CIS 00-301 Act of 5 March 1999 on occupational health inspection [Croatia]. (Croatian: Zakon o sanitarnoj inspekciji) Narodne Novine, 19 Mar. 1999, No.27, p.820-825. (In Croatian)

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Topics: Croatia; labour inspection; law; medical inspectors of labour; role of medical labour inspection. (74605)

CIS 00-302 Decree-Law No.133/99 of 21 April 1999 [Portugal]. (Portuguese: Decreto-lei n°133/99 de 21 Abril de 1999) Diário da República, 21 Apr. 1999, No.93/99, Series I-A, p.2117-2119. (In Portuguese)

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Decree-Law No.133/99 of 21 April 1999 amending the Decree-Law No.441/91 of 14 November 1991 (CIS 92-708) transposing into national legislation Council Directives No.89/391/EEC on the broad principles of safety, hygiene and health at the workplace (CIS 89-1401). (74672)

CIS 00-303 Industrial Safety and Health Act No.4220 of 1990 [Republic of Korea]. In: Industrial Safety and Health Act/Enforcement Decree of Industrial Safety and Health, Korea Industrial Safety Corporation, Kukje Bldg., 9F 191, 2-Ka Hangang-ro, Yong San-Ku, Seoul, Republic of Korea, 1998, p.1-57. (In English)

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Law No.4220 of 1990 on occupational safety and health as amended in December 1996 (CIS 97-1767). Topics: approval; compensation of occupational accidents; dangerous substances; dangerous work; data sheet; industries; inspection; Korea Rep. of; labelling; law; medical examinations; occupational medicine; occupational safety and health; plant safety organization; responsibilities; safety and health committees; safety and health training; safety devices; safety officers; safety planning. (74678)

CIS 00-304 Labour Code Order, 1992 [Lesotho]. Lesotho Government Gazette, Extraordinary issue, Authority of the Chairman of the Military Council and Council of Ministers, P.O. Box 268, Maseru 100, Lesotho, 1992. p.1195-1441. (In English)

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Part VII and Schedule VI of this Labour Code cover health, safety and welfare at work. Topics: employee rights; foreign workers; hours of work; labour inspection; law; Lesotho; occupational safety and health; penalties; responsibilities of employees; responsibilities of employers; role of workers organizations; safety and health committees; safety and health organization; subcontractors; welfare facilities; women, children, young persons. (74693)

CIS 00-305 Labour Law for the private sector, 1976 and legislation related thereto [Bahrein]. Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, State of Bahrein, Feb. 1986. 378p. Price: BHD 5.00. (In English)

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This collection of Bahrein legislation concerning labour matters also includes provisions on: duties of employers to protect workers; duties of workers to comply with OSH measures; regulation of industrial safety and health; machine protection; welfare provisions; workmen's compensation. (74694)

CIS 00-306 Decree-Law No.82/99 establishing the national legal basis for Council Directive 89/655/EEC of 30.11.89 concerning the minimum safety and health requirements for the use of work equipment by workers at work [Portugal]. (Portuguese: Decreto-lei n°82/99 transpôs para a ordem jurídica interna a Directiva n°89/655/CEE, do Conselho, de 30/11/89, relativa às prescrições mínimas de segurança e de saúde para a utilização pelos trabalhadores de equipamentos de trabalho) Diário da República, 16 Mar. 1999, Serie I-A, No.63, p.1457-1463. (In Portuguese)

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Decree-Law No.82/99 establishing the national legal basis for Council Directive 89/655/EEC of 30.11.89 concerning the minimum safety and health requirements for the use of work equipment by workers at work (CIS 90-357). (74601)

CIS 00-307 Final rule: Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission [USA]. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Federal Register, 19 Feb. 1999, Vol.64, No.33, p.8243-8247. (In English)

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This Rule provides for a procedure to supplement the voluntary settlement judge procedure prescribed at 29 C.F.R. 2200.101 with an additional settlement process that would be mandatory for cases where the proposed penalty for OSH infractions exceeds USD 200,000. (74602)

CIS 00-308 Decree No.1907 establishing the national legal basis for conventions No.42, 103, 115, 136, 156, 159 and 162 of the International Labour Organization [Chile]. (Spanish: Decreto N° 1907, por el que se promulgan los convenios N°s 42,103, 115, 136, 156, 159 y 162 adoptados por la Conferencia General de la Organización Internacional del Trabajo [Chile]) Diario Oficial de la República de Chile, 3 Mar. 1999, No.36.304, p.9-17. (In Spanish)

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Ratification of Conventions Nos. 42, 103, 115, 136, 156, 159 and 162 of the International Labour Organization, dealing with: compensation of occupational diseases; maternity protection; protection against ionizing radiation; protection against benzene poisoning; equality of treatment; professional rehabilitation; safety in the use of asbestos. (74603)

CIS 00-309 Regulation No.8 of 23 February 1999 amending the regulatory standard NR 5 on the Internal Commission for the Prevention of Accidents - CIPA, and providing for other measures [Brazil]. (Portuguese: Portaria n°8, de 23 de fevereiro de 1999 altera a Norma Regulamentadora - NR 5, que dispõe sobre a Comissão Interna de Prevenção de Acidentes-CIPA e dá outras providências) Secretaria de Segurança e Saúde no Trabalho, Diário Oficial, 24 Feb. 1999, Vol.CXXXVII, No.36-E, p.9-17. (In Portuguese)

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Topics: Brazil; law; list of occupations; occupational accidents; occupational safety; public OSH institutions; standard. (74671)

CIS 00-310 Order No.8 of 1998 (31 March) of the Minister of Labour on the minimal safety and health requirements of work equipment and its utilization [Hungary]. (Hungarian: A munkaügyi miniszter 8/1998. (III.31.) Müm rendelete a munkaeszközök és használatuk biztonsági és egészségügyi követelményeinek minimális szintjéről) Magyar Közlöny, 31 Mar. 1998, No.27, p.2371-2375. (In Hungarian)

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Topics: Hungary; law; occupational safety and health; tools and work holding devices. (74673)

CIS 00-311 Enforcement Decree of Industrial Safety and Health Act (Amended on Dec. 31, 1997) [Republic of Korea]. In: Industrial Safety and Health Act/Enforcement Decree of Industrial Safety and Health, Korea Industrial Safety Corporation, Kukje Bldg., 9F 191, 2-Ka Hangang-ro, Yong San-Ku, Seoul, Republic of Korea, 1998, p.61-126. (In English)

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Topics: dangerous substances; dangerous work; equipment testing; industrial physicians; Korea Rep. of; labelling; labour inspection; law; occupational safety and health; public OSH institutions; qualifications; safety and health committees; safety and health personnel; safety officers; safety planning. (74679)

CIS 00-312 Enforcement Regulation for Industrial Safety and Health [Republic of Korea]. Korea Industrial Safety Corporation, Kukje Bldg., 9F 191, 2-Ka Hangang-ro, Yong San-Ku, Seoul, Republic of Korea, 1998. 351p. (In English)

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Detailed regulation concerning the maintenance of a safe and healthy work environment in accordance with the Industrial Safety and Health Act (see CIS 00-303). Contents: general provisions (including safety and health markings); the safety and health management system; preventive measures (including safety and health education, machine protection, inspection of machines and equipment, inspection of protective gear, chemical safety); health management for workers; supervision and orders; the Industrial Accident Prevention Fund. Annexes. (74680)

CIS 00-313 Decree No.99-95 of 15 February 1999 modifying and completing the schedules of occupational diseases appended to Book IV of the Social Security Code (2nd part, Decrees of the State Council) [France]. (French: Décret n°99-95 du 15 février 1999 modifiant et complétant les tableaux de maladies professionnelles annexés au livre IV du code de la sécurité sociale (deuxième partie: Décrets en Conseil d'Etat) [France]) Journal officiel de la République française, 16 fév. 1999, Year 131, No.39, p.2423-2424. (In French)

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The following diseases are added to the schedule of occupational diseases (in certain professions only): infections due to Herpes virus varicellae and its complications; scabies (in health care and social work); Hantavirus-induced haemorrhagic fever; chronic back troubles due to low- and medium- frequency whole-body vibration or to the manual handling of heavy loads. (74604)

CIS 00-314 Factories (Medical Examinations) (Amendment) Regulations 1997 [Singapore]. Photocopy, 13p. On file at CIS. (In English)

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Topics: arsenic and compounds; arsenic; asbestos; benzene; bitumen; cadmium; tetrachloroethylene; pitch; lead; manganese; mercury; vinyl chloride; silica; trichloroethylene; compressed air; cotton industry; creosote; dust; exposure; law; lead and compounds; medical examinations; medical supervision; mercury and compounds; mists; noise; organophosphorus compounds; Singapore; smoke. (74609)

CIS 00-315 Act No.543 of 24 March 1999 on mineral resources [Macedonia]. (Macedonian: Zakon za mineralnite surovini) Služben Vesnik na Republika Makedonija, 31 Mar. 1999, Vol.LV, No.18, p.1139-1160. (In Macedonian)

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One chapter of this law concerns safety during mining operations. Topics: law; Macedonia; mineral products; mining industry; occupational safety; safety training in industry; underground work. (74674)

CIS 00-316 Regulations concerning the principles and rules applicable to the development of projects in the context of the programme "Campaign for the prevention of occupational risks in agriculture" [Portugal]. (Portuguese: Regulamento de princípios e regras aplicáveis ao desenvolvimento de projectos enquadrados no programa "Campanha de Prevenção de Riscos Profissionais na Agricultura") Instituto de Desenvolvimento e Inspecção das Condições de Trabalho, Lisboa, Portugal, 1997. 37p. Photocopy, on file at CIS. (In Portuguese)

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Topics: agriculture; approval; health hazards; law; occupational safety and health; Portugal; safety and health organization; safety and health training. (74595)

CIS 00-317 Final Rule of 1999: Dipping and coating operations [USA]. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Federal Register, 23 Mar. 1999, Vol.64, No.55, p.13897-13912. (In English)

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Revision of OSHA's standards for the protection of workers from fires, explosions and other hazards during dipping and coating operations. (74608)

CIS 00-318 Decree No.116 of 18 September 1991 regulating the Inter-institutional Technical Commission on Pesticides [Panama]. (Spanish: Decreto N° 116 del 18 de septiembre 1991 por medio del cual se reglamenta la Comisión Técnica Interinstitucional sobre agroquímicos [Panamá]) Gaceta Oficial, 8 Oct. 1991, No.21.889, 2p. (In Spanish)

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Topics: agricultural chemicals; law; Panama; pesticides; public OSH institutions. (74593)

CIS 00-319 Basic law on the regulation and control of pesticides and of toxic, dangerous and similar substances [Nicaragua]. (Spanish: Ley básica para la regulación y control de plaguicidas, sustancias tóxicas, peligrosas y otras similares [Nicaragua]) In: Compendio de Leyes, Reglamentos y Normativas para el Registro de los Agroquímicos y Sustancias Afines, Ministerio de Agricultura y Ganaderia, Gobierno de Nicaragua, 1998, 11p. (In Spanish)

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Topics: approval; dangerous substances; law; licensing new products; Nicaragua; penalties; pesticides; public OSH institutions; toxic substances. (74598)

CIS 00-320 Chemicals Act 1998 [Estonia]. (Estonian: Kemikaaliseadus) Estonian Legislation in Translation, Mar. 1999, No.5, p.47-69. (In English, Estonian)

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Coverage of this basic law: general provisions (scope, definitions, competent state agencies: Chemicals Notification Centre and Chemical Safety Commission); organization of the handling of chemicals; safety requirements; notification of chemicals; supervision and liability. (74607)

CIS 00-321 Law No.25 of 2000 concerning chemical safety [Hungary]. (Hungarian: 2000. évi XXV. törvény a kémiai biztonságról) Magyar Közlöny, 26 Apr. 2000, No.38, p.2058-2071. (In Hungarian)

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http://net.jogtar.hu/jr/gen/hjegy_doc.cgi?docid=A0000025.TV

This law harmonizes Hungarian legislation on chemical safety with the relevant directives of the European Union (EU). In particular, it implements in Hungary the classification of chemical substances in use within the EU and the use of the EINECS list. Contents: definitions and scope; determination and identification of the risk to human health and the environment caused by chemical substances and preparations; classification and notification of chemicals and registration of new substances; packaging, labelling, storage, transportation and advertising of dangerous substances; risk estimation and reduction; risk management; notification of risk; information exchange; requirements for activities involving dangerous substances; monitoring by the competent authorities. (74610)

CIS 00-322 Law of 28 January 1999 on the guarantees required for substances and formulations with respect to the safety and health of workers, in view of their well-being [Belgium]. (Dutch: 28 Januari 1999 - Wet betreffende de waarborgen die de stoffen en preparaten inzake de veiligheid en de gezondheid van de werknemers met het oog op hun welzijn moeten bieden; French: Loi du 28 janvier 1999 relative aux garanties que doivent présenter les substances et préparations en matière de sécurité et de santé des travailleurs en vue de leur bien-être [Belgique]) Moniteur belge - Belgisch Staatsblad, 14 Apr. 1999, Vol.169, No.73, p.12236-12239. (In Dutch, French)

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Topics: approval; Belgium; chemical products; control of issue of dangerous materials; dangerous substances; law; licensing new products. (74675)

CIS 00-323 Decree No.20345-S of 21 March 1991 on the use, handling, transport, application, production and formulation of pesticides [Costa Rica]. (Spanish: Decreto N° 20345-S del 21 de marzo de 1991 sobre el uso, manejo, tránsito, aplicación, fabricación y formulación de plaguicidas [Costa Rica]) Photocopy, 2p. On file at CIS. Also in: La Gaceta, No.75, 22 Apr. 1991. (In Spanish)

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Topics: chemical hazards; Costa Rica; exposure records; law; notification of dangerous substances; pesticides; toxic substances. (74591)

CIS 00-324 Decree No.18323-S-TSS of 1988 on the annual periodical medical examinations of persons exposed to pesticides [Costa Rica]. (Spanish: Decreto N° 18323-S-TSS de 1988 sobre el examen médico periódico anual de las personas que realicen actividades de manejo y aplicación de plaguicidas [Costa Rica]) Photocopy, 10p. On file at CIS. Also in: La Gaceta No.149, 8 Aug. 1988. (In Spanish)

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Topics: acute poisoning; chemical hazards; cholinesterase monitoring; Costa Rica; description of technique; law; medical supervision; periodic medical examinations; pesticides. (74592)

CIS 00-325 1992 regulations on the registration of pesticides common to CILSS member States [Permanent Interstate Committee for Drought Control in the Sahel]. (French: Réglementation de 1992 sur l'homologation des pesticides commune aux Etats membres du CILSS [Comité inter-Etats de lutte contre la sécheresse dans le Sahel]) Photocopy, 16p. On file at CIS. (In French)

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Regulations concerning the registration of pesticides common to the member States of the CILSS (Permanent Interstate Committee for Drought Control in the Sahel), which includes Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Senegal and Chad. (74594)

CIS 00-326 The Agricultural Pesticides Ordinance, 1971 [Pakistan]. Photocopy, 11p. On file at CIS. (In English)

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Ordinance referring to regulations on the same topic (CIS 00-327). Topics: agriculture; approval; labelling; labour inspection; law; licensing new products; Pakistan; pesticides; public OSH institutions; safety and health organization; toxic substances. (74596)

CIS 00-327 Agricultural Pesticides Rules, 1973 [Pakistan]. Photocopy, 34p. On file at CIS. (In English)

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Regulations in application of the 1971 Ordinance on the same subject (CIS 00-326). Topics: agriculture; antidote treatment; approval; chemical hazards; data sheet; labour inspection; law; licensing new products; packing, filling; Pakistan; pesticides; sample processing; warning notices. (74597)

CIS 00-328 Regulations on the importation, distribution and use of chemical and chemico-biological products in farming [Nicaragua]. (Spanish: Reglamento sobre importación, distribución y uso de productos químicos y químico biológicos para la industria agropecuaria [Nicaragua]) In: Compendio de Leyes, Reglamentos y Normativas para el Registro de los Agroquímicos y Sustancias Afines, Ministerio de Agricultura y Ganadería, Gobierno de Nicaragua, 1998, 5p. (In Spanish)

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Topics: agricultural chemicals; approval; insecticides; labour inspection; law; licensing new products; Nicaragua; pesticides; public OSH institutions; safety and health organization. (74599)

CIS 00-329 Decree No.32-93 establishing the National Commission for Agrochemicals [Nicaragua]. (Spanish: Decreto N° 32-93 sobre la creación de la Comisión Nacional de Agroquímicos [Nicaragua]) In: Compendio de Leyes, Reglamentos y Normativas para el Registro de los Agroquímicos y Sustancias Afines, Ministerio de Agricultura y Ganadería, Gobierno de Nicaragua, 1998, 2p. (In Spanish)

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Topics: agricultural chemicals; law; licensing new products; Nicaragua; public OSH institutions. (74600)

CIS 00-330 Decree No.58 of 26 March 1999 on planning and preparation of action in the event of a nuclear accident [Bulgaria]. (Bulgarian: Postanovlenie N°58 ot 26 mart 1999 g. za priemane na Naredba za planirane i gotovnost za dejstvie pri radiacionna avarija) Dăržaven vestnik, 9 Apr. 1999, No.33, p.6-15. (In Bulgarian)

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Topics: Bulgaria; law; public OSH institutions; radiation equipment and processes; radiation protection; safety planning. (74677)

CIS 00-331 Act of 5 March 1999 on protection against ionizing radiation [Croatia]. (Croatian: Zakon o zaštiti od ionizirajućih zračenja) Narodne Novine, 19 Mar. 1999, No.27, p.813-820. (In Croatian)

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Topics: Croatia; ionizing radiation; law; limitation of exposure; permissible radiation doses; public OSH institutions; radiation protection. (74606)

CIS 00-332 Ordinance of 27 January 1999 applying EU Directives on the protection of workers from risks related to biological agents at work [Germany]. (German: Verordnung zur Umsetzung von EG-Richtlinien über den Schutz der Beschäftigten gegen Gefährdung durch biologische Arbeitsstoffe bei der Arbeit) Bundesgesetzblatt, 29 Jan. 1999, Teil I, G5702, No.4, p.50-60. (In German)

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Ordinance introducing into national legislation the provisions of Directive 90/679/EEC on the protection of workers from risks related to exposure to biological agents at work (CIS 91-29). (74676)

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CIS 00-333 Pindone. (Spanish: Pival) Noticias de seguridad, Jan. 2000, Vol.62, No.1, insert 4p. (In Spanish)

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Pindone is a vitamin K antagonist, the ingestion of which may lead to haemorrhaging. It does not provoke immediate symptoms. The use of respiratory protective equipment and the medical supervision of exposed workers are required. OSHA permissible exposure level: 0.1mg/m³. (74661)

CIS 00-334 Pyrethrins. (Spanish: Piretro) Noticias de seguridad, Jan. 2000, Vol.62, No.1, insert 4p. (In Spanish)

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Pyrethrins induce mainly erythemous dermatitis which can be associated with itching and vesicles. It may cause sensitization. The use of personal protective equipment, including respirators, and the medical supervision of exposed workers are recommended. OSHA permissible exposure level: 5mg/m³. (74662)

CIS 00-335 2,4-D. (Spanish: 2,4-D) Noticias de seguridad, Feb. 2000, Vol.62, No.2, insert 4p. (In Spanish)

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2,4-D is a herbicide. It is absorbed through the skin, causes eye irritation and can induce polyneuritis. Recommendations include the use of eye and respiratory protection, as well as the medical supervision of exposed workers. OSHA permissible exposure level: 10mg/m³. (74663)

CIS 00-336 Demeton (R). (Spanish: Demetón (R)) Noticias de seguridad, Feb. 2000, Vol.62, No.2, insert 4p. (In Spanish)

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Demeton is an insecticide. It is a cholinesterase inhibitor. Inhalation first causes effects on the eyes (blurred vision, running eyes, pain) and respiratory symptoms, followed by gastrointestinal effects. Effects can be immediate or delayed. Dermal absorption induces sweating and dermatitis. Overexposure can affect the central nervous system and the heart. Recommendations include the use of eye and respiratory protection, as well as the medical supervision of exposed workers. OSHA permissible exposure level: 0.1mg/m³. (74664)

CIS 00-337 Ethyl acrylate. (Spanish: Acrilato de etilo) Noticias de seguridad, Mar. 2000, Vol.62, No.3, insert 4p. (In Spanish)

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Ethyl acrylate vapours cause irritation of the eyes and of the respiratory tract. The use of personal protective equipment, including respirators, and the medical supervision of exposed workers are recommended. OSHA permissible exposure level: 100mg/m³. (74666)

CIS 00-338 Tellurium and compounds (as tellurium). (Spanish: Telurio y compuestos (como telurio)) Noticias de seguridad, Mar. 2000, Vol.62, No.3, insert 5p. (In Spanish)

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Tellurium and its compounds induce a smell similar to that of garlic to the breath and the sweat, a metal taste sensation, sleepiness, loss of appetite and nausea. Tellurium dioxide can give rise to squamous skin lesions. The use of personal protective equipment, including respirators, and the medical supervision of exposed workers are recommended. OSHA permissible exposure level: 0.1mg/m³. (74667)

CIS 00-339 Tetrahydrofuran. (Spanish: Tetrahidrofurano) Noticias de seguridad, Apr. 2000, Vol.62, No.4, insert 4p. (In Spanish)

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Tetrahydrofuran is an anaesthetic agent. It causes eye and respiratory tract irritation and can induce headache, nausea, vertigo and skin irritation. The use of personal protective equipment, including respirators, and the medical supervision of exposed workers are recommended. OSHA permissible exposure level: 590mg/m³. (74668)

CIS 00-340 Strychnine. (Spanish: Estricnina) Noticias de seguridad, Apr. 2000, Vol.62, No.4. insert 4p. (In Spanish)

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Strychnine is a potent convulsant which can cause anoxia and cyanosis. Mean lethal dose for humans is 100 to 120mg. The use of personal protective equipment, including respirators, and the medical supervision of exposed workers are recommended. OSHA permissible exposure level: 0.15mg/m³. (74670)

CIS 00-341 International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSC) - Spanish edition. (Spanish: Fichas internacionales de seguridad química) Instituto Nacional de Seguridad e Higiene en el Trabajo, Centro Nacional de Condiciones de Trabajo, Dulcet 2-10, 08034 Barcelona, Spain, 1999. 5th vol. 400p. Index (28p.)., ISBN 84-7425-535-X (In Spanish)

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This compendium includes the fourth and fifth volumes of the Spanish translation of the International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs). It contains 400 cards (first and second volumes - see CIS 93-1091; third volume - see CIS 95-1587). ICSCs summarize essential health and safety information on chemicals using a pre-selected set of standard phrases. ICSC sections include: chemical identification (name in Spanish; CAS, RTECS and ICSC numbers; synonyms; chemical formula; molecular weight); health and safety hazards; first aid; spillage and disposal; storage; packaging; labelling and transport; summary of important data (including exposure limits); physical properties; environmental data. There are indices by Spanish name and CAS number, and there is a cumulative index of the five Spanish volumes. (74761)

CIS 00-342 2-(2-Butoxyethoxy)ethyl acetate. (Spanish: Acetato de 2-(2-butoxietoxi)etilo) Instituto Nacional de Seguridad e Higiene en el Trabajo, Ediciones y Publicaciones, c/Torrelaguna 73, 28027 Madrid, Spain, 1991. 2p. (In Spanish)

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Spanish version of IPCS ICSC 0789. International Chemical Safety Card. Short-term exposure effects: irritation of the skin and eyes; nephrotoxic effects; possible hepatotoxic effects; extended exposure may cause unconsciousness. (74762)

CIS 00-343 Acetophenone. (Spanish: Acetofenona) Instituto Nacional de Seguridad e Higiene en el Trabajo, Ediciones y Publicaciones, c/Torrelaguna 73, 28027 Madrid, Spain, 1991. 2p. Illus. (In Spanish)

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Spanish version of IPCS ICSC 1156. International Chemical Safety Card. Short-term exposure effects: eye irritation; effects on the central nervous system; exposure to high concentrations may cause unconsciousness. Long-term exposure effects: dryness of the skin. Threshold limit value: 10ppm. (74763)

CIS 00-344 Amino-3,5,6-trichloropyridin-2 carboxylic acid. (Spanish: Acido amino-3,5,6-tricloropiridina-2-carboxílico) Instituto Nacional de Seguridad e Higiene en el Trabajo, Ediciones y Publicaciones, c/Torrelaguna 73, 28027 Madrid, Spain, 1991. 2p. (In Spanish)

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Spanish version of IPCS ICSC 1246. International Chemical Safety Card. Short-term exposure effects: irritation of the skin, eyes and respiratory tract. Long-term exposure effects: may cause liver damage. Threshold limit value: 10mg/m³. (74764)

CIS 00-345 Stearic acid (pure). (Spanish: Acido esteárico (puro)) Instituto Nacional de Seguridad e Higiene en el Trabajo, Ediciones y Publicaciones, c/Torrelaguna 73, 28027 Madrid, Spain, 1991. 2p. (In Spanish)

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Spanish version of IPCS ICSC 0568. International Chemical Safety Card. Short-term exposure effects: inhalation of dusts may cause chemical pneumonitis. Threshold limit value: 10mg/m³ (stearates). (74765)

CIS 00-346 Phenylarsonic acid. (Spanish: Acido fenilarsónico) Instituto Nacional de Seguridad e Higiene en el Trabajo, Ediciones y Publicaciones, c/Torrelaguna 73, 28027 Madrid, Spain, 1991. 2p. Illus. (In Spanish)

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Spanish version of IPCS ICSC 0223. International Chemical Safety Card. Systemic symptoms of arsenic poisoning may appear after a few hours. Symptoms of acute poisoning by inhalation: abdominal pain, headache, vomiting, diarrhoea, vertigo, confusion, loss of muscular coordination, paralysis. Systemic symptoms of arsenic poisoning may appear after a few hours. Symptoms of acute poisoning by ingestion: swallowing difficulty; abdominal pain, headache, vomiting, diarrhoea, vertigo, confusion,loss of muscular coordination, paralysis. (74766)

CIS 00-347 Fluoroacetic acid. (Spanish: Acido fluoroacético) Instituto Nacional de Seguridad e Higiene en el Trabajo, Ediciones y Publicaciones, c/Torrelaguna 73, 28027 Madrid, Spain, 1991. 2p. Illus. (In Spanish)

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Spanish version of IPCS ICSC 0274. International Chemical Safety Card. Short-term exposure effects: corrosive for skin, eyes and respiratory tract; may cause effects on cardiovascular system, central nervous system and kidney leading to functional impairment, including heat and kidney failure. Exposure may cause death; effects may be delayed. Threshold limit value: 0.05mg/m³ (sodium fluoroacetate, skin). (74767)

CIS 00-348 Fumaric acid. (Spanish: Acido fumárico) Instituto Nacional de Seguridad e Higiene en el Trabajo, Ediciones y Publicaciones, c/Torrelaguna 73, 28027 Madrid, Spain, 1991. 2p. Illus. (In Spanish)

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Spanish version of IPCS ICSC 1173. International Chemical Safety Card. Short-term exposure effects: irritation of the skin, eyes and respiratory tract. (74768)

CIS 00-349 Heptanoic acid. (Spanish: Acido heptanoico) Instituto Nacional de Seguridad e Higiene en el Trabajo, Ediciones y Publicaciones, c/Torrelaguna 73, 28027 Madrid, Spain, 1991. 2p. Illus. (In Spanish)

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Spanish version of IPCS ICSC 1179. International Chemical Safety Card. Short-term exposure effects: corrosive for the skin, eyes and respiratory tract; chemical burns; pulmonary oedema; effects may be delayed. Long-term exposure effects: experiments on animals show that heptanoic acid may induce congenital malformations in newborns. (74769)

CIS 00-350 Hexafluorosilicic acid. (Spanish: Acido hexafluorosilícico) Instituto Nacional de Seguridad e Higiene en el Trabajo, Ediciones y Publicaciones, c/Torrelaguna 73, 28027 Madrid, Spain, 1991. 2p. Illus. (In Spanish)

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Spanish version of IPCS ICSC 1233. International Chemical Safety Card. Short-term exposure effects: corrosive for the skin, eyes and respiratory tract as well as by ingestion; inhalation may cause pulmonary oedema; effects may be delayed. Long-term exposure effects: skeletal and dental fluorosis. Threshold limit value: 2.5mg/m³ (as fluorine). (74770)

CIS 00-351 Flame retardants: Tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate, tris(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate and tetrakis(hydroxymethyl) phosphonium salts. van Esch G.J., International Programme on Chemical Safety (IPCS), World Health Organization, Distribution and Sales Service, 1211 Genève 27, Switzerland, 2000. xix, 130p. Illus. 193 ref. Price: CHF 30.00 (CHF 21.00 in developing countries)., ISBN 92-4-157218-3 (In English)

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Tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate (TBEP) is used in floor polishes and as a plasticizer in rubber and plastics; it can cause slight skin irritation. Tris(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate (TEHP) is used as flame retardant, plasticizer or solvent; no skin irritation was reported in a study on volunteers. Tetrakis(hydroxymethyl)phosphonium salts are used as flame retardants for cotton, cellulose and cellulose-blend fabrics; treated fabrics do not cause skin irritation in humans. Summaries in French and in Spanish. (74731)

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CIS 00-352 Getting to grips with manual handling - A short guide for employers. Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, Apr. 1999. 15p. Illus. 5 ref. (In English)

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This booklet aimed at managers of small enterprises explains the problems associated with manual handling and sets best practice approaches to dealing with it. Main topics covered: employer's duties (avoid the need for hazardous manual handling, assess and reduce the risk of injury); mechanical aids; appropriate training and information; good handling techniques; general guidelines for injury risk assessment. (74785)

CIS 00-353 Trade union actions to promote environmentally sustainable development. Bureau for Workers' Activities (ILO), International Labour Office, Bureau for Workers' Activities, 4 route des Morillons, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, 1999. vi, 56p. Illus. 26 ref. (In English)

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Report on various projects of trade unions in different countries and areas to effect change on environmental issues: introducing occupational health, safety and environment committees in Eritrea; development of environmental awareness in Korea; mine-related environmental disaster in the Philippines; creation of a trade union partnership for environmental protection in India; reforestation project in Ghana; environmental management in three firms in the Philippines; export processing zones in Southern Africa; fight for clean water in an Indian community; safe use of pesticides in Guatemala. (74781)

CIS 00-354 Think about office health and safety - The employee's guide. Engineering Employers' Federation (EEF), Safety & Environment Department of the EEF, Sales Department, EEF, Broadway House, Tothill Street, London SW1H 9NQ, United Kingdom, 1998. 31p. Illus. Price: EEF members: GBP 1.20 per copy; non-members: GBP 1.50 per copy., ISBN 0-901700-63-0 (In English)

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This guide aimed at office employees is a reminder of basic safety and health practices at the workplace. Topics covered: moving around safely; ergonomics and posture; equipment (VDUs, photocopiers, cutting equipment); electrical hazards; fire prevention; contractors and lone workers; hazardous substances; comfort of working environment; stress; smoking, alcohol and substance abuse; improving lifestyle; first aid. (74722)

CIS 00-355 ISA 2000: The system for occupational health and safety management. Seaver M., O'Mahoney L., Gower Publishing Limited, Gower House, Croft Road, Aldershot, Hampshire GU11 3RH, United Kingdom, Jan. 2000. 2 binders (Vol.1: xx, 254p., Vol.2: v, 234 p.). Illus. Index. Price: GBP 250.00., ISBN 0-566-08254-3 (In English)

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This manual in two volumes contains guidance on how to use the International Safety Audit (ISA) 2000 as an effective means of managing occupational safety and health. Volume 1 includes the mandatory elements of ISA 2000 which have been selected to provide management controls against the general hazards encountered in all workplaces, large or small, reflecting minimum compliance with fundamental safety law. Volume 2 contains the supplementary elements which may be necessary or desirable for many companies on account of legal requirements or particular circumstances. The training system, built up from 233 individual elements, gives practical advice and provides samples of procedures, forms and checklists for an audit. (74720)

CIS 00-356 Think about safety - An employee's guide to safety at work. Engineering Employers' Federation (EEF), Safety & Environment Department of the EEF, Customer Services Department, EEF, Broadway House, Tothill Street, London SW1H 9NQ, United Kingdom, 3rd ed., 1998. 31p. Illus. Price: EEF members GBP: 1.20 per copy, min. order 10 copies; non-members: GBP 1.50 per copy., ISBN 0-901700-77-0 (In English)

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This guide aimed at employees is a reminder of basic safety practices at work. Topics covered: safety signs; moving around safely; safe use of ladders; stacking materials; work at height; in-site transport; hand tools; manual handling; safe work with machinery; electrical hazards; hazardous substances; optical hazards; lone working; working in confined spaces; fire prevention; personal protective equipment; first aid; alcohol and substance abuse. (74721)

CIS 00-357 Publications on health, safety and the environment. Engineering Employers' Federation (EEF), Safety & Environment Department of the EEF, Sales Department, EEF, Broadway House, Tothill Street, London SW1H 9NQ, United Kingdom, no date. 3p. Illus. (In English)

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Catalogue of Engineering Employers' Federation (EEF) publications on health, safety and the environment, which include guidance for employers (risk assessment, legislation, working with contractors) and practical advice booklets for employees. (74726)

CIS 00-358 Think about health - An employee's guide to occupational health. Engineering Employers' Federation (EEF), Safety & Environment Department of the EEF, Customer Services Department, EEF, Broadway House, Tothill Street, London SW1H 9NQ, United Kingdom, 4th ed., 1999. 31p. Illus. Price: EEF members GBP 1.20 per copy, min. order 10 copies; non-members: GBP 1.50 per copy., ISBN 0-901700-92-4 (In English)

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This guide aimed at employees is a reminder of the main health hazards they encounter at work. Topics covered: handling harmful substances; respiratory diseases; skin diseases; noise and vibration; radiations; movement, posture and repetitive work; health surveillance; personal protective equipment; stress; smoking, alcohol and substance abuse; improving lifestyle. (74725)

CIS 00-359 Vessel safety manual. Hughes L.J., ed., North Pacific Fishing Vessel Owners' Association, 1900 West Emerson Street, Suite 101, Fishermen's Terminal, Seattle WA 98119, USA, 4th (revised) ed., May 1997. Binder (iv, 289p.). Illus. (In English)

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Safety manual developed from experience in the North Pacific and the Bering Sea. Topics addressed include: vessel familiarity; seamanship and its terminology; working conditions; vessel systems; stability; medical emergencies at sea; fire prevention and control; safety equipment and survival procedures; Coast Guard procedures; navigation; watchkeeping; rules of the road; common vessel safety concerns. Intended for shipboard consultation and training, the manual outlines responsibilities and accident causes in an industry known for its special hazards. (74719)

CIS 00-360 Natural stone sector - Prevention manual. (Portuguese: Sector das pedras naturais - Manual de prevenção) Pereira S., Guerreiro H., Leitão A., Instituto de Desenvolvimento e Inspecção das Condições de Trabalho (IDICT), Lisboa, Portugal, 2nd ed., Nov. 1999. 255p. Illus. 34 ref., ISBN 972-8321-22-8 (In Portuguese)

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This manual presents a risk analysis of quarrying and stonemasonry and the prevention measures to be implemented in these industries. Various risks are identified (mechanical, electrical, chemical, thermal hazards, respirable dusts, vibration, noise) and evaluated with respect to their effects on exposed workers. A distinction is made between generic risks affecting all workers and specific risks associated with specific tasks. Preventive measures (signalling, personal protective equipment, training and information) are defined for each of the various risks. Maps of quarrying and stonemasonry units which have already implemented some of these measures are presented. Includes a glossary and a survey of Portuguese legislation. (74634)

CIS 00-361 Safety, health and welfare on construction sites - A training manual. Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency, 34-4 Gusandong Bupyong-ku, Inchon 403-711, Republic of Korea, 1999. 139p. Illus. (In Korean)

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Korean translation of a training manual originally published in English (CIS 95-473) and aimed essentially at readers in developing countries. Contents: safety organization and management; site planning and layout; excavations; scaffolding; ladders; hazardous processes (roof work, steel erection, work over water, demolition, confined spaces, piling); vehicles; movement of materials; working positions, tools and equipment; working environment (hazardous substances, noise and vibration, exposure to heat and cold); personal protective equipment; welfare facilities. (74782)

CIS 00-362 Vehicle repair: Safe work in vehicle inspection pits. (Portuguese: Reparação automóvel: segurança no trabalho em fossas de visita) Ribeiro V.R., Instituto de Desenvolvimento e Inspecção das Condições de Trabalho (IDICT), Lisboa, Portugal, Dec. 1999. 39p. Illus. 4 ref., ISBN 972-8321-31-7 (In Portuguese)

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Service pits are used for the inspection, maintenance and repair of vehicles. This booklet describes hazards related to these operations (falls of persons, intoxication due to exhaust gazes, explosions and fires, musculoskeletal diseases induced by work posture, electrocution), personal protective equipment required (head, hand, face, eye and ear protection, antislip boots or shoes, particulate removing respirators) and the main signalling required. (74633)

CIS 00-363 New and expectant mothers at work: A guide for employers. Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 1994. iv, 40p. Illus. 14 ref. Price: GBP 6.25., ISBN 0-7176-0826-3 (In English)

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This guidance describes the risks to new and expectant mothers and advises employers on what they need to do to comply with the law. Workplace has to be assessed for risks and alternatives to night work must be considered. A table of workplace hazards, their risks, the way to avoid them and other applicable legislation is provided. (74727)

CIS 00-364 Action against child labour. Haspels N., Jankanish M., eds., ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, 2000. xv, 334p. Illus. Bib.ref. Price: CHF 50.00., ISBN 92-2-110868-6 (In English)

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This book, designed to assist governments, employers' and workers' organizations, NGOs and all those who wish to contribute to the elimination of child labour, addresses the strategies, instruments, methodologies and information to plan and carry out effective action against child labour. It highlights particular kinds of exploitation, such as child slavery, and suggests strategies for preventing and eliminating them. (74783)

CIS 00-365 To be safe, it is best to read. (Portuguese: Para bem viver, o melhor é ler) Instituto de Desenvolvimento e Inspecção das Condições de Trabalho (IDICT), Lisboa, Portugal, no date. 4p. Illus. (In Portuguese)

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This leaflet explains the importance of reading labels and safety data sheets when handling chemicals, and the type of information they supply. The main pictograms used in them are also shown and explained. (74631)

CIS 00-366 Safety. (French: Sécurité; German: Sicherheit; Italian: Sicurezza) MSA (Suisse) SA, Allmendingenweg 11, 3073 Gümlingen, Switzerland, no date. 98p. (binder). Illus. (In English, French, German, Italian)

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Catalogue of a commercial supplier of personal protective equipment, with the main emphasis on respiratory protective equipment, but also including chemical protection overalls, protective gloves, safety helmets, eyeshades and goggles and hearing protection, as well as gas detection equipment, air sampling equipment and combined extinction and ventilation devices. (74730)

CIS 00-367 Think about the environment - An employee's guide to environmental protection. Engineering Employers' Federation (EEF), Safety & Environment Department of the EEF, Customer Services Department, EEF, Broadway House, Tothill Street, London SW1H 9NQ, United Kingdom, 3rd ed., 1997. 31p. Illus. Price: EEF members: GBP 1.20 per copy, min. order 10 copies; non-members: GBP 1.50 per copy., ISBN 0-901700-50-9 (In English)

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This guide outlines some of the main environmental issues and suggests how employees can act positively to protect the environment. Main topics covered: prevention of emissions, leaks and spillages; waste minimization; reduction in the consumption of energy, cleaning materials (solvents), office materials (paper) and water; reuse (bottles, paper, pallets); recycling; responsible waste handling and disposal. (74724)

CIS 00-368 Think about fire - An employee's guide to fire safety. Engineering Employers' Federation (EEF), Safety & Environment Department of the EEF, Sales Department, EEF, Broadway House, Tothill Street, London SW1H 9NQ, United Kingdom, 1997. 23p. Illus. Price: EEF members: GBP 0.90 per copy, min. order 10 copies; non-members: GBP 1.20 per copy., ISBN 0-901700-48-7 (In English)

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This guide aimed at employees is a reminder of basic fire safety principles. It provides information on how to prevent fires and on protective measures to be taken when a fire starts. A description of the various types of portable fire extinguishers is provided. (74723)

CIS 00-369 Electrical safety in arc welding. Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 2000, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, Dec. 1999. iv, 20p. Illus. 24 ref. Price: GBP 5.25., ISBN 0-7176-0704-6 (In English)

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This guidance note deals with the installation, use and maintenance of hand-held electric welding equipment. It identifies risks that can arise when using this equipment equipment (electrical shocks, burns, fires) and advises on safety precautions to minimize these risks. Different methods of earthing are described. (74728)

CIS 00-370 Manual handling solutions in woodworking. Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, Mar. 2000. 12p. Illus. 9 ref. (In English)

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In the woodworking industry, manual handling causes approximately 30% of the work-related injuries each year. This guidance note gives practical solutions to manual handling problems in this sector. Topics covered include: handling timber treatment kegs; workbench height; handling of tooling; handling round timber, panels, planks; movement of assembled furniture and joinery; use of pneumatic nailing guns; inspection of pallets; feeding timber into roof-truss saws. (74741)

CIS 00-371 Manual for paramedics on HIV/AIDS. Society for Participatory Research in Asia, 42 Tughlakabad Institutional Area, New Delhi, India, 1999. 30p. Illus. (In English)

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This booklet aimed at paramedicals, patients and people dealing with HIV/AIDS patients provides practical information about safe behaviour and protective measures. Main topics covered: basic facts; how to protect oneself from AIDS; misconceptions about AIDS; precautions to be taken by health care workers (personal protective equipment, hygiene of the hands, management of body fluids, waste disposal). (74784)

CIS 00-372 Safety and health when working with VDUs. (Portuguese: Segurança e saúde no trabalho com equipamentos dotados de visor) Instituto de Desenvolvimento e Inspecção das Condições de Trabalho (IDICT), Lisboa, Portugal, no date. 4p. Illus. (In Portuguese)

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This leaflet provides information on the design of ergonomic workplaces for VDU users. Main topics covered: layout of the room, blinds, curtains, lighting, table height, position of the chair, footrest, keyboard, screen and clipboard, vision angle. (74632)

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CIS 00-373 Differences in the use of health care facilities and patterns of general risk factors in farmers with and without occupational health care programs. Thelin A., Stiernström E.L., Holmberg S., International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health, July-Sep. 1999, Vol.5, No.3, p.170-176. 30 ref. (In English)

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To investigate whether differences in the use of health care facilities and the distribution of risk factors were related to the accessibility of occupational health services, 912 farmers with or without health care programs were studied. Information was collected from nine different localities in rural areas, using questionnaires, standardized interviews, physical examinations and blood tests. Few differences were found in the use of general health care facilities between the groups. Those affiliated with occupational health services generally had more medical visits, but also had fewer diagnoses of cardiac disease. Known risk factors were more frequent in the group without occupational health services. The work of occupational health care services and the farmers' interest in health questions appeared to be significantly related to the way risk factors were distributed. (74562)

CIS 00-374 Nonfatal logging-related injuries in West Virginia. Helmkamp J.C., Derk S.J., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Nov. 1999, Vol.41, No.11, p.967-972. Illus. 23 ref. (In English)

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A survey was conducted via mail among certified loggers in the state of West Virginia (USA) to determine the number of nonfatal, logging-related injuries received during the past 12 months that required medical attention or restricted job ability. Loggers were asked to describe injuries, safety training and protective equipment use. Thirty percent (546/1,816) responded to the survey and 9% (42/481) of those directly involved in logging operations reported injuries. Leading cause of injury was being struck by a falling tree or branch (29%), leading body parts injured were the leg/knee/hip (31%) and the most common type of injury was bruising (43%). Seventy-six percent of the injured sought medical treatment. A majority reported using some type of protective equipment including hard hats, safety shoes and goggles. (74527)

CIS 00-375 Empirical investigation of construction safety management activities and performance in Australia. Mohamed S., Safety Science, Dec. 1999, Vol.33, No.3, p.129-142. Illus. 21 ref. (In English)

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The effectiveness of safety management activities conducted by construction contractors was investigated in the state of Queensland (Australia). A safety management survey was carried out in the state and a safety management index (SMI) reflecting the level of safety performance, based on statistical analysis techniques, was developed to provide a means whereby individual companies can be assessed and graded on their safety management commitment and attitudes. Only 25% of the companies surveyed rated their safety officers as excellent. (74531)

CIS 00-376 Analysis of 541 cases of occupational acute chemical injuries in a large petrochemical company in China. Xia Z.L., Jin S.X, Zhou Y.L., Zhu J.L., Jin F.S., Hu D.L., Fu H., Jin T.Y., Christiani D.C., International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health, Oct.-Dec. 1999, Vol.5, No.4, p.262-266. 9 ref. (In English)

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Acute chemical intoxications in a large petrochemical company with 38,000 employees located near Shanghai, China, were analysed to determine the chemicals involved and incident cause. 350 incidents of acute chemical intoxication were recorded between 1977 and 1997, including a total of 541 workers with symptoms; 275 severe cases necessitated hospital admission. Main health problems were chemical irritation or inhalation responses (49.2%) and mild chemical poisoning (39.7%). Some severe cases, including 8 deaths, were recorded. The main causes of injury were lack of safety training (63%) and equipment failure (23%). The chemicals involved were asphyxiating gases (55.8%), irritating gases (20.5%) and other toxins. (74534)

CIS 00-377 Safe operation as a social construct. Rochlin G.I., Ergonomics, Nov. 1999, Vol.42, No.11, p.1549-1560. 44 ref. (In English)

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Empirical studies of organizations that manage complex, potentially hazardous technical operations with a surprisingly low rate of serious incidents show that operational safety is more than the management or avoidance of risk or error. Operational safety is not capturable as a set of rules or procedures. Safety is an ongoing intersubjective construct not readily measured in terms of common descriptors such as safety culture, structures and functions that fail to fully account for collective in addition to individual agency. The maintenance of safe operation is an interactive, dynamic and communicative act, particularly vulnerable to disruption or distortion by well-meant but imperfectly informed intervention. (74500)

CIS 00-378 Analysis of past incidents in the oil, chemical and petrochemical industries. Duguid I.M., Loss Prevention News, Oct.-Dec. 1999, Vol.21, No.4, p.9-13. (In English)

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Useful information can be drawn from past incidents and disasters. 500 incidents have been analysed with respect to frequencies, initial causes and responsibility. The largest category involving 10% of the incidents is runaway chemical reaction. Among other incident causes: corrosion and erosion (8%), modifications made to equipment or operating mode (8%), failing to meet the design specifications(7%), failure of safety instrumentation (6%), vibration (6%), uncontrolled releases (5%). (74537)

CIS 00-379 Special pages: Internal emergency plan. (French: Dossier: Plan d'opération interne) Iparraguirre J.F., Rogard J., Dosne R., Face au risque, Sep. 1998, No.345, p.9-25. Illus. 3 ref. (In French)

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Topics: case study; chemical industry; dangerous substances; emergency organization; fire drills; fire exit drills; first-aid organization; food industry; France; legislation; major hazards; organization; petroleum refining; plant safety organization; toxic substances. (74623)

CIS 00-380 Example of a safety manual for employees - 1st part. (Spanish: Un modelo de manual de seguridad para el empleado - 1ra parte) Noticias de seguridad, Mar. 2000, Vol.62, No.3, p.4-10; 33-34. Illus. (In Spanish)

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This article is the first part of the internal safety rules of a building contractor which all employees are required to follow. The responsibilities of supervisors are specified, as well as the procedures to be followed, in particular those involving the use of mobile ladders and gas cylinders, welding equipment, lifting of loads with cranes and manually, falls on the level and from heights, cleaning and the use of elevators. (2nd part: see CIS 00-381). (74665)

CIS 00-381 Example of a safety manual for employees - 2nd part. (Spanish: Un modelo de manual de seguridad para el empleado - 2a parte) Noticias de seguridad, Apr. 2000, Vol.62, No.4, p.30-33;40-43. Illus. (In Spanish)

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This is the second part of the internal safety rules of a building contractor which all employees are required to follow. (1st part, see CIS 00-380). It deals more specifically with the actions that should be undertaken in the event of occupational injuries or diseases, penalties applicable in cases of violation of the safety rules, information and training of workers involved in dangerous work, hazardous materials (safety data sheets, risks, respiratory protection), rules to be followed when working in confined spaces (record keeping, communication with the outside), emergency procedures as well as the principles of fairness and mutual respect that are to be applied within the organization. (74669)

CIS 00-382 Occupational medicine in Morocco. Laraqui C.H., Caubet A., Harourate K., Laraqui S., Belamallem I., Verger C., International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health, Oct.-Dec. 1999, Vol.5, No.4, p.316-322. Illus. 12 ref. (In English)

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Interest in occupational medicine is quite recent in Morocco. Only 24% of companies with more than 50 employees have occupational services, and firms employing less than 50 workers and accounting for 80% of the workforce are not subject to the law on occupational health services and inspections. The authors make proposals to develop medical inspections, improve the status of occupational physicians and establish a National Institute of Occupational Safety and Heath in Morocco. (74536)

CIS 00-383 Occupational health services in Kenya. Kiama N.M., African Newsletter on Occupational Health and Safety, Sep. 1998, Vol.8, No.2, p.52-53. Illus. (In English)

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Topics: developing countries; Kenya; legal aspects; occupational hygiene; plant health services; public OSH institutions; responsibilities of employers; role of medical labour inspection. (74560)

CIS 00-384 Health risk of unemployment. Ungváry G., Morvai V., Nagy I., Central European Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 1999, Vol.5, No.2, p.91-112. Illus. 81 ref. (In English)

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As a result of the political and economic changes of the last decade, unemployment in Hungary has grown from practically zero to around half a million, or close to 10% of the workforce. The impact of unemployment on health is examined, mostly on the basis of published literature from other developed counties. Despite the limited availability of published statistics, it is concluded that the pattern of health damage caused by unemployment in Hungary is largely similar to that observed in developed industrialized counties, with a few specific differences such as mycosal skin diseases related to poor hygienic conditions. (74566)

CIS 00-385 Occupational accidents: We are improving even if we do not see it. (Spanish: Accidentalidad laboral: Mejoramos aunque no lo parezca) Castejón Vilella E., Prevención, trabajo y salud, 2000, No.5, p.4-10. Illus. 6 ref. (In Spanish)

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This article analyses the statistics of occupational accidents in Spain. The year 1999 having witnessed the highest level of accidents since 1977, the author attempts to explain the reasons. In order to assess the quality of occupational accident prevention in a country, one should not only take into account the rate of accident occurrences, but also the economic cycle, in other words GDP variations. Labour turnover is also an important factor that interferes with the proper safety training of workers. (74618)

CIS 00-386 Inexcusable error on the part of the employer. (French: La faute inexcusable de l'employeur) Ferreira M., Travail et sécurité, Feb. 2000, No.593, p.20-21. (In French)

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In France, social security legislation makes provision for compensating victims of occupational accidents or diseases with a fixed allowance without their having to prove the employers' responsibility. On the other hand, applying this principle precludes the victim from suing the employer for liability. However, social security law includes an exception to this principle and provides for the possibility for the victim to claim additional compensation when the incident is due to an "inexcusable error" on the part of the employer. The reasoning is that in these cases, the accident is not the consequence of occupational risks inherent to the activity, but exclusively due to an error on the part of the employer. The article defines the concept of "inexcusable error" and outlines the steps needed to obtain this additional compensation. (74759)

CIS 00-387 Workplace health and safety deregulation in South Australia. Purse K., JIR - The Journal of Industrial Relations, Sep. 1999, Vol.41, No.3, p.468-484. 39 ref. (In English)

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In July 1998, the South Australian government released a Discussion Paper concerning the future of occupational health and safety regulation in South Australia. In examining the paradigm shift proposed in the Discussion Paper, this paper highlights the importance of workplace health and safety as public policy issues in Australia and seeks to locate the Discussion Paper within the broader context of deregulatory changes in the administration of occupational health and safety legislation that have occurred in recent years. It identifies several fundamental flaws in the proposals put forward for change and suggests that the major problem with the regulation of occupational health and safety in South Australia is the failure to effectively administer the legislation. The paper also advances a number of proposals designed to achieve greater compliance with the legislation. It concludes that the major proposals contained in the Discussion Paper are unlikely to find widespread practical expression. (74774)

CIS 00-388 Economic consequences of workplace injuries and illnesses: Lost earnings and benefit adequacy. Boden L.I., Galizzi M., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Nov. 1999, Vol.36, No.5, p.487-503. Illus. 19 ref. (In English)

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In a study based on individual data to estimate earnings lost from virtually all reported workplace injuries and illnesses, lost earnings from workplace injuries and illnesses occurring in Wisconsin in 1989-1990 were estimated using workers' compensation data and 6 years of unemployment insurance wage data. Regression techniques were used to estimate losses relative to a comparison group. The average present value of losses projected 10 years past the observed period is over USD 8,000 per injury. Women lose a greater portion of their pre-injury earnings than do men. Replacement of after-tax projected losses averages 64% for men and 30% for women. Overall, workers with compensated injuries and illnesses experienced discounted pre-tax losses projected to total over USD 530,000,000 (1994 dollars), with about 60% of after-tax losses replaced by workers' compensation. Generally, groups losing over eight weeks' work received workers' compensation benefits covering less than 40% of their losses. (74503)

CIS 00-389 Changing inequality in work injuries and work timing. Hamermesh D.S., Monthly Labor Review, Oct. 1999, Vol.122, No.10, p.22-30. Illus. Bibl.ref. (In English)

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This paper analyses the changes in the distribution of work timing and injury incidence in the U.S. working population since 1973. The burdens of working at undesirable times, during evenings and at night, and the risk of occupational injury have increasingly been borne by lower-wage workers. Inequality in earnings has also widened. (74533)

CIS 00-390 Health and safety at the workplace in Nigeria: Problems and prospects. Asuzu M.C., African Newsletter on Occupational Health and Safety, Sep. 1998, Vol.8, No.2, p.48-50. 11 ref. (In English)

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Topics: developing countries; fire fighting; information of personnel; large enterprises; legislation; medical examinations; Nigeria; occupational medicine; plant safety and health organization; public OSH institutions; small enterprises; training course; workmen's compensation. (74559)

CIS 00-391 The role of GPs in the workers compensation system. Wood G., Ying F., Morrison D., Munrowd D., Journal of Occupational Health and Safety - Australia and New Zealand, Aug. 1999, Vol.15, No.4, p.311-324. Illus. 17 ref. (In English)

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The aim of the study was to analyse the role of general practitioners (GPs) in the state of Western Australia in facilitating the return to work of injured workers. It was based on a linked sample of 95 GPs and 2,548 workers' compensation claims involving patients who had been treated by these GPs. This linked sample was used to investigate the relationship between GPs' interventions and attitudes and the return-to-work outcomes of their patients. The main finding is that GPs who are "proactive" in their relationship with employers are associated with higher successful return-to-work outcomes. This evidence confirms the hypothesis that GPs who engage in both medical treatment services and workplace-based services will be more successful in returning long-term work injury patients to employment. (74567)

CIS 00-392 Risk factors, indicators and markers in occupational risk prevention. (Spanish: Factores, indicadores y marcadores de riesgo en prevención laboral) Niño Escalante J., Mapfre seguridad, 1st Quarter 2000, Vol.20, No.77, p.31-45. Illus. (In Spanish)

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A methodology for risk assessment based on risk factors, markers and indicators including risk identification, evaluation and control is presented. It is applicable to all technical fields. Risk factors are determined by the type of work and working conditions. Risk indicators are parameters of the accident susceptibility and risk markers are objective elements to estimate risk factors derived from practical working situations. Five examples of risk assessment and control measures are given (hazards: silicosis, traffic accidents, efforts when handling loads, postural overstrain, occupational stress). (74640)

CIS 00-393 Bernardino Ramazzini and "La medicina del lavoro". (Italian: Bernardino Ramazzini e "La medicina del lavoro") Zocchetti C., Foà V., Medicina del lavoro, Jan.-Feb. 2000, Vol.91, No.1, p.3-13. 35 ref. (In Italian)

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Three hundred years after the first edition of Ramazzini's work, this paper reviews all articles on the work of the great Master of Carpi published during the 20th century in the ninety volumes of "La Medicina del Lavoro". Since the first issue of the journal in 1901, many authors have submitted papers which revisited and commented on the work of Ramazzini, but only Luigi Devoto was capable of fully understanding the methodology introduced by Ramazzini, which he listed in ten fundamental actions. Considering that Ramazzini had been practically ignored for two centuries, it was decided to consider the Devoto period as the "true Ramazzini era". Although a comparison between the diseases described by Ramazzini and those of today is of no practical use, a tribute to Ramazzini is due in recognition of his contribution to the birth and development of occupational medicine. It is also necessary to reinterpret his methods in light of the possibilities that exist today, whereby his efforts can be further broadened. (74641)

CIS 00-394 Changes in workers' compensation during 1999. Whittington G., Monthly Labor Review, Jan. 2000, Vol.123, No.1, p.20-26. (In English)

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This article highlights the main changes in workers' compensation in the United States having come into effect during the year 1999, and describes these changes for each of 32 states. Several states extended the coverage to volunteer workers. Seven states increased the maximum allowances for burial payments. Compensation of workers whose accidents were caused by alcohol or drug consumption was also revised. (74654)

CIS 00-395 Working conditions in health care centres. (Spanish: Condiciones de trabajo en centros sanitarios) Hernández Calleja A., Guardino Solá X., eds., Instituto Nacional de Seguridad e Higiene en el Trabajo, c/Torrelaguna 73, 28027 Madrid, Spain, 2000. 529p. Illus. 194 ref., ISBN 84-7425-546-5 (In Spanish)

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This publication consists of a compilation of theoretical and practical knowledge concerning the prevention of occupational diseases and accidents in health care centres. Main topics: occupational health and safety organization; exposure to chemicals; anaesthetic gases; ethylene oxide (sterilization); cytostatic agents; disinfectants; ionizing and non-ionizing radiation; biological agents; nosocomial (hospital-based) infections; waste management; ergonomics; physical workload; psychosocial factors (stress, shift work or night work); electrical hazards; fire protection; emergency plans; occupational medicine (medical surveillance, organization of first aid services). (74611)

CIS 00-396 Accident prevention manual for business and industry - Security management. Lack R.W., ed., National Safety Council, 1121 Spring Lake Drive, Itasca IL 60143-3201, USA, 1997. xxii, 487p. Illus. Bibl.ref. Index. Price: USD 100.00., ISBN 0-87912-198-X (In English)

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A desk reference manual on security management in the United States in seven parts. Contents: overview with historical perspectives and comments on future trends; administration, which outlines the principles and procedures concerned with the administration of an effective security management system; security and the law, covering legal aspects; physical security standards: designing a secure and safe work place; security management systems, concerned with the human element; crisis management, covering needs for security emergencies; special topics: airports, health care, public buildings, international security management, espionage, terrorism and civil unrest. (74711)

CIS 00-397 The Nepal Occupational Safety and Health Information Network - Profiles of Nepalese agencies, institutions and organizations involved in occupational safety and health. Vaidya S.N., ILO/FINNIDA Asian-Pacific Regional Programme on Occupational Safety and Health, Ministry of Labour, Departement of Labour, Adwait Marg, Bagh Bazar, P.O. Box 6515, Kathmandu, Nepal, 2nd ed., Oct. 1997. 60p. (In English)

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Topics: directory; labour inspection; national organization; Nepal; private OSH institutions; public OSH institutions; safety and health institutions. (74696)

CIS 00-398 Sri Lanka Occupational Safety and Health Information Network (SLOSHIN) - Profiles of agencies, institutions and organizations involved in occupational safety and health in Sri Lanka. ILO/FINNIDA Asian-Pacific Regional Programme on Occupational Safety and Health, Sri Lanka Occupational Safety and Health Information Network (SLOSHIN), Division of Occupational Hygiene, 97 Jawatta Road, Colombo 05, Sri Lanka, 2nd ed., Nov. 1997. 108p. (In English)

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Topics: directory; labour inspection; national organization; private OSH institutions; public OSH institutions; safety and health institutions; Sri Lanka. (74697)

CIS 00-399 ILO/ARLAC Southern Africa subregional tripartite seminar on occupational safety and health. African Regional Labour Centre (ARLAC), ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Geneva 22, Switzerland, no date. 127p. (In English)

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Topics: Botswana; conditions of work; conference; construction industry; environment; ILO; labour inspection; legal aspects; Lesotho; Malawi; manufacturing industries; Mauritius; mining industry; Namibia; notification of occupational accidents; occupational accidents; occupational diseases; occupational safety and health; role of employers organizations; role of workers organizations; safety and health campaigns; safety and health training; Seychelles; South Africa; Swaziland; Tanzania, United Rep. of; welfare facilities; Zambia. (74698)

CIS 00-400 Annual report 1998 - Department of Industrial Health (Singapore). Department of Industrial Health, Ministry of Manpower, 18 Havelock Road, Singapore 059764, Republic of Singapore, 1998. 68p. (In English)

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Topics: accident investigation; harmful substances; health programmes; legislation; medical supervision; occupational accidents; occupational diseases; penalties; public OSH institutions; report of activities; role of labour inspection; safety and health training; Singapore; statistics. (74700)

CIS 00-401 Social security pensions: Development and reform. Gillion C., Turner J., Bailey C., Latulippe D., eds., ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, 2000. xxv, 769p. Illus. Approx. 500 ref. Index. Price: CHF 120.00., ISBN 92-2-110859-7 (In English)

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This book provides an overview of the history, current state and future developments of social security pensions. Pension schemes, invalidity and social benefits, their financing and administration are discussed. Needs for the 21st century include extending these benefits to all people in developing countries and tackling the problems in developed countries. Regional briefs for different parts of the world and technical briefs covering specific topics are presented. Numerous statistical tables are included. (74704)

CIS 00-402 Proceedings - ILO-DGFASLI National Workshop on Safety, Health and Environment for Workers' Representatives. International Labour Organization (ILO), International Labour Organization, South Asia Multidisciplinary Advisory Team (SAAT), Theatre Court, 3rd Floor, India Habitat Centre, Lodi Road, New Delhi 110 003, India, Dec. 1999. 36p. Illus. (In English)

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This publication contains summaries of the presentations made at a workshop held in Mumbai, India, 21-25 June 1999, on health and safety problems at work under the conditions of rapid industrialization and environmental deterioration in India today. It stresses the double role of trade unions: to be social partners in economic development and, at the same time, a driving force for safety, health and environment promotion at the workplace. The workshop addressed legal rights, inspection methodology, hazard identification, safety and accident prevention, welfare measures and awareness of ILO guidelines for occupational safety and health and the environment. (74706)

CIS 00-403 Management of health and safety at work - Approved Code of Practice and Guidance. Health and Safety Commission, HSE Books, P.O.Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2nd ed., 2000. vi, 48p. 18 ref. Price: GBP 8.00., ISBN 0-7176-2488-9 (In English)

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This publication gives practical guidance with respect to provisions of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (United Kingdom). It explains the regulations applicable for risk assessment, principles of prevention, health and safety planning, organization and control, health surveillance, procedures for serious and imminent danger and danger areas, external services, temporary workers, expectant mothers and young persons, and employers' liability. (74707)

CIS 00-404 Guidelines on improving the physical fitness of employees. Kelly F., World Health Organization, Distribution and Sales Service,1211 Genève 27, Switzerland, 2000. iv, 70p. 48 ref. (In English)

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These health guidelines are published as part of WHO's European Health21 policy framework. Lack of physical activity is a major public health problem even though the benefits of regular exercise are well known. This document describes the rationale for keeping active and the major steps to be undertaken at the workplace toward a wider involvement of staff and staff families in physical activity. It presents the benefits to employers and gives examples of successful programmes in various enterprises. Ten steps covering all aspects of a workplace health programme devoted to physical activity are described in detail, followed by advice on the design of such a programme. (74702)

CIS 00-405 Technical guide for occupational safety and health signs according to the provisions of Royal Decree 485/1997, of 14 April. (Spanish: Guía técnica: Señalización de seguridad y salud en el trabajo - Real Decreto 485/1997, de 14 de abril) Instituto Nacional de Seguridad e Higiene en el Trabajo, c/Torrelaguna 73, 28027 Madrid, Spain, 2000. 40p. Illus. 14 ref., ISBN 84-7425-558-9 (In Spanish)

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Comments on the provisions of Royal Decree 485/1997 (CIS 97-1066) concerning the minimum dispositions required in terms of occupational safety and health signs at the workplace. Topics include: definitions; overall responsibilities of employers; criteria for the use of signs; obligations in the areas of training and information; consultation and participation of employees; appendices (minimum general requirements for safety and health signs; standardized safety colours; safety panels; visual and acoustic signalling; verbal signalling; body gesture signalling; minimum general requirements for signs concerning specific risks); questionnaire for the evaluation and the prevention of risks. (74620)

CIS 00-406 LEMT 1.0 - Electronic book of the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs [Colombia]. (Spanish: LEMT 1.0 - Libro Electrónico del Ministerio de Trabajo y Seguridad Social) Ministerio de Trabajo y Seguridad Social, Santafé de Bogotá, Colombia, 1997-1998, CD-ROM for Windows 95 or NT. (In Spanish)

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CD-ROM on the system of occupational safety and health in Colombia. Contains: the Constitution of Colombia (1991); Labour Codes; Law No.100 of 1993 and regulatory decrees; the general system of occupational hazards in Colombia; constitutional judgments in the field until 1997; relevant ILO conventions. (74635)

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CIS 00-407 Upper extremity disorders related and unrelated to the use of vibrating tools. (French: Pathologies du membre supérieur liées et non liées à l'utilisation de machines vibrantes) Piette A., Cock N., Malchaire J., Médecine du travail & Ergonomie / Arbeidsgezondheitszorg & Ergonomie, 1999, Vol.36, No.1, p.11-24. approx. 160 ref. (In French)

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The prevalence of musculoskeletal and neurological disorders has been increasing over the last 30 years. Important research into two major kinds of these disorders has been conducted: musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) due to repetitive work on one hand and disorders developed by workers exposed to hand-arm vibration (HAV) on the other. Studies into MSDs of the upper limbs have mostly been undertaken since 1980. These concern muscle or tendon disorders (inflammations) and nervous compressions, the most frequent being carpal tunnel syndrome. Studies into HAV syndrome are older, mostly conducted during the 1970s. These disorders can be circulatory, sensitive, motor or musculoskeletal. The article presents a state of the art review about these disorders linked or not to the use of vibrating tools, in describing the main pathologies, the main risk factors, and finally the situation in Belgium. (74626)

CIS 00-408 Liver damage among shoe repairers. Tomei F., Giuntoli P., Biagi M., Baccolo T.P., Tomao E., Rosati M.V., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Nov. 1999, Vol.36, No.5, p.541-547. Illus. 32 ref. (In English)

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33 shoe repairers working in supermarkets using glues containing potentially hepatotoxic solvents were identified and compared to a control group of 61 non-exposed workers. Participants completed a questionnaire designed to identify risk factors and non-occupational confounding factors for hepatotoxicity. Common laboratory tests were conducted to check whether they were useful markers of hepatotoxicity caused by exposure to solvents, and to select tests for screening campaigns. Exposed workers had a higher prevalence of elevated mean alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), conjugated bilirubin, and alkaline phosphatase (AP) and a ratio of ALT to AST greater than 1, with a mean of 1.5. Findings suggest that there is the possibility of liver involvement among even asymptomatic shoe repairers, and that periodic liver screening may be useful; furthermore use of these tests (especially the ratio of ALT to AST) for craftsmen who are exposed to solvents is advisable even when environmental monitoring indicates levels below the threshold limit values. (74507)

CIS 00-409 Occupational dermatoses among laboratory assistants. Jolanki R., Estlander T., Kanerva L., Contact Dermatitis, Mar. 1999, Vol.40, No.3, p.166-168. 20 ref. (In English)

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Data on occupational dermatoses among laboratory workers in Finland during 1990-1996 are analysed and the principal causes are identified. (74520)

CIS 00-410 Ischemic heart disease mortality and occupation among 16- to 60-year-old males. Calvert G.M., Merling J.W., Burnett C.A., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Nov. 1999, Vol.41, No.11, p.960-966. 43 ref. (In English)

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Using the National Occupational Mortality Surveillance system, proportionate mortality ratio (PMR) analyses were used to examine the association between occupation and ischaemic heart disease among 16- to 60-year-old males in the United States. Data from 1982-1992 were collected from 27 states. Separate analyses were conducted for blue-collar and white-collar occupations. Among the blue-collar occupations with the highest PMRs for ischaemic heart disease mortality were sheriffs, correctional institution officers, policemen, fire-fighters and machine operators. Physicians (blacks only) and clergy (both races) were among the white-collar occupations with the highest PMRs for ischaemic heart disease. Although more study is needed, consideration should be given to the targeting of high-PMR occupations, with improvement in work organization to reduce occupational stress and promotion of healthy lifestyles through cardiovascular disease prevention programmes. (74526)

CIS 00-411 Work-related musculoskeletal complaints in sonologists. Magnavita N., Bevilacqua L., Mirk P., Fileni A., Castellino N., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Nov. 1999, Vol.41, No.11, p.981-988. 34 ref. (In English)

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The purpose of the study was to evaluate musculoskeletal complaints of the hand, the wrist, the neck and the back in physicians who operate sonography equipment. A questionnaire was distributed among physician sonographers in Italy. The relationship between work habits and musculoskeletal complaints was analyzed by regression models adjusted for sex, age and duration of work with ultrasound. A total of 2,041 physician sonographers completed the questionnaire. It was found that a large proportion of the subjects regularly had work-related complaints, such as neck and back pain (NBP) (18.5%) or hand and wrist cumulative trauma disorder (HWD) (5.3%). Poor transducer design was the best predictor of HWD, whereas a comfortable chair and correct position of the body was protection against the onset of NBP. These results provide evidence for the role of ergonomic factors in the pathogenesis of both NBP and HWD in sonographers. (74528)

CIS 00-412 The effect of male occupational exposure in infertile couples in Norway. Irgens Å., Krüger K., Ulstein M., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Dec. 1999, Vol.41, No.12, p.1116-1120. 25 ref. (In English)

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The objective of the study was to assess whether reduced semen quality in male workers is associated with occupational exposures known to be hazardous to fertility. Results of semen analysis in 365 men investigated for infertility were linked to occupational exposure data from a self-administered questionnaire. Reduced semen quality was found in men exposed to electromagnetic fields. A tendency toward reduced semen quality was seen in commuters, shift workers and men exposed to heavy metals. In general, the impact of occupational exposure on semen quality in male workers in Norway seemed to be minor. However, the lack of significant results may be explained by the small number of responses and further investigations would be necessary. (74546)

CIS 00-413 Malignant mesothelioma in Israel, 1961-1992. Iscovich J., Fischbein A., Witt-Kushner J., Ginsberg G., Richter E., Tulchinsky T., International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health, July-Sep. 1999, Vol.5, No.3, p.157-163. Illus. 21 ref. (In English)

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The incidence and distribution of malignant mesothelioma in Israel from 1961 to 1992 were analysed. The study concentrated on 223 patients who developed mesothelioma during this period and a cohort of 3,057 male asbestos-cement workers. The annual incidence rates of malignant mesothelioma in Jewish men ranged between 2.5 per million between 1961 and 1982 and 4.6 per million in 1985-92. Women accounted for 37.6% of all cases, after exclusion of the cohort of asbestos workers. Of the 223 cases, 202 had no indication of direct occupational exposure to asbestos. In Jewish women, the incidence of malignant mesothelioma did not increase after 1961. The mean age at diagnosis in all cases was lowest in the Israeli-born. High levels of asbestos exposure in the 1970s and the relatively early age of onset of the disease indicate that exposure began at a younger age in Israel than in European countries. Asbestos manufacture and use peaked in Israel during the mid-1970s, so that the maximum impact of these trends has yet to be seen. (74561)

CIS 00-414 Semicircular lipoatrophy: 18 cases in the same company. Senecal S., Victor V., Choudat D., Hornez-Davin S., Conso F., Contact Dermatitis, Feb. 2000, Vol.42, No.2, p.101-102. 13 ref. (In English)

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Four cases of semicircular lipoatrophy having been reported, 58 employees of a telecommunication networking company were examined. 18 desk workers had subcutaneous depression, mostly bilateral. The position of the lesions on the thighs was different for each person, but it was observed that the height of the depression on the leg measured from the floor, plus the height of the shoe heel, was constant and at the same height as the desks (70cm). It is assumed that depression is due to repeated mechanical microtrauma. (74576)

CIS 00-415 Association between tinea manuum and male manual workers. Smith H.R., Holloway D., Armstrong D.K.B., Whittam L., White I.R., Rycroft R.J.G., McFadden J.P., Contact Dermatitis, Jan. 2000, Vol.42, No.1, p.45. 3 ref. (In English)

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In order to test the hypothesis that tinea manuum (fungal infection of the hands) predominantly occurs in manual workers, a statistical analysis of 23,264 patients (41% male) with hand dermatitis previously patch tested was carried out showing that 48% performed work with a significant manual component. During the same period 52 patients (47 male) showed tinea manuum. 42 (39 male) were in work with a significant manual component. The five most common occupations in this population were: car mechanic, machine operator, gas/electricity worker, chemical process worker and farm worker. Manual workers develop hyperkeratosis of the skin, which provides an enhanced environment for keratinophyllic dermatophytes. The female population was too small to allow analysis. (74579)

CIS 00-416 Cardiovascular risk factors in the Spanish working population. (Spanish: Factores de riesgo cardiovascular en la población laboral española) de la Iglesia Huerta A., ed., Prevención, trabajo y salud, 2000, No.5, p.11-23. Illus. 26 ref. (In Spanish)

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The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors within the Spanish working population and to establish the cardiovascular risk profile. The study included 1573 employed persons (65.5% male) in seven provinces. Among the risk factors considered: excess body mass or obesity; smoking habits; alcohol consumption; arterial hypertension; blood lipids (total cholesterol, tri-glycerids, HDL cholesterol), glycaemia and uric acid; ECG alterations. Geographical differences were observed, linked to different habits with respect to smoking and alcohol consumption. The results show that 47.6% of the Spanish working population present cardiovascular risks, of whom 25.6% are at a significantly high level. (74619)

CIS 00-417 Occupational cancer 20 years after "The causes of cancer" by Doll and Peto. (Italian: Tumori et lavoro: a 20 anni da "The causes of cancer" di Doll e Peto) Cocco P., Medicina del lavoro, Jan.-Feb. 2000, Vol.91, No.1, p.14-23. Illus. 14 ref. (In Italian)

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This article reviews the progress made during the last 20 years in the field of occupational cancer. Experimental studies have provided a strong support for this progress, but substantial contributions have also been made as a result of the increase in the number of studies of occupational cancer epidemiology, the establishment and use of large databases, the increasing tendency to design multicentric epidemiological studies, and the constant improvement of retrospective exposure assessment methods with the aid of more sophisticated job-exposure matrices and the use of biomarkers. However, in spite of the attention that recent Italian legislation has devoted to the problem of occupational cancer, a gap between scientific research and the practice of occupational health persists in Italy. Future studies will need to integrate multidisciplinary contributions from clinicians, toxicologists, epidemiologists and industrial hygienists. (74642)

CIS 00-418 Prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome in female workers performing complex operations with upper limbs. (Italian: Prevalenza di sindrome del tunnel carpale in lavoratrici che effettuano operazioni complesse con gli arti superiori) Lucchini R., Fazioli R., Cortesi I., Alessio L., Medicina del lavoro, Jan.-Feb. 2000, Vol.91, No.1, p.24-31. Illus. 17 ref. (In Italian)

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In 50 female workers employed in the assembly of metal and plastic products, a high prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) was found (16 cases, 32%, 5 of whom had already undergone surgical treatment). The subjects with positive diagnosis of CTS also had a longer occupational exposure to repetitive movements compared to the other subjects. Among the subjects with this disorder, the length of exposure was also significantly associated with the reported symptoms and the extension threshold measured on the second finger of the dominant hand. Ergonomic assessment of the assembly lines revealed high frequency repetitive movements together with the application of force, with insufficient rest intervals. (74643)

CIS 00-419 Mortality study of employees of a railway rolling stock factory. (Italian: Studio sulla mortalità degli addetti di un'azienda di produzione di rotabili ferroviari) Seniori Constantini A., Innocenti A., Ciapini C., Silvestri S., Merler E., Medicina del lavoro, Jan.-Feb. 2000, Vol.91, No.1, p.32-45. 13 ref. (In Italian)

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A study was carried out on the mortality of employees of a factory making railway rolling stock in which crocidolite was used to insulate the coaches in the 1960s and 1970s. 3,741 employees who had worked in the factory between 1960 and 1995 were included in the study, with the main aim of investigating cancer mortality in these subjects. Nine cases of mesothelioma were known in this factory before starting the study. The follow-up was performed from 1960 to 1996. The SMRs for lung cancer and mesothelioma in 2,737 blue-collar workers were 1.23 and 6.50, respectively, based on Italian national rates. The excesses were mainly found among subjects who had worked before 1970 with duration of employment exceeding 20 years. (74644)

CIS 00-420 Surveillance of potential associations between occupations and causes of death in Canada, 1965-91. Aronson K.J., Howe G.R., Carpenter M., Fair M.E., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Apr. 1999, Vol.56, No.4, p.265-269. 20 ref. (In English)

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An occupational surveillance system was established consisting of a cohort of 457 224 men and 242,196 women employed between 1965 and 1971, constituting about 10% of the labour force in Canada during that period. Mortality between 1965 and 1991 was determined by computerized record linkage with the Canadian mortality database. Through regression analysis, associations between 670 occupations and 70 specific causes of death were evaluated. There were almost 116,000 deaths among men and over 26,800 deaths among women. About 28,000 comparisons were made between occupations and specific causes of death. With various reporting criteria, several potentially significant relationships were noted, including: infectious disease mortality among barbers and hairdressers; laryngeal cancer among male metal fitters and assemblers; lung cancer among female waiters; breast cancer among female metal fitters and assemblers; brain cancer among female nursing assistants and male painters; and ischaemic heart disease among female inspectors and foremen and among male taxi drivers and chauffeurs. (74683)

CIS 00-421 Prediction of respiratory distress during maximal physical exercise: The role of trait anxiety. Wilson J.R., Raven P.B., Morgan W.P., American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal, July-Aug. 1999, Vol.60, No.4, p.512-517. 21 ref. (In English)

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Industrial respirators offer protection for men and women who are required to work in toxic or oxygen-deficient environments. The purpose of this investigation was to confirm an earlier finding, using a simplified protocol that an individual's tendency to experience respiratory distress during exercise can be predicted. In the present experiment, an independent sample of 38 subjects underwent a maximal exercise test. It was predicted that subjects with elevated trait anxiety scores would experience respiratory distress when required to perform heavy physical exercise using a full-facepiece, air-line supplied, pressure-demand respirator. The prediction of respiratory distress was accurate in 34 of 38 cases (89.5%). It was concluded that an objective measure of trait anxiety can be used to identify those individuals who are most likely to experience distress while performing maximal physical exercise and using a pressure-demand respirator. (74554)

CIS 00-422 Characteristics of coronary heart disease in Japanese taxi drivers as determined by coronary angiographic analyses. Kurosaka K., Daida H., Muto T., Watanabe Y., Kawai S., Yamaguchi H., Industrial Health, Jan. 2000, Vol.38, No.1, p.15-23. Illus. 52 ref. (In English)

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This study investigates the relationships between taxi driving and severity of coronary heart disease (CHD). The coronary angiograms of 57 male taxi driver patients were analyzed and compared with those of 215 age-adjusted male controls. The number of diseased vessels and risk factors were compared between two groups. The prevalence of myocardial infarction and multi-vessel disease was higher in the taxi-driver patients than in the controls. The taxi-driver patients had higher levels of LDL-cholesterol and body mass index (BMI) and higher prevalence diabetes, smoking, and lower levels of apolipoprotein AI. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that multi-vessel disease was associated with high BMI and diabetes mellitus in taxi-driver patients. These characteristics may be explained in part by their working environment. (74521)

CIS 00-423 A meta-analysis of risk estimates for prostate cancer related to tire and rubber manufacturing operations. Stewart R.E., Dennis L.K., Dawson D.V., Resnick M.I., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Dec. 1999, Vol.41, No.12, p.1079-1084. 46 ref. (In English)

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A meta-analysis of nine cohort studies that used standard mortality ratios and of three case-control studies that used odds ratios was conducted to investigate the association between prostate cancer and exposure to tyre and rubber manufacturing environments. The pooled results from the cohort studies showed a standard mortality ratio of 101, whereas the pooled results from the case-control studies showed an odds ratio of 1.10. The overall risk estimate from all 12 studies was 1.03. The conclusion of this meta-analysis was that work exposure in a rubber and tyre manufacturing environment does not result in an increased risk of prostate cancer. (74545)

CIS 00-424 Diagnosis and treatment of occupational diseases: Integrating clinical practice with prevention. Herbert R., London M., Nagin D., Beckett W., eds., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Jan. 2000, Vol.37, No.1, p.1-157 (whole issue). Illus. Bibl.ref. (In English)

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Collection of reviews on major issues of occupational medicine and prevention, initially developed to assist occupational physicians in conducting diagnostic evaluations and treatment of various occupational diseases. Main topics covered: asbestos-related diseases; lead exposure in construction workers; solvent-related disorders; work-related carpal tunnel syndrome; musculoskeletal disorders ; evaluation and management of low-back disorders; noise-induced hearing loss; work-related asthma; medical evaluation for respirator use. (74510)

CIS 00-425 Prevention of occupational asthma including medical surveillance. Baur X., Stahlkopf H., Merget R., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Dec. 1998, Vol.34, No.6, p.632-639. 57 ref. (In English)

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Based on new scientific data on dose-response relationships and on ethical considerations, proposals are made for the medical surveillance of occupational asthma within the framework of secondary prevention. It is proposed that medical surveillance programmes be mandatory for workplaces and occupations with an asthma incidence of more than twice that of the general population. Medical surveillance programmes are recommended if asthma frequency is high but below 200%. A stepwise approach for monitoring workers at risk for developing occupational asthma is presented, including a screening by questionnaire and a personal interview and diagnosis confirmation. The management of affected workers is also briefly discussed. (74518)

CIS 00-426 Special pages: Genetic testing - Eugenics at the workplace, or the improper use of scientific progress (Press conference of 22 January 1998). (French: Dossier: Tests génétiques - Eugénisme au travail: ou de l'usage impropre du progrès scientifique (Conférence de presse du 22 janvier 1998)) Médecine et travail, Sep. 1998, No. 177, p.15-45. Illus. 9 ref. (In French)

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Topics: conference; discriminatory practices; employee rights; ethics; France; genetic screening; individual susceptibility; industrial physicians; legislation; occupational medicine; social aspects; UNESCO. (74621)

CIS 00-427 Support groups for injured workers: Process and outcomes. Mignone J., Guidotti T.L., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Dec. 1999, Vol.41, No.12, p.1059-1064. 9 ref. (In English)

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The study examined the impact of support groups in Edmonton (Alberta, Canada) on injured workers with musculoskeletal injuries in relation to four health indicators: pain, somatization, depression and ability to control pain. Nine support groups involving 62 subjects were held over a period of one and a half years. It was found that participation in the support groups did not affect the well-being of injured workers by reducing their levels of pain, somatization and depression, or by improving their ability to control pain. The results do not necessarily rule out the possibility of other beneficial effects of participating in support groups. (74544)

CIS 00-428 Diseases associated with high altitude. (Spanish: Patología en la altura) Oficina de Comunicaciones y RR.PP. de CENTROMIN PERÚ S.A., Peru, [1997] . 254p. Illus. Bibl.ref. (In Spanish)

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This publication contains a collection of studies performed in the general hospital of Chúlec, Peru, situated at an altitude of 3,730 meters, on a series of diseases associated with high altitude. These studies are classified under the following headings: paediatrics, general medicine, surgery, gynaecology and obstetrics, and occupational medicine. In the latter, studies were performed on acoustic trauma, auditory fatigue and prevalence of occupational deafness, assessment of the visual function of metal miners and levels of arsenic poisoning of exposed workers in a metallurgy plant. (74636)

CIS 00-429 Report: Activities of programme on elimination of silicosis in Vietnam. Ministry of Health, Department of Medicine, Hanoi, Vietnam, 1999. 81p. (In English, Vietnamese)

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Topics: silica; diagnosis; dust control; exposure evaluation; health service records; ILO; legislation; limitation of exposure; medical supervision; occupational diseases; report; respirable dust; safety and health propaganda; safety and health training; silicosis; Vietnam D.R. (74699)

CIS 00-430 Occupational medicine in Europe: Scope and competencies. MacDonald E., Baranski B., Wilford J., eds., World Health Organization, Distribution and Sales Service, 1211 Genève 27, Switzerland, 2000. iv, 84p. 83 ref. (In English)

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Document from a WHO workshop, held 27-28 May 1999 in Bilthoven, Netherlands, presenting the role, function and competencies of occupational physicians in Europe, modified as a result of new legislation and policies in occupational and public health in the European Union and other European countries. The new model of occupational health practice integrates various occupational health professions and other specialists involved in preventive activities into multidisciplinary preventive services capable of detecting and controlling occupational, non-occupational and environmental health risks. Training requirements for specialists are discussed. (74703)

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CIS 00-431 Spontaneous abortion in the British semiconductor industry: An HSE investigation. Elliott R.C., Jones J.R., McElvenny D.M., Pennington M.J., Northage C., Clegg T.A., Clarke S.D., Hodgson J.T., Osman J., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Nov. 1999, Vol.36, No.5, p.557-572; 584-585; 586. Illus. Bibl.ref. (In English)

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Following reports from the USA which suggested an association between risk of spontaneous abortion (SAB) and work in fabrication rooms and/or exposure to ethylene glycol ethers, the United Kingdom Health and Safety Executive (HSE) conducted a case-control study to examine the risk of SAB in British female semiconductor industry workers. 2,207 women who had worked at eight manufacturing sites during a 5-year retrospective time frame participated in the study. The overall SAB rate in the industry was 10.0% (65 SABs/651 pregnancies). The crude odds ratio (OR) for fabrication work was 0.65. This was essentially unchanged after adjustment for a range of potential confounding factors in the first three months of pregnancy and was reduced to 0.58 after adjustment for smoking in the previous 12 months. There were no statistically significantly elevated ORs for any work group or any specific chemical or physical exposure in the industry. There is no evidence of an increased risk of SAB in the British semiconductor industry. Reactions to this article included two letters to the editor contesting the validity of the conclusions of the study. (74509)

CIS 00-432 The prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints among women in Tijuana, Mexico: Sociodemographic and occupational risk factors. Harlow S.D., Cedillo Becerril L.A., Scholten J.N., Sánchez Monroy D., Sánchez R.A., International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health, Oct.-Dec. 1999, Vol.5, No.4, p.267-275. 31 ref. (In English)

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466 women, aged 18-40, living near Tijuana, Mexico, were interviewed about sociodemographic characteristics, work and reproductive history, and musculoskeletal complaints. 29.87% reported experiencing aches or pain in the low back, 38.3% in the upper back, 26.4% in the neck/shoulders, 18.2% in the hand/wrist and 28.3% in the legs in the preceding year. Both sociodemographic and occupational factors were associated with these complaints. Very low education, having substandard housing, being the head of household and being a migrant were each associated with an increased prevalence of one or more musculoskeletal complaints. Compared with women who had not worked, those working in maquiladora factories had 40-90% higher risks of upper back, neck/shoulder and hand/wrist pain. Compared with other working women, maquiladora women workers had 20% higher risks of low-back, upper back and neck/shoulder complaints. (74535)

CIS 00-433 An analysis of occupational homicides involving workers 19 years old or younger. Janicak C.A., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Dec. 1999, Vol.41, No.12, p.1140-1145. Illus. 14 ref. (In English)

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The purpose of the study was to determine if young adult workers in the United States have an increased risk of being the victim of an occupational homicide. Proportionate mortality ratios were used to identify the industries in which workers aged 19 and under were experiencing significantly higher proportion of fatalities due to violence. Relative risks were calculated to determine if, based on the number of person-years of exposure, workers aged 19 and under had a significantly greater relative risk for being a victim of an occupational homicide. Results indicate that workers of this age group employed in retail trade are at higher risk than their counterparts in other industries. (74547)

CIS 00-434 Health and safety issues in hog production: A review of the literature. Tripp R.S., Olson D.K., Shutske J., Schermann M., Journal of Agromedicine, 1999, Vol.6, No.2, p.3-23. 63 ref. (In English)

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The industrialization of pork production is a gradual process. While operators are focussed increasingly on production which is efficient and of high quality, they must also be aware of the potential costs to their employees. The use of confinement facilities exposes workers to health and safety risks, which in turn may increase operating costs through increased health care and insurance expenses. Respiratory problems in hog confinement workers as well as exposure to toxic gases and physical injuries related to the handling of and the caring for livestock are well documented. In order to protect their employees, employers need to know about these risks, their impact on the operation and the methods of preventing injuries and illnesses. As the number of employees increases, operators also become subject to OSH regulations. (74501)

CIS 00-435 A cross-sectional case control study of work-related injuries among Ohio farmers. Crawford J.M., Wilkins J.R., Mitchell G.L., Moeschberger M.L., Bean T.L., Jones L.A., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Dec. 1998, Vol.34, No.6, p.588-599. 42 ref. (In English)

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In a study of 90 agricultural workers injured during farm work in the previous 12 months, the overall rate of injury was 5 per 100 person-years. The most notable result was the relationship between self-reported neurotoxic symptoms and injury, suggesting that those with more reported symptoms were at greater risk of injury. Risk was inversely related to age. Results show marked increases in risk of injury associated with farmers less than 30 years of age and an increased severity of self-reported neurological symptoms. (74514)

CIS 00-436 Risk taking and accident frequency among Finnish forestry workers. Salminen S., Klen B., Ojanen K., Safety Science, Dec. 1999, Vol.33, No.3, p.143-153. Illus. 49 ref. (In English)

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The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between risk taking and accident frequency among Finnish forestry workers. Risk taking was measured on a questionnaire with 25 items addressed to 228 forestry workers. The accident frequency was calculated based on both company-recorded and self-reported accidents. There were no significant relationships between risk taking and accident frequency. Age and work experience were not significantly related to risk taking and accident frequency. Of the personality traits of the forestry workers, impulsiveness and neuroticism correlated significantly with risk taking but not with accident frequency. (74532)

CIS 00-437 Fatal injuries in the United States construction industry involving cranes 1984-1994. Suruda A., Liu D., Egger M., Lillquist D., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Dec. 1999, Vol.41, No.12, p.1052-1058. 18 ref. (In English)

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Fatal injuries involving cranes were reviewed using records from OSHA investigations from 1984 to 1994. 502 deaths in 479 incidents involving cranes in the construction industry were identified. Electrocution was the largest category, with 198 deaths (39%) reported. Other major categories were assembly and dismantling (12%), boom buckling (8%), crane upset and overturn (7%), and rigging failure (7%). The majority of the deaths during assembly and dismantling involved removal of the boom pins from lattice boom cranes. Only 34% of the construction firms employing the fatally-injured workers had ever been inspected by OSHA. (74543)

CIS 00-438 The role of external occupational safety and health services on construction sites. (Spanish: El papel de los servicios de prevención ajenos, en relación con las obras de construcción) Sánchez Iglesias Á.L., Mapfre seguridad, 1st Quarter 2000, Vol.20, No.77, p.3-15. Illus. (In Spanish)

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This article aims to examine the pecularities and specificities of preventive action in construction work which make it impossible to apply similar or identical organization and risk assessment systems to those of the general rules intended for other fields. It also analyses internal problems of construction firms, and it examines the role of Mutual Accidents Funds and other accredited bodies set up as external prevention services. (74637)

CIS 00-439 Epidemiological response to a suspected excess of cancer among a group of workers exposed to multiple radiological and chemical hazards. Baysson H., Laurier D., Tirmarche M., Valenty M., Giraud J.M., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Mar. 2000, Vol.57, No.3, p.188-194. Illus. 18 ref. (In English)

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To investigate suspicions of an excess of cancer among workers of the metallurgy department at a French nuclear fuels plant, a cohort of 356 workers who had worked at the metallurgy department for at least one year between 1950 and 1968 was studied and followed up to 31 December 1990. Occupational exposures were determined retrospectively for each year from 1950 to 1990 and three types of occupational tasks identified: handling of chemicals, radionuclides and external radiation. Standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) were calculated to estimate the risk of death, and the existence of an association between risk of cancer and each of the three taskswas tested. The number of deaths from all causes and from all cancers were 44 and 21, respectively. No excess of cancer deaths was found for the study period (SMR 0.77). The results do not confirm the workers' impression of an excess of cancer. However, the duration of work at some tasks that involved handling chemicals may be significantly related to an increased risk of cancer. (74659)

CIS 00-440 Laying optical fibre cables - Occupational risks. (Spanish: Instalación de cables de fibra óptica - Riesgos laborales) Toca Santamaría L.C., Prevención, Jan.-Mar. 2000, No.151, p.18-25. Illus. (In Spanish)

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The risks inherent to the various tasks involving optical fibre cables are described, as well as the corresponding safety measures: laying of cables in underground tunnels; handling and preparation of cables; testing of installations. While working in cable tunnels, it is important to be able to detect toxic or explosive gases and to use appropriate signalling of the work site. The handling and assembly of cables requires the wearing of insulating gloves, protective masks and safety spectacles. When carrying out measurements on the installations, one must take care to avoid having one's eyes in the optical path of the fibres. (74615)

CIS 00-441 Incidence of cancer among commercial airline pilots. Rafnsson V., Hrafnkelsson J., Tulinius H., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Mar. 2000, Vol.57, No.3, p.175-179. 38 ref. (In English)

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To describe the cancer pattern among Icelandic commercial pilots, a cohort of 458 pilots was studied, with emphasis on the subcohort working for an airline operating on international routes. The standardized incidence ratio (SIR) for all cancers was 0.97 in the total cohort and 1.16 among those operating on international routes. The SIR for malignant melanoma of the skin was 10.2 in the total cohort and 15.63 in the restricted cohort. Analyses according to number of block-hours flown and radiation dose showed that SIRs for malignant melanomas in the subgroups with highest exposure estimates were 13.04 and 28.57, respectively; it was 25.00 among those who had been flying over five time zones. It is not clear what role exposure of cosmic radiation, numbers of block-hours flown or lifestyle factors (such as possible excessive sunbathing) play in the aetiology of cancer among pilots. The excess of malignant melanoma among those flying long routes suggests that the possible effect of circadian rhythms should be considered in future studies. (74658)

CIS 00-442 Fish processing work: The impact of two sex dependent exposure profiles on musculoskeletal health. Norlander C., Ohlsson K., Balogh I., Rylander L., Pålsson B., Skerfving S., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Apr. 1999, Vol.56, No.4, p.256-264. Illus. 31 ref. (In English)

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To evaluate the impact of work tasks, physical exposure and psychosocial factors on the risk of musculoskeletal disorders in men and women, in a defined industrial setting, 116 male and 206 female fish industry workers were compared with 129 men and 208 women with more varied work. Physical and psychosocial work load as well as musculoskeletal complaints were recorded by a questionnaire. A physical examination was performed and an observation method was used for work evaluation. Despite superficially similar work, there were clear sex differences in physical exposure and the psychosocial work environment. Work in the fish-processing industry was associated with a high risk of neck and upper limb disorders in women, which was probably mainly due to their extremely repetitive work tasks; their male counterparts had less repetitive work and fewer disorders. Also, a healthy worker effect on neck and upper limb disorders was found. The advantage of a physical examination compared with a questionnaire is clearly shown. (74682)

CIS 00-443 Adolescent occupational injuries in fast food restaurants: An examination of the problem from a national perspective. Hendricks K.J., Layne L.A., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Dec. 1999, Vol.41, No.12, p.1146-1153. Illus. 31 ref. (In English)

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Work injuries to adolescents are most prevalent in the retail trades industry, with a large portion occurring in eating and drinking establishments. Data for nonfatal injuries to adolescents, ages 14 through 17, injured while working in fast food restaurants in the United States between 1992 and 1994 were examined. There were an estimated 27,997 adolescent injuries in fast food restaurants during this period. The injury rate for eating and drinking establishments in the 15 through 17 age group was higher than for all other industries combined. This study identifies the fast food industry as the source of a large proportion of occupational injuries to adolescents, and indicates that task-specific risk factors seem to be strongly related to sex. (74548)

CIS 00-444 Being a hairdresser in year 2000 in a hairdressing salon in Ile-de-France. (French: Etre coiffeur en l'an 2000 dans un salon d'Ile-de-France) Boscher D., Cazali N., Ciochetti-Daulny J., Lothore M.D., Özkan-Rabret E., Triau S., Serayet J., Cahiers de médecine interprofessionnelle, 2000, Vol.40 No.1, p.9-18. Illus. 22 ref. (In French)

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Based on questionnaire and literature surveys, this article investigates current features of the hairdresser job in the Ile-de-France region (Paris area). Hairdressing shops are described and personal experiences of employees are analysed. Hairdressers' complaints are compared to diseases observed by occupational physicians. The layout of the salon and work organization are designed primarily to satisfy the clients' comfort. Hairdressers are mostly young women working in small teams and doing several jobs. Leg and back pain are the most common complaints. Physical, chemical and mental strains are moderate but cumulative. Hairdressers rarely become severly ill due to occupational disease, but when this does happen, they must usually change their occupation. (74647)

CIS 00-445 Job study: Stagehand. (French: Etude du poste de machiniste de théâtre) Lacombe A.M., Cahiers de médecine interprofessionnelle, 2000, Vol.40 No.1, p.19-24. 5 ref. (In French)

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The job of stagehand is considered to be heavy work by employees themselves, with little employee turnover and few lost workdays. This study was conducted to assess the true workload of this job. It was based on heart rate monitoring and timed observation. The results showed that the job can be classified as "relatively heavy" according to strenuousness scoring tables and that the heavy physical workload is due to manual handling and work postures. (74648)

CIS 00-446 Driving: An occupational hazard. (French: Conduire: un risque professionnel) Rosier M., Mestack J.L., Cahiers de médecine interprofessionnelle, 2000, Vol.40 No.1, p.25-32. Illus. (In French)

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Employees are increasingly mobile in their job. Driving as part of one's work has to be considered as an occupational hazard. With the aid of road safety services, a study of this hazard by a multidisciplinary team has been able to develop an action plan including a training module aimed at changing driving behaviour and a method for accident analysis. (74649)

CIS 00-447 Occupational health services in South Africa. Ryan M., African Newsletter on Occupational Health and Safety, Sep. 1998, Vol.8, No.2, p.36-39. Illus. 10 ref. (In English)

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Topics: developing countries; hazard evaluation; immunodeficiency syndrome; industrial hygienists; industrial physicians; legislation; medical supervision; nursing personnel; occupational medicine; plant health organization; plant health services; public OSH institutions; rehabilitation; South Africa. (74557)

CIS 00-448 Organization of health and safety activities in hospitals and health care units. (Italian: Organizzazione delle attività di prevenzione e sicurezza nelle aziende sanitarie) Saia B., Alessio L., Apostoli P., Bartolucci G.B., Campana C., Catenacci G., Garbelli C., Rabino F., Signorini A., Soave C., Medicina del lavoro, Jan.-Feb. 2000, Vol.91, No.1, p.61-72. 5 ref. (In Italian)

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A model for health and safety organization in health care units and hospitals is proposed, which takes into account the risk assessment procedures required by law and the quality assessment of the measures taken. A redefinition is given of the role of Medical Director and of the functions, aims and standards on which health and safety service and the services of an authorized occupational health physician must be based. (74646)

CIS 00-449 Railway Safety - HM Chief Inspector of Railways' Annual Report on the safety record of the railways in Great Britain during 1998/1999. HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, Nov. 1999. viii, 114p. Illus. 20 ref. Price: GBP 16.95., ISBN 0-7176-1727-0 (In English)

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This report provides statistics and comments on accidents and dangerous occurrences in railway operations in Great Britain during 1998/1999. Topics covered include activities of the Railway Inspectorate, accidents to passengers, staff and other persons, acts of trespass and vandalism, train accidents, accidents at level crossings, fires, equipment failures, implementation of control measures, activities of the Railway Industry Advisory Committee, train safety strategy, legislation, research, safety and risk management. (74709)

CIS 00-450 Injuries and ill health caused by handling in the food and drink industries. Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, Mar. 2000. 4p. 16 ref. (In English)

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This information sheet covers acute physical injuries and chronic musculoskeletal disorders caused by manual handling specific to the food and drink industries. Contents: priorities for manual handling set by the industry; importance of controlling handling risks (injuries, work-related upper limb disorders); managing risks from handling; solutions which work in the food and drink industry (risk assessment, reduced weight of unit load, mechanical handling). (74747)

CIS 00-451 The hairdresser. (French: Le coiffeur) Cahiers de médecine interprofessionnelle, 2000, Vol.40 No.1, insert 2p. 3 ref. (In French)

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Contents of this occupational information sheet on hairdressing: definition; characteristics of the occupation; description of activities (work in salons or at home, tools and equipment, tasks, movements and postures, clothing and personal protective equipment); risks and stresses of the job (connected with the environment, the equipment, the products used, the working hours, the physical and mental workload); occupational diseases and accidents; prevention of hazards (collective, personal, OSH measures, first-aid measures); regulations applicable in France; medical supervision. (74650)

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CIS 00-452 Surveillance of respirable crystalline silica dust using OSHA compliance data (1979-1995). Linch K.D., Miller W.E., Althouse R.B., Groce D.W., Hale J.M., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Dec. 1998, Vol.34, No.6, p.547-558. 46 ref. (In English)

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Respirable crystalline silica air sampling data from regulatory compliance inspections performed by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for the years 1979-1995 were analysed. Data exclude mining and agriculture. Some of the highest respirable crystalline silica dust concentrations occurred in construction (masonry, heavy construction and painting), iron and steel foundries (casting) and in metal services (sandblasting, grinding or buffing of metal parts). Some workers were exposed to at least 10 times the NIOSH Recommended Exposure Limit (REL) of 0.05mg/m³. The industry with the highest percentage of workers exposed to at least the REL was the cut stone and stone products industry. Engineering controls should be instituted in the industries identified here. (74512)

CIS 00-453 Comparison of NIOSH method 7400 A and B counting rules for assessing synthetic vitreous fiber exposures. Breysse P.N., Lees P.S.J., Rooney B.C., American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal, July-Aug. 1999, Vol.60, No.4, p.526-532. Illus. 18 ref. (In English)

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The purpose of this article is to compare NIOSH Method 7400 A and B fibre counts to quantity airborne concentrations of synthetic vitreous fibres. This comparison provides a link between previous investigations that utilized A rules and more recent investigations that used B rules. A total of 792 airborne fibre samples were collected according to NIOSH Method 7400 and separately evaluated using both NIOSH A and B counting rules. The results of this investigation indicate that A-rule fibre counts give statistically higher fibre density estimates than corresponding B-rule fibre counts, with fibre glass (except fibre glass blowing wool without binder) and mineral wool products A-rule counts producing counts approximately 70% greater than corresponding B-rule counts. A-rule fibre counts for refractory ceramic fibre products averaged approximately 33% greater than corresponding B-rule estimates. In contrast, primarily due to its smaller diameter distribution, fibre glass blowing wool without binder produced B-rule fibre counts only 8% greater than the corresponding A-rule fibre counts. (74556)

CIS 00-454 Determination of glycols in air: Development of sampling and analytical methodology and application to theatrical smokes. Pendergrass S.M., American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal, July-Aug. 1999, Vol.60, No.4, p.452-457. Illus. 23 ref. (In English)

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Glycol-based fluids are used in the production of theatrical smokes in theatres, concerts and other stage productions. The fluids are heated and dispersed in aerosol form to create the effect of a smoke, mist or fog. There have been reports of adverse health effects such as respiratory irritation, chest tightness, shortness of breath, asthma and skin rashes. In order to assess workplace exposures, an Occupational Safety and Health Administration versatile sampler tube was selected for the collection of various glycol aerosols. Limits of detection of the glycol analytes ranged from 7 to 16µg/sample. Desorption efficiencies for all glycol compounds were determined over the range of study and averaged greater than 90%. Storage stability results were acceptable after 28 days for all analytes except ethylene glycol, which was stable at ambient temperature for 14 days. Based on the results of this study, the new glycol