutions; safety and health institutions. (73828)

CIS 99-1513 How to design a safety and health plan at the level of the enterprise or organization. (Dutch: Leidraad bij het opmaken van een globaal preventieplan; French: Comment élaborer un plan global de prévention?) Institut pour la prévention, la protection et le bien-être au travail, rue Gachard, 88 Bte 4, 1050 Bruxelles, Belgium, 1999. 18p. Illus., ISBN 090-70902-53-2 (ne), ISBN 2-87112-055-2 (fr) (In Dutch, French)

Internet:

Topics: hazard evaluation; information of personnel; legislation; medical supervision; plant safety and health organization; role of workers organizations; safety and health training; workers participation. (73808)

[ Top of page ]

CIS 99-1514 Comparison of lung-function reference values. Baur X., Isringhausen-Bley S., Degens P., International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, Mar. 1999, Vol.72, No.2, p.69-83. Illus. 29 ref. (In English)

Internet:

Case histories and lung function values of 139 healthy subjects were recorded and differences of measured values minus predicted values as recommended by different authors were computed. Results indicate that the ERS values of FVC, FEV₁, and FEV₁%FVC mainly applied in Europe should be verified. The much better-evaluated formulas of other authors are recommended. Furthermore, the age range between 60 and 70 years should be extrapolated from these formulas until better epidemiological data on lung function are available. Topics: age-linked differences; asthma; comparative study; farmer's lung; lung diseases; medical supervision; one-second forced expiratory volume; pneumoconiosis; pneumotachography; pulmonary function; respiratory function tests; respiratory volume; spirometry; statistical evaluation; ventilatory capacity; vital capacity. (73515)

CIS 99-1515 Mortality and cancer incidence in biomedical laboratory personnel in Sweden. Wennborg H., Yuen J., Axelsson G., Ahlbom A., Gustavsson P., Sasco A.J., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Apr. 1999, Vol.35, No.4, p.382-389. 26 ref. (In English)

Internet:

This retrospective cohort study investigated the standardized mortality ratio (SMR) and the standardized incidence ratio (SIR) for cancer in biomedical research laboratory personnel in Swedish universities 1970-1992. The cohort comprised 5,035 laboratory and, as an internal reference group, 2,923 nonlaboratory employees. The overall death rate was lower in both groups than in the general population. The SIR for brain tumours among male laboratory workers was 1.69 and among male laboratory scientists with more than 10 years of work it was 3.11. There was an elevated SIR for malignant melanoma among female scientists in laboratories and for male scientists in nonlaboratory departments. The SIR for breast cancer among female laboratory scientists was 1.62. The present findings lend some support to an excess of brain tumors among male scientists and of breast cancer in female scientists in biomedical research laboratories. Topics: brain cancer; breast cancer; cancer; cohort study; frequency rates; laboratory work; melanoma; mortality; sex-linked differences. (73557)

CIS 99-1516 Assessment of occupational exposures in a general population: Comparison of different methods. Tielemans E., Heederik D., Burdorf A., Vermeulen R., Veulemans H., Kromhout H., Hartog K., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Mar. 1999, Vol.56, No.3, p.145-151. 36 ref. (In English)

Internet:

Estimates of exposure to organic solvents and chromium, based on job specific questionnaires, generic questionnaires, self reports of exposure, an external job exposure matrix (JEM) and a population specific JEM were compared with passive dosimeter results and measurement in urine. Passive dosimeter results indicated that exposure classifications with job specific questionnaire information could discriminate between high and low exposures. Implementation of job specific questionnaires in a general population study might be worth the extra expense it entails, bearing in mind the paramount importance of avoiding false positive exposure estimates when exposure prevalence is low. Topics: chromium; comparative study; determination in urine; evaluation of technique; exposure evaluation; organic solvents; personal sampling; questionnaire survey; urinary metabolites. (73561)

CIS 99-1517 SWORD '97: Surveillance of work-related and occupational respiratory disease in the UK. Ross D.J., Keynes H.L., McDonald J.C., Occupational Medicine, Nov. 1998, Vol.48, No.8, p.481-485. Illus. 9 ref. (In English)

Internet:

SWORD is one of seven clinically based reporting schemes which together now provide almost comprehensive coverage of occupational diseases across the UK. Of an estimated 3,903 new cases seen in 1997, 1,031 (26%) were of occupational asthma, 978 (25%) of mesothelioma, 794 (20%) of non-malignant pleural disease, 336 (9%) of pneumoconiosis and 233 (6%) of inhalation accidents. Incidence rates of occupational asthma were generally highest among workers in the manufacture of wood products, textiles and food (particularly grain products and crustaceans) and additionally, in the production of precious and non-ferrous metals, rubber goods, detergents and perfumes, and in mining. Health care workers were noted to have a surprisingly high incidence of inhalation accidents. Occupational asthma attributed to latex has increased dramatically; the highest rates are among laboratory technicians, shoe workers and health care workers. Topics: asthma; epidemiologic study; food industry; latex; medical supervision; mesothelioma; occupation disease relation; occupational diseases; pleural diseases; pneumoconiosis; respiratory diseases; statistics; textile industry; United Kingdom; woodworking industry. (73571)

CIS 99-1518 Determination of blood serum oncoprotein NEU and antioncoprotein p-53 - Molecular biomarkers in various types of occupational exposure. Krajewska B., Lutz W., Piłacik B., International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health, 1998, Vol.11, No.4, p.343-348. Illus. 12 ref. (In English)

Internet:

Blood serum p-53 and NEU proteins were determined in 32 workers exposed to asbestos and in 57 workers exposed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The proteins were also determined in 99 patients with overt cancer and in 47 controls. The data show positive values of oncoprotein NEU or antioncoprotein p-53 in 17.3% to 31.8% of workers exposed to asbestos or PAHs. The percentage of positive values for the examined proteins in the patients with overt cancer ranged from 12.5% to 42.5%. It should be noted that positive values of the oncoproteins detected in the biomaterial of the persons exposed do not mean that people will necessarily develop cancer. Nevertheless, elevated values should be regarded as a warning and an implication for undertaking suitable preventive measures. Topics: aromatic hydrocarbons; asbestos; blood monitoring; cancer; case-control study; determination in blood; exposure evaluation; polycyclic hydrocarbons; serum protein changes. (73667)

CIS 99-1519 Characteristics of the healthy survivor effect among male and female Hanford workers. Baillargeon J., Wilkinson G.S., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Apr. 1999, Vol.35, No.4, p.343-347. 16 ref. (In English)

Internet:

Follow-up mortality data on 44,154 employees from the Hanford nuclear facility for the period of 1944-1986 were used to estimate the healthy survivor effect according to frequently measured sociodemographic characteristics. While Hanford employees did not exhibit a stepwise decline in standardized mortality ratios according to duration of employment, workers in the longest employment duration category demonstrated a substantial survival advantage compared to the rest of the cohort. This effect was present in both males and females, and in all but the following subgroups: males hired at or after age 40, females hired before age 40, and females classified as both professional and nonprofessional. Findings suggest that investigators should consider the potential confounding role of the healthy survivor effect when relying on standardized mortality ratios, or other methods, to assess the adverse health effects of exposure in occupational cohorts. Topics: cohort study; confounding factors; epidemiologic study; healthy worker effect; length of exposure; mortality; nuclear power stations; radiation equipment and processes; women. (73553)

CIS 99-1520 Update of the Texaco mortality study 1947-93: Part I. Analysis of overall patterns of mortality among refining, research, and petrochemical workers. Divine B.J., Hartman C.M., Wendt J.K., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Mar. 1999, Vol.56, No.3, p.167-173. 11 ref. (In English)

Internet:

Information on the workers in the Texaco mortality study was updated to determine if the patterns of mortality had changed with 16 additional years of follow up. The overall mortality and most cause specific mortalities were lower than or similar to those for the general population of the USA. Slightly increased mortality was found for cancer of the pancreas, cancer of the brain and central nervous system, leukaemia, and cancer of other lymphatic tissue. There were significantly increased standard mortality ratios for brain cancer for those people employed as laboratory workers and on units with motor oil and for cancer of other lymphatic tissue for people employed on the fluid catalytic cracking unit. The results of the updated study showed a favourable mortality experience for employees in the Texaco mortality study compared with the USA population (see also CIS 99-1521). Topics: brain cancer; cancer; cohort study; diseases of central nervous system; laboratory work; leukaemia; long-term study; lymphoma; mortality; occupation disease relation; osteosarcoma; petrochemical industry; petroleum refining; tumour of the pancreas. (73565)

CIS 99-1521 Update of the Texaco mortality study 1947-93: Part II. Analyses of specific causes of death for white men employed in refining, research, and petrochemicals. Divine B.J., Hartman C.M., Wendt J.K., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Mar. 1999, Vol.56, No.3, p.174-180. 26 ref. (In English)

Internet:

Patterns of mortality for specific causes of death with increases in the Texaco mortality study were examined to determine if the patterns were related to employment in the petroleum industry. Mortality from mesothelioma was examined for the total cohort and for two maintenance groups with the greatest potential for exposure to asbestos. Analyses of specific causes of death by duration of employment in various job and process units did not show any patterns which suggest that, other than for mesothelioma, any of these increases in mortalities were likely to have resulted from workplace exposures or from employment at one of the places included in the Texaco mortality study (see also CIS 99-1520). Topics: brain cancer; cancer; asbestos; cohort study; laboratory work; length of exposure; leukaemia; long-term study; lymphoma; mesothelioma; mortality; myeloma; occupation disease relation; petrochemical industry; petroleum refining. (73566)

CIS 99-1522 Development of occupational skin diseases during vocational training in baker and confectioner apprentices: A follow-up study. Bauer A., Bartsch R., Stadeler M., Schneider W., Grieshaber R., Wollina U., Gebhardt M., Contact Dermatitis, Dec. 1998, Vol.39, No.6, p.307-311. lllus. 13 ref. (In English)

Internet:

Risk factors for the development of hand dermatitis were evaluated in a prospective follow-up study of baker and confectioner apprentices. Apprentices were interviewed and examined at the beginning of their vocational training, and 6 and 12 months later. The transepidermal water loss (TEWL) score was also assessed at three standardized sites on the hands. In their case histories, 3.3% of the apprentices reported hand dermatitis. The first assessment after 2 to 4 weeks vocational training revealed hand eczema in 17.5% of the individuals. At the follow-up, after 6 months of training 29.1%, and after 12 months of training 27.0% of the apprentices had hand dermatitis of mild to moderate severity. Within 6 months, the TEWL score rose significantly.There was a significant tendency for atopic skin diathesis to be a predictive factor for the development of occupational hand dermatitis. TEWL score, respiratory atopy and metal sensitization failed to correlate with the development of skin damage in this study. Topics: bakery products industry; dermatitis; epidemiologic study; hand; individual susceptibility; long-term study; risk factors; sensitization dermatitis; skin diseases; skin wetness. (73576)

CIS 99-1523 Epidemiology of musculoskeletal alterations due to biomechanical overload of the spine in manual handling of patients. (Italian: Epidemiologia della alterazioni musculo-scheletriche da sovraccarico biomeccanico del rachide nella movimentazione manuale di pazienti) Bordini L., De Vito G., Molteni G., Boccardi S., Medicina del lavoro, Mar.-Apr. 1999, Vol.90, No.2, p.103-116. 47 ref. (In Italian)

Internet:

Based on a review of a series of studies on manual handling of patients by nursing staff, the incidence and prevalence of low-back pain in selected populations was assessed and the postural risk to which nursing staff are exposed at work was identified. The importance of a correct knowledge of manual handling techniques, frequency and mode of performing them, and the psychological aspects was stressed. It was also observed that data on painful lumbosacral symptoms were underestimated due to the type of epidemiological investigations carried out. Comparison of the data was often difficult because of different evaluation criteria used to classify painful symptoms and because of the various epidemiological parameters used. Topics: backache; epidemiologic study; hazard evaluation; manual handling; manual lifting; musculoskeletal diseases; nursing personnel; risk factors; spinal column; work posture. (73751)

CIS 99-1524 Clinical studies on health care workers with tasks involving manual handling of patients: Methods for assessing disorders of the spine. (Italian: Studi clinici negli operatori sanitari addetti alla movimentazione manuale di pazienti: metodi per la rilevazione delle affezioni del rachide) Ricci M.G., Menoni O., Colombini D., Occhipinti E., Medicina del lavoro, Mar.-Apr. 1999, Vol.90, No.2, p.173-190. Illus. 10 ref. (In Italian)

Internet:

To enable different research groups to make a standardized collection of clinical data on alterations of the lumbar spine, protocols were used for the collection and classification of data that were proposed and thoroughly validated by the authors. The protocols included a clinical/functional examination of the spine and checking for positive anamnesic threshold, pain on pressure/palpation of the spine apophyses and paravertebral muscles, and for painful movements, in order to classify 1st, 2nd and 3rd degree functional spondylarthropathy for different regions of the spine. An ad hoc questionnaire was also prepared for the quantitative and qualitative study of true acute low-back pain and ingravescent low-back pain controlled at the onset pharmacologically. The results of this questionnaire survey make it possible to calculate the incidence of acute low-back pain, both true and pharmacologically controlled. Topics: back disorders; backache; manual handling; manual lifting; medical examinations; nursing personnel; questionnaire survey; spinal column; spinal diseases. (73753)

CIS 99-1525 Management of the risks associated with manual handling of patients in a hospital risk management programme. (Italian: La gestione del rischio da movimentazione manuale dei pazienti in un programma di gestione dei rischi ospedalieri) Margonari M., Nava C., Basilico S., Petri A., Medicina del lavoro, Mar.-Apr. 1999, Vol.90, No.2, p.351-361. 7 ref. (In Italian)

Internet:

The risks associated with manual handling of patients in a major Italian hospital were assessed over three years. The results of the assessment of 58 wards showed that about 60% had a medium-high exposure level; 24% had negligible exposure levels; and 13.8% had zero exposure due to the absence of disabled patients. On the basis of the initial data obtained from health surveillance programmes on a group of 431 exposed subjects, about 10% were judged fit with limitations due to spinal disorders. Problems that emerged (management, organization, training, transfer of workers with limited job qualification, accreditation) are discussed. The method proposed is considered suitable for other risk factors within the framework of a more far-reaching programme on the application of the Italian Law 626/94, as a means of permanent management of risk in a particularly complex working environment such as that of a hospital. Topics: exposure evaluation; hazard evaluation; health programmes; hospitals; legal aspects; manual handling; manual lifting; nursing personnel; safety and health training. (73758)

CIS 99-1526 Design and trial of a new questionnaire for occupational health surveys in companies. Weel A.N.H., Fortuin R.J., Occupational Medicine, Nov. 1998, Vol.48, No.8, p.511-518. 5 ref. (In English)

Internet:

A method for instrument development, the Development Cycle, is presented. It consists of four main stages: defining the requirements for an instrument; research, design and pilot testing; implementation; and evaluation. An application of the Development Cycle was realized within a project for the development of a basic questionnaire about work and health, to be used at periodic health surveys. This questionnaire had to identify work and work-related health problems in employees with divergent occupations and working conditions. The design of the instrument and the results of its trial in 517 employees is presented. The evaluation of the testresults and the modification of the questionnaire are discussed. From 1995, the questionnaire has been implemented in Dutch OSH services quite successfully. Topics: evaluation of technique; human relations; mental stress; neuropsychic stress; occupational health survey; physical workload; questionnaire survey. (73573)

CIS 99-1527 Application of inverse Gaussian distribution to occupational exposure data. Takagi K., Kumagai S., Matsunaga I., Kusaka Y., Annals of Occupational Hygiene, Oct. 1997, Vol.41, No.5, p.505-514. Illus. 15 ref. (In English)

Internet:

Occupational exposure concentrations are generally assumed to vary in a log-normal manner, however, because the mean of random samples from a log-normal distribution is not log-normally distributed, it cannot, in theory, deal with changes in the distribution of time-weighted average values when the averaging time varies. Since inverse Gaussian distribution is similar to a log-normal one and offers the advantage of reproducibility, it is proposed that this technique be applied to occupational exposure data. Merits and demerits of the technique are outlined. Topics: determination of concentration; evaluation of technique; exposure evaluation; mathematical models; statistical evaluation. (73587)

CIS 99-1528 Biomarkers, screening and ethics. Koh D., Jeyaratnam J., Occupational Medicine, 1998, Vol.48, No.1, p.27-30. 10 ref. (In English)

Internet:

Advances in biomarker technology have made a significant impact on the ethics and practice of occupational health. In the pre-employment stage, preventive testing may be used to avert accidents that may occur if a medically unfit worker undertakes a job that he or she is unable to perform. For safety sensitive jobs, routine testing of functional capacity in the actual job would suffice in most cases. However, in some cases, screening may be used to forecast the risk of a worker developing an illness. The question to consider is whether the test undertaken is to benefit the individual or to fulfil some administrative or financial need. Among exposed workers, screening may be conducted for biomarkers of exposure or effect. The appropriate response to the effect of technical and societal advances on ethics is the updating of ethical guidelines by the profession. It may also be necessary to require a regulatory body to ensure that the tests are accurate and effective, and that they are not used to discriminate against individuals. Topics: cost of diseases; discriminatory practices; ethics; exposure tests; genetic screening; pre-employment medical examinations; responsibilities. (73608)

CIS 99-1529 Characteristics of pain drawings in the neck-shoulder region among the working population. Toomingas A., International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, Mar. 1999, Vol.72, No.2, p.98-106. Illus. 35 ref. (In English)

Internet:

Pain drawings of the rear view of the neck, shoulders, and upper back were made by 125 middle-aged subjects from the general working population suffering from symptoms, mainly ache and pain, in the neck or shoulder regions. The locations of the markings in each pain drawing were coded to computer files. The most frequently marked locations covered two areas in neck-shoulder angles, with a symmetrical and even distribution occurring between left and right sides. Subjects with more chronic or severe symptoms made pain drawings with larger areas. The number of separate symptom loci and their total area, left-right distribution, and symmetry were characteristics associated with symptom chronicity and severity or signs of tenderness in the neck-trapezius region. Topics: cervicobrachial syndrome; computer analysis; cross-sectional study; graphic determination; neck disorders; shoulder; subjective assessment; symptoms; upper extremity disorders. (73518)

CIS 99-1530 Carpal tunnel syndrome and workers' compensation among an occupational clinic population in New York State. Herbert R., Janeway K., Schechter C., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Apr. 1999, Vol.35, No.4, p.335-342. 32 ref. (In English)

Internet:

The experience in the New York State workers' compensation (WC) system of 135 patients with work-related carpal-tunnel syndrome was evaluated. Patients with work-related carpal-tunnel syndrome face frequent claim challenge by WC insurers in NY State, with attendant prolonged delays in adjudication and treatment authorization. Likelihood of claim rejection was strongly related to ethnicity and socio-economic status. Topics: carpal-tunnel syndrome; compensation of occupational diseases; diagnosis; race-linked differences; role of insurance institutions; social aspects; USA. (73552)

CIS 99-1531 Analysis of the risk of occurrence of pulmonary and acute and subacute ear, nose and throat effects in woodworking shops - Data from January 1994 to January 1996. (French: Analyse des risques de manifestations pulmonaires et ORL aiguës et subaiguës en ateliers de menuiserie bois - Receuil des données de janvier 1994 à janvier 1996) Marcuccilli A., Detry H., Faure M., Hamel F., Metras E., Saenz. F., Campion S., Centre Interservices de Santé et de Médecine du travail en Entreprise, 31, rue Médéric, 75832 Paris Cedex 17, France, 1997. 55p. Illus. 36 ref., ISBN 2-85525-339-X (In French)

Internet:

Topics: airborne dust; chips; cross-sectional study; diseases of ear and mastoid process; diseases of nose and sinuses; dust measurement; exotic woods; exposure evaluation; hazard evaluation; laryngeal diseases; one-second forced expiratory volume; questionnaire survey; respiratory diseases; risk factors; ventilatory capacity; wood dust; wood; woodworking industry. (73770)

CIS 99-1532 Occupational Disease Compensation Fund - 1996 Annual Report. (Dutch: Fonds voor de beroepsziekten - Jaarverslag - Dienstjaar 1996; French: Fonds des maladies professionnelles - Rapport annuel - Exercice 1996) Fonds des Maladies Professionnelles, Avenue de l'Astronomie 1, 1210 Bruxelles, Belgium, 1996. 191p. Illus. (In Dutch, French)

Internet:

Topics: Belgium; compensation of occupational diseases; compilation of statistics; legislation; occupational diseases; public OSH institutions; report of activities; schedule of occupational diseases; sickness absenteeism; statistics. (73706)

[ Top of page ]

CIS 99-1533 Coastal fishing safety. (Spanish: Seguridad en la pesca de bajura) Tasende Souto J.M., Mapfre seguridad, 4th Quarter 1998, Vol.18, No.72, p.11-21. Illus. 15 ref. (In Spanish)

Internet:

Safety at work is an essential criterion in the design and building of fishing vessels: visibility from the wheelhouse, fixed devices that facilitate launching of liferafts, in-built rescue material (bengal lights, lifebuoys and all life preservers). Systematic investigation of accidents is necessary, including an analysis of their causes and worker interviews. If grants and subsidies are established by the Administration for the acquisition of rescue material, they should be linked to attendance by fishermen to specific training courses on safety, particularly on the proper use of the acquired material. Skills learned can be maintained by exercises during such times as renovation and service: launching of liferafts, use of extinguishers and flares, etc. The use of safety signalling and visual and acoustic alarms should be generalized. Crews should be properly trained on radio medical assistance in combination with the upkeeping of medicine chests. Topics: coastal fishing; design of equipment; fatalities; legislation; occupational accidents; occupational safety; risk factors; safety and health training; ships; signalling and communications; Spain. (73627)

CIS 99-1534 Historical cohort study of a New Zealand foundry and heavy engineering plant. Firth H.M., Elwood J.M., Cox B., Herbison G.P., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Feb. 1999, Vol.56, No.2, p.134-138. 30 ref. (In English)

Internet:

This historical cohort study investigated the mortality of workers who had been exposed to asbestos, machining fluids and foundry work in a foundry and heavy engineering plant in the railway rolling stock manufacturing industry in New Zealand. There were small increases in risk for several causes of death among the foundry and heavy engineering workers. However, these increases were small and the possible effects of smoking and other lifestyle factors could not be excluded. There was evidence of asbestos-related disease in those involved in engineering work in the past. Topics: asbestos; cancer; cardiovascular diseases; cohort study; foundries; long-term study; lubricants; lung cancer; mortality; musculoskeletal diseases; pleural mesothelioma; respiratory diseases; smoking. (73500)

CIS 99-1535 Accidents that occurred in three hospitals in one year. St-Vincent M., Tellier C., Petitjean-Roget T., Safety Science, Apr. 1999, Vol.31, No.3, p.197-212. 35 ref. (In English)

Internet:

Analysis of accidents among caregivers in three hospitals indicates that accidents involving muscular effort must be given priority in prevention because they explain 70% of absences and account for 77% of lost days. Caregivers are most often injured while transporting patients and, frequently, while supporting them. The accidents are rarely associated with lifting. This may indicate problems with balance during transport. Results have an impact on training and prevention programmes which often focus on lifting. The study also suggests that knowledge about the patient plays an important role in the transfer. It would, therefore, be useful for caregivers to have a better knowledge about the patients handled. Topics: back disorders; health care personnel; hospitals; manual handling; occupational accidents; questionnaire survey; sense of balance. (73663)

CIS 99-1536 Health risks when working in and around water. Veale D., Croner's Occupational Hygiene Magazine, Dec.-Jan. 1998/1999, No.13, p.11-16. 5 ref. (In English)

Internet:

Topics: agriculture; allergies; biological hazards; chemical hazards; conjunctivitis; diving; dock work; fishing; gastrointestinal diseases; hazard evaluation; health hazards; hepatitis; legislation; leptospirosis; particulate radiation; poliomyelitis; sewage; shipbuilding industry; sports and recreation; swimming pools; United Kingdom; water transport; water. (73600)

CIS 99-1537 The significance of aches/pains among workers in an electronics factory. Ho S.F., Phoon W.H., Medical Journal of Malaysia, June 1997, Vol.52, No.2, p.134-138. 17 ref. (In English)

Internet:

315 female workers with at least three months employment history in a factory manufacturing disk drives were studied. Each worker completed a self-administered questionnaire on their personal particulars, hours of work, opinions on the work and the workplace and the presence and severity of aches/pains experienced. 44.8% of the workers had complaints of aches/pains, Of these, 57.5% reported an improvement in their symptoms during their days off. 41.8% had symptoms affecting two or more sites. The most commonly affected sites were the hands and shoulders, followed by the head and back. 66.7% of these workers reported that the pains were severe enough to affect their activities. 53.9% had to seek some form of medical treatment and 23.4% took medical leave. However, the physical examinations of this group of workers were normal. The symptoms appeared to be influenced by their attitude towards work. A significantly higher number of workers with symptoms expressed dissatisfaction with work and had complaints of a noisy and cold environment. Topics: electronics industry; hand; individual susceptibility; job dissatisfaction; musculoskeletal diseases; questionnaire survey; repetitive strain injury; risk factors; shoulder; sickness absenteeism; symptoms; women. (73601)

CIS 99-1538 Hesse's special programme on plant safety - A report on experience gained. (German: Das hessische Sonderprogramm Analgensicherheit - ein Erfahrungsbericht) Darimont T., Hermann B., Melo M., Rössner E., Immissionsschutz, June 1998, Vol.3, No.2, p.53-64. Illus. (In German)

Internet:

A plant safety inspection programme was introduced in Hesse, Germany, in 1993 after three major accidents had occurred in the chemical industry. In two cases toxic substances were released into the environment contaminating nearby buildings and injuring people. In one case a worker was killed and two were severely injured by an explosion. Of the approximately 200 chemical plants in Hesse, 64 have been inspected. In three of these plants measures had to be taken immediately to prevent ingnition of an explosive atmosphere and the release of hazardous substances into the neighbourhood. In addition, 100 liquefied gas storage plants, 7 storage tanks containing ammonia, 18 facilities storing pesticides, 10 garbage incinerators, 87 storage facilities for chemical substances and 43 cold storage warehouses using ammonia as a refrigerant underwent inspection. More than 1,000 breaches of safety rules, including the lack of overflow valves, fire alarms, gas detectors and fire extinguishers, were uncovered in the storage facilities. In addition to the results of the inspections, the inspection procedures applied to the chemical plants and storage facilities are outlined. Topics: ammonia; chemical industry; chemical plant; cold storage; explosion hazards; garbage incineration; Germany; Hesse; inspection; liquefied gases; neighbourhood protection; pesticides; safety analysis; safety by design; safety programmes; storage. (73811)

CIS 99-1539 Health and productivity of older workers. Robertson A., Tracy C.S., Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health, Apr. 1998, Vol.24, No.2, p.85-97. 132 ref. (In English)

Internet:

A review of the literature on age, health and work is presented. The health of older workers is a concern to the extent that their productivity is considered to be a function of age-related health, the general conclusion being that age-related declines in health inevitably lead to decreased productivity. The implications of age-related physiological and psychological changes on their productivity are investigated, by focusing on a critical examination of the ways in which productivity has been conceptualized and operationalized. It is concluded that the emerging concept of "work capacity" has the greatest potential for addressing the productivity issues of workforce aging. Implications for public and corporate policy and for further research are examined. Topics: ageing; biological effects; cognitive performance; literature survey; older workers; psychological effects; role of management; sensorimotor activities; social aspects; state of health; work capacity; work efficiency. (73525)

CIS 99-1540 The ageing worker. Chan G.C.T., Koh D.S.Q., Annals of the Academy of Medicine - Singapore, Nov. 1997, Vol.26, No.6, p.781-786. 24 ref. (In English)

Internet:

The implications of the emergence of an ageing workforce with special health, occupational and environmental needs are discussed. The response of society and of health care professionals should be three pronged. Firstly, prevention of the premature decline of physical capacities and adaptability of the worker could be addressed by health promotion and continuing job training. Secondly, some measures for adjusting work demands in accordance with functional capacities of the individual are needed. Thirdly, employers and fellow workers should be educated on the strengths of the ageing worker, and the capacity of such workers to continue contributing because of their experience, motivation and skills. If implemented, these measures would ensure a path towards productive ageing. The end results would be that ageing workers would have their functional capacity maintained, the concept of "age-adjusted workload" would be a reality, and ageing workers would not be discriminated against, but instead have their contributions to society maximized. Topics: adaptation of man to work; older workers; sickness absenteeism; state of health; work capacity; work efficiency. (73605)

CIS 99-1541 Evaluation of the production process in nurseries growing ornamental plants for export in San José de la Montaña, Heredia, and in two nurseries in Cartago. (Spanish: Diagnóstico del proceso productivo de los viveros de ornamentales de exportación de San José de la Montaña, Heredia y de dos viveros de Cartago) Furcal Berigüete P., Ministerio de Salud, Departamento de registro y control de sustancias tóxicas y medicina del trabajo, San José, Costa Rica, Dec. 1996. 55p. 15 ref. (In Spanish)

Internet:

Topics: conditions of work; Costa Rica; developing countries; flower and perfume-plant growing; industrial crop farming; medical supervision; occupational health survey; occupational hygiene; pesticides; sewage; waste disposal. (73618)

CIS 99-1542 Working and health conditions of banana plantation workers of the canton of Pococí, Limón. (Spanish: Condiciones laborales y de salud del trabajador bananero, Cantón de Pococí, Limón) Aguilar Morales I., Ministerio de Salud, Departamento de registro y control de sustancias tóxicas y medicina del trabajo, San José, Costa Rica, 1996. 88p. Illus. 28 ref. (In Spanish)

Internet:

Topics: agriculture; conditions of work; Costa Rica; developing countries; economic aspects; malaria; occupational accidents; occupational health survey; occupational hygiene; pesticide poisoning; plantations; social aspects; statistical aspects. (73620)

CIS 99-1543 The construction chart book - The U.S. construction industry and its workers. Georgine R.A., McCormick R.P., Dunlop J.T., Englund A., Frankowski R., The Center to Protect Workers' Rights, 5th floor, 111 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20001, USA, 2nd ed., Apr. 1998. xi, 62p. Illus. 86 ref. (In English)

Internet:

Topics: asbestosis; building industry; construction industry; cost of safety; fatalities; injuries; occupational accidents; occupational diseases; silicosis; statistics; subcontractors; terms of employment; USA; workmen's compensation. (73779)

CIS 99-1544 CONCAWE Review 7:2. CONCAWE, Madouplein 1, 1210 Bruxelles, Belgium, Vol.7, No.2, Oct. 1998. 24p. Illus. (In English)

Internet:

Topics: aromatic hydrocarbons; atmospheric pollution; effluents; exhaust gases; petroleum and natural gas industry; petroleum products; pollution control; polycyclic hydrocarbons; report of activities; static electricity. (73787)

CIS 99-1545 European downstream oil industry safety performance - Statistical summary of reported incidents - 1997 and overview 1993 to 1997. Martin D.E., CONCAWE, Madouplein 1, 1210 Bruxelles, Belgium, Oct. 1998. 16p. Illus. 5 ref. (In English)

Internet:

Topics: accident absenteeism; Europe; fatalities; frequency rates; occupational accidents; petroleum refining; statistical trends; statistics. (73788)

CIS 99-1546 Voluntary initiatives affecting training and education on safety, health and environment in the chemical industries. (French: Les initiatives volontaires ayant une incidence sur la formation et l'éducation en matière de sécurité, de santé et d'environnement dans les industries chimiques; Spanish: Iniciativas voluntarias que afectan a la formación y a la educación sobre seguridad, salud y medio ambiente en las industrias químicas) ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, 1998. vii, 75p. Illus. Bibl.ref. Price: CHF 17.50., ISBN 92-2-111352-3 (En), ISBN 92-2-211352-7 (fr), ISBN 92-2-311352-0 (es) (In English, French, Spanish)

Internet:

Topics: chemical industry; comment on standard; environment; ILO; international cooperation; ISO; national organization; plant safety and health organization; pollution control; report; role of government; role of management; role of workers organizations; safety training in industry; safety training in schools. (73789)

CIS 99-1547 A consequence and cost analysis of occupational accidents in the furniture industry. Aaltonen M., Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Publication Office, Topeliuksenkatu 41 a A, 00250 Helsinki, Finland, 1996. 149p. Illus. Bibl.ref., ISBN 951-802-130-9 (In English)

Internet:

Topics: case study; comparative study; compensation of occupational accidents; computer analysis; cost of accidents; degree of disability; furniture industry; injuries; occupational accidents; thesis. (73702)

CIS 99-1548 Work and maternity. Standards of health protection for pregnant workers. (Spanish: Trabajo y maternidad. Las normas que protegen la salud de las trabajadoras embarazadas) ILO Multidisciplinary Technical Advisory Team, Casilla 19034, Correo 19, Santiago, Chile. 1998. 86p. Bibl.ref., ISBN 92-2-311534-5 (In Spanish)

Internet:

Topics: Chile; comment on law; conditions of work; discriminatory practices; employee rights; expectant mothers; hours of work; ILO; labour inspection; Latin America; legislation; penalties; responsibilities of employers. (73840)

CIS 99-1549 Managing health and safety in forestry. Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 6FS, United Kingdom, May 1999. 19p. Illus. 14 ref. (In English)

Internet:

Topics: forestry; hazard evaluation; legislation; neighbourhood protection; plant safety and health organization; responsibilities; role of management; subcontractors. (73809)

[ Top of page ]

CIS 99-1550 The adaptation of existing personal inhalable aerosol samplers for bioaerosol sampling. Kenny L.C., Stancliffe J.D., Crook B., Stagg S., Griffiths W.D., Stewart I.W., Futter S.J., American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal, Dec. 1998, Vol.59, No.12, p.831-841. Illus. 35 ref. (In English)

Internet:

As a first stage in the development of personal bioaerosol samplers, a number of collection substrates were assessed for their ability to maintain the viability of the collected microorganisms, so that subsequent culturing and species identification may be carried out. The substrates were tested with bioaerosols of varying robustness. The survival of microorganisms on each test substrate, assessed on the basis of the culturable fractions of cells recovered, was compared with that of microorganisms collected in a reference glass cyclone sampler. These bioefficiency tests identified the substrate combinations with the potential to fulfill personal sampler design criteria. The substrates were then subjected to further development to evaluate and optimize their particle size selection characteristics. The outcome of this work is two prototype personal bioaerosol samplers in which size-selective substrates are adapted for use in existing designs of personal inhalable sampler. This offers an effective and low-cost solution to personal monitoring of bioaerosol exposures in the workplace. Topics: aerosols; description of equipment; description of technique; evaluation of equipment; filter testing; microorganisms; particle size; passive dosimeters; personal sampling; sampling and analysis; sampling instruments; size selectors; taking of samples. (73501)

CIS 99-1551 Oxidized resin acids in aerosol derived from rosin core solder. Smith P.A., Gardner D.R., Drown D.B., Jederberg W.W., Still K., American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal, Dec. 1998, Vol.59, No.12, p.889-894. Illus. 23 ref. (In English)

Internet:

Exposure to rosin during a variety of uses has been associated with dermal and pulmonary sensitization. Oxidized resin acids are present in many rosin products, and have been regarded as the main sensitizing rosin compounds in cases of dermal sensitization. This research describes oxidized resin acids identified in aerosol produced during soldering with rosin core solder. Oxidized resin acids found were 7-oxodehydroabietic acid, 15-hydroxydehydroabietic acid, and 7-hydroxydehydroabietic acid. The presence of oxidized compounds known to be dermal sensitizers in aerosol from rosin flux soldering supports the hypothesis that resin acid compounds are pulmonary sensitizers as previously proposed. Changes in the composition of resin acid aerosol derived from heated rosin core solder (compared with the parent material) are described. Topics: aerosols; aromatic carboxylic acids; colophony; chemical analysis; determination in air; exposure evaluation; gas chromatography; mass spectrometry; personal sampling; sensitization dermatitis; sensitization; soldering flux. (73505)

CIS 99-1552 Dust exposure and lung cancer in Quebec chrysotile miners and millers. Liddell F.D.K., McDonald A.D., McDonald J.C., Annals of Occupational Hygiene, Jan. 1998, Vol.42, No.1, p.7-20, 18 ref. (In English)

Internet:

A large cohort of men employed in the chrysotile producing industry of Quebec has been under study since 1966. The current study is of 488 cases of lung cancer among workers employed at three places: a major complex in the region of Thetford Mines, a mine and mill in the town of Asbestos and a small asbestos products factory in the same town. A case-referent study showed that lung cancer risks were negligible for years worked in dust categories 1 and 2 (averaging 0.5 and 2 million particles per cubic foot), regardless of the place worked. As the upper limit of category 1 is considerably higher than permitted nowadays, the lung cancer risk from exposure to chrysotile at permitted levels can be taken as extremely small. Patterns of exposure-response for higher categories were irregular. Main conclusions from this series of studies regarding lung cancer and mesothelioma are summarized. Topics: age; asbestos mining; asbestos processing industry; chrysotile; tremolite; cohort study; exposure evaluation; hazard evaluation; length of exposure; lung cancer; Quebec; respirable dust; risk factors; smoking. (73521)

CIS 99-1553 A comparison of historic asbestos measurements using a thermal precipitator with the membrane filter-phase contrast microscopy method. Burdett G., Annals of Occupational Hygiene, Jan. 1998, Vol.42, No.1, p.21-31. Illus. 22 ref. (In English)

Internet:

The published results and analytical methods used in a 1938 survey of the spinning area in a crocidolite asbestos factory are described and re-interpreted by comparing the method used with the current membrane filter-phase contrast microscopy (MF-PCM) method for asbestos. The original microscope and thermal precipitator sampling heads were used and a fibrous dust cloud was generated with similar fibre size distributions to those monitored in 1938. Samples taken over the same sampling time, but at lower concentrations than originally sampled, showed that the thermal precipitator-oil immersion microscopy (TP-OI) method used at x2000 magnification gave higher >5µm long fibre counts by a factor of between 3 and 4 than did the current MF-PCM method. The differences in performance could be explained by the superior resolving power of the TP-OI method for fine crocidolite fibres. Exposures of airborne asbestos fibres in the spinning area were equivalent to about 20f/mL for personal samples and 10f/mL for area samples. Topics: airborne dust; asbestos processing industry; asbestos; crocidolite; comparative study; dust measurement; fibre counts; filtration sampling; mineral fibres; particle size distribution; personal sampling; phase-contrast microscopy; sampling and analysis; scanning electron microscopy; thermal precipitator sampling; transmission electron microscopy; ventilation. (73522)

CIS 99-1554 Toxicity and occupational health hazards of coal fly ash (CFA). A review of data and comparison to coal mine dust. Borm P.J.A., Annals of Occupational Hygiene, Dec. 1997, Vol.41, No.6, p.659-676. 90 ref. (In English)

Internet:

Experimental studies show that coal fly ash (CFA) has a lower toxicity, inflammatory potential and fibrogenicity than silica or coal mine dust. While studies suggest that CFA may have genotoxic effects, the data are limited and do not clarify the role of silica. Epidemiologic studies of CFA-exposed workers have found no evidence of effects commonly seen in coalworkers (pneumoconiosis, emphysema) with the exception of airway obstruction at high levels of exposure. Data suggest that the hazards of CFA should not be assessed by merely adding the hazards of individual components. Matrix effects on the toxicity of silica should be investigated in future risk assessments of flyashes and other particles that incorporate silica as a component. Topics: animal experiments; silica; coal dust; coal mining; combustion residues; epidemiologic study; flyash; genetic effects; health hazards; in vitro experiments; literature survey; obstructive ventilatory impairment; pneumoconiosis; pulmonary fibrosis; toxic effects; toxicity evaluation. (73583)

CIS 99-1555 A comparison of exposures to refractory ceramic fibres over multiple work shifts. Hall G.S., Rice C.H., Lockey J.E., Lemasters G.K., Gartside P.S., Annals of Occupational Hygiene, Oct. 1997, Vol.41, No.5, p.555-560, 10 ref. (In English)

Internet:

Time-weighted average exposures to refractory ceramic fibres were collected at five facilities according to a standardized protocol. Work activities were grouped into dust zones which were combined into one of three groups: fibre production; vacuum processes; and other. There were no significant shift-related differences detected between airborne fibre exposure across the five facilities when analyzed as a group. Within four of the facilities, no shift-related differences were defected between fibre exposure. However, at one facility, first and third shift exposures were different. No documentation related to job activities was found to account for this observation. The data generally support the use of a single exposure estimate for each dust zone group in each facility, regardless of shift worked. Topics: airborne dust; ceramic fibres; continuous sampling; dust measurement; exposure evaluation; fireproof materials; job-exposure relation; personal sampling; shift work. (73589)

CIS 99-1556 Dosimetry software to predict particle deposition in humans and rats. Asgharian B., Miller F.J., Subramaniam R.P., Activities / Chemical Industry Institute of Toxicology, Mar. 1999, Vol.19, No.3, p.1-6. Illus. 23 ref. (In English)

Internet:

A user-friendly software package was developed which calculates lobar-specific and airway-specific deposition of monodisperse and polydisperse aerosols in the human and rat respiratory tracts. The multiple-path model is capable of incorporating all asymmetries in airway branching structure if the morphometric details are available. The software provides a graphical user interface to choose among various models, to specify breathing and exposure parameters, and to obtain graphical and text outputs for various dose metrics. This software provides an efficient way to use data on exposure and activity patterns in assessing the usefulness of various control strategies that may be needed to meet the new particulate matter regulations set by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Topics: aerosols; computer simulation; exposure evaluation; lung deposition; particle deposition; particle size distribution; respirable dust; respiratory system; upper respiratory tract. (73689)

CIS 99-1557 Nickel release from tools on the Swedish market. Lidén C., Röndell E., Skare L., Nalbanti A., Contact Dermatitis, Sep. 1998, Vol.39, No.3, p.127-131. 15 ref. (In English)

Internet:

The prevalence on the market of tools that release nickel was investigated. 27% of 565 hand-held tools with metal parts that come into contact with the skin reacted positively in a dimethylgloxime test. Release of nickel and other metals into artificial sweat, and composition of metals on the surface and in the base alloy were also studied. It is suggested that tool producers should consider nickel allergy and avoid nickel-releasing materials, and that analytical methods, relevant for nickel release from tools, should be further developed. Topics: nickel; evaluation of equipment; hand tools; sensitization; skin allergies. (73506)

CIS 99-1558 Occupational "multivitamin allergy" caused by the antioxidant ethoxyquin. Alanko K., Jolanki R., Estlander T., Kanerva L., Contact Dermatitis, Nov. 1998, Vol.39, No.5, p.263-264. 11 ref. (In English)

Internet:

Topics: antioxidants; case study; eczema; feed production; sensitization dermatitis; skin allergies; skin tests; vitamin A; vitamin D; vitamins. (73509)

CIS 99-1559 Biological monitoring of occupational exposure to cyclohexane by urinary 1,2- and 1,4-cyclohexanediol determination. Perico A., Cassinelli C., Brugnone F., Bavazzano P., Perbellini L., International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, Mar. 1999, Vol.72, No.2, p.115-120. Illus. 18 ref. (In English)

Internet:

Individual exposure to cyclohexane was evaluated in 156 workers employed in shoe and leather factories by measurement of 1,2-cyclohexanediol (1,2-DIOL) and 1,4-DIOL in urine during the working week. Individual exposure to cyclohexane ranged from 7 to 617mg/m³. Urinary concentrations of 1,2-DIOL were 3.1, 7.6, 13.2 and 6.3mg/g creatinine on Monday (pre- and post-shift), Thursday (post-shift) and Friday (pre-shift), respectively. Corresponding values recorded for 1,4- DIOL were 2.8, 5.1, 7.8 and 3.7mg/g creatinine. A significant correlation was found between environmental exposure to cyclohexane and post-shift urinary 1,2-DIOL and 1,4-DIOL on Monday. Data for Thursday and Friday showed only a poor correlation to exposure. Both metabolites have a urinary half-life of close to 18h and accumulate during the week. Comparison between data obtained from a PBPK model and those found in workers suggests that 1,2-DIOL and 1,4-DIOL are suitable for the biological monitoring of industrial exposure to cyclohexane. Topics: adhesives; cyclohexane; determination in air; exposure evaluation; exposure tests; leather goods industry; shift work; shoe industry; urinary metabolites; urine monitoring. (73520)

CIS 99-1560 Methodological issues in biomonitoring of low level exposure to benzene. Lagorio S., Crebelli R., Ricciarello R., Conti L., Iavarone I., Zona A., Ghittori S., Carere A., Occupational Medicine, Nov. 1998, Vol.48, No.8, p.497-504. Illus. 44 ref. (In English)

Internet:

Data from a pilot study on unmetabolized benzene and trans,trans-muconic acid (t,t-MA) excretion in filling station attendants and unexposed controls were used to afford methodological issues in the biomonitoring of low benzene exposures. The adequacy of urinary t,t-MA and benzene as biological markers of low benzene exposure was evaluated by analyzing the relationship between personal exposure to benzene and biomarker excretion. Filling station attendants excreted significantly higher amounts of benzene, but not of t,t-MA, than controls. Adjusting for occupational benzene exposure, smokers excreted significantly higher amounts of t,t-MA, but not of unmetabolized benzene, than nonsmokers. A comparative analysis of the present and previously published biomonitoring surveys showed a good inter-study agreement regarding the amount of t,t-MA and unmetabolized benzene excreted per unit of exposure. For each biomarker, based on the distribution of parameters observed in the pilot study, the minimum sample size required to estimate the population mean with given confidence and precision was calculated. Topics: benzene; trans,trans-muconic acid; determination in urine; dose-response relationship; evaluation of technique; exposure evaluation; exposure tests; filling stations; smoking; urinary metabolites. (73572)

CIS 99-1561 Contact allergy to 2-aminoethanol (monoethanolamine) in a soluble oil. Bhushan M., Craven N.M., Beck M.H., Contact Dermatitis, Dec. 1998, Vol.39, No.6, p.321. 6 ref. (In English)

Internet:

Topics: ethanolamine; case study; cutting fluids; eczema; metalworking industry; sensitization dermatitis; skin allergies. (73577)

CIS 99-1562 Occupational contact sensitivity to aluminium in a machine construction plant worker. Peters T., Hani N., Kirchberg K., Gold H., Hunzelmann N., Scharffetter-Kochanek K., Contact Dermatitis, Dec. 1998, Vol.39, No.6, p.322-323. 23 ref. (In English)

Internet:

Topics: aluminium; case study; eczema; individual susceptibility; machinery industry; sensitization dermatitis; sensitization; skin absorption; skin allergies. (73578)

CIS 99-1563 Hand dermatitis caused by ferns. de Cock P.A.J.J.M., Vorwerk H., Bruynzeel D.P., Contact Dermatitis, Dec. 1998, Vol.39, No.6, p.324. 3 ref. (In English)

Internet:

Topics: allergy tests; case study; eczema; horticulture; plants; sensitization dermatitis; skin allergies; skin tests. (73579)

CIS 99-1564 Occupational contact sensitization to corticosteroids. Lauerma A.I., Contact Dermatitis, Dec. 1998, Vol.39, No.6, p.328-329. 5 ref. (In English)

Internet:

Topics: case study; corticoids; eczema; pharmaceutical industry; sensitization dermatitis; skin allergies; skin tests. (73580)

CIS 99-1565 Health effects of diesel emissions. Morgan W.K.C., Reger R.B., Tucker D.M., Annals of Occupational Hygiene, Dec. 1997, Vol.41, No.6, p.643-658. 63 ref. (In English)

Internet:

Studies on the health effects of diesel emissions are reviewed, with particular reference to acute and chronic morbidity and to carcinogenicity. Exposure to diesel fumes in sufficient concentrations may lead to eye and nasal irritation, but there is no evidence of any permanent effect. A transient decline of ventilatory capacity has been noted following such exposures. There is also some evidence that chronic inhalation of diesel fumes may lead to the development of cough and sputum. Although there have been a number of papers suggesting that diesel fumes may act as a carcinogen, the weight of evidence is against this hypothesis. Finally, the role of small particles (less than 10µm) which are frequently present in diesel emissions requires further study since there is some limited evidence that they may be partly responsible for some of the exacerbations of asthma. Topics: asthma; carcinogenic effects; diesel engines; epidemiologic study; exhaust gases; eye irritation; health hazards; literature survey; lung cancer; morbidity; mortality; respiratory diseases; smoking; ventilatory capacity. (73582)

CIS 99-1566 Estimation of exposure from spilled glutaraldehyde solutions in a hospital setting. Niven K.J.M., Cherrie J.W., Spencer J., Annals of Occupational Hygiene, Dec. 1997, Vol.41, No.6, p.691-698. Illus. 10 ref. (In English)

Internet:

A series of experiments was conducted to investigate the likely consequences of spills of glutaraldehyde, used for the cold disinfection of instruments in hospitals. To determine likely ranges of airborne concentrations following a spill, objective measurements using three sampling methods were conducted with spills of various surface areas. Results ranged between <0.01 and 1.4ppm. Two personal protective equipment ensembles were also tested. Both the half-facepiece respirator with gas-tight goggles and the full-face cartridge respirator gave adequate protection. Topics: glutaraldehyde; determination in air; disinfectants; evaluation of equipment; exposure evaluation; facepieces; gas removing respirators; hospitals; respirators; spills. (73584)

CIS 99-1567 Chrysotile, tremolite and carcinogenicity. McDonald J.C., McDonald A.D., Annals of Occupational Hygiene, Dec. 1997, Vol.41, No.6, p.699-705. 18 ref. (In English)

Internet:

An analysis was made of deaths from mesothelioma, and cancers of the lung, larynx, stomach, colon and rectum in a cohort of some 11,000 Quebec chrysotile workers. Risks were estimated for work in the central mine area and in mines located peripherally. Tremolite concentration was some four times higher in the former area than in the latter. There was increased risk of mesothelioma and lung cancer associated with work in the central mine area, but no increased risk for gastric, intestinal or laryngeal cancer. In the peripheral mines, there was little or no evidence of increased risk for any of these cancers. The hypothesis that, because of the difference in distribution of fibrous tremolite, cancer risk in the central area would be greater than in the periphery was thus substantiated. Topics: amphibole; asbestos mining; asbestos; cancer; carcinogenic effects; chrysotile; tremolite; cohort study; gastrointestinal cancer; hazard evaluation; laryngeal cancer; lung cancer; mesothelioma; mineral fibres; pleural mesothelioma; Quebec. (73585)

CIS 99-1568 European sampling intercomparisons for aromatic and chlorinated hydrocarbons in workplace air. Goelen E., Lambrechts M., Geyskens F., Annals of Occupational Hygiene, Oct. 1997, Vol.41, No.5, p.527-554. Illus. 9 ref. (In English)

Internet:

Thirty-eight laboratories in European Union Member States representing government, manufacturers of personal samplers and industrial and university laboratories participated in a quality assurance scheme which allowed evaluation of errors associated with personal sampling methods. State-of-the-art bias, and within and between laboratory coefficients of variation for pumped and diffusive methods currently applied are discussed. The data enable verification of compliance of the method-laboratory combinations with EN 482 and quantification of errors, particularly in relation to sampling. The merits of the project in terms of improved procedures and results are discussed in detail. Topics: accuracy; aromatic hydrocarbons; chlorinated hydrocarbons; comparative study; determination in air; European Communities; evaluation of technique; occupational health laboratories; personal sampling; quality control; sampling and analysis; sampling methods. (73588)

CIS 99-1569 Environmental and biological assessment of exposure to benzene among petroleum workers. Kok P.W., Ong H.Y., Wong M.K., Au W.K., Tan K.T., Phoon W.H., Ong C.N., Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 1997, Vol.44, p.425-431. Illus. 13 ref. (In English)

Internet:

Occupational exposure to benzene was measured in two gasoline marketing terminals and five major refineries in Singapore. A total of 280 workers were monitored over two years. Results revealed wide variations in exposure, from 0.01 to 13.6ppm for personal time weighted average exposure over the whole workshift. The exposure of truck drivers appeared to be the highest. The average benzene exposure for process operators was relatively low. Lowest benzene exposure was found in the laboratory technicians. As cigarette smoking is known to affect metabolism of benzene, data analyses on the relationships with environmental exposure were conducted only on 190 nonsmokers. The results showed that urinary trans,trans-muconic acid, unmetabolized benzene in urine and benzene in blood were better biomarkers for low level benzene exposure as compared to urinary phenolic metabolites in urine, such as hydroquinone, phenol and catechol. Topics: benzene; trans,trans-muconic acid; determination in air; determination in blood; determination in urine; exposure evaluation; exposure tests; job-exposure relation; metabolic process; petroleum refining; smoking; urinary metabolites. (73607)

CIS 99-1570 Exposure to glass fibre in the reinforced plastics industry. (Spanish: Exposición a fibra de vidrio en la industria de plásticos reforzados) Bernier Herrera F., Crespo Poyatos J., Galán Cortés J., Mapfre seguridad, 3rd Quarter 1997, Vol.17, No.67, p.3-13. Illus. 19 ref. (In Spanish)

Internet:

The production of reinforced plastic elements is a barely mechanized process, almost a craft, and includes making and preparation of the mould and elaboration of the piece. With the manipulation of fibrous materials, cutting and sanding of the products, particles are released into the work atmosphere. In the absence of relevant literature, this study intended to obtain real data about levels of exposure to glass fibre in the reinforced plastics industry. A number of personal samples were collected, 40 of total dust, 55 of fibres and 45 of organic vapours. No fibres were found in the dust coming from different industrial operations. The average concentration of organic vapours stayed below current standards. Topics: airborne dust; dust measurement; exposure evaluation; glass fibre reinforced plastics; glass fibre; gravimetric determination; organic solvents; personal sampling; phase-contrast microscopy; plastics converting industry; respirable dust. (73623)

CIS 99-1571 Polychlorinated biphenyls and human health. Carpenter D.O., International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health, 1998, Vol.11, No.4, p.291-303. 86 ref. (In English)

Internet:

Known or suspected health effects of various congeners of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are reviewed. Results of animal and human studies indicate that PCBs interfere with many biological functions, including the immune system, the nervous system, and several endocrine functions, and the foetus. PCBs cause certain cancers in animals. PCBs are mixtures of multiple congeners, differing on the basis of the numbers and positions of chlorine atoms around the biphenyl ring, and it is becoming increasingly apparent that different congeners may have very different effects. These observations suggest that the health hazards from PCB exposure have been underappreciated. Topics: carcinogenic effects; embryotoxic effects; endocrine effects; health hazards; immunotoxic effects; literature survey; metabolic process; neurotoxic effects; polychlorinated biphenyls; thyroid disorders; toxic effects; toxic metabolites. (73666)

CIS 99-1572 Case study: Slovenia - Asbestos valley. Dodic-Fikfak M., Kristancic Z., Rahotina L., Vidic R., New Solutions, 1998, Vol.8, No.4, p.469-478. Illus. (In English)

Internet:

Events at the Salonit Anhovo asbestos cement factory in Slovenia that led to the banning of asbestos in Slovenia in 1996 are described. Two different perspectives are presented: the story of the company management which realized the risks of using asbestos and proposed its ban in Slovenia; and the story of the local non-governmental organization that first discovered the dangers of asbestos and began a long struggle to protect workers, community and the environment. Topics: asbestos cement industry; asbestos; breast cancer; cancer; case study; gastrointestinal cancer; industrial organization; lung cancer; mesothelioma; prohibition of use; rectal cancer; role of government; role of private bodies; role of workers organizations; Slovenia. (73743)

CIS 99-1573 Testing of benzene passive samplers: An inter-laboratory trial. (French: Détermination du benzène par échantillonnage passif: essais interlaboratoires) Castel B., Lefèvre C., Lhuillier F., Delcourt J., Sandino J.P., Cahiers de notes documentaires - Hygiène et sécurité du travail, 2nd Quarter 1998, No.171, Note No.2076-171-98, p.139-146. Illus. 19 ref. (In French)

Internet:

Topics: benzene; description of technique; evaluation of technique; exposure evaluation; passive dosimeters; statistical evaluation; test laboratories; testing. (73765)

CIS 99-1574 Hydrocarbon solvents (HCS). (German: Kohlenwasserstoff-Lösemittel (KWL)) Elstner P., Garbade B., Herberer H, Jacobi R., Klomp A.O., Kruse K., Richter B., Rosskamp E., Scheef H.V., Die BG, Nov. 1998, No.11, p.698-703. Illus. (In German)

Internet:

Hydrocarbon solvents such as pentane, hexane and white spirit are used by various industries to substitute chlorinated hydrocarbons. For example pentane is used in the production of polyurethane foam. White spirit is used in the dyestuff and paper industries. It is estimated that between 260,000 and 450,000t of hydrocarbon solvents are produced and used annually in Germany. The solvents made from products such as gas oil and kerosene do not contain any carcinogenic substances. A survey of the processes in use to produce the hydrocarbon solvents is given. It is stressed that presently no findings are available on the health effects of occupational exposure to these solvents. In experiments with rats, nephrotoxic and neurotoxic effects have been observed. Topics: pentane; hexane; kerosene; white spirit; chlorinated hydrocarbons; gas oil; health hazards; hydrocarbons; organic solvents; petroleum products; substitution. (73815)

CIS 99-1575 A review of multiple chemical sensitivity. Graveling R.A., Pilkington A., George J.P.K., Butler M.P., Tannahill S.N., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Feb. 1999, Vol.56, No.2, p.73-85. 71 ref. (In English)

Internet:

The collated evidence suggests that multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) does exist although its prevalence generally seems to be exaggerated. Many causal mechanisms have been proposed, some suggesting a physical origin - such as MCS reflecting an immunological overload (total body load) - others favouring a psychological basis - such as MCS symptoms being evoked as part of a conditioned response to previous trauma. The available evidence seems most strongly to support a physical mechanism involving sensitization of the limbic system. However, it is increasingly being recognised that the psychological milieu of a person can considerably influence physical illness, either through generating a predisposition to disease or in the subsequent prognosis. Work is needed to establish the prevalence of MCS and to confirm or refute selected causal mechanisms. Topics: allergic reactivity; allergic respiratory disorders; chemical products; diagnosis; environmental illness; immunological tolerance; literature survey; mental disorders; multifactor aetiology; olfaction; porphyria; psychosomatic disorders; sensitization. (73495)

CIS 99-1576 Neuropsychological function in retired workers with previous long term occupational exposure to solvents. Daniell W.E., Claypoole K.H., Checkoway H., Smith-Weller T., Dager S.R., Townes B.D., Rosenstock L., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Feb. 1999, Vol.56, No.2, p.93-105. Illus. 38 ref. (In English)

Internet:

This cross-sectional study evaluated retired male workers, including 89 people with previous long-term occupational exposure to solvents (painters and aerospace manufacturing workers), and 126 carpenters with relatively minimal previous exposure to solvents. Controlling for age, education, vocabulary score, and alcohol use, the painters had lower mean scores on test measures of motor, memory and reasoning ability; and a subgroup of aerospace workers with moderate to high cumulative exposure to solvents had lower mean scores on measures of visuomotor speed and motor, attention, memory and reasoning ability. Subjects were more likely to have an increased number of relatively abnormal test scores among both the painter group and the subgroup of aerospace workers with higher cumulative exposure. The painters, but not the aerospace workers, reported significantly more neurological and depressive symptoms. The findings are consistent with residual central nervous system dysfunction from long term exposure to organic solvents, persisting years after the end of exposure. Topics: aircraft industry; alcoholism; carpentry; lead; cognitive performance; cross-sectional study; cumulative properties; depressive neurosis; determination in blood; exposure evaluation; functional nervous disorders; long-term exposure; nervous function tests; neuropsychic effects; painting; retired workers; solvents. (73496)

CIS 99-1577 Pleural mesothelioma in Sweden: An analysis of the incidence according to the use of asbestos. Järvholm B., Englund A., Albin M., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Feb. 1999, Vol.56, No.2, p.110-113. Illus. 20 ref. (In English)

Internet:

The annual incidence of pleural mesothelioma attributable to occupational exposure to asbestos is today larger than all fatal occupational accidents in Sweden. The first asbestos regulation was adopted in 1964 and in the mid 1970s imports of raw asbestos decreased drastically. Yet there is no obvious indication that the preventive measures have decreased the risk of pleural mesothelioma. The long latency indicates that the effects of preventive measures in the 1970s could first be evaluated around 2005. Topics: asbestos; cohort study; hazard evaluation; latency; morbidity; pleural mesothelioma; prohibition of use; statistical trends; Sweden. (73497)

CIS 99-1578 Pulmonary function and respiratory symptoms in a population of airport workers. Tunnicliffe W.S., O'Hickey S.P., Fletcher T.J., Miles J.F., Burge P.S., Ayres J.G., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Feb. 1999, Vol.56, No.2, p.118-123. 19 ref. (In English)

Internet:

A cross-sectional survey of a sample of employees of Birmingham International Airport, United Kingdom, was carried out by questionnaire and on-site measurement of lung function, skin prick tests, and exhaled carbon monoxide concentrations. Occupational exposure was assigned by job title; between group comparisons were made by logistic regression analysis. The findings support an association between high occupational exposures to aviation fuel or jet stream exhaust and excess upper and lower respiratory tract symptoms, in keeping with a respiratory irritant, in male airport workers. It is more likely that these effects reflect exposure to exhaust rather than to fuel, although the effects of an unmeasured agent cannot be discounted. Topics: airports; allergic respiratory disorders; carbon monoxide; cross-sectional study; determination in exhaled air; exhaust gases; fuels; pulmonary function; respiratory diseases; skin tests; symptoms. (73498)

CIS 99-1579 Risks of respiratory disease in the heavy clay industry. Love R.G., Waclawski E.R., Maclaren W.M., Wetherill G.Z., Groat S.K., Porteous R.H., Soutar C.A., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Feb. 1999, Vol.56, No.2, p.124-133. Illus. 28 ref. (In English)

Internet:

Little information is available on the quantitative risks of respiratory disease from quartz in airborne dust in the heavy clay industry. The aims of the present cross-sectional study were to determine among workers in the industry (a) their current and cumulative exposures to respirable mixed dust and quartz; (b) the frequencies of chest radiographic abnormalities and respiratory symptoms; (c) the relations between cumulative exposure to respirable dust and quartz, and risks of radiographic abnormality and respiratory symptoms. Although most quartz concentrations at the time of this study were currently below regulatory limits in the heavy clay industry, high exposures regularly occurred in specific processes and occasionally among most occupational groups. There are small risks of pneumoconiosis and respiratory symptoms in the industry, although frequency of pneumoconiosis is low in comparison to other quartz exposed workers. Topics: air sampling; brick and tile industry; quartz; chest radiography; clay products; cross-sectional study; dust measurement; exposure evaluation; job-exposure relation; non-metallic mineral products industries; opacities; pneumoconiosis; respirable dust; respiratory diseases. (73499)

CIS 99-1580 Airborne contact dermatitis caused by microscopy immersion fluid containing epoxy resin. Sommer S., Wilkinson S.M., Wilson C.L., Contact Dermatitis, Sep. 1998, Vol.39, No.3, p.141-142. 21 ref. (In English)

Internet:

Topics: airborne dust; case study; eczema; epoxy resins; irritants; laboratory work; sensitization dermatitis; sensitization; skin tests. (73507)

CIS 99-1581 Novel causes of contact dermatitis from offshore oil-based drilling muds. Ormerod A.D., Dwyer C.M., Goodfield M.J.D., Contact Dermatitis, Nov. 1998, Vol.39, No.5, p.262-263. 4 ref. (In English)

Internet:

Topics: white spirit; case study; eczema; offshore oil extraction; sensitization dermatitis; skin tests; sludge. (73508)

CIS 99-1582 Airborne occupational contact dermatitis from epoxy resin in an immersion oil used for microscopy. Downs A.M.R., Sansom J.E., Contact Dermatitis, Nov. 1998, Vol.39, No.5, p.267. 8 ref. (In English)

Internet:

Topics: airborne dust; bisphenol A; case study; eczema; epoxy resins; irritants; laboratory work; sensitization dermatitis; sensitization; skin tests. (73510)

CIS 99-1583 Occupational exposure to agricultural chemicals: Effect on the activities of some enzymes in the blood of farm workers. Panemangalore M., Dowla H.A., Byers M.E., International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, Mar. 1999, Vol.72, No.2, p.84-88. 27 ref. (In English)

Internet:

Eight volunteers who were working on a small tobacco farm were monitored over a period of two years along with a comparable urban unexposed group. Activity of δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) was depressed by 30% after 1 day and there was no further decrease in ALAD activity after 30 days of field work. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, in contrast, declined by 29% and 50% after 1 day and 30 days, respectively, as compared with 0-day activity and that of the urban control, which was similar to 0-day activity. Plasma cholinesterase activity declined by 19% after both 1 and 30 days of exposure/field work. The activities of all three enzymes were restored to urban control or pre-exposure levels during post-exposure. Plasma cadmium levels were high in the samples taken after 30 days as compared with the pre-exposure levels. Respiratory nicotine exposure was highest after 30 days of field work. This preliminary study suggests that erythrocyte SOD is a sensitive indicator of exposure to agricultural chemicals in tobacco field workers. Topics: agricultural chemicals; ALAD; blood monitoring; maleic acid hydrazide; orthene; nicotine; cadmium; cholinesterase monitoring; cholinesterase; determination in blood; enzyme activity; exposure evaluation; metabolism of blood constituents; pesticides; smoking; superoxide dismutase; tobacco farming. (73516)

CIS 99-1584 Possible preferential metabolism of xylene isomers following occupational exposure to mixed xylenes. Miller M.J., Edwards J.W., International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, Mar. 1999, Vol.72, No.2, p.89-97. Illus. 22 ref. (In English)

Internet:

Twelve workers exposed to xylene provided a pre-work and post-work urine sample on a midweek working day. Breathing-zone air samples were also collected. Results suggest that excretion of m-methylhippuric acid in urine is favoured over that of the other isomers following exposure to mixed xylenes. This is independent of airborne xylene isomer composition and suggests that metabolism of m-xylene occurs preferentially to that of the other isomers. Findings also suggest that there is potential for metabolic interactions between xylene isomers and that these may be the basis for xylene toxicity. Topics: p-xylene; m-xylene; xylene; m-methylhippuric acid; o-xylene; determination in urine; exposure evaluation; metabolic process; metabolic studies; methylhippuric acid; respirators; solvents; urinary excretion; urinary metabolites. (73517)

CIS 99-1585 Application of biological monitoring to the quantitative exposure assessment for neuropsychological effect by chronic exposure to organic solvents. Jang J.Y., Lee S.Y., Kim J.I., Park J.B., Lee K.J., Chung H. K., International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, Mar. 1999, Vol.72, No.2, p.107-114. 57 ref. (In English)

Internet:

Environmental and biological monitoring were carried out at a shipyard to evaluate the exposure of workers to organic solvents. Cumulative exposure and lifetime-weighted average exposure variables were developed with both environmental and biological monitoring data. A neuropsychological questionnaire and function tests were performed for confirmation of a disorder or dysfunction in attention, executive function, visuospatial and constructional abilities, learning and memory, and psychomotor function. The abnormal rate in neuropsychological diagnosis was 9.3% in the exposed group and 2.1% in the nonexposed group. The neuropsychological abnormal rate showed a significant dose-response association with cumulative exposure assessed with biological monitoring data. Topics: cognitive performance; determination in air; determination in urine; dose-response relationship; exposure evaluation; job-exposure relation; long-term exposure; neuropsychic effects; organic solvents; shipyards. (73519)

CIS 99-1586 Mechanisms of occupational asthma induced by isocyanates. Deschamps F., Prevost A., Lavaud F., Kochman S., Annals of Occupational Hygiene, Jan. 1998, Vol.42, No.1, p.33-36. Illus. 36 ref. (In English)

Internet:

Isocyanates are some of the most important low molecular weight compounds associated with occupational asthma. These compounds are often volatile and are highly reactive on the mucous membranes, especially the conjunctivae and the respiratory tract. The physiological causes of isocynate-induced asthma are reviewed. The main mechanisms are immunological, pharmacological and/or irritative. Topics: asthma; biological effects; immunology; irritation; isocyanates; literature survey; mucous membranes; pathogenesis; pharmacological anamnesis; symptoms; volatile substances. (73523)

CIS 99-1587 Radiographic abnormalities among Finnish construction, shipyard and asbestos industry workers. Koskinen K., Zitting A., Tossavainen A., Rinne J.P., Roto P., Kivekäs J., Reijula K., Huuskonen M.S., Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health, Apr. 1998, Vol.24, No.2, p.109-117. Illus. 30 ref. (In English)

Internet:

The prevalence of asbestos-related radiographic abnormalities was investigated in 4,133 workers employed in the construction industry, shipyards and the asbestos industry. Radiological findings included signs of pulmonary fibrosis (3%), changes in the visceral pleura (7%), bilateral plaques (17%) and unilateral plaques (10%). Occupational disease was diagnosed according to the Finnish insurance regulations for 75% of those referred for further examination, 96% being abnormalities in the pleura and 4% asbestosis. Topics: asbestos processing industry; asbestos; chrysotile; anthophyllite; construction industry; geographical variables; length of exposure; opacities; pleural thickening; pulmonary fibrosis; radiological changes; retired workers; shipyards; smoking. (73527)

CIS 99-1588 Bartenders' respiratory health after establishment of smoke-free bars and taverns. Eisner M.D., Smith A K., Blanc P.D., Journal of the American Medical Association, Dec. 1998, Vol.280, No.22, p.1909-1914. 65 ref. (In English)

Internet:

A cohort of bartenders was interviewed before and after prohibition of smoking in all bars and taverns by the state of California. Spirometric assessment included forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV₁) and forced vital capacity (FVC). At baseline, all 53 bartenders reported workplace environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure. After the smoking ban, self-reported ETS exposure at work declined from a median of 28 to 2 hours per week. Thirty-nine bartenders initially reported respiratory symptoms. Of those symptomatic at baseline, 23 no longer had symptoms at follow-up. Forty-one bartenders initially reported sensory irritation symptoms. At follow-up, 32 of these subjects had resolution of symptoms. After prohibition of workplace smoking, improvement in mean FVC was observed and, to a lesser extent, mean FEV₁. Complete cessation of workplace ETS exposure was associated with improved mean FVC and mean FEV₁ after controlling for personal smoking and recent upper respiratory tract infections. Topics: California; cohort study; controlled smoking; dose-response relationship; exposure evaluation; maximal expiratory flow; one-second forced expiratory volume; passive smoking; pulmonary function; respiratory diseases; smoking; spirometry; ventilatory capacity; waiters, waitresses and bartenders. (73547)

CIS 99-1589 Styrene-induced peripheral neuropathy. Fung F., Clark R.F., Journal of Toxicology - Clinical Toxicology, 1999, Vol.37, No.1, p.91-97. Illus. 17 ref. (In English)

Internet:

While styrene can cause intoxication and central nervous system depression when inhaled in high concentrations for extended periods, it has rarely been implicated as a cause of peripheral neuropathy. A case study is presented of a previously healthy 57-year-old man who developed signs and symptoms consistent with a peripheral neuropathy after applying a fiberglass resin to the inside of a septic tank over a 2-day period. Nerve conduction tests verified examination findings. Styrene exposure should be minimized through the use of respirators and protective clothing to prevent this type of toxicity. Topics: styrene; case study; diseases of peripheral nervous system; glass fibre reinforced plastics; nervous function tests; neurotoxic effects; respirators. (73548)

CIS 99-1590 Cotton dust and endotoxin exposure and long-term decline in lung function: Results of a longitudinal study. Christiani D.C., Ye T.T., Zhang S., Wegman D.H., Eisen E.A., Ryan L.A., Olenchock S.A., Pothier L., Dai H.L., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Apr. 1999, Vol.35, No.4, p.321-331. 57 ref. (In English)

Internet:

An 11-year follow-up study of cotton textile workers in Shanghai, China, evaluated the relationship between long-term exposure to cotton dust and Gram-negative bacterial endotoxin on lung function. Questionnaires and spirometric testing were performed, as well as cotton dust and endotoxin sampling at three points over the 11-year period. Cotton workers had a larger loss of one-second forced expiratory volume (FEV₁) during the first five years of study as compared with the following six years. When cumulative exposure to dust and endotoxin were estimated and used in a multivariate model for FEV₁ loss, cumulative dust, but not endotoxin, was associated with 11-year loss in FEV₁ after adjustments for confounders. There was evidence of feedback between dust-exposure levels and FEV₁ indicating the existence of a healthy-worker survivor effect. After accounting for this effect, there was a significant relationship between dust exposure and FEV₁ decline. Results suggest that cotton dust is more strongly associated with chronic airflow limitation than are associated endotoxins. Topics: bacterial toxins; China; chronic respiratory diseases; cotton industry; cotton; exposure evaluation; healthy worker effect; long-term exposure; long-term study; one-second forced expiratory volume; organic dust; pulmonary function; questionnaire survey. (73551)

CIS 99-1591 Asthma and chemical bronchitis in vanadium plant workers. Irsigler G.B., Visser P.J., Spangenberg P.A.L., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Apr. 1999, Vol.35, No.4, p.366-374. Illus. 37 ref. (In English)

Internet:

The cause of cough and breathlessness in vanadium plant workers was examined after variable periods of exposure. Twelve of 40 subjects had bronchial hyperreactivity (BHR), and these were compared to 12 age-matched companion subjects whose BHR was normal. In ten, BHR was diagnosed by histamine inhalation, and in six of these the abnormality was severe. A further two had BHR by exercise challenge. After removal from exposure, 9 of the 12 subjects returned for follow-up 5 to 23 months later. BHR was worse in one, still present although less severe in five, and was no longer found in one subject. Baseline spirometry measurements were normal in seven subjects and only mildly impaired in the remaining five of the 12 subjects with BHR. The study provides strong supporting evidence that inhaled V₂O₅ induces BHR and asthma in subjects previously free of lung disease; the abnormality may persist for up to 23 months following exposure; routine spirometry will not detect affected subjects. Topics: allergic reactivity; allergy tests; asthma; vanadium pentoxide; determination in urine; exposure evaluation; hypersensitivity; inhalation tests; irritants; maximal expiratory flow; mining industry; respiratory function tests. (73556)

CIS 99-1592 Organochlorine in the serum of inhabitants living near an electrochemical factory. Sala M., Sunyer J., Otero R., Santiago-Silva M., Camps C., Grimalt J., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Mar. 1999, Vol.56, No.3, p.152-158. Illus. 37 ref. (In English)

Internet:

The impact of occupational and lifestyle factors on concentrations of organochlorine compounds in a general population sample living near an electrochemical factory with a high airborne concentration of hexachlorobenzene (HCB) was evaluated by collection of serum samples. HCB and polychlorinated biphenyls were detected in all samples; concentrations of HCB were the highest ever reported. This population incorporated HCB directly through occupation in the factory, by airborne pollution, and consumption of locally caught fish. Concentrations of other common organochlorine compounds were not higher than expected. Environmental exposures to these compounds deserve attention owing to their persistence and potential health effects. Topics: age-linked differences; hexachlorobenzene; chemical industry; cross-sectional study; determination in blood; exposure evaluation; neighbourhood populations; non-occupational factors; polychlorinated biphenyls; sex-linked differences. (73562)

CIS 99-1593 Mortality from nephritis and nephrosis in the fibreglass manufacturing industry. Chiazze L., Watkins D.K., Fryar C., Fayerweather W., Bender J.R., Chiazze M., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Mar. 1999, Vol.56, No.3, p.164-166. 8 ref. (In English)

Internet:

The possible association between exposure to silica or respirable glass fibre and mortality from nephritis or nephrosis was investigated among workers in fibrous glass wool manufacturing facilities. There is no consistent relation between respirable fibres or respirable silica and nephritis or nephrosis when the analysis is based either on underlying cause only or on underlying plus contributing cause of death. None of the socio-demographic variables considered suggests an increased risk when considering both underlying and contributing cause of death. Data would seem to support the contention that the most accurate picture of renal disease will be gained from the use of all information on the death certificates and not only the underlying cause. Although results do not prove that there is no association between nephritis and nephrosis and exposure to fibreglass or silica in the fibreglass manufacturing environment, they do not support the assertion that such an association exists. Topics: silica; case-control study; fibrous glass industry; glass fibre; mortality; nephritis; nephrosis; renal diseases; respirable dust; statistical evaluation. (73564)

CIS 99-1594 Mortality patterns among workers exposed to acrylamide: 1994 Follow up. Marsh G.M., Lucas L.J., Youk A.O., Schall L.C., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Mar. 1999, Vol.56, No.3, p.181-190. 17 ref. (In English)

Internet:

The mortality experience of a cohort of 8,508 workers with potential exposure to acrylamide at three plants was followed from 1984 to 1994. The contribution of 1,115 additional deaths and nearly 60,000 person-years over the 11 year follow up period corroborate the original cohort study (1925-1983) findings of little evidence for a causal relation between exposure to acrylamide and mortality from any cancer sites, including those of initial interest. This is the most definitive study of the human carcinogenic potential of exposure to acrylamide conducted to date. Topics: acrylamide; cancer; carcinogens; cohort study; dose-response relationship; epidemiologic study; length of exposure; mortality; tumour of the pancreas. (73567)

CIS 99-1595 20 years of medical surveillance on exposure to allergenic and non-allergenic platinum compounds: The importance of chemical speciation. Linnett P.J., Hughes E.G., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Mar. 1999, Vol.56, No.3, p.191-196. Illus. 17 ref. (In English)

Internet:

Workers in three distinct operations in a platinum company were exposed to soluble platinum compounds as chloroplatinates, chloroplatinates with tetraamine platinum dichloride (TPC) or to TPC alone. Results of personal air sampling for soluble platinum compounds were compared together with results of medical surveillance. The levels of exposure to soluble platinum compounds in each operation were comparable but the incidence of allergy was significantly different. In a subgroup of workers consistently exposed to chemical processes in each operation, the cumulative chance of being sensitized after five years of exposure was estimated as 51% for chloroplatinate exposure, 33% for mixed exposure, and 0% for TPC alone. Results show that the soluble platinum compound TPC is not allergenic under normal industrial conditions. Characterization of the chemical compound (speciation) is essential to prevent stringent exposure limits being imposed for all soluble compounds on a generic basis. Topics: allergens; platinum; exposure evaluation; long-term study; medical supervision; personal sampling; platinum and compounds; sensitization; skin tests; smoking. (73568)

CIS 99-1596 Post-shift changes in pulmonary function in a cement factory in eastern Saudi Arabia. Ali B.A., Ballal S.G., Albar A.A., Ahmed H.O., Occupational Medicine, Nov. 1998, Vol.48, No.8, p.519-522. 12 ref. (In English)

Internet:

This cross-sectional study was conducted in 1992 in the oldest of three Portland cement producing factories in eastern Saudi Arabia. The respirable dust level was in excess of the recommended ACGIH level in all sections. Spirometry was done for 149 cement workers and 348 controls. FEV₁, FVC, FEV₁/FVC% and FEF_25-75%, were calculated. A significantly higher post-shift reduction in FEV₁, FEV₁/FVC% and FEF_25-75% was observed in the exposed subjects. Multiple regression analysis showed a significant relationship between post-shift changes and exposure to cement dust but failed to support any relationship with smoking. These findings may indicate an increase in the bronchial muscle tone leading to some degree of bronchoconstriction as a result of an irritant effect induced by acute exposure to cement dust. Topics: cement; cement industry; cross-sectional study; dose-response relationship; irritation; pulmonary function; respiratory function tests; respiratory impairment; Saudi Arabia; shift work; smoking. (73574)

CIS 99-1597 Effects of chronic exposure to low doses of trichloroethylene on steroid hormone and insulin levels in normal men. Goh V.H.H., Chia S.E., Ong C.N., Environmental Health Perspectives, Jan. 1998, Vol.106, No.1, p.41-44. 23 ref. (In English)

Internet:

Serum levels of insulin and some adrenal steroid hormones were examined in 85 men chronically exposed to low doses of trichloroethylene (TCE). Each worker had urine collected and analyzed for trichloroacetic acids (UTCA) on the same day that a blood sample was taken for analyses of serum testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), androstenedione, cortisol, aldosterone, and insulin. TCE exposure did not cause any significant changes to adrenal steroid hormone production. Results showed that UTCA was significantly correlated to serum insulin levels. Insulin and SHBG responded in tandem, with the highest levels found in workers exposed to TCE for less than two years; levels of both parameters were significantly lowered in those exposed for more than two years. A triphasic response in insulin levels to TCE, which depended on the duration of exposure, was noted. Initial exposure caused an acute rise in insulin levels. This was followed by a fall to normal levels in those exposed 2-4 years and then a slight rise in those exposed for more than six years. The mechanism for this pattern of response to TCE exposure is not known. Topics: trichloroethylene; determination in blood; determination in urine; hormone secretion; hormones; insulin; long-term exposure; steroids. (73609)

CIS 99-1598 Cumulative blood lead levels and neurobehavioral test performance. Chia S.E., Chia H.P., Ong C.N., Jeyaratnam J., Neurotoxicology, 1997, Vol.18, No.3, p.793-803. 38 ref. (In English)

Internet:

Fifty lead battery workers and 97 non-exposed (referent) workers from a vehicle maintenance workshop were evaluated on neurobehavioral performance using the World Health Organization Neurobehavioral Core Test Battery. Concurrent blood lead (ConPb) and cumulative blood lead (CumPb) were used to study the association with the neurobehavioral test results. The exposed group had significantly poorer manual dexterity perceptual-motor speed, and motor steadiness compared with the referents. The standardized partial regression coefficients were higher for CumPb than ConPb for most of the neurobehavioral test results. In the group >35 years old, there were significantly stronger associations between CumPb and Digit Symbol and Trail Making Part A results than for Con Pb which are tests of perceptual and motor skills. CumPb was a better prediction than ConPb of the effects of lead on neurobehavorial performances. Topics: age-linked differences; lead; determination in blood; dose-response relationship; nervous function tests; neuropsychic effects; perceptual-motor performance; vehicle repair and servicing. (73610)

CIS 99-1599 Lead concentrations in tibial and calcaneal bone in relation to the history of lead exposure. (Spanish: Concentraciones de plomo en los huesos tibial y calcáneo en relación con la historia de exposición ocupacional al plomo) Bergdahl I.A., Strömberg U., Gerhardsson L., Schütz A., Chettle D.R., Skerfving S., Medicina y seguridad del trabajo, 1998, Vol.45, No.177, p.71-82. Illus. 34 ref. (In Spanish)

Internet:

Topics: atomic absorption spectrometry; bones; lead; determination in blood; determination of concentration; dose-response relationship; exposure evaluation; long-term exposure; mathematical models; tibia; x-ray fluorescence. (73613)

CIS 99-1600 Occupational skin diseases and their prevention. (Spanish: Enfermedades cutáneas laborales y su prevención) Lange M., Prevención, Oct.-Dec. 1998, No.146, p.36-48. Illus. 4 ref. (In Spanish)

Internet:

Topics: barrier creams; dermatitis; eczema; harmful substances; individual susceptibility; irritants; protective gloves; sensitization; skin allergies; skin diseases. (73615)

CIS 99-1601 Occupational allergy to aldehydes in health care workers. Clinical observations. Experiments. Kieć-Świerczyńska M., Kręcisz B., Krysiak B., Kuchowicz E., Rydzyński K., International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health, 1998, Vol.11, No.4, p.349-358. Illus. 21 ref. (In English)

Internet:

Incidence of allergy to aldehydes was examined in 280 health care workers suffering from skin lesions. Allergy was diagnosed in 64 patients. The majority of these (85.9%) were sensitive only to one aldehyde. Formaldehyde caused allergy slightly more frequently (13.9%) than glutaraldehyde (12.4%). Only five patients were sensitive to glyoxal. In animal experiments, formaldehyde and glutaraldehyde showed a stronger irritant effect than glyoxal and the sensitizing activity of aldehydes was confirmed. Both glutaraldehyde and glyoxal were cytotoxic in animals. Topics: allergy tests; animal experiments; glyoxal; glutaraldehyde; formaldehyde; cytotoxic effects; eczema; health care personnel; irritants; sensitization; skin allergies. (73668)

CIS 99-1602 The validation of a permeation cell for testing chemical protective clothing. Bromwich D., American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal, Dec. 1998, Vol.59, No.12, p.842-851. Illus. 19 ref. (In English)

Internet:

The performance of a simple rugged permeation cell for testing chemical protective clothing was compared with the reference cell suggested by the American Society for Testing and Materials and using their validation protocol. The new cell overcomes some of the limitations of the reference cell including ruggedness, low dead space, ease and speed of use, and small sample size. The testing of the new cell was performed under standard conditions using acetone against reference neoprene with an automated test system incorporating a photoionization detector. The performance of the new cell was within the acceptance criteria for normalized breakthrough time and steady state permeation rate. The normalized breakthrough time index was a major impediment to the automated testing of more than one cell at a time, as it required a very low degree of cross contamination between cells, if a shared detector was used. It is suggested that lag times rather than normalized breakthrough times form part of the basis for comparison of permeation cells. The pretreatment of test samples to remove volatile contaminants requires consideration. Topics: acetone; chemical protective clothing; comment on standard; description of equipment; description of technique; detection by photoionization; equipment testing; neoprene; permeability testing. (73502)

CIS 99-1603 Comparison of six respirator fit-test methods with an actual measurement of exposure in a simulated health care environment: Part 1 - Protocol development; Part 2 - Method comparison testing. Coffey C.C., Campbell D.L., Myers W.R., Zhuang Z., Das S., American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal, Dec. 1998, Vol.59, No.12, p.852-870. Illus. 50 ref. (In English)

Internet:

While quantitative fit tests (QNFT) have been assumed to be predictive of the protection provided by respirators, studies have consistently found no correlation between quantitative fit factors and workplace protection factors. A study was designed to compare the fit factors from six QNFT methods against the actual dose of 1,1,2-trichloro-1,2,2 trifluoroethane (Freon-113) received under the same laboratory conditions. Results suggest that some QNFT methods may be used to estimate actual respirator performance under laboratory conditions. Topics: 1,1,2-trichloro-1,2,2-trifluoroethane; comment on standard; comparative study; determination in exhaled air; evaluation of technique; exposure evaluation; leakage testing; personal sampling; respirators; skin absorption. (73503)

CIS 99-1604 Respiratory protective devices: Rates of medical clearance and causes for work restrictions. Pappas G.P., Takaro T.K., Stover B., Beaudet N., Salazar M., Calcagni J., Shoop D., Barnhart S., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Apr. 1999, Vol.35, No.4, p.390-394. 11 ref. (In English)

Internet:

All workers with work restrictions or denied clearance for respirator use over a one-year period were identified and their medical records abstracted. Of the 5,569 workers who received medical evaluation, only 71 received limitations on respirator use documented in their medical record. Of the 65 workers with sufficient medical records for additional analysis, 9 of the 5,569 workers were denied medical clearance, while 56 workers received work restrictions. Pregnancy was the most common cause for denying medical clearance for respirator use. Lung disease, cardiovascular disease, and claustrophobia were the most common causes for work restrictions. Physical examination and spirometry added little to the detection of relevant medical conditions. It is concluded that few workers fail medical clearance for respirator use or receive work restrictions. Data on adverse events from respirator use are needed to help design appropriate medical evaluations and uniform criteria for work restrictions or denial of medical clearance. Topics: cardiovascular diseases; expectant mothers; medical examinations; medical supervision; prohibition of use; respirators; respiratory diseases; work aptitude. (73558)

CIS 99-1605 Medical clearance for respirator use: Sensitivity and specificity of a questionnaire. Pappas G.P., Takaro T.K., Stover B., Beaudet N., Salazar M., Calcagni J., Shoop D., Barnhart S., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Apr. 1999, Vol.35, No.4, p.395-400. Illus. 13 ref. (In English)

Internet:

USA OSHA regulations require that workers receive medical clearance prior to respirator use, and a detailed questionnaire has been provided to assist with this purpose. 474 consecutive workers were tested at a Department of Energy complex. After completing the self-administered questionnaire, all workers received a standardized physician evaluation including interview, physical examination, and spirometry. The outcomes of the questionnaire assessment were compared to the outcomes of physician evaluation. All workers received medical clearance; only 10 workers received work restrictions. The questionnaire demonstrated 100% sensitivity in identifying workers who required work restrictions, but had specificity of only 19%. Compared to physician evaluation, the questionnaire had modest sensitivity to the detection of chronic medical conditions. The data suggest that the rates of medical clearance for respirator use are very high, and that a self-administered questionnaire may be appropriate for medical clearance in certain settings. It is recommended that the policy of routine physician evaluation and spirometry for respirator clearancebe re-examined. Topics: medical examinations; medical supervision; prohibition of use; questionnaire survey; respirators; spirometry; subjective assessment; work aptitude. (73559)

CIS 99-1606 Field study of subjective assessment of negative pressure half-masks. Influence of the work conditions on comfort and efficiency. (French: Demi-masques à pression négative. Influence des conditions de travail sur leur confort et leur efficacité) Meyer J.P., Héry M., Hubert G., François D., Hecht G., Villa M., Cahiers de notes documentaires - Hygiène et sécurité du travail, 2nd Quarter 1998, No.171, Note No.2077-171-98, p.147-155. Illus. 27 ref. (In French)

Internet:

French translation of CIS 98-313. Topics: comfort assessment; comfort criteria; conditions of work; equipment testing; leakage testing; respirators; subjective assessment; translation; visual comfort. (73766)

CIS 99-1607 Mesothelioma in Quebec chrysotile miners and millers: Epidemiology and aetiology. McDonald A.D., Case B.W., Churg A., Dufresne A., Gibbs G.W., Sébastien P., McDonald J.C., Annals of Occupational Hygiene, Dec. 1997, Vol.41, No.6, p.707-719. 23 ref. (In English)

Internet:

In a cohort of some 11,000 men employed in the Quebec chrysotile production industry, 38 cases of mesothelioma were identified - 33 miners and millers and five factory workers. These cases are described in full, exposure-response patterns are analyzed and the role of fibrous tremolite (an amphibole fibre) in the aetiology of mesothelioma is examined. Case-referent analyses showed that the mesothelioma risk was much greater in a localized area of central mines than in peripherally located mines. Lung burden analyses showed that the concentration of tremolite fibres was much higher in this central area, a finding compatible with geological knowledge of the area. Findings support the view that most, if not all, mesotheliomas are caused by amphibole fibres. This in turn points to durability and biopersistence as critical factors in aetiology. Topics: aetiology; amphibole; asbestos mining; asbestos processing industry; asbestos; crocidolite; chrysotile; amosite; tremolite; cohort study; dose-response relationship; epidemiological aspects; geological factors; histopathology; length of exposure; lung deposition; mesothelioma; mineral fibres; pleural mesothelioma; Quebec. (73586)

CIS 99-1608 Quantification of historical dust exposures in the diatomaceous earth industry. Seixas N.S., Heyer N.J., Welp E.A.E., Checkoway H., Annals of Occupational Hygiene, Oct. 1997, Vol.41, No.5, p.591-604. Illus. 12 ref. (In English)

Internet:

Quantitative estimates of dust exposure in a diatomaceous earth mining and milling operation have been derived based on air sampling records for the period 1948-1988. Geometric mean concentrations were 0.37mg/m³ during the 1950s and 0.17mg/m³ during later periods. Exposures were estimated using two linear models, one estimating the changes in concentration over time and the other providing job-specific mean exposures during the more recent period. Average estimated respirable dust concentrations for 135 jobs were 3.55mg/m³ (prior to 1949), 1.37mg/m³ (1949-1953), 0.47mg/m³ (1954-1973) and 0.29mg/m³ (1974-1988). Despite the limitations of the available data, the estimation procedures used are expected to provide reasonable quantitative estimates of silica-containing dust exposure for subsequent exposure-response analyses. Topics: diatomaceous earth; silica; dust level; dust measurement; exposure evaluation; exposure records; job-exposure relation; mathematical models; mining and quarrying; respirable dust. (73590)

CIS 99-1609 Variability in the skin exposure of machine operators exposed to cutting fluids. Wassenius O., Järvholm B., Engström T., Lillienberg L., Meding B., Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health, Apr. 1998, Vol.24, No.2, p.125-129. Illus. 11 ref. (In English)

Internet:

A new technique for measuring skin exposure to cutting fluids is described. The technique is based on video recording and subsequent analysis of the video tape by means of computer-synchronized video equipment. The exposure of 12 machine operators performing cyclic (repetitive) work was analyzed in six different workshops. The time intervals at which the machine operator's hand was exposed to fluid were registered, and the total wet time of the skin was calculated by assuming different evaporation times for the fluid. The relative wet time varied between 0% and 100%. A significant association between short cycle time and high relative wet time was noted. However, there was no relationship between the degree of automatization of the metal cutting machines and wet time. The technique appears to give objective information about dermal wetness. Topics: automation; computer analysis; cutting fluids; description of technique; eczema; exposure evaluation; image analysis; metalcutting saws; metalworking industry; photographic methods of detection; repetitive work; skin absorption. (73528)

CIS 99-1610 Conditionning of explosives on a construction site. (French: Le préconditionnement de charges explosives sur un chantier de travaux publics) Baud J.P., Normand J.C., Mortbontemps A., Cahiers des Comités de prévention du bâtiment et des travaux publics, Jan.-Feb. 1998, No.304, p.19-22. Illus. 13 ref. (In French)

Internet:

Topics: cardiovascular disorders; trinitroglycerine; dinitroglycol; construction industry; explosives; health hazards; medical supervision; nitric ester explosives; personal protective equipment; shotfiring and blasting; skin absorption. (73763)

CIS 99-1611 An investigation into the composition of products evolved during heating of hot melt adhesives. Pengelly I., Groves J., Northage C., Annals of Occupational Hygiene, Jan. 1998, Vol.42, No.1, p.37-44. Illus. 12 ref. (In English)

Internet:

Analysis of the products generated during heating of a selection of 14 hot melt adhesives indicates the presence of a wide range of chemical compounds, including resin acids, volatile terpenes, aliphatic aldehydes, aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons and isocyanates. Some components, including resin acids and formaldehyde, are common to several types of adhesive, whereas others, such as acrolein and isocyanates, are specific to just one. There is no component which is characteristic of fume from all 14 adhesives. Concentrations of individual chemical components show significant variation both between different types of adhesive and between samples of the same adhesive heated to different temperatures or for different periods of time. For individual adhesives, concentrations of evolved material tend to increase as the temperature the of the glue is raised, with the highest levels being observed in samples taken directly after commencement of heating. Topics: acrolein; adhesives; aliphatic aldehydes; aliphatic hydrocarbons; aromatic carboxylic acids; aromatic hydrocarbons; formaldehyde; chemical analysis; isocyanates; melting; mists; pyrolysis products; sampling and analysis; terpenes; volatile substances. (73524)

CIS 99-1612 Modulating influence of cytochrome P-450 MspI polymorphism on serum liver function profiles in coke oven workers. Wu M.T., Ho C.K., Huang S.L., Yeh Y.F., Liu C.L., Mao I.F., Christiani D.C., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Mar. 1999, Vol.56, No.3, p.159-163. Illus. 18 ref. (In English)

Internet:

The modifying effect of CYPlAl MspI polymorphism on liver function profiles was investigated in 88 coke oven workers. The prevalence of an abnormal hepatocellular pattern was more common in the topside oven workers with the homozygous variant than in the sideoven workers with other combined genotypes. The CYPlAl MspI polymorphism may modify the biotransformation of coke oven emissions, which results in hepatocellular damage in coke oven workers. Topics: alkaline phosphatases; aromatic hydrocarbons; coke ovens; enzyme activity determination; enzyme disturbances; epidemiologic study; hepatic disorders; individual susceptibility; liver function tests; transaminases; transpeptidases. (73563)

CIS 99-1613 Exposure-response relations of α-amylase sensitisation in British bakeries and flour mills. Nieuwenhuijsen M.J., Heederik D., Doekes G., Venables K.M., Newman Taylor A.J., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Mar. 1999, Vol.56, No.3, p.197-201. Illus. 14 ref. (In English)

Internet:

Personal flour dust samples were taken in seven British bakeries and flour mills and analyzed for α-amylase with an immunoassay. Exposure to the highest concentrations of α-amylase was found in the dispensing and mixing areas of the bakeries. Exposure to α-amylase showed only a moderate correlation with concentrations of dust and flour aeroallergen. Results also showed a relation between exposure to α-amylase and sensitization to fungal α-amylase. Atopic subjects had an increased risk of sensitization, but this was not significant. Results suggest that exposure to α-amylase is a considerable health risk in British bakeries and flour mills. A small proportion of workers are exposed to α-amylase at concentrations that result in high rates of sensitization. A reduction in exposure to α-amylase is likely to reduce this risk. Topics: airborne dust; allergens; amylase; Aspergillus moulds; bakery products industry; dose-response relationship; exposure evaluation; flour; individual susceptibility; milling industry; personal sampling; sensitization; skin tests. (73569)

CIS 99-1614 Exposure levels and determinants of inhalable dust exposure in bakeries. Burstyn I., Teschke K., Kennedy S.M., Annals of Occupational Hygiene, Dec. 1997, Vol.41, No.6, p.609-624. 29 ref. (In English)

Internet:

Dust measurement at seven bakeries showed that tasks such as weighing and pouring and operating dough-breakers and reversible sheeters increased dust exposure, while packing, catching and decorating decreased exposure. Bread and bun production lines were associated with increased full-shift inhalable dust exposure, while cake production and substitution of dusting with the use of divider oil were associated with decreased exposure. Production tasks and characteristics are strong predictors of personal full-shift exposure to flour dust among bakers; these can be altered to reduce exposure levels. Topics: bakery products industry; dust level; dust measurement; exposure evaluation; flour; job-exposure relation; limitation of exposure; mathematical models; prediction; respirable dust; risk factors. (73581)

CIS 99-1615 Ectopic pregnancy and occupational exposure of hospital personnel. Bouyer J., Saurel-Cubizolles M.J., Grenier C., Aussel L., Job-Spira N., Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health, Apr. 1998, Vol.24, No.2, p.98-103, 25 ref. (In English)

Internet:

In a case-referent study of women working in hospitals, information was collected on past and present working conditions (exposures to antineoplastic drugs, solvents, disinfectants, anaesthetic gases and ionizing radiation) and known risk factors of ectopic pregnancy. No significant association was found between occupational exposure and ectopic pregnancy, either when past exposure was considered or when exposure within the three months before conception was considered. Relationships remained nonsignificant after adjustment for job category and for the known risk factors of ectopic pregnancy. Topics: antineoplastic drugs; case-control study; complications of pregnancy; disinfectants; expectant mothers; exposure evaluation; health care personnel; hospitals; inhalation anaesthetics; ionizing radiation; risk factors; solvents. (73526)

CIS 99-1616 Latex allergy in Polish nurses. Pałczyñski C., Walusiak J., Hanke W., Górski P., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Apr. 1999, Vol.35, No.4, p.413-419. 42 ref. (In English)

Internet:

A postal questionnaire inquiring about the history of latex-induced allergic reactions was distributed among 3,750 Polish nurses. The participation rate was 77.3%. To verify the results of the survey, in randomly selected nurses, skin prick tests with latex and tropical fruit allergens, evaluation of total IgE, and specific anti-latex IgE, skin and nasal provocation with latex were performed. Allergic symptoms in the workplace were reported by 1,016 subjects (35%); out of this group 847 (29.2%) persons associated the symptoms with latex exposure. The group of cases with self-reported latex allergy revealed a significantly increased frequency of history of atopy, allergy to β-lactam antibiotics and tropical fruits. Allergy to latex was confirmed in 33.3% of randomly selected nurses with a positive history of occupational allergy. It was found that 18.6% of nurses working at hospital wards were allergic to latex. Latex allergy is an important health problem among nurses in Poland. Atopy, allergy to β-lactam antibiotics and tropical fruits, are the risk factors for latex allergy. Topics: allergens; allergic asthma; allergy tests; beta lactam antibiotics; conjunctivitis; fruits; immunoglobulins; individual susceptibility; latex; nursing personnel; Poland; questionnaire survey; rhinitis; risk factors; skin tests; urticaria. (73560)

CIS 99-1617 Toxicological profile for chloroform: 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, Sep. 1997. xvii, 293p. Illus. approx. 660 ref. (In English)

Internet:

Topics: anaesthetics; brain injuries; carcinogenic effects; chloroform; criteria document; diseases of central nervous system; exposure evaluation; glossary; health hazards; hepatic damage; irritation; limitation of exposure; literature survey; neurotoxic effects; renal damage; skin absorption; toxic effects; toxicity evaluation; toxicology; USA. (73651)

CIS 99-1618 Toxicological profile for chlorpyrifos. 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, Sep. 1997. xvii, 179p. Illus. approx. 350 ref. (In English)

Internet:

Topics: chlorpyrifos; criteria document; exposure evaluation; glossary; health hazards; limitation of exposure; literature survey; neurological effects; skin absorption; toxic effects; toxicity evaluation; toxicology; USA. (73652)

CIS 99-1619 Toxicological profile for cyanide: 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, Sep. 1997. xvii, 255p. Illus. approx. 550 ref. (In English)

Internet:

Topics: cardiovascular disorders; sodium cyanide; potassium cyanide; ammonium thiocyanate; cyanogen; potassium dicyanoargentate; cyanogen chloride; calcium cyanide; hydrocyanic acid; criteria document; cyanides; diseases of central nervous system; exposure evaluation; glossary; health hazards; irritation; limitation of exposure; literature survey; neurotoxic effects; respiratory diseases; skin absorption; thyroid disorders; toxic effects; toxicity evaluation; toxicology; USA. (73653)

CIS 99-1620 Toxicological profile for ethylene glycol and propylene glycol. 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, Sep. 1997. xvii, 249p. Illus. approx. 500 ref. (In English)

Internet:

Topics: ethylene glycol; propylene glycol; criteria document; exposure evaluation; functional heart disorders; functional respiratory disorders; glossary; health hazards; irritation; limitation of exposure; literature survey; nephrotoxic effects; neurological effects; skin absorption; toxic effects; toxicity evaluation; toxicology; USA. (73654)

CIS 99-1621 Toxicological profile for hexachloroethane. 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, Sep. 1997. xvii, 151p. Illus. approx. 200 ref. (In English)

Internet:

Topics: hexachloroethane; criteria document; exposure evaluation; glossary; health hazards; hepatic damage; irritation; limitation of exposure; literature survey; neurological effects; renal damage; skin absorption; toxic effects; toxicity evaluation; toxicology; USA. (73655)

CIS 99-1622 Toxicological profile for HMX. 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, Sep. 1997. xvii, 96p. Illus. 78 ref. (In English)

Internet:

Topics: criteria document; cyclotetramethylenetetranitramine; explosives; exposure evaluation; glossary; health hazards; hepatotoxic effects; immunotoxic effects; irritation; limitation of exposure; literature survey; nephrotoxic effects; neurological effects; skin absorption; toxic effects; toxicity evaluation; toxicology; USA. (73656)

CIS 99-1623 Toxicological profile for hydrazines. 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, Sep. 1997. xvii, 185p. Illus. approx. 400 ref. (In English)

Internet:

Topics: carcinogenic effects; 1,2-dimethylhydrazine; 1,1-dimethylhydrazine; criteria document; diseases of central nervous system; dyspnoea; exposure evaluation; glossary; health hazards; hepatotoxic effects; hydrazines; irritants; limitation of exposure; literature survey; nephrotoxic effects; neurotoxic effects; pulmonary oedema; skin absorption; skin diseases; toxic effects; toxicity evaluation; toxicology; USA. (73657)

CIS 99-1624 Toxicological profile for mineral-based crankcase oil. 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, Sep. 1997. xvii, 175p. Illus. approx. 400 ref. (In English)

Internet:

Topics: carcinogenic effects; cardiovascular disorders; criteria document; diarrhoea; exposure evaluation; glossary; health hazards; irritation; literature survey; lubricating oils; mineral oils; neurological effects; skin absorption; skin eruption; toxic effects; toxicity evaluation; toxicology; USA; used oils. (73658)

CIS 99-1625 Toxicological profile for nickel: 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, Sep. 1997. xvii, 262p. Illus. approx. 530 ref. (In English)

Internet:

Topics: allergens; asthma; carcinogenic effects; nickel subsulfide; nickel(II) oxide; nickel(II) nitrate; nickel acetate; nickel; nickel(II) chloride; nickel sulfate; criteria document; eczema; exposure evaluation; glossary; haematotoxic effects; health hazards; heart diseases; immunobiological changes; limitation of exposure; literature survey; lung cancer; lung diseases; mutagenic effects; nasal cancer; neurological effects; renal diseases; sensitization dermatitis; skin eruption; toxic effects; toxicity evaluation; toxicology; USA. (73659)

CIS 99-1626 Toxicological profile for polychlorinated biphenyls: 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, Sep. 1997. xviii, 429p. Illus. approx. 1080 ref. (In English)

Internet:

Topics: carcinogenic effects; Aroclor 1260; Aroclor 1254; Aroclor 1268; Aroclor 1221; Aroclor 1232; Aroclor 1248; Aroclor 1016; Aroclor 1262; Aroclor 1242; chloracne; chromosome changes; criteria document; embryotoxic effects; exposure evaluation; functional respiratory disorders; gastrointestinal diseases; glossary; health hazards; hepatotoxic effects; irritants; limitation of exposure; literature survey; melanoma; musculoskeletal diseases; neurological effects; polychlorinated biphenyls; skin absorption; toxic effects; toxicity evaluation; toxicology; USA. (73660)

CIS 99-1627 Copper. International Programme on Chemical Safety (IPCS), World Health Organization, Distribution and Sales Service, 1211 Genève 27, Switzerland, 1998. xxii, 360p. Approx. 1,130 ref. Price: CHF 72.00 (CHF 50.40 in developing countries)., ISBN 92-4-157200-0 (In English)

Internet:

Summaries in French and in Spanish. Topics: cardiovascular diseases; copper(I) oxide; copper; copper(II) chloride; copper sulfate; cirrhosis; copper and compounds; criteria document; dermatitis; eczema; hepatitis; ILO; IPCS; literature survey; metal fume fever; toxic effects; toxicology; UNEP; WHO. (73701)

CIS 99-1628 Inventory of IPCS and other WHO pesticide evaluations and summary of toxicological evaluations performed by the Joint Meeting on Pesticide Residues (JMPR). Evaluations through 1998. International Programme on Chemical Safety, World Health Organization, 20 Avenue Appia, 1211 Genève 27, Switzerland, 1999. 61p. 85 réf. (In English)

Internet:

Topics: ecotoxicology; food contamination; IPCS; list of chemical substances; pesticides; threshold limit values; toxicity evaluation; toxicology. (73718)

CIS 99-1629 Biological monitoring of chemical exposure in the workplace - Volume II. World Health Organization, Office of Occupational Health, 1211 Genève 27, Switzerland, 1996. xi, 203p. Illus. Bibl.ref. Price: CHF 20.00., ISBN 951-802-167-8 (In English)

Internet:

For volume I, see CIS 98-245. Topics: aromatic amines; aromatic hydrocarbons; biological threshold limits; aluminium; arsenic; methanol; benzene; nickel; cobalt; dichloromethane; description of technique; determination in biological matter; determination in blood; determination in exhaled air; determination in urine; dithiocarbamates; exposure evaluation; exposure tests; harmful substances; list of occupations; manuals; metabolic process; pyrethroids; toxic effects; urinary metabolites; WHO. (73771)

CIS 99-1630 Handling of complex hydrocarbon-based mixtures. (German: Umgang mit komplexen kohlenwasserstoffhaltigen Gemischen) Pfeiffer W., Hauptverband der gewerblichen Berufsgenossenschaften (HVBG), Alte Heerstrasse 111, 53754 Sankt Augustin, Germany, Oct. 1997. 111p. Illus. 19 ref., ISBN 3-88383-452-1 (In German)

Internet:

Summaries in English, French and Spanish. Topics: cleaning agents; conference; construction industry; coolants; fuels; health hazards; hydrocarbons; lubricants; mixtures; solvents; thinners; threshold limit values; wood preservatives. (73817)

CIS 99-1631 Dioxins at the workplace. (German: Dioxine am Arbeitsplatz) Stockmann R., Hahn J.U., Lichtenstein N., Nies E., Pflaumbaum W., Böckler M., Boveleth W., Dahmann D., Erhard H., Gerbert J., Neumann H.D., Schick W., Thamm H., Hauptverband der gewerblichen Berufsgenossenschaften (HVBG), Alte Heerstrasse 111, 53754 Sankt Augustin, Germany, Oct. 1997. 165p. Illus. 110 ref., ISBN 3-88383-457-2 (In German)

Internet:

Summaries in English, French and Spanish. Topics: coking plants; dioxins; exposure evaluation; exposure tests; furan derivatives; garbage incineration; plastics industry; recycling of materials; toxic effects. (73820)

CIS 99-1632 Consideration of the feasibility of developing a simple methodology to assess dispersion in low/zero windspeeds. Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 6FS, United Kingdom, 1998. vi, 129p. Illus. 47 ref. Price: GBP 37.50., ISBN 0-7176-1648-7 (In English)

Internet:

Topics: air movement; atmospheric pollution; dangerous substances; flammable gases; harmful substances; hazard evaluation; mathematical models; neighbourhood protection; toxic gases; wind. (73720)

CIS 99-1633 Official report - Pesticide poisoning 1996. (Spanish: Reporte oficial - Intoxicaciones con plaguicidas 1996) Ministerio de Salud, Departamento de registro y control de sustancias tóxicas y medicina del trabajo, San José, Costa Rica, 1997. 27p. Illus. (In Spanish)

Internet:

Topics: agriculture; Costa Rica; developing countries; fungicides; herbicides; legislation; nematocides; notification of occupational accidents; organophosphorus compounds; pesticide poisoning; pesticides; rodenticides; statistics. (73619)

CIS 99-1634 Biomarkers for environmental and occupational exposure to aromatic mutagens and carcinogens from emissions of oil shale petrochemistry. Carere A., Crebelli R., eds., Istituto superiore di sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Roma, Italy, 1998. iv, 48p. Bibl.ref. (In English)

Internet:

Topics: aromatic hydrocarbons; carcinogens; phosphorus-32; benzene; cytogenetic studies; description of technique; determination in air; determination in blood; estonia; exposure evaluation; exposure tests; haemoglobin; mutagens; oil shale industry; shale oil; urine monitoring. (73776)

CIS 99-1635 Biomonitoring of human populations exposed to petroleum fuels with special consideration of the role of benzene as a genotoxic component. Carere A., Crebelli R., eds., Istituto superiore di sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Roma, Italy, 1998. iv, 102p. Illus. Bibl.ref. (In English)

Internet:

Topics: aromatic hydrocarbons; benzene; chromosome changes; cytogenetic studies; determination in blood; determination in urine; exposure evaluation; filling stations; lymphocytes; medical supervision; monitoring for air contamination; mortality; oil shale industry; petroleum refining. (73777)

CIS 99-1636 Nickel and inorganic compounds of nickel in air (except nickel carbonyl). Health and Safety Executive, Health and Safety Laboratory, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 6FS, United Kingdom, Mar. 1996. 20p. Illus. 27 ref. Price: GBP 5.00. (In English)

Internet:

Topics: atomic absorption spectrometry; nickel subsulfide; nickel(II) oxide; nickel(II) nitrate; nickel(II) sulfide; nickel carbonate; nickel; nickel(II) chloride; nickel sulfate; data sheet; description of equipment; description of technique; determination in air; dust measurement; dust measuring instruments; evaluation of equipment; metal fumes; nickel and compounds; respirable dust; sampling and analysis; threshold limit values. (73772)

CIS 99-1637 Occupational diseases - Silica. (French: Maladies professionnelles - Silice) Abécassis J.C., Baud J.P., Boulat J.F., Frimat P., Pelé A., Siegfried C., Michel M.C., Cahiers des Comités de prévention du bâtiment et des travaux publics, Jan.-Feb. 1998, No.304, insert 6p. Illus. 5 ref. (In French)

Internet:

Topics: silica; data sheet; exposure evaluation; France; free silica; glossary; hazard evaluation; health hazards; legislation; mineral dust pneumoconiosis; physiology of respiratory system; plant safety and health organization; respirable dust. (73762)

CIS 99-1638 Safety in the laboratory: Procedures in the event of leaks and spills. (Spanish: Seguridad en el laboratorio: actuación en caso de fugas y vertidos) Guardino Solá X., Gadea Carrera E., Rosell Farrás M.G., Instituto Nacional de Seguridad e Higiene en el Trabajo, Ediciones y Publicaciones, c/Torrelaguna 73, 28027 Madrid, Spain, 1995. 6p. 5 ref. (In Spanish)

Internet:

Topics: dangerous substances; data sheet; explosion hazards; flammable substances; gas cylinders; gases; laboratories; leakage; list of chemical substances; Spain; spills; toxic substances. (73636)

[ Top of page ]

CIS 99-1639 Safety reins. Hayes A., Fire Prevention, Mar. 1999, No.318, p.16-17. Illus. (In English)

Internet:

Brief comments on a joint British-American symposium held in Chester, United Kingdom, in October 1998 on major issues of concern to the fire-fighting service and the future of fire safety. Topics: conference; fire hazards; fire prevention; fire protection; fire services; future trends; United Kingdom; USA. (73669)

CIS 99-1640 Assessment and mitigation of the consequences of fires in chemical warehouses. Markert F., Safety Science, Oct.-Nov. 1998, Vol.30, No.1-2, p.33-44. Illus. 13 ref. (In English)

Internet:

The project Guidelines for Management of Fires in Chemical Warehouses (TOXFIRE) which was funded by the Commission of the European Communities Environment Programme during the period 1993-1996 is discussed. The project was a multi-national cooperation between partners from the UK, Sweden, Finland and Denmark and consisted of three major parts: (1) comparison of the performance of four fire testing methods to assess toxicity of fire products, (2) risk assessment of the impact on human health resulting from the release of unburned pesticides and their pyrolysis products from a fire, and (3) establishment of a basis for guidelines for safety engineers and fire services. A quick decision system to be used in emergency situations was also developed. Topics: tetrachlorodibenzodioxin; chemical hazards; chemical products; combustion residues; fire fighting; fire hazards; fire protection; fire research; flammability testing; hazard evaluation; health hazards; pyrolysis products; smoke vents; toxic effects; toxic substances; warehouses. (73684)

CIS 99-1641 Risk management: Role of social factors in major industrial accidents. Britkov V., Sergeev G., Safety Science, Oct.-Nov. 1998, Vol.30, No.1-2, p.173-181. 15 ref. (In English)

Internet:

Societal factors play an important role in creating 'favourable' conditions for the occurrence of major industrial accidents. This general conclusion rests on the analyses of several serious accidents which took place in recent years, including the Chernobyl, Three Mile Island and Bhopal tragedies. Main factors of a social nature, such as regulatory functions and mechanisms, legal aspects and economic considerations, and acting in conjunction with technological factors, create preconditions which make major industrial accidents possible. The situation in the industrial safety sphere in the former USSR and its successor, the Russian Federation, taken as a case study, demonstrates the validity of the points raised in the presentation and serves as a basis for several conclusions. The three major accidents amply demonstrate the importance of societal factors in the origin and development of human-made technological disasters. Topics: analysis of accident causes; disasters; human behaviour; human factors; human failure; legal aspects; major hazards; plant safety organization; Russian Federation; social aspects. (73685)

CIS 99-1642 EPA/OSHA joint chemical accident investigation report - Napp Technologies, Inc., Lodi, New Jersey. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 401 M Street. S.W., Washington, D.C. 20460, USA, Oct. 1997. v, 65p. Illus. 21 ref. (In English)

Internet:

An explosion and fire took place at the Napp Technologies facility at Lodi, New Jersey, on April 21, 1995, resulting in deaths, injuries, public evacuation, and serious damage both on and off site. The accident involved a commercial chemical mixture, a gold precipitating agent identified as ACR 9031 GPA, and comprised of sodium hydrosulfite, aluminium powder, potassium carbonate and benzaldehyde. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration undertook an investigation of this accident because of the serious consequences and the characteristics of the substances involved. Topics: accident investigation; aluminium powder; analysis of accident causes; benzaldehyde; sodium hydrosulfite; chemical industry; chemical reactions; explosions; fatalities; fire; major hazards; neighbourhood protection; report on investigation; USA. (73704)

CIS 99-1643 Investigation report - Explosives manufacturing incident (4 deaths, 6 injuries) - Sierra Chemical Company, Mustang, Nevada. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board, National Technical Information Service, 5285 Port Royal Road, Springfield, VA 22161, USA, Jan. 1998. iii, 117p. Illus. 17 ref. (In English)

Internet:

This report explains two explosions that took place on January 7, 1998, at an explosives manufacturing facility owned by Sierra Chemical Company, located in Mustang, Nevada, USA. Four workers were killed and six were injured. Safety issues covered in the report include process safety management, process hazard analysis, training, language barriers, operating procedures, building siting and employee participation. Recommendations concerning these issues (included in the report) were made to Sierra Chemical Company and other companies manufacturing explosives, the Institute of Makers of Explosives, the Nevada Occupational Safety and Health Enforcement Section, and the Department of Defense. Topics: accident investigation; analysis of accident causes; choice of location; explosions; explosives industry; fatalities; hazard evaluation; process control; report on investigation; safe distances; safety and health training; safety engineering; speech communication; USA; workers participation. (73705)

CIS 99-1644 Emergency way guidance lighting systems - Phase 1. Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 6FS, United Kingdom, 1998. viii, 95p. Illus. 66 ref. Price: GBP 55.00., ISBN 0-7176-1611-8 (In English)

Internet:

Topics: emergency exits; escape and exit; escape routes; escape time; glossary; human factors; offshore oil extraction; optical signalling; penetration into smoke; safety lighting; smoke; visibility assessment; visibility. (73773)

CIS 99-1645 Explosions caused by combustible gases, vapours and dusts: Protective systems. (Spanish: Deflagraciones producidas por gases, vapores y polvos combustibles: sistemas de protección) Alonso Valle F., Instituto Nacional de Seguridad e Higiene en el Trabajo, Ediciones y Publicaciones, c/Torrelaguna 73, 28027 Madrid, Spain, 1995. 8p. Illus. 11 ref. (In Spanish)

Internet:

Topics: data sheet; design of equipment; dust explosions; explosion pressure; explosion prevention; explosion venting; explosive atmospheres; gas explosions; prevention of explosion propagation; safety by design; safety devices; Spain. (73633)

CIS 99-1646 Propyltrichlorosilane. Fire Protection Association, Fire Prevention, Mar. 1999, No.318, 2p. Insert. 9 ref. (In English)

Internet:

Topics: trichloropropylsilane; chlorosilanes; dangerous substances; data sheet; explosion hazards; fire fighting; fire hazards; irritants; labelling; spills; storage tanks; storage; transfer of liquids; United Kingdom; warning notices. (73670)

CIS 99-1647 Gas bottles: Generic hazards in their use. (Spanish: Botellas de gas: riesgos genéricos en su utilización) Alonso Valle F., Instituto Nacional de Seguridad e Higiene en el Trabajo, Ediciones y Publicaciones, c/Torrelaguna 73, 28027 Madrid, Spain, 1995. 6p. Illus. 4 ref. (In Spanish)

Internet:

Topics: data sheet; explosion hazards; explosion prevention; gas cylinders; handling and storage; labelling; leak detection; leakage; pressure reducing valves; Spain. (73634)

[ Top of page ]

CIS 99-1648 Protection against indirect electrical contact in medium- and low-voltage transformation centres - Simplified calculation of earthing connections (I). (Spanish: Protección contra contactos eléctricos indirectos en centros de transformación MT/BT - Cálculo simplificado de tomas de tierra (I)) Calvo Sáez D.J.A., Prevención, Oct.-Dec. 1996, No.138, p.18-31. Illus. (In Spanish)

Internet:

For Part 2, see CIS 99-1650. Topics: contact voltage protection; design of electric circuits; earth resistance; earthing; electric current; electric power distribution; electrical safety; electricity; fault current protection; mathematical analysis. (73638)

CIS 99-1649 Damages caused by thermal effects of electric currents. (Spanish: Daños ocasionados por los efectos térmicos de la corriente eléctrica) Llorente Antón D.M., Prevención, Oct.-Dec. 1996, No.138, p.52-61. Illus. (In Spanish)

Internet:

Topics: comment on directive; comment on standard; conductors; electric burns; electricity; fire hazards; fire prevention; health hazards; thermal effects; toxic gases; work on electrical equipment. (73639)

CIS 99-1650 Protection against indirect electrical contact in medium- and low-voltage transformation centres - Simplified calculation of earthing connections (II). (Spanish: Protección contra contactos eléctricos indirectos en centros de transformación MT/BT - Cálculo simplificado de tomas de tierra (II)) Calvo Sáez D.J.A., Prevención, Jan.-Mar. 1997, No.139, p.46-59. Illus. 6 ref. (In Spanish)

Internet:

For Part 1, see CIS 99-1648. Topics: contact voltage protection; design of electric circuits; earth resistance; earthing; electric current; electric power distribution; electrical safety; electricity; fault current protection; mathematical analysis. (73640)

CIS 99-1651 Spotlight on going live with the "HV Hot glove" teams. Safety Review, Mar. 1999, No.65, insert p.i-iv. Illus. 2 ref. (In English)

Internet:

Topics: aerial baskets; conductors; electric power distribution; electrical insulation; hazard evaluation; high voltage; legislation; live work; overhead electric lines; protective gloves; United Kingdom. (73686)

CIS 99-1652 Electric current: Effects of passage through the human body. (Spanish: Corriente eléctrica: efectos al atravesar el orgamismo humano) Pérez Gabarda L., Instituto Nacional de Seguridad e Higiene en el Trabajo, Ediciones y Publicaciones, c/Torrelaguna 73, 28027 Madrid, Spain, 1995. 8p. Illus. 2 ref. (In Spanish)

Internet:

Topics: alternating current; biological effects; data sheet; direct current; electric burns; electrical accidents; electrical resistance of body; electricity; fibrillation; skin resistance; Spain. (73637)

[ Top of page ]

CIS 99-1653 Duration of acute exposures to vibration and finger circulation. Bovenzi M., Lindsell C.J., Griffin M.J., Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health, Apr. 1998, Vol.24, No.2, p.130-137. Illus. 22 ref. (In English)

Internet:

Finger skin temperature, finger blood flow and finger systolic blood pressure were measured in the middle fingers of both hands of 10 men. Finger vascular resistance was also estimated. The right hand was exposed for 7.5, 15 and 30min (static load 10N) to 125-Hz vibration. Static load only was used as a control. Finger circulation was measured before exposure and at fixed intervals during exposure and during a 45min recovery period. Vibration produced significant reductions in finger blood flow and increases in vascular resistance at each duration. Temporary vasodilation occurred in the middle finger immediately after each vibration exposure. The longer the duration of vibration exposure, the stronger the vasoconstriction in the vibrated finger during recovery. It is concluded that not only the frequency and magnitude of vibration but also its duration contributes to the reaction of the digital vessels to acute vibration. Topics: blood pressure; circulatory disorders; fingers; hand-arm vibration; length of exposure; Raynaud's phenomenon; short-term exposure; skin temperature; vascular function tests; vasoconstriction; vasodilatation; vibration amplitude; vibration frequency. (73529)

CIS 99-1654 Vibration-induced white finger and cold response of digital arterial vessels in occupational groups with various patterns of exposure to hand-transmitted vibration. Bovenzi M., Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health, Apr. 1998, Vol.24, No.2, p.138-144. Illus. 18 ref. (In English)

Internet:

The change in finger systolic blood pressure (FSBP) at 15 and 10°C as the percentage of the pressure at 30°C (FSBP%) was measured in 455 healthy referents and 822 workers exposed to hand-transmitted vibration from vibrating tools. The prevalence of white finger was 1.1% for the referents and ranged from 9.0% to 51.6% for the vibration-exposed groups. After adjustment for age, smoking and drinking habits, the FSBP% was significantly lower in the vibration-exposed groups than in the reference group. Groupwise, the FSBP% was inversely related to the prevalence of white finger, the estimated exposure and total operating time. FSBP measurement during cold provocation is a useful laboratory test for white finger. A quantitative relationship between cold-induced digital arterial hyperresponsiveness and occupational exposure to hand-transmitted vibration was suggested. Topics: age; alcoholism; blood pressure; blood vessels; cold pressor test; dose-response relationship; fingers; hand-arm vibration; Raynaud's phenomenon; smoking; vibrating tools. (73530)

CIS 99-1655 A comprehensive noise survey of the S-70A-9 Black Hawk helicopter. King R.B., Saliba A J., Brock J.R., Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine, Feb. 1999, Vol.70, No.2, p.107-116. Illus. 18 ref. (In English)

Internet:

At-ear noise levels were measured at four positions in the cabin of the Sikorsky S-70A-9 Black Hawk helicopter under various flight conditions and at 13 positions outside the helicopter under various ground running conditions using the Head Acoustic Measurement System. The attenuation properties of the hearing protection devices (HPDs) normally worn by aircrews and by maintenance crews (the ALPHA helmet and the Roanwell MX-2507 Communications headset) were also assessed. At-ear sound pressure levels that would be experienced by personnel wearing their normal HPDs were determined at the positions they would occupy in and around the aircraft. Results indicate that HPDs do not provide adequate hearing protection to meet current hearing conservation levels of 85 dB(A) for an 8h day. Topics: acoustic helmets; acoustic vibration; defence services; exposure evaluation; hearing protection; helicopters; noise dosimetry; noise level; noise measurement; sound frequency. (73645)

CIS 99-1656 Vibration as a risk factor for back disorders. (German: Schwingungsbelastung als gesundheitlisches Risiko für die Lendenwirbelsäule) Schwarze S., Notbohm G., Hartung E., Dupuis H., Die BG, Nov. 1998, No.11, p.690-695. Illus. 16 ref. (In German)

Internet:

Vibration exposure was determined for 388 drivers of forklift trucks, earthmoving machinery and trucks. Histories of back disorders of the drivers were compiled and a clinical examination, including X-rays of the lumbar spine, was performed in each case. The examinations took place between 1990 and 1992 and were repeated four years later. A total of 281 drivers participated in the follow-up examinations.. The first examinations, yielded a significantly higher frequency of back disorders in the group with the highest Vibration exposure compared with an age-adjusted control group with low Vibration exposure. Of 111 persons who did not suffer from problems at the time of the first examinations, 54 (48.6%) were found to have back disorders at the follow-up examinations. Topics: back disorders; construction industry; dose-response relationship; drivers; epidemiologic study; long-term study; lumbar column; vibration acceleration; vibration; whole-body vibration. (73814)

CIS 99-1657 Work with visual display terminals and workplace lighting. (Spanish: Iluminación de locales en los que se trabaja con ordenadores de pantalla) Calvo Sáez J.A., Prevención, July-Sep. 1997, No.141, p.22-38. Illus. 8 ref. (In Spanish)

Internet:

Topics: artificial lighting; contrast; CRT display terminals; field of vision; fluorescent tubes; glare; illumination levels; light measurement; lighting; luminance; reflected light; visual comfort; working surfaces; workplaces. (73629)

CIS 99-1658 Work in the cold. (Russian: Rabota v uslovijah holoda) Hassi J., Holmér I., Chashchin V., Meigal A., Rintamäki H., Vlassova, E., Chernouss S., Vinogradov A., Anttonen E., Hiltunen E., Barents - Newsletter on Occupational Health and Safety, 1998, Vol.1, No.3, p.74-107 (whole issue). Illus. Bibl.ref. (In English, Russian)

Internet:

Topics: bronchial diseases; cold stress; cold workplaces; Finland; frostbite; hazard evaluation; hypersensitivity; musculoskeletal diseases; Norway; outdoor work; physical performance; pulse rate; regulation of body temperature; Russian Federation; Sweden; vascular diseases; weather protective clothing; whole-body cooling; wind. (73514)

CIS 99-1659 The epidemiology of cold injury in Antarctica. Cattermole T.J., Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine, Feb. 1999, Vol.70, No.2, p.135-140. Illus. 35 ref. (In English)

Internet:

A retrospective study was performed of 10 years of medical records to determine the type, severity, aetiological factors and treatment of cold injury experienced by members of the British Antarctic Survey between 1986-96. There were 61 new consultations for cold injury. Cold injuries seen were frostbite, hypothermia and trench foot. Superficial frostbite was the most common injury with the face the most frequently affected area. No cases of frostbite severe enough to cause permanent tissue loss were seen. The prevalence of cold injury increased with falling temperature to a maximum between 25 and 35°C. The relationship with windchill is not as clear cut, with frequency of injury tending to follow the frequency of windchill values except at higher values. Neither temperature nor windchill significantly influenced the severity of frostbite. Prior cold injury was significantly associated with further cold injury. Most injuries occurred during recreation; skiing and snowmobile driving were often implicated. Topics: air temperature; antarctic; cold workplaces; epidemiologic study; face injuries; foot injuries; frostbite; injuries; wind. (73647)

CIS 99-1660 Maternal occupational exposure to electromagnetic fields before, during, and after pregnancy in relation to risks of childhood cancers: Findings from the Oxford survey of childhood cancers, 1953-1981 deaths. Sorahan T., Hamilton L., Gardiner K., Hodgson J.T., Harrington J.M., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Apr. 1999, Vol.35, No.4, p.348-357. 15 ref. (In English)

Internet:

Maternal occupational data already collected as part of the Oxford Survey of Childhood Cancers have been reviewed. Information on occupations held before, during, and after the pregnancy was sought for 15,041 children dying of cancer in Great Britain in the period 1953-1981, and for an equal number of matched controls. Relative to risks in the children of mothers who held occupations with little potential for electromagnetic fields (EMF) exposure during pregnancy (a category that included housewives), risks of all childhood cancers were close to unity both for the children of sewing machinists and for the children of other machinists with likely "higher" EMF exposures. Corresponding risks for all childhood leukaemias and for all childhood brain cancers were similarly unexceptional. Simultaneous adjustment for social class, maternal age at birth of child, and sibship position had little effect. The study findings did not indicate that maternal occupational exposure to EMF during pregnancy is a risk factor for childhood leukaemias, childhood brain cancers, or the generality of all childhood cancers. Topics: brain cancer; cancer; case-control study; children; electromagnetic fields; expectant mothers; hazard evaluation; job-exposure relation; leukaemia; mortality; parental exposure; United Kingdom. (73554)

CIS 99-1661 Safety in the use of mobile telephony and the general law on telecommunications. (Spanish: La seguridad en el uso de la telefonía móvil y la ley general de telecomunicaciones) Andueza F., Medicina y seguridad del trabajo, 1998, Vol.45, No.177, p.49-57. Illus. (In Spanish)

Internet:

Topics: comment on law; determination of exposure limits; electromagnetic radiation; microwave exposure limits; microwave radiation measurement; permissible levels; radiofrequency equipment; radiofrequency radiation; safe distances; Spain; telephone communications. (73612)

CIS 99-1662 Analysis of cerebral bioelectrical activity during the compression phase of a saturation dive. Pastena L., Mainardi G., Faralli F, Gagliardi R., Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine, Mar. 1999, Vol.70, No.3, p.270-276. Illus. 35 ref. (In English)

Internet:

Considering previous studies on electroencephalography (EEG) brain mapping in the course of saturation dives, the same standards of EEG performance were studied during the compression phase of a saturation dive to 250m. An increase of theta and beta rhythms was observed, especially in the midline anterior regions of the brain, during the entire compression period, while an increase of delta activity was noted only at 100m. Results confirm the hypothesis that the compression profile is physiologically correct, because EEG modifications decreased during the stay at maximum depth. Topics: brain; electrocardiography; electroencephalography; perceptual-motor performance; pressure chamber tests; saturation diving; sleep disturbances. (73650)

CIS 99-1663 Personal protective equipment against laser beams: Non-linear behaviour induced by high irradiance of safety goggles against laser beams. (French: Equipement de protection contre les lasers: comportement non linéaire induit par les flux lumineux élevés des oculaires utilisés pour les lunettes de protection contre les lasers) Salsi S., Cnockaert J.C., Mayer A., André J.C., Brun A., Georges P., Cahiers de notes documentaires - Hygiène et sécurité du travail, 2nd Quarter 1998, No.171, Note No.2075-171-98, p.129-137. Illus. 8 ref. (In French)

Internet:

Topics: filter glasses; filtration efficiency; laser radiation; lasers; light transmission factor; luminous flux; optical density; personal protective equipment; safety spectacles. (73764)

CIS 99-1664 Guide to selecting silent equipment: Fans. (French: Aide aux choix d'équipements silencieux. Cas de ventilateurs) Asselineau M., Lovat G., Danière P., Arbey H.S., Institut national de recherche et de sécurité, 30 rue Olivier-Noyer, 75680 Paris Cedex 14, France, Mar. 1998. 93p. Illus. 145 ref. (In French)

Internet:

This scientific and technical report outlines the criteria for selecting silent or low-noise fans and aims at developing specifications and data relevant to this choice. It also deals with the problem of reducing noise levels generated by existing or future fan-based equipment. Brief overviews of fans and the principles of noise reduction at the source are followed by detailed sections on types of fans and their sound levels. An overview is also presented of the equipment available on the market and the points to consider when developing specifications for use in the majority of situations. Topics: airflow noise; case study; design of equipment; fans; noise control; noise level measurement; selection of equipment; sound attenuation; sound propagation. (73677)

CIS 99-1665 Standardised diagnostic methods for assessing components of the hand-arm vibration syndrome. Lindsell C.J., Griffin M.J., Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 6FS, United Kingdom, 1998. iv, 87p. Illus. Bibl.ref. Price: GBP 25.00., ISBN 0-7176-1640-1 (In English)

Internet:

Topics: description of technique; diagnosis; fingers; hand-arm vibration; nervous function tests; neurological effects; sensation tests; skin temperature; vascular function tests; vibration disease; vibration frequency; vibration intensity; vibration perception threshold; vibration sensitivity. (73774)

CIS 99-1666 Objective determination of verbal communication comprehension while wearing hearing protectors in order to improve their acceptability. (German: Objektivierung der Sprachverständlichkeit beim Tragen von Gehörschutz zur Verbesserung der Tragebereitschaft) Nakladal C., Listner T., Hauptverband der gewerblichen Berufsgenossenschaften (HVBG), Alte Heerstrasse 111, 53754 Sankt Augustin, Germany, Sep. 1997. 105p. Illus. 32 ref., ISBN 3-88383-431-9 (In German)

Internet:

Summaries in English, in French and in Spanish. Topics: audibility; comfort assessment; hearing protection; human experiments; noise level measurement; noise; sound attenuation; subjective assessment. (73819)

CIS 99-1667 Development of a computer-based interactive catalogue for evaluating risks associated with optical radiating sources. (French: Réalisation d'un catalogue informatisé interactif pour l'évaluation des risques relatifs aux sources de rayonnement optique) Barlier-Salsi A., Salsi S., Klinger A., Institut national de recherche et de sécurité, 30 rue Olivier-Noyer, 75680 Paris Cedex 14, France, Feb. 1999. 74p. Illus. 18 ref. (In French)

Internet:

Topics: artificial light; computer programme; computerized data bases; electric lighting equipment; exposure evaluation; eye injuries; hazard evaluation; industrial furnaces; infrared radiation; manual arc welding; microcomputer applications; ultraviolet radiation; visible radiation. (73679)

CIS 99-1668 Health surveillance of persons occupationally exposed to ionizing radiation: Guidance for occupational physicians. International Atomic Energy Agency, Wagramer Strasse 5, P.O. Box 100, 1400 Vienna, Austria, Oct. 1998. 37p. Illus. Bibl.ref., ISBN 92-0-103898-4 (In English)

Internet:

Topics: dosimetry; exposure records; glossary; health hazards; health service records; IAEA; ILO; ionizing radiation; medical supervision; nuclear fuel processing; periodic medical examinations; permissible radiation doses; radiation monitoring; radiation protection; uranium mining; WHO. (73687)

CIS 99-1669 Decompression risk factors in compressed air tunnelling: Options for health risk reduction. Flook V., Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 6FS, United Kingdom, 1998. iv, 67p. Illus. 8 ref. Price: GBP 20.00., ISBN 0-7176-1650-9 (In English)

Internet:

Topics: central nervous system; compressed air; decompression sickness; decompression tables; decompression; hyperbaric pressure; oxygen therapy; tunnelling; work in pressurized atmosphere. (73775)

CIS 99-1670 Noisy worksites in and on vehicles in the public road transport sector. (German: Lärmarbeitsplätze in und auf Fahrzeugen im öffentlichen Strassenverkehr) Pfeiffer B.H., Hoormann H.J., Leidtke M., Hauptverband der gewerblichen Berufsgenossenschaften (HVBG), Alte Heerstrasse 111, 53754 Sankt Augustin, Germany, Oct. 1997. 213p. Illus. 28 ref., ISBN 3-88383-453-X (In German)

Internet:

Summaries in English, French and Spanish. Topics: acoustic signalling; audibility; drivers cabs; earmuffs; earplugs; evaluation of equipment; hearing protection; noise level measurement; noise; road transport; sound attenuation. (73818)

CIS 99-1671 Physical and thermal stress experienced by operators of paper mill drying units. (French: Les contraintes physiques et thermiques des opérateurs en sécherie de papeterie) Payot L., Meyer J.P., Didry G., Institut national de recherche et de sécurité, 30 rue Olivier-Noyer, 75680 Paris Cedex 14, France, Sep. 1997. 46p. Illus. 20 ref. (In French)

Internet:

Topics: anthropometry; arterial blood pressure; drying; exposure evaluation; heat load; hot workplaces; medical supervision; paper and paper products industry; paper making machines; physical workload; questionnaire survey; subjective assessment. (73672)

CIS 99-1672 Noise in cement plants. Inventory of noise levels and of available control measures. (French: Bruit dans les cimenteries. Recensement des niveaux sonores et des moyens de réduction disponibles) Asselineau M., Lovat G., Danière P., Institut national de recherche et de sécurité, 30 rue Olivier-Noyer, 75680 Paris Cedex 14, France, June 1998. 71p. Illus. 74 ref. (In French)

Internet:

Topics: bagging; bulk materials handling; cement industry; cement kilns; crushers; deafness; dust collectors; earthmoving equipment; exposure evaluation; grinding mills; hearing protection; literature survey; noise control; noise dosimetry; noise level measurement; noise measurement; noise; presses; quarrying industry; sound shielding. (73673)

CIS 99-1673 Acoustics - Description and measurement of environmental noise - Part 2: Acquisition of data pertinent to land use. Amendment 1. (French: Acoustique - Caractérisation et mesurage du bruit de l'environnement - Partie 2: saisie des données pertinentes pour l'utilisation des sols. Amendement 1) International Organization for Standardization, Case postale 56, 1211 Genève 20, Switzerland, 15 Sep. 1998. ii, 8p. 22 ref. (In English, French)

Internet:

Amends ISO standard 1996-2 of 1987 (CIS 93-658). Topics: description of technique; exposure evaluation; ISO; neighbourhood protection; noise charts; noise level measurement; standard. (73711)

CIS 99-1674 Acoustics - Guidelines for noise control by silencers. (French: Acoustique - Lignes directrices pour la réduction du bruit au moyen de silencieux) International Organization for Standardization, Case postale 56, 1211 Genève 20, Switzerland, 15 Oct. 1998. v, 44p. Illus. 31 ref. (In English, French)

Internet:

Topics: design of equipment; exposure evaluation; ISO; noise charts; noise control; noise level measurement; noise measurement; silencers; sound absorption; sound propagation; standard. (73716)

[ Top of page ]

CIS 99-1675 Survey on lifting equipment and carriage of loads. Analysis of results. (Spanish: Encuesta sobre equipos de elevación y transporte de cargas. Resultados para una reflexión) Rodríguez Roel R., Mapfre seguridad, 4th Quarter 1998, Vol.18, No.72, p.3-9. Illus. 4 ref. (In Spanish)

Internet:

This study analyses the results concerning cranes in general and travelling cranes in particular, as well as telescopic hoists and elevation fittings, because they account for an important part of the occupational loss ratio. A statistical study was carried out concerning lifts used as platforms for the elevation of people. These are frequently used for lifting workers by means of cranes and lift trucks which are not an integral part of the equipment. Suggestions are given for companies about the main needs related to the adjustment, acquisition and use of this equipment in order to prevent associated accident risks. Topics: approval; comment on law; comment on standard; cranes; evaluation of equipment; legal aspects; lifting equipment; materials handling; mobile cranes; Spain. (73626)

CIS 99-1676 Cradle-type personnel lifting devices: Study of control systems. (French: Nacelles élévatrices de personnel: étude des schémas de commande) Marsot J., Cahiers de notes documentaires - Hygiène et sécurité du travail, 2nd Quarter 1998, No.171, Note No.2079-171-98, p.167-174. Illus. 12 ref. (In French)

Internet:

Topics: aerial baskets; control circuits; electricity; elevating platform trucks; falls from heights; hazard evaluation; implementation of control measures; legislation; mechanical hazards; risk factors; work at height. (73767)

CIS 99-1677 Safety in the design of screens for protection against falling objects. (Spanish: La seguridad en el diseño de bandejas de protección contra caídas de objetos) Irles Más R., Macía Mateu A., Mapfre seguridad, 3rd Quarter 1997, Vol.17, No.67, p.15-23. Illus. 5 ref. (In Spanish)

Internet:

Protection screens to catch objects that fall during construction work, like safety nets for people, are within the scope of the Spanish General Ordinance on Occupational Safety and Health (CIS 76-1495), but only in very general terms. Such structures protect not only workers, but also passers-by, so liability towards third parties is an important consideration. Catching an object by these safety structures represents a problem of energy absorption, so that weight and height are determining factors of the fall. A maximum design load should be established for these elements. The height of the fall should be limited so as to limit energy and raise catching probability. The minimum reasonable total width for structures meant to intercept 2 or 3-slab falls could be established at 2 or 3 meters. The impact factor is higher near the supports, in which case the structure can be broken, an event that could be prevented by the design of more flexible supports. Topics: building industry; building materials; design of equipment; fall arresters; protection against falling objects; safety by design; safety engineering; strength of materials. (73624)

CIS 99-1678 Horizontal movable wire ropes to which lifeline fall arresters are hooked. (German: Anschlageinrichtungen mit horizontalen, beweglichen Drahtseilen als Absturzsicherung) Opara D., Tiefbau, Nov. 1998, Vol.110, No.11, p.780-783. Illus. (In German)

Internet:

Horizontal wire ropes are used on construction sites by roofers to secure their lifeline fall arresters. In 10 experiments the forces were determined to which wire ropes with different diameters and designs are subjected during falls which burden the ropes with 6kN. The wire ropes were prestressed with 1 to 5kN. Forces increased with increasing pretension of the rope, frequency of use, diameter and stiffness. Recommendations for the safe use and the design of wire ropeways are given. Topics: construction industry; equipment testing; experimental determination; fall arresters; falls from heights; force; protection against falls from heights; roofing; safety by design; wire ropes. (73816)

CIS 99-1679 Taxi drivers' accidents: How binocular vision problems are related to their rate and severity in terms of the number of victims. Maag U., Vanasse C., Dionne G., Laberge-Nadeau C., Accident Analysis and Prevention, Mar. 1997, Vol.29, No.2, p.217-224. 19 ref. (In English)

Internet:

The effect of binocular vision problems on the frequency of taxi driver crashes was investigated and the distribution of the number of victims per crash (dead or injured) estimated. Data and models allowed the simultaneous consideration of many variables: age, medical condition, exposure factors measured by distance driven and time behind the wheel, qualitative risk factors, other characteristics of the driver, and crash circumstances. Results show that taxi drivers have a large average number of crashes per year, and those with binocular vision problems have even more but not more severe in terms of the number of victims. The driver's past record (number of crashes and demerit points in the previous year) is a significant predictor of the number of crashes. Age is associated significantly with the number and the severity of crashes, with older drivers having a better record than the youngest group (30 years old or less). Topics: age-linked differences; analysis of accident causes; drivers; mathematical models; night work; occupational accidents; risk factors; road transport; severity rates; taxis; visual function disorders; work time schedules. (73688)

CIS 99-1680 Evaluation of visibility on board construction-site vehicles: A new measurement system. (French: Evaluation de la visibilité prévisionnelle à bord des engins de chantier: un nouveau système de mesure) Hella F., Schouller J.F., Savin J., Institut national de recherche et de sécurité, 30 rue Olivier-Noyer, 75680 Paris Cedex 14, France, Jan. 1999. 23p. Illus. 33 ref. (In French)

Internet:

The first part of this report consists of selecting and acquiring a measurement system which meets the requirements of rigorously established technical specifications for assessing and quantifying visibility from the driver's seat in earthmoving equipment. The device selected uses the 3D-laser technique for digitizing the surrounding environment. Development work concentrated on the possibility of modifying the acquired images to take into account the predictive aspect of visibility. The second part looks at 1) developing the use of the laser-based measurement tool; 2) applying the new measurement method to a sample of mobile machines used on building sites; and 3) future desirable features of this product. The method can be used by manufacturers to help optimize the design of both cab and chassis of equipment to ensure better visibility at the driving position. The results can also be employed for standardization purposes. Topics: description of technique; drivers cabs; earthmoving equipment; ergonomics; field of vision; safety by design; telemetering; visibility assessment; visibility. (73680)

CIS 99-1681 Reach and straddle fork-lift trucks - Stability tests. (French: Chariots à mât ou à fourche rétractable et chariots à fourche entre longerons - Essais de stabilité) International Organization for Standardization, Case postale 56, 1211 Genève 20, Switzerland, 2nd ed., 15 Dec. 1998. ii, 11p. Illus. (In English, French)

Internet:

This edition cancels and replaces the first edition (CIS 75-1213). Topics: fork-lift trucks; ISO; stability tests; standard. (73712)

CIS 99-1682 Forestry machinery - Portable chain-saws - Kickback test. (French: Matériel forestier - Scies à chaîne portatives - Essais de rebond) International Organization for Standardization, Case postale 56, 1211 Genève 20, Switzerland, 2nd ed., 1 Oct., 1998. v, 41p. Illus. (In English, French)

Internet:

Topics: chain saws; computer programme; equipment testing; forestry; gasoline engine powered tools; ISO; mathematical models; power-driven hand tools; standard. (73717)

[ Top of page ]

CIS 99-1683 Occupational asthma caused by orangutan in a zoo animal handler. Ng T.P., Singapore Medical Journal, 1998, Vol.39, No.3, p.127-128. Illus. 4 ref. (In English)

Internet:

A zoo animal handler developed bronchial asthma for the first time from handling orangutans (Pongo pygmaes). He had prior allergic reactions (rhinoconjunctivitis and urticarial rash), but no asthma, to deer and other hoofed animals in the zoo. In a worksite challenge, immediate and late onset of asthmatic symptoms and airflow obstruction were provoked by carrying a baby orangutan for about 20 minutes. Topics: allergic asthma; case study; handling of animals; maximal expiratory flow; zoological gardens. (73603)

CIS 99-1684 A bloodborne pathogen program in civilian aircraft accident investigation. Salazar G.J., DeJohn C.A., Hansrote R., Key O.R., Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine, Feb. 1999, Vol.70, No.2, p.146-152. 11 ref. (In English)

Internet:

Problems associated with the implementation of OSHA regulations concerning protection against exposure to bloodborne pathogens (BBP) during investigation of aircraft accidents are discussed. The regulations present significant challenges in terms of implementing a programme which was primarily envisioned to affect personnel in traditional healthcare delivery facilities. Unanticipated issues include heat related conditions, performance of physically demanding work in cumbersome gear and biohazard trash disposal from remote sites. The Federal Aviation Administration, in close cooperation with other Federal agencies, developed a training and administrative programme to meet the requirements of the OSHA BBP rule as it relates to the unique environment of an aircraft accident site. The programme has been implemented and successfully tested under actual field conditions at several major aviation accidents that have occurred recently. Topics: accident investigation; air transport; biological hazards; disposal of harmful waste; infection control; infectious hepatitis; legislation; occupational accidents; personal protective equipment; USA. (73648)

CIS 99-1685 Postexposure chemoprophylaxis for occupational exposures to the human immunodeficiency virus. Henderson D.K., Journal of the American Medical Association, Mar. 1999, Vol.281, No.10, p.931-936. 63 ref. (In English)

Internet:

Postexposure chemoprophylaxis is now recommended for health care workers who experience certain kinds of occupational exposures to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in the workplace. Substantial information has emerged that supports but does not prove the efficacy of antiretroviral agents in preventing HIV infection after occupational exposure. Data that have accrued in the past eight years that bear directly on this question are reviewed and a systematic approach to the clinical management of health care workers occupationally exposed to HIV is described. Topics: animal experiments; chemotherapy; health care personnel; human experiments; immunodeficiency syndrome; infection control; literature survey; prophylaxis. (73599)

CIS 99-1686 Methods of measuring the protection of type II biosafety cabinets - Present state of knowledge, future perspectives. (French: Les méthodes de mesure de la protection des PSM du type II - Etat actuel, perspectives) Cornu J.C., Institut national de recherche et de sécurité, 30 rue Olivier-Noyer, 75680 Paris Cedex 14, France, Nov. 1998. 43p. Illus. 7 ref. (In French)

Internet:

Topics: airflow measurement; biological hazards; biosafety cabinets; classification; comment on standard; description of technique; disinfection of equipment; equipment testing; France; laboratories; laboratory equipment; safe working methods; ventilation. (73678)

CIS 99-1687 Company level interventions on HIV/AIDS - 1: What can companies do?. Loewenson R., Organisation of African Trade Union Unity Health Safety and Environment Programme, ed., OATUU Health Safety and Environment Programme, Box EH148, Emerald Hill, Harare, Zimbabwe, Nov. 1997. 9p. (In English)

Internet:

For parts 2: Assessing the impact of AIDS, 3: Health promotion strategies, and 4: Human resource interventions, see CIS 99-1688, CIS 99-1689 and CIS 99-1690, respectively. Topics: Africa; developing countries; hazard evaluation; health programmes; immunodeficiency syndrome; infection control; information of personnel; plant health organization; responsibilities. (73781)

CIS 99-1688 Company level interventions on HIV/AIDS - 2: Assessing the impact of AIDS. Loewenson R., Organisation of African Trade Union Unity Health Safety and Environment Programme, ed., OATUU Health Safety and Environment Programme, Box EH148, Emerald Hill, Harare, Zimbabwe, Nov. 1997. 19p. Illus. 8 ref. (In English)

Internet:

For parts 1: What can companies do?, 3: Health promotion strategies, and 4: Human resource interventions, see CIS 99-1687, CIS 99-1689 and CIS 99-1690, respectively. Topics: Africa; cost of diseases; developing countries; hazard evaluation; immunodeficiency syndrome; infection control; sickness absenteeism. (73782)

CIS 99-1689 Company level interventions on HIV/AIDS - 3: Health promotion strategies. Loewenson R., Organisation of African Trade Union Unity Health Safety and Environment Programme, ed., OATUU Health Safety and Environment Programme, Box EH148, Emerald Hill, Harare, Zimbabwe, Nov. 1997. 9p. (In English)

Internet:

For parts 1: What can companies do?, 2: Assessing the impact of AIDS, and 4: Human resource interventions, see CIS 99-1687, CIS 99-1688 and CIS 99-1690, respectively. Topics: Africa; care of sick workers; developing countries; health programmes; immunodeficiency syndrome; infection control; information of personnel; medical supervision; plant health organization; safety and health training; tuberculosis; vaccination. (73783)

CIS 99-1690 Company level interventions on HIV/AIDS - 4: Human resource interventions. Loewenson R., Organisation of African Trade Union Unity Health Safety and Environment Programme, ed., OATUU Health Safety and Environment Programme, Box EH148, Emerald Hill, Harare, Zimbabwe, Nov. 1997. 11p. (In English)

Internet:

For parts 1: What can companies do?, 2: Assessing the impact of AIDS, and 3: Human resource interventions, see CIS 99-1687, CIS 99-1688 and CIS 99-1689, respectively. Topics: Africa; care of sick workers; compensation of occupational diseases; developing countries; human relations; immunodeficiency syndrome; sickness absenteeism; vocational training; work organization. (73784)

CIS 99-1691 Bloodborne pathogens: An occupational hazard. (Spanish: Patógenos transmitidos por la sangre: un riesgo laboral) Martí Solé M.C., Alonso Espadalé R.M., Constans Aubert A., Instituto Nacional de Seguridad e Higiene en el Trabajo, Ediciones y Publicaciones, c/Torrelaguna 73, 28027 Madrid, Spain, 1995. 4p. Illus. 14 ref. (In Spanish)

Internet:

Topics: biological hazards; community services; data sheet; health care personnel; immunodeficiency syndrome; infection control; infectious diseases; infectious hepatitis; prophylaxis; Spain; vaccination. (73635)

[ Top of page ]

CIS 99-1692 Methods for assessing the physical demands of manual lifting: A review and case study from warehousing. Waters T.R., Putz-Anderson V., Baron S., American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal, Dec. 1998, Vol.59, No.12, p.871-881. Illus. 34 ref. (In English)

Internet:

Although there is a variety of ergonomic assessment methods available for assessing manual material handling (MMH) activities, there is a lack of practical information to assist users in choosing the most appropriate assessment methods for a particular job. Currently available assessment methods are reviewed and results of a case study of a physically demanding repetitive manual lifting job in two grocery warehouses is presented. The case study provides a framework for a comparison of the methods and a discussion of relevant application issues designed to assist users in selecting appropriate methods for assessing MMH jobs. Based on the results of the study, it is concluded that all of the ergonomic methods were in agreement that the job of grocery selector has a high level of risk for low back pain. Topics: assessment of working capacity; backache; body mechanics; case study; ergonomic evaluation; literature survey; manual handling; manual lifting; measurement of physical workload; oxygen intake; pulse rate; warehousing; work posture. (73504)

CIS 99-1693 Effects of display resolution on visual performance. Ziefle M., Human Factors, Dec. 1998, Vol.40, No.4, p.554-568. Illus. 28 ref. (In English)

Internet:

The role of display resolution in visual information processing was investigated in two experiments. The first examined the effects of two CRT conditions (resolutions of 60 and 120dpi) and a paper control condition (255dpi) on proofreading speed and accuracy. Results showed that reading performance was significantly better in the paper condition than in the two CRT conditions. The second experiment examined the effects of three different CRT resolutions (62, 69, and 89dpi) on eye movement parameters in a visual search task. Search Reaction Times (RTs) and fixation durations were significantly increased in the low resolution condition as compared with the high resolution condition. There is evidence for stronger fatigue in low resolution conditions. Additionally, the extent of visual fatigue correlates both with search RTs and eye movement parameters. Observers' responsiveness to effects of display resolution in terms of visual fatigue differs markedly. Use of high resolution displays (90dpi and greater) is recommended to optimize visual performance, to make prolonged on screen viewing more comfortable, and to avoid visual fatigue. Topics: comfort assessment; CRT display terminals; data processing equipment; design of equipment; perceptual-motor performance; visual acuity; visual comfort; visual displays; visual fatigue; visual performance; visual tasks. (73641)

CIS 99-1694 A comparison of seven visual fatigue assessment techniques in three data-acquisition VDT tasks. Chi C.F., Lin F.T., Human Factors, Dec. 1998, Vol.40, No.4, p.577-590. Illus. 15 ref. (In English)

Internet:

Methods of measuring visual fatigue (accommodation power, visual acuity, pupil diameter, critical fusion frequency (CFF), eye movement velocity, subjective rating of visual fatigue, and task performance) were compared for their sensitivity to visual load. Ten participants performed a monitoring task at two viewing distances, read articles under two levels of screen contrast, and tracked visual targets at two different speeds. The techniques were also compared by extending the task time from 20 to 60min with the same tasks to test for possible improvement in sensitivity. Results indicated that sensitivities of accommodation power, visual acuity, and CFF were greatly improved by a longer task period, but these techniques did not distinguish among tasks. Pupil diameter, eye movement velocity, and subjective rating of visual fatiguewere sensitive in differentiating tracking from reading and monitoring tasks. Eye movement velocity and subjective rating were sensitive to the changes in target velocity of the tracking task. Task performance helped to ensure that participants maintained the same performance level by devoting more resources to the high-load conditions. Topics: comfort assessment; CRT display terminals; data processing equipment; evaluation of technique; visual acuity; visual comfort; visual fatigue; visual flicker fusion; visual performance; visual tasks. (73642)

CIS 99-1695 Protection from solar radiation at the workplace. (German: Sonnenschutz im Objektbereich) Lepp-Arnold P., BTH, Bodenbeläge, Tapeten, Heimtextilien, July 1998, No.7, p.91-106. Illus. (In German)

Internet:

The new German ordinance which regulates the design of visual display workstations requires the prevention of glare. In many offices sunshades will have to be installed to comply with this requirement. A survey of available sunshades is given. Horizontal and vertical baffles inside windows, and awnings outside windows are discussed. Tips for the selection of sunshades are presented. Manufacturers of sunshades in Germany are listed and the types of products they offer are illustrated. Topics: CRT display terminals; Germany; glare; offices; screens; selection of equipment; solar radiation; visual comfort; windows. (73812)

CIS 99-1696 Some design recommendations to improve comfort in helmets: A case study from China. Abeysekera J., Holmer I., Liu X., Gao C., Wu Z., Journal of Human Ergology, Dec. 1996, Vol.25, No.2, p.145-154. Illus. 12 ref. (In English)

Internet:

Hotness, weight and fitting problems are major wearability issues that require improvements in safety helmets. The need for an optimally designed helmet in China prompted a case study on comfort aspects in helmets. The subjective impressions of the wearers of test helmets provided useful information for design changes to improve comfort. Heat transfer measurements through helmets indicated the need for ventilation openings to be provided on the shell of plastic helmets. Due to the advantage of low weight and good ventilation, it is recommended that cane helmets be further developed to improve protection, wearability and durability, and eventually for large scale production. Topics: case study; comfort assessment; comfort criteria; design of equipment; heat transfer; safety helmets; subjective assessment; thermal comfort. (73494)

CIS 99-1697 Plasma amino acids during human spaceflight. Stein T.P., Schluter M.D., Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine, Mar. 1999, Vol.70, No.3, p.250-255. Illus. 22 ref. (In English)

Internet:

Plasma amino acid distribution patterns were measured before, during and after flight on the Space Shuttle. The plasma samples were collected from the four payload crewmembers of a 1993 shuttle mission. Samples were taken 45, 15 and 8 days before flight; inflight on days 2, 8 and 12 after launch; post flight on the day of landing; and again 6, 14 and 45 days after landing. Most of the changes found pertained to the essential amino acids, particularly the branched chain amino acids (BCAA). The principle findings were: a) plasma aminograms for inflight days 8 and 12 were very similar and both aminograms were very different from that of flight day 2. Flight day 2 was not different from the preflight ground control; b) with increasing time in space, there was an increase in the concentration of leucine and isoleucine in the plasma. This increase occurred even though dietary BCAA intake was not increased inflight; and c) concentrations of total essential amino acids and BCAA in particular were decreased on the day of landing. Topics: amino acids; blood monitoring; blood plasma; body weight; determination in blood; nutrition; plasma changes; space travel. (73649)

CIS 99-1698 Electromyographic effects of ergonomic modifications in selected meatpacking tasks. Cook T.M., Ludewig P.M., Rosecrance J.C., Zimmermann C.L., Gerleman D.G., Applied Ergonomics, June 1999, Vol.30, No.3, p.229-233. Illus. 10 ref. (In English)

Internet:

The feasibility of a new method of collection of electromyographic (EMG) data during working conditions in the meat industry was evaluated, and the effects of specific job modifications on the EMG activity of selected upper extremity muscle groups were quantified. Average root mean square surface EMG activity, calibrated to force equivalent units, was collected on 20 workers from three pork processing tasks before and after ergonomic modifications to their tasks. Significant reductions in muscle effort were detected in the biceps and/or wrist and finger flexors after modification for two of the three tasks. This EMG measurement technique can be used to objectively validate reduced muscle effort with ergonomic modifications. Topics: electromyography; ergonomic evaluation; job study; meat industry; muscle testing; repetitive strain injury; repetitive work; upper extremities; work design. (73746)

CIS 99-1699 Evaluation of satchels for postal letter carriers. Ayoub M.M., Smith J.L., International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, Mar. 1999, Vol.23, No.4, p.269-279. Illus. 8 ref. (In English)

Internet:

Four satchel designs were evaluated for the United States Postal Service using field surveys and a laboratory study. Each satchel had positive and negative attributes. A two-pouch system that distributed weight on both sides of the body proved to be the best alternative in the laboratory study. However, concerns regarding the use of this satchel for defence against a dog attack made its desirability questionable in the survey. The study showed that none of the four satchels was a universally accepted alternative. Recommendations are offered to improve the satchel design. Similar techniques could be used to evaluate industrial designs for tools, equipment, clothing, or other work items. Topics: body mechanics; comfort criteria; design of equipment; load carriage; postal services; spinal column; subjective assessment; tissue damage; work posture. (73542)

CIS 99-1700 Effects of a participatory ergonomics team among hospital orderlies. Evanoff B.A., Bohr P.C., Wolf L.D., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Apr. 1999, Vol.35, No.4, p.358-365. Illus. 22 ref. (In English)

Internet:

This prospective intervention trial examined work injuries and other outcomes before and after a participatory worker-management ergonomic intervention, with other hospital employees used as a concurrent control. All orderlies in a 1,200-bed urban hospital were studied using passively collected data. The 2-year postintervention period was marked by decreased risks of work injury, lost time injury, and injury with three or more days of time loss. Total lost days declined from 136.2 to 23.0 annually per 100 full-time worker equivalents (FTE). Annual workers' compensation costs declined from USD 237/FTE to USD 139/FTE. The proportion of workers with musculoskeletal symptoms declined and there were significant improvements in job satisfaction, perceived psychosocial stressors, and social support among the orderlies. Topics: economic aspects; ergonomics; health care personnel; injuries; job dissatisfaction; musculoskeletal diseases; neuropsychic stress; programme evaluation; sickness absenteeism; workers participation; workmen's compensation. (73555)

CIS 99-1701 Instrumental investigations in laboratories specializing in the assessment of disk overload in hospital workers. (Italian: Indagini strumentali in laboratori dedicati per la rilevazione del sovraccarico discale negli operatori sanitari) Frigo C., Medicina del lavoro, Mar.-Apr. 1999, Vol.90, No.2, p. 117-130. Illus. 21 ref. (In Italian)

Internet:

The main factors to be considered when applying movement analysis techniques to complex situations are discussed, particularly difficult-to-measure mechanical interactions of the operator with the object to be handled, such as handling of patients in hospitals. In these situations, the posture and the movement of the subject, which are difficult to track, need not be analyzed. The only information needed is the position and orientation of the invertebral disk of the operator and some estimation of the anthropometric parameters of the part of the body which is below the vertebral level of interest. The method enables the analysis of forces and movements in three dimensions. The results presented refer to several types of operations that are usually performed with hospital patients. It is also shown how the use of appropriate ergonomic devices to help manual lifting and handling of patients can considerably reduce loads on the spine. Topics: back disorders; body mechanics; manual handling; manual lifting; motion study; nursing personnel; simulation facilities; work posture. (73752)

CIS 99-1702 Preliminary epidemiological data on clinical symptoms in health care workers with tasks involving manual handling of patients in hospital wards. (Italian: Primi dati epidemiologici sugli effetti clinici negli operatori sanitari addetti alla movimentazione manuale di pazienti nei reparti di degenza) Colombini D., Riva F., Luè F., Nava C., Petri A., Basilico S., Linzalata M., Morselli G., Cotroneo L., Ricci M.G., Menoni O., Battevi N., Medicina del lavoro, Mar.-Apr. 1999, Vol.90, No.2, p.201-228. 7 ref. (In Italian)

Internet:

An investigation was carried out in 54 different hospitals in various regions of northern and central Italy. A total of 3,341 health workers whose job involved manual handling of patients were examined. Physical examination revealed that 8.4% of the workers had had at least one episode of acute low-back pain in the previous 12 months (4 times that of the reference groups). In the case of clinical-functional spondylarthropathies of the lumbosacral spine, there was a significantly higher prevalence among women than in the reference groups. All disorders were more severe in sectors more at risk, i.e. in old peoples' homes, rehabilitation centres, orthopaedic and surgical departments. Initial data concerning the ratio between presence of spinal disease and risk index were also positive. Topics: back disorders; backache; epidemiologic study; manual handling; manual lifting; musculoskeletal diseases; nursing personnel; sex-linked differences; spinal column; spinal diseases; statistical evaluation. (73754)

CIS 99-1703 Acute lumbalgia caused by manual handling of patients in hospital wards: Prevalence and incidence data. (Italian: La lombalgia acuta da movimentazione manuale di pazienti nei reparti di degenza: dati di prevalenza e incidenza) Colombini D., Cianci E., Panciera D., Martinelli M., Venturi E., Giammartini P., Ricci M.G., Menoni O., Battevi N., Medicina del lavoro, Mar.-Apr. 1999, Vol.90, No.2, p.229-243. 14 ref. (In Italian)

Internet:

A quesionnaire was used for the study of both true acute low-back pain and episodes of ingravescent low-back pain controlled pharmacologically at the onset, in 551 health workers assisting disabled patients. 481 valid answer cards were obtained from 372 women and 109 men working in medical, orthopaedic and geriatric departments. 75.4% of the sample had high exposure index levels for manual handling of patients. The prevalence of true acute low-back pain was 9% in men and 11% in women over the previous 12 months. Taking acute true and pharmacologically controlled low-back pain together, the prevalence increased to 13.8% in men and 26.9% in women. Data from reference groups showed that acute low-back pain did not exceed 3% on average in the previous year. Since seniority in the hospital ward was known, incidence was calculated as 7.9% in women and 5.29% in men for acute low-back pain, and 19% in women and 3.49% in men for pharmacologically controlled low-back pain. Topics: backache; epidemiologic study; frequency rates; long-term exposure; manual handling; manual lifting; nursing personnel; sex-linked differences; spinal column; spinal diseases; statistical evaluation. (73755)

CIS 99-1704 Application of the synthetic exposure index in manual handling of patients: Preliminary validation experience. (Italian: L'applicazione dell'indice sintetico di esposizione nella movimentazione manuale pazienti: prime esperienze di validazione) Battevi N., Consonni D., Menoni O., Ricci M.G., Occhipinti E., Colombini D., Medicina del lavoro, Mar.-Apr. 1999, Vol.90, No.2, p.256-275. Illus. 19 ref. (In Italian)

Internet:

A multicentre study was carried out in 216 wards in a total of 56 hospitals, old people's homes and geriatric departments in order to quantify exposure to manual handling of patients (classified into four categories: negligible; slight to average; average to high; and elevated) and to identify damage to the lumbosacral spine. Assessment of exposure and identification of health impairment were carried out using homogeneous methods. Results showed that the prevalence odds ratios calculated for positive lumbar threshold were significant for increasing exposure categories, with a positive trend for the second and third exposure categories but not for the fourth, presumably due to a healthy worker effect. An association between exposure and incidence rates of episodes of acute low-back pain and pharmacologically controlled acute low-back pain was observed. Topics: backache; classification; exposure evaluation; frequency rates; long-term exposure; lumbar column; manual handling; manual lifting; nursing personnel; spinal diseases; statistical evaluation. (73756)

CIS 99-1705 Exposure to risks associated with manual handling of patients and results of clinical studies in four hospitals in northern Italy. (Italian: Esposizione al rischio di movmentazione manuale dei pazienti e risultati dell'indagine clinica in quattro aziende ospedaliere del Nord Italia) Massironi F., Mian P., Olivato D., Bacis M., Medicina del lavoro, Mar.-Apr. 1999, Vol.90, No.2, p.330-341. 3 ref. (In Italian)

Internet:

The results of this study on manual handling of patients showed that obstetrics departments had negligible risk of low-back pain; urology and general surgery departments had an intermediate risk, while the medicine, orthopaedics, neurology and rehabilitation departments had high risk. In addition, 44% of the 510 workers who underwent physical and anamnesic assessment for spinal disorders worked in departments of medicine, which are known to be at high risk. The prevalence of subjects who reported episodes of acute low-back pain in the previous 12 months (11.4%) was 5 times that of a group of workers not exposed to manual handling of patients (2.3%). Analysis of the same disorder in relation to job showed higher prevalence in the non-nursing staff (technical 25%, general 27%). The frequency of degenerative disorders of the lumbar spine was slightly lower than the figure for the country as a whole (6.7%). Topics: backache; frequency rates; hazard evaluation; job-exposure relation; lumbar column; manual handling; manual lifting; nursing personnel; spinal diseases; statistical evaluation. (73757)

CIS 99-1706 A user-friendly three-dimensional kinetic model for analyzing manual lifting tasks. Nalgirkar M., Mital A., International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, Mar. 1999, Vol.23, No.4, p.255-268. Illus. 29 ref. (In English)

Internet:

The kinetic model for the analysis of manual lifting developed by Kromodihardjo and Mital (K-M model), and other kinetic models, rely on explicit kinematic information of the tasks being performed. Thus, time variations of displacements, velocities and accelerations (both linear and angular) for all body joints have to be known beforehand in order to perform an analysis. The present work was initiated with the objective of encapsulating the K-M model into a form which could be readily used and applied to industrial situations. A comparison of the results obtained from the simplified model with results from the K-M model shows an excellent match. Topics: anthropometry; body mechanics; computer applications; ergonomic evaluation; manual lifting; mathematical models; musculoskeletal diseases; spinal column. (73541)

CIS 99-1707 Development of a cumulative trauma disorder risk assessment model for the upper extremities. Seth V., Weston R.L., Freivalds A., International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, Mar. 1999, Vol.23, No.4, p.281-291. Illus. 21 ref. (In English)

Internet:

A cumulative trauma disorder (CTD) risk assessment model was developed for predicting injury incidence rates. The model is unique in that it uses quantitative data such as hand motion frequencies and forces together to obtain a frequency factor score that is reflective of the strain imposed on the muscles and tendons of the wrist. Gross upper extremity postures are included in a posture factor score and various minor job stressors are included as a miscellaneous factor score. Individual frequency, posture and miscellaneous scores were regressed against CTD incidence rates for 24 jobs in a garment sewing and a printing company to yield weights for a predicted incidence rate or risk index. The miscellaneous score was not a significant predictor in determining incidence rates and thus was dropped from the model. The results showed that the model was best suited for job tasks with cycle times greater than 4s. The final best fit model explained 52.3% of the variance in predicted incidence rates and may be a useful tool in identifying jobs at risk for CTDs. Topics: body mechanics; frequency rates; grip strength; hand injuries; hazard evaluation; mathematical models; printing industry; repetitive strain injury; repetitive work; risk factors; tendon diseases; textile, garment and related trades; upper extremity disorders; work posture; wrist. (73543)

CIS 99-1708 Critical survey on the biomechanical criterion in the NIOSH method for the design and evaluation of manual lifting tasks. Jäger M., Luttmann A., International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, Mar. 1999, Vol.23, No.4, p.331-337. Illus. 23 ref. (In English)

Internet:

In the 1991 version of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) lifting equation, a limit of 3.4kN for lumbosacral disc compression was introduced. Regarding this biomechanical criterion, several inconsistencies and discrepancies are revealed when comparing the NIOSH substantiation approaches and the respective data of literature sources. It is concluded that the 3.4kN criterion is substantiated neither epidemiologically nor biomechanically by the provided sources. More comprehensive data compilations, available in the meantime, may be regarded as a better background for the derivation of lumbar load limits in order to diminish the individual overexertion risk during manual materials handling. Topics: backache; body mechanics; comment on directive; epidemiological aspects; hazard evaluation; lifting of loads; lifting strength; literature survey; lumbar column; manual lifting; maximum acceptable weight of lift; measurement of physical workload; work design. (73544)

CIS 99-1709 Biomechanical load on human lumbar spine in palletizing tasks with restriction to access and varying headroom. Kumar S., International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, Mar. 1999, Vol.23, No.4, p.349-358. Illus. 25 ref. (In English)

Internet:

Eleven male blue collar workers with no musculoskeletal disorders were required to lift a 22kg weight box measuring 46 x 30 x 30cm to a shelf 125cm high which allowed either 5 or 10mm clearance for the weight box. The lifts were performed in sagitally symmetrical and 45° asymmetric planes under headroom adjusted to 80% and 90% of the subject's stature and with unrestricted headroom. During these 12 tasks, the coordinates at 15 nodal points were recorded and were input to a biomechanical model. The disc compressive and shear forces, and the muscle forces for spinal and abdominal muscles were computed for six lumbar intervertebral discs for six stages of the lift. Results indicated that the take-off stage was most stressful followed by to-the-shelf stage. The multivariate analysis of variance revealed that the headroom affected the biomechanical loads significantly. Symmetry affected the disc compressive load during take-off only. The clearance had no impact on the biomechanical loading. Topics: body mechanics; ergonomic evaluation; lifting of loads; lifting strength; lumbar column; manual lifting; measurement of load on muscles; measurement of physical workload; palletization; spinal column; statistical evaluation; work design; work posture. (73545)

CIS 99-1710 Flexion-extension hand torque strengths: Applications in maintenance tasks. Imrhan S.N., Jenkins G.D., International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, Mar. 1999, Vol.23, No.4, p.359-371. Illus. 23 ref. (In English)

Internet:

To determine the effects of some task and handle variables on the torquing capabilities of male and female adults in simulated maintenance tasks, 20 adults generated maximal voluntary contraction torques on a 2.25 in diameter cylindrical handle with each hand, across different conditions of handle surface, wrist action, arm position, and hand laterality. Results showed that extension torques were 1.18 as strong as flexion ones; knurled handle torques 1.15 as strong as smooth handle ones; right-hand torques 1.10 as strong as left hand ones; and male torques 2.04 as strong as female ones. Interaction effects showed that the male-female difference was greater for extension torquing compared to flexion torquing, and from using the knurled handle compared with the smooth one. Also, extension-flexion difference was greater with the knurled than the smooth handle, and with the arm below the horizontal than at other positions. The separate effects of demographic and anthropometric measurements, and handgrip and pinch strengths are also discussed. Topics: design of equipment; forearm rotation; grip strength; hand tools; hand; handles; maintenance; muscular strength; sex-linked differences; work posture; wrist. (73546)

CIS 99-1711 Distribution of rest days in 12 hour shift systems: Impacts on health, wellbeing, and on shift alertness. Tucker P., Smith L., Macdonald I., Folkard S., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Mar. 1999, Vol.56, No.3, p.206-214. Illus. 24 ref. (In English)

Internet:

The effects of distribution of rest days in 12 hour shift systems were investigated. An abridged version of the standard shiftwork index which included retrospective alertness ratings was completed by a large sample of industrial shiftworkers. The respondents worked 12 hour shift systems that either did or did not incorporate breaks of >24 hours between the blocks of day and night shifts. Systems which incorporated rest days between the day and night shifts were associated with slightly higher levels of on-shift alertness, slightly lower levels of chronic fatigue, and longer sleep durations when working night shifts and between rest days. Early changeovers were associated with shorter night sleeps between successive day shifts, but longer and less disturbed day sleeps between night shifts. The distribution of rest days in 12hour shift systems had only limited effects on the outcome measures, although the few modest differences that were found favoured systems which incorporated rest days between the day and night shifts. Topics: fatigue; questionnaire survey; shift work; sleep; social aspects; state of health; vigilance; work-rest schedules. (73570)

CIS 99-1712 Alteration of circadian time structure of blood pressure caused by night shift schedule. Motohashi Y., Higuchi S., Maeda A., Liu Y., Yuasa T., Motohashi K., Nakamura K., Occupational Medicine, Nov. 1998, Vol.48, No.8, p.523-528. Illus. 20 ref. (In English)

Internet:

The effects of night shift schedules on circadian time structure of blood pressure were studied in seven healthy young subjects by continuous monitoring of blood pressure every 30min for 72h. In the control experiment, subjects were instructed to sleep at regular times with the light off at 00.00h and the light on at 07.00h. In the shift experiment, they were instructed to go to bed at 06.00h and wake up at 11.00h. The circadian rhythm of blood pressure rapidly phase delayed by 3.5h in the second night shift day as a group phenomenon. Individual differences in changes in power spectral patterns of blood pressure were found in the night shift schedule. Ultradian rhythmicity of blood pressure was more pronounced in three subjects, whereas the circadian rhythmicity was maintained in four subjects. These findings held when adaptation to shift work was taken into account. Topics: blood pressure measurement; blood pressure; circadian rhythm; human experiments; night work; shift work. (73575)

CIS 99-1713 New trends and challenges of ergonomics applied to productivity. (Spanish: Nuevas tendencias y desafíos de la ergonomía aplicada a la productividad) Ruiz Ripollés M., Mapfre seguridad, 2nd Quarter 1997, Vol.17, No.66, p.15-23. Illus. 8 ref. (In Spanish)

Internet:

Forced by the phenomenon of globalization to be more competitive, companies must incorporate strategies which enhance productivity, quality and innovation. The microergonomic focus on the man-machine system must be amplified to view the macroergonomic organization-machine interaction. This new approach allows an understanding of such aspects as the increase in musculoskeletal disorders related to psychosocial factors. The ergodynamics theory helps find, from an ergonomic point of view, the most efficient transformation pattern. Even when the impact of the new trends on worker's welfare remains unclear because of contradictory results from the few ergonomic studies in the field, it can be stated that musculoskeletal disorders will command a high-profile in the near future. Ergonomics plays a leading role in the solution of this problem, but psychosocial factors must also be taken into account. The macroergonomic approach can therefore be particularly useful. Topics: ergonomic evaluation; ergonomics; man-machine interfaces; new technologies; optimization; work efficiency; work organization. (73621)

CIS 99-1714 Evaluation of supermarket bagging using a wrist motion monitor. Estill C.F., Kroemer K.H.E., Human Factors, Dec. 1998, Vol.40, No.4, p.624-632. Illus. 8 ref. (In English)

Internet:

Wrist motions required to bag groceries were quantified using a wrist motion monitor. The wrist motions included deviations, velocities, and accelerations for flexion-extension, radial-ulnar, and pronation-supination directions. The independent variables were handle type and object location. Objects with finger thumb couplings required more extreme pronations, greater wrist velocities for pronation-supination deviations, and greater wrist accelerations for pronation-supination deviations than did other objects. Objects with 10cm hand couplings required more extreme flexion, larger ranges of movement for radial-ulnar deviations and pronation-supination deviations, and greater wrist velocities in the radial-ulnar and pronation-supination directions than did 5cm objects. The right and front locations required more extreme deviations than did the left and back locations. Because finger thumb and 10cm hand couplings require larger wrist deviations and greater velocities, these objects may pose a greater risk of developing cumulative trauma disorders to the bagger. Topics: bagging; body mechanics; cashiers, tellers and related clerks; design of equipment; ergonomic evaluation; fingers; forearm rotation; median nerve; musculoskeletal diseases; packing, filling; repetitive strain injury; supermarkets; work posture; workplace design; wrist. (73643)

CIS 99-1715 Wrist posture during computer pointing device use. Burgess-Limerick R., Shemmell J., Scadden R., Plooy A., Clinical Biomechanics, May 1999, Vol.14, No.4, p.280-286. Illus. 11 ref. (In English)

Internet:

Individual differences in wrist postures adopted during the use of two pointing devices (mouse and trackball) were examined. Wrist flexion/extension and radial/ulnar deviation were measured while twelve participants completed two standardized tasks involving horizontal and vertical cursor movements respectively. Exposure to extreme ulnar deviation and wrist extension was observed in the use of computer mouse and trackball. The trackball involved decreased ulnar deviation and increased wrist extension, however considerable individual differences were observed. Some users may be placed at risk of injury by prolonged exposure to the use of such devices, while others may not. A trackball may reduce the exposure to extreme ulnar deviation, but in some cases, a trackball may increase exposure to extreme wrist extension. Topics: body mechanics; computer terminals; ergonomic evaluation; ergonomics; individual susceptibility; man-computer interfaces; musculoskeletal diseases; repetitive strain injury; upper extremity disorders; work posture; wrist lesions; wrist. (73690)

CIS 99-1716 Ergonomic criteria in large-scale engineering design - I: Management by documentation only? Formal organization vs. designers' perceptions - II: Evaluating and applying requirements in the real world of design. Wulff I.A., Westgaard R.H., Rasmussen B., Applied Ergonomics, June 1999, Vol.30, No.3, p.191-221. Illus. 46 ref. (In English)

Internet:

In engineering design projects ergonomics criteria may be supplied to project members along with other design requirements. A formal organization for human factors (HF) is set up where responsibilities pertaining to HF are specified. It is then assumed that the project functions according to this, and that the ergonomics criteria are known among project members. The management of HF was investigated in two large-scale offshore development projects. The study shows that neither organization of HF nor ergonomics criteria were well known among project members. To be effective, the criteria have to be supported by one or more HF specialists who are actively engaged in design. Topics: civil engineering; design of equipment; ergonomics; human behaviour; human factors; information dissemination; optimization; safety by design; workplace design. (73745)

CIS 99-1717 Factors affecting minimum push and pull forces of manual carts. Al-Eisawi K.W., Kerk C.J., Congleton J.J., Amendola A.A., Jenkins O.C., Gaines W., Applied Ergonomics, June 1999, Vol.30, No.3, p.235-245. Illus. 11 ref. (In English)

Internet:

The minimum forces needed to manually push or pull a 4-wheel cart of differing weights with similar wheel sizes from a stationary state were measured on four floor materials under different conditions of wheel width, diameter, and orientation. Wheel width did not have a significant effect on the minimum push/pull forces. The minimum push/pull forces were linearly proportional to cart weight, and inversely proportional to wheel diameter. The coefficients of rolling friction were estimated as 2.2, 2.4, 3.3, and 4.5 mm for hard rubber wheels rolling on smooth concrete, tile, asphalt, and industrial carpet floors, respectively. The effect of wheel orientation was not consistent over the tested conditions, but, in general, the smallest minimum push/pull forces were measured with all four wheels aligned in the forward direction, whereas the largest minimum push/pull forces were measured when all four wheels were aligned at 90° to the forward direction. There was no significant difference between the push and pull forces when all four wheels were aligned in the forward direction. Topics: design of equipment; flooring; friction; hand trucks; manual handling; pulling strength; pulling tasks; pushing strength; pushing tasks. (73747)

CIS 99-1718 Effects of arm suspension in simulated assembly line work: Muscular activity and posture angles. Feng Y., Grooten W., Wretenberg P., Arborelius U.P., Applied Ergonomics, June 1999, Vol.30, No.3, p.247-253. Illus. 18 ref. (In English)

Internet:

Electromyogram and posture angles of the shoulder and arm were recorded during sitting manipulative work in three positions, with and without the forearm suspended by a balancer. Results from 12 female subjects showed that activity in the deltoideus anterior decreased significantly by using a balancer. Lower mean values were also noted for the deltoideus lateralis and trapezius muscles. Neck inclination increased with higher work area position, but was independent of the use of a balancer. Topics: assembly-line work; body mechanics; electromyography; forearm supports; measurement of load on muscles; muscular strength; posture recording; simulation facilities; sitting posture; women. (73748)

CIS 99-1719 Static three-dimensional modelling of prolonged seated posture. Kayis B., Hoang K., Applied Ergonomics, June 1999, Vol.30, No.3, p.255-262. Illus. 42 ref. (In English)

Internet:

Prolonged seating can cause musculoskeletal problems in the long term if poor postures are adopted. A three-dimensional static model of the body to calculate the intervertebral disc compression at the fifth lumbar disc was built. SAMMIE, a computer aided ergonomics package was used for modelling a computer operator workstation and determination of joint centre locations and joint angles in a seated posture. Experimentation was also performed to determine the body-mass distribution on the seat used. No significant difference between male and female body-mass distribution was found. The static model found that postures with the seat pan and backrest reclined predicted the lowest disc compression. Postures in which the operator was bent forwards gave the highest disc loadings. Topics: body mechanics; computer simulation; computer terminals; ergonomic evaluation; mathematical models; sitting posture. (73749)

CIS 99-1720 Lumbosacral loads in bedmaking. Milburn P.D., Barrett R.S., Applied Ergonomics, June 1999, Vol.30, No.3, p.263-273. Illus. 46 ref. (In English)

Internet:

The effect of bed size and bed height on the physical stress of employees responsible for room cleaning and bedmaking in the hospitality industry was investigated. Results confirmed the view that static models severely underestimate the loads on the lumbar spine under inertial lifting conditions. They also indicated that: 1) tasks with the greatest hand loads were not necessarily associated with the greatest spinal loads due to differences in the way each task was performed; 2) loads produced during bedmaking may exceed recommended safe lifting limits for certain task-size-height combinations; and 3) the use of larger and heavier beds in the hospitality industry imposes increased loads on the lumbar spine. Topics: bending posture; body mechanics; dynamic muscular work; ergonomic evaluation; hotel industry; job study; measurement of load on joints; measurement of load on muscles; static muscular work; women. (73750)

CIS 99-1721 Criteria for selecting patient handling aids. (Italian: Criteri di valutazione nella scelta degli ausili per la movimentazione dei pazienti) Panciera D., Menoni O., Ricci M.G., Occhipinti E., Medicina del lavoro, Mar.-Apr. 1999, Vol.90, No.2, p.399-411. 7 ref. (In Italian)

Internet:

The basic types of aids for hospital wards are defined: patient lifting devices, aids for hygiene and minor aids, and a procedure for the choice of the type of aid proposed. The procedure uses a specific protocol to analyze work organization and the environmental features of a hospital ward. The proposed criteria for choice concern, firstly, the fundamental requirements of the equipment, namely safety for operator and patient, simplicity of use, and comfort for the patient. Secondly, the basic determinants for choice of the type of aid are the type of disabled patient usually present in the ward and the analysis of the movements made in handling patients. On this basis, the specific features for each type of aid are defined which direct the choice of supply for various wards and which will be adequate and effective both in reducing the risks associated with manual handling of patients and in improving the comfort of the patients. Topics: comfort criteria; design of equipment; ergonomic evaluation; evaluation of equipment; health services; lifting of loads. (73759)

CIS 99-1722 Human work capacity under combined stress of work and heat. Nag P.K., Bandyopadhyay P., Ashtekar S.P., Kothari D., Desai H., Nag A., Journal of Human Ergology, Dec. 1996, Vol.25, No.2, p.105-113. Illus. 14 ref. (In English)

Internet:

The working capacity of young, healthy, unacclimatized men (N= 11) was studied under long-duration (8 to 9 days) exposure to combined work and heat (dry and humid). The average heat exposure time for group A was higher than for group B, but group B sustained a high heat load as reflected in the high deep-body temperature maintained during the exposure. The high body temperature load of group B had a significant effect on the cardiorespiratory capacity, indicating an upward trend in maximal oxygen uptake. This was significant for the first four days of exposure. Subjects of group B had a relatively higher working capacity compared to those in group A on all days. The maximal oxygen intake and analysis of the fractions of oxygen debt contraction indicated that the subjects showed a better training/heat acclimatization effect under hot, humid conditions. Topics: assessment of physical capacity; body temperature; climate chamber studies; ergometric tests; heat load; hot workplaces; oxygen consumption monitoring; physical workload; synergism; work capacity. (73491)

CIS 99-1723 The effect of wrist and arm postures on peak pinch strength. Halpern C.A., Fernandez J.E., Journal of Human Ergology, Dec. 1996, Vol.25, No.2, p.115-130. Illus. 23 ref. (In English)

Internet:

The effects of various arm postures on peak pinch strength were examined. The first experiment examined the effect of shoulder and elbow posture on peak pinch strength. The second experiment examined the effect of forearm posture, wrist posture, and pinch type on peak pinch strength. Results indicate that elbow posture had a significant effect on pinch strength. Extreme elbow flexion decreased pinch strength by up to 9%. Deviated wrist postures, forearm postures, and pinch type significantly decreased pinch strength as much as 33%. Ergonomic guidelines which utilize the above factors as significant modifiers of pinch strength capacity may assist ergonomists to reduce the risk of injury and development of cumulative trauma disorders in the workplace. Topics: elbow; ergonomic evaluation; grip strength; measurement of load on muscles; posture recording; repetitive strain injury; shoulder; work posture; wrist. (73492)

CIS 99-1724 Abstracts from the 1st international symposium on ergonomics in building and construction. The Center to Protect Workers' Rights, 5th floor, 111 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20001, USA, Dec. 1997. vi, 209p. Illus. Bibl.ref. (In English)

Internet:

Topics: age-linked differences; backache; brick handling; building industry; carpentry; conference; construction industry; ergonomics; hand tools; knee lesions; loads; manual handling; musculoskeletal diseases; physical workload; psychology and sociology; pulling tasks; pushing tasks; repetitive strain injury; role of workers organizations; roofing; scaffolds; stress neuritis; vibration; women; workers participation. (73780)

CIS 99-1725 Ergonomics of hand tools - Key issues and state of the art. (French: Ergonomie des outils à main - Problématique et état de l'art) Aptel M., Cail F., Claudon L., Morel O., Renouard M.L., Tranchet E.M., Institut national de recherche et de sécurité, 30 rue Olivier-Noyer, 75680 Paris Cedex 14, France, Feb. 1998. 148p. Illus. Bibl.ref. (In French)

Internet:

This report contains two literature analyses on the ergonomic design of industrial hand tools and visual display unit input devices. Two examples are given concerning: 1) the assessment of biomechanical stresses resulting from the use of hand tools and 2) the conditions and environment of hand tool use. Topics: age-linked differences; anthropometry; body mechanics; computer terminals; design of equipment; ergonomics; hand tools; literature survey; man-computer interfaces; musculoskeletal diseases; repetitive strain injury; sex-linked differences; stapling; work posture. (73676)

CIS 99-1726 Ergonomic requirements for office work with visual display terminals (VDTs) - Part 13: User guidance. (French: Exigences ergonomiques pour travail de bureau avec terminaux à écrans de visualisation (TEV) - Partie 13: Guidage de l'utilisateur) International Organization for Standardization, Case postale 56, 1211 Genève 20, Switzerland, 15 July, 1998. v, 32p. Illus. 46 ref. Price: CHF 106.00. (In English, French)

Internet:

Topics: check lists; CRT display terminals; design of equipment; ergonomics; ISO; man-computer interfaces; office equipment; office work; standard. (73713)

CIS 99-1727 Ergonomic requirements for office work with visual display terminals (VDTs) - Part 5: Workstation layout and postural requirements. (French: Exigences ergonomiques pour travail de bureau avec terminaux à écrans de visualisation (TEV) - Partie 5: Aménagement du poste de travail et exigences relatives aux postures) International Organization for Standardization, Case postale 56, 1211 Genève 20, Switzerland, 1 Oct. 1998. v, 25p. Illus. 2 ref. (In English, French)

Internet:

Topics: anthropometry; CRT display terminals; equipment layout; ergonomics; ISO; office work; sitting posture; standard; standing posture; work posture; workplace design. (73714)

CIS 99-1728 Ergonomic requirements for work with visual displays based on flat panels - Part 1: Introduction. (French: Exigences ergonomiques pour travail sur écrans de visualisation à panneaux plats - Partie 1: Introduction) International Organization for Standardization, Case postale 56, 1211 Genève 20, Switzerland, 1 Oct. 1999. iv, 3p. 8 ref. (In English, French)

Internet:

Topics: CRT display terminals; design of equipment; ergonomics; evaluation of equipment; ISO; luminance measurement; office work; reflection; standard. (73715)

[ Top of page ]

CIS 99-1729 Drinking and flying: A structural model. Maxwell E., Harris D., Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine, Feb. 1999, Vol.70, No.2, p.117-123. Illus. 19 ref. (In English)

Internet:

Under a recent revision of the European Joint Aviation Authorities operations regulations it is prohibited to act as a crew member of an aircraft with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of greater than 0.02%. This survey of UK Civil Aviation Authority pilots suggests that over 50% of respondents may have flown an aircraft with a BAC of greater than this prescribed amount. Professional pilots were heavier drinkers than private pilots and were also more likely to infringe the 0.02% BAC rule. Analysis of the data using path analysis suggests that professional pilots may be more prone to offending as a result of training in a "drinking culture" and as a response to commercial pressures in the industry. Topics: air transport; alcoholism; human behaviour; questionnaire survey; sex-linked differences; stress factors; work time schedules. (73646)

CIS 99-1730 Work stress and psychological well-being among the nursing profession in Singapore. Boey K.W., Chan K.B., Ko Y.C., Goh L.G., Lim G.C., Singapore Medical Journal, 1997, Vol.38, No.6, p.256-260. 19 ref. (In English)

Internet:

A questionnaire survey investigated work stress and its relationship with psychological well-being among nurses. The eight areas of work stress identified were found to be negatively related to psychological well-being of the nurses, with stronger effects on anxiety and depression than sense of adequacy. Certain work stressors were more detrimental than others. They may also exert differential effects on affective and cognitive stress reactions. Topics: conditions of work; human relations; job dissatisfaction; neuropsychic stress; nursing personnel; questionnaire survey; Singapore; stress evaluation; stress factors; subjective assessment. (73604)

CIS 99-1731 Development of the Considerate and Responsible Employee (CARE) scale. Burt C.D.B., Gladstone K.L., Grieve K.R., Work and Stress, Oct.-Dec. 1998, Vol.12, No.4, p.362-369. Illus. 37 ref. (In English)

Internet:

The development of the Considerate and Responsible Employee (CARE) scale, designed to measure workers' attitudes towards their co-workers' safety, is described. Study 1 generated a pool of statements and used a self-administered questionnaire to obtain ratings for each statement from 105 workers chosen at random from a variety of occupations. Factor analysis indicated that the scale was best described by a general factor. CARE scale scores were significantly related to measures of group cohesion and co-worker satisfaction. Study 2 replicated the CARE scale's high internal consistency and its relationship with co-worker satisfaction using a questionnaire completed by 28 workers from a meat processing plant. Study 3 examined the test-retest reliability of the CARE scale using 40 workers froman aluminium plant. The response rate across the three studies ranged from 27 to 47%. The results are discussed in terms of the use of the CARE scale to manage safety. Topics: attitude towards accidents; cooperation; human behaviour; human factors; human relations; plant safety organization; questionnaire survey; responsibilities of employees; safety consciousness; safety incentives; safety programmes; safety suggestions; statistical evaluation; workers participation. (73513)

CIS 99-1732 Negative affectivity influences report of work-related symptoms. Watten R.G., Batt B., Journal of Human Ergology, Dec. 1996, Vol.25, No.2, p.131-144. 35 ref. (In English)

Internet:

A number of studies have documented that negative affectivity (NA) exerts a considerable influence upon perceptual style and reporting of symptoms. The influence of NA upon reporting of work-related symptoms was investigated in three studies (N=24, N=30, N=43). For all three studies, there was a firm association between NA and visual and musculoskeletal symptoms. Results are discussed according to pain sensitivity, general activation and symptom perception. It is concluded that NA might be a methodological nuisance factor leading to over-reporting of work-related complaints. Topics: musculoskeletal diseases; neurosis; psychosomatic disorders; questionnaire survey; subjective assessment; symptoms; visual function disorders. (73493)

CIS 99-1733 A comparison of the effect of job demand, decision latitude, role and supervisory style on self-reported job satisfaction. Lobban R.K., Husted J., Farewell V.T., Work and Stress, Oct.-Dec. 1998, Vol.12, No.4, p.337-350. 42 ref. (In English)

Internet:

Multiple regression models were used to compare the relative effectiveness of job demand, decision latitude, role conflict and role ambiguity, and supervisory style in modelling self-reported job satisfaction in a sample of warehouse workers, truck drivers and inside sales personnel. Consistent with past research, these variables were independently related to job satisfaction. The research suggests, however, that supervisory styles, in terms of providing direction and communicating with employees, may play a more dominant role in the stress process than is currently appreciated. The traditionally studied role variables or demand/latitude variables were identified as potentially mediating the relationship between supervisory relationships and perceived job satisfaction. Further, supervisory relationships, either directly or mediated by other unstudied job characteristics, have significant additional influence on occupational stress that cannot be explained by the role or demand/latitude variables. Topics: age-linked differences; cross-sectional study; drivers; human relations; job dissatisfaction; mental workload; role of supervisory staff; service and sales workers; sex-linked differences; social aspects; statistical evaluation; stress factors; subjective assessment; warehouses; work involving responsibility; work organization. (73511)

CIS 99-1734 Gender differences on coping with job stress and organizational outcomes. Christie M.D., Shultz K.S., Work and Stress, Oct.-Dec. 1998, Vol.12, No.4, p.351-361. Illus. 30 ref. (In English)

Internet:

The potential differing effects of coping on work-related outcomes for men and women were investigated. Participants were recruited from night classes in psychology and business and asked to complete a 113-item questionnaire. 181 fully completed questionnaires (56 men and 125 women) were included in the analyses. All participants were working full time (>35 hours per week). The results indicated that men and women differed on few coping responses. However, multiple regression analyses did suggest different trends on the effectiveness of coping for men and women. These results are discussed in terms of men and women's differing responses to stress in the workplace. Topics: human behaviour; labour turnover; mental health; neuropsychic stress; physical training; psychology of absenteeism; psychology of work organization; questionnaire survey; sex-linked differences; statistical evaluation; work organization. (73512)

CIS 99-1735 Workplace bullying in NHS community trust: Staff questionnaire survey. Quine L., British Medical Journal, Jan. 1999, Vol.318, No.7178, p.228-232. 28 ref. (In English)

Internet:

In a questionnaire survey of 1,100 employees in a National Health Service (NHS) community trust in the south east of England, 421 workers reported experiencing one or more types of bullying in the previous year. 460 had witnessed the bullying of others. When bullying occurred it was most likely to be by a manager. Two thirds of the victims of bullying had tried to take action when the bullying occurred, but most were dissatisfied with the outcome. Staff who had been bullied had significantly lower levels of job satisfaction and higher levels of job-induced stress, depression, anxiety and intention to leave the job. Support at work seemed to protect people from some of the damaging effects of bullying. Topics: anxiety; bullying; depressive neurosis; health care personnel; human behaviour; job dissatisfaction; neuropsychic stress; questionnaire survey; social aspects; transfer to other work. (73549)

CIS 99-1736 Taking on the bullies. Wall T., Health and Safety, Nov.-Dec. 1998, p.13-16. Illus. (In English)

Internet:

Bullying is not a new problem. What is new is a growing determination among workers and their representatives not to tolerate the type of abuses that occurred in the past. Topics: bullying; human behaviour; human relations; Ireland; legislation; psychological effects; psychology of work organization; responsibilities of employers; role of management; role of supervisory staff; role of workers organizations. (73550)

CIS 99-1737 Workplace harassment: What is it, and what should the law do about it?. Spry M., JIR - The Journal of Industrial Relations, June 1998, Vol.40, No.2, p.232-246. Bibl.ref. (In English)

Internet:

Workplace harassment occurs when a person subjects another in the workplace to degrading behaviour, ranging from verbal abuse or threats to actual physical violence. It is an inappropriate expression of power that adversely affects workers and their productivity, and that requires both legal and non-legal redress. Legal remedies available to victims of such harassment are surveyed, and measures, both legal and non-legal, which might be applied in the workplace to prevent such unacceptable behaviour are explored. Topics: Australia; bullying; discriminatory practices; human behaviour; labour-management relations; legislation; neuropsychic stress; sexual harassment; violence; workmen's compensation. (73593)

CIS 99-1738 When should there be liability for negligently causing psychiatric illness?. Barrett B., Work and Stress, Apr.-June 1998, Vol.12, No.2, p.101-111. 12 ref. (In English)

Internet:

In March 1998 the Law Commission for England and Wales published the outcome of its review of the law on compensation of those who suffer psychiatric illness as a result of the negligence of another person. The report is largely, although not solely, concerned with work-related illness. It also reviews the literature on the incidence and forms of psychiatric illness and makes recommendations for legislation. The findings of the Commission are critically summarized and the appropriateness of common law litigation for these kinds of injury is questioned. The likely impact of the proposed revision of the law upon the incidence of litigation is discussed. Topics: comment on law; compensation of occupational diseases; legislation; mental health; mental illness; mental stress; neuropsychic stress; psychological effects; responsibilities of employers; United Kingdom. (73594)

CIS 99-1739 The impact of a stress management programme on staff well-being and performance at work. Rose J., Jones F., Fletcher B.C., Work and Stress, Apr.-June 1998, Vol.12, No.2, p.112-124. 77 ref. (In English)

Internet:

Stress management programmes were implemented for direct care staff in two group homes for people with learning disabilities. Staff working in three similar homes were used as controls. Information was collected on anxiety and depression levels, demands, supports and constraints at work and on the nature and type of interactions and the amount of time spent on different aspects of the job. This information was used to inform and develop an intervention aimed at the groups of staff involved. Goals were set with the aim of reducing levels of anxiety and depression in staff and these were subject to review. Reassessment in intervention houses showed reductions in anxiety and increased perceived support when compared to controls. There were also changes in some observational measures, particularly increased positive interactions and assistance given to clients, and formal education programmes. These results suggest that intervening to reduce levels of anxiety and depression can have a positive impact on work performance in these settings. Topics: anxiety; depressive neurosis; health programmes; human behaviour; human relations; neuropsychic stress; questionnaire survey; social assistance services; stress evaluation; work capacity. (73595)

CIS 99-1740 Subjective experiences of stress, workload, and bodily discomfort as a function of age and type of computer work. Sharit J., Czaja S.J., Nair S.N., Hoag D.W., Leonard D.C., Dilsen E.K., Work and Stress, Apr.-June 1998, Vol.12, No.2, p.125-144. Illus. 24 ref. (In English)

Internet:

A sample of 394 subjects ranging in age from 20-75 years performed a computer task (data entry, information retrieval, and accounts balancing) across a 3-day period. Age differences in the subjective experience of stress, workload, and bodily discomfort were evaluated. The results indicated that age effects for these measures varied according to task. The older subjects perceived greater workload for the more mentally challenging problem-solving oriented accounts balancing task (which involved a graphical user interface) than the younger participants, even with increased exposure to the task. However, the older subjects generally experienced less stress than the younger subjects on an information retrieval task that involved a more socially interactive telephone component. A positive relationship between the frustration component of workload and the measure of stress was also found, suggesting an important link between the constructs of stress and workload. Overall, the outcomes of this study provide important insights into design interventions intended to accommodate older as well as younger persons in the workforce. Topics: age; age-linked differences; comfort assessment; CRT display terminals; mental stress; mental workload; office work; physical workload; questionnaire survey; stress evaluation; subjective assessment; work capacity; workload assessment. (73596)

CIS 99-1741 Exposure to occupational violence and the buffering effects of intra-organizational support. Leather P., Lawrence C., Beale D., Cox T., Dickson R., Work and Stress, Apr.-June 1998, Vol.12, No.2, p.161-178. Illus. 68 ref. (In English)

Internet:

The effects of exposure to a variety of forms of work-related violence upon work attitudes and general well-being were investigated within a sample of UK public house licensees (individuals who manage public houses and hold the licence permitting the sale of alcoholic drinks on the premises). In addition, the role of social support in moderating such effects was examined. Based on a sample of 242 licensees, there was a consistent interaction between exposure to such violence and the availability of perceived intra-organizational support in determining the size of any negative effects upon individual well-being, job satisfaction and organizational commitment. It is argued that exposure to all forms of work-related violence, including intimidation, verbal abuse and threat, should be seen as a potential stressor within the work environment, the negative effects of which are buffered by perceived support from within the organization, but not by that perceived to be available from informal sources such as family and friends. Topics: anxiety; depressive neurosis; hotel industry; human behaviour; human relations; job dissatisfaction; questionnaire survey; social aspects; stress factors; violence; waiters, waitresses and bartenders. (73597)

CIS 99-1742 The relationship between burnout and organizational commitment in two samples of health professionals. Kalliath T.J., O'Driscoll M.P., Gillespie D.F., Work and Stress, Apr.-June 1998, Vol.12, No.2, p.179-185. 28 ref. (In English)

Internet:

Relationships between dimensions of burnout and employee commitment to the organization were tested in two hospital samples, using structural equations analysis. Whereas burnout has typically been assumed to be a predictor of organizational commitment, the present data provided support for the converse hypothesis, that low commitment contributes to the experience of burnout. Specifically, in a sample of nurses, commitment showed direct effects on emotional exhaustion and depersonalization, and a weaker indirect effect (via exhaustion) on depersonalization. A similar pattern of effects emerged in a sample of laboratory technicians from the same organization, although in this case the direct linkage between organizational commitment and depersonalization was not statistically significant. Implications for organizational efforts to reduce burnout are discussed. Topics: health care personnel; human behaviour; laboratory work; neuropsychic stress; nursing personnel; overstrain; questionnaire survey; stress studies. (73598)

CIS 99-1743 Sick building syndrome: An emerging stress-related disorder?. Ooi P.L., Goh K.T., International Journal of Epidemiology, 1997, Vol.26, No.6, p.1243-1249. 40 ref. (In English)

Internet:

A case-control study used data from confidential questionnaires to assess symptoms and perception of the physical and psychosocial environment among 2,160 subjects in 67 offices. Working conditions were also inspected and indoor air quality monitored. An incremental trend in prevalence of sick building syndrome was found among office workers who reported high levels of physical and mental stress, and decreasing climate of co-operation. This association was confirmed after multivariate adjustment for significant personal and environmental exposure factors. The study confirmed stress to be a significant and independent determinant of the health complaints, and that symptoms compatible with the sick building syndrome were, in many cases, stress-related. Topics: case-control study; CRT display terminals; neuropsychic stress; office work; questionnaire survey; risk factors; sick building syndrome; social aspects; subjective assessment; thermal comfort. (73606)

CIS 99-1744 Motivation - Integration of preventive action and applied psychology. (Spanish: La motivación - La integración de la actividad preventiva y la psicosociología aplicada) Mardarás Platas E., Prevención, Oct.-Dec. 1998, No.146, p.7-19. Illus. 4 ref. (In Spanish)

Internet:

Topics: human factors; human relations; motivation; occupational psychology; plant safety and health organization; psychology of accident prevention; work organization. (73614)

CIS 99-1745 Improving decision-making in emergency situations. Training of firemen. (Spanish: Mejorando la toma de decisiones en situaciones de emergencia. El entrenamiento de los bomberos) Rotger Llinás D., Mapfre seguridad, 3rd Quarter 1997, Vol.17, No.67, p.25-31. Illus. 9 ref. (In Spanish)

Internet:

In lifeline teams, maladaptation to situations likely to provoke fear can have disastrous consequences for both the rescuer and the rescued. Fire brigade leaders know that calm is essential for making decisions and for the favourable management of a loss event. This article proposes practical and easy alternatives to include in training programmes for firemen. Topics: adaptation of man to work; emergency organization; fire services; human behaviour; psychology and sociology; rescue training. (73625)

CIS 99-1746 Physical and psychological criteria for the selection of rescue brigades. (Spanish: Criterios fisio-psicológicos para la selección de brigadas de salvamento) Montoliu Sanclement M.A., López álvarez G., González Díez V., Rodríguez Fernández B., Mapfre seguridad, 4th Quarter 1998, Vol.18, No.72, p.23-33. Illus. 14 ref. (In Spanish)

Internet:

Each coalfield in the region of Asturias, Spain, has its own rescue brigade. These brigades are expected to provide prompt and efficient aid in case of mining loss, both for rescue of miners injured by unbreathable atmospheres, landslides or floods, and for restoration of goods and facilities for work to continue with the minimum of alteration. Mine rescue work requires a coordinated system of action and technology in a hostile and dangerous environment. It must therefore be performed by professionals who assume responsibilities and risks in close coordination within the brigade. For an effective process of selection of rescue brigade members, particularly concerning the physical-psychological evaluation, a standard profile is required as reference framework for collating results. Topics: character; coal mining; intelligence; mine rescue; mining industry; physical fitness; psychological tests; respiratory function tests; Spain; vocational selection; work aptitude. (73628)

CIS 99-1747 Individual differences in accident liability: A review and integrative approach. Lawton R., Parker D., Human Factors, Dec. 1998, Vol.40, No.4, p.655-671. Illus. 111 ref. (In English)

Internet:

The history of research into accident liability and the methodological problems associated with the research are considered. Studies on the impact of personality, cognitive, and social factors on the likelihood of accident involvement at work are reviewed. Research into individual differences in accident liability should consider two possible routes to accident involvement via errors and/or violations. While errors are predominantly associated with cognitive factors, violations have their origins in social psychological factors. The role of stress in mediating the personality accident association is considered. It is contended that individuals differ in their reactions to stress, so that although some respond by an increase in risk-taking behaviour, the effect on others is to increase the likelihood of suboptimal performance in terms of information processing. Actual or potential applications of this research include the development of a more sophisticated model of individual differences in accident liability, which should be useful to organizations attempting to promote safety. Topics: accident proneness; attitude towards accidents; character; human behaviour; human failure; literature survey; psychology of accidents; responsibilities of employees; responsibilities of employers; safety consciousness; social aspects; stress factors; unsafe practices. (73644)

CIS 99-1748 Prevention of risk due to manual handling of patients: The psychosocial component. (Italian: La prevenzione del rischio da movimentazione manuale dei pazienti: la componente psicosociale) Camerino D., Molteni G., Finotti S., Capietti M., Molinari M., Cotroneo L., Morselli G., Medicina del lavoro, Mar.-Apr. 1999, Vol.90, No.2, p.412-427. 56 ref. (In Italian)

Internet:

A study was carried out on 113 staff of a large hospital in northern Italy with departments recognized by certified occupational physicians as being at risk for the musculoskeletal system. Non-parametric statistical analysis was applied to determine the influence of physical, organizational and psychosocial factors on musculoskeletal disorders. The results confirm a good agreement between the objective and subjective assessments of the risk of manual handling of patients, and a significant relationship between psychosocial factors and disorders of the lumbar spine. Past history of episodes of acute low-back pain was associated with limited possibilities for decision-making and job insecurity. Episodes of acute low-back pain above the threshold in the previous year were associated with low discretionary power at work. Topics: hazard evaluation; job dissatisfaction; manual handling; manual lifting; mental stress; musculoskeletal diseases; nursing personnel; overstrain; psychology of work organization; risk factors; social aspects; statistical evaluation; subjective assessment. (73760)

CIS 99-1749 Job satisfaction: Overall satisfaction scale. (Spanish: Satisfacción laboral: escala general de satisfacción) Pérez Bilbao J., Fidalgo Vega M., Instituto Nacional de Seguridad e Higiene en el Trabajo, Ediciones y Publicaciones, c/Torrelaguna 73, 28027 Madrid, Spain, 1995. 5p. Illus. 4 ref. (In Spanish)

Internet:

Topics: data sheet; human relations; job dissatisfaction; psychology of work organization; questionnaire survey; Spain; stress factors; subjective assessment. (73631)

CIS 99-1750 Human behaviour in emergency situations: Collective behaviour. (Spanish: La conducta humana ante situaciones de emergencia: la conducta colectiva) Fidalgo Vega M., Instituto Nacional de Seguridad e Higiene en el Trabajo, Ediciones y Publicaciones, c/Torrelaguna 73, 28027 Madrid, Spain, 1995. 10p. Illus. 15 ref. (In Spanish)

Internet:

Topics: behaviour study; data sheet; emergency organization; human behaviour; psychology of accident prevention; Spain; supply of information. (73632)

[ Top of page ]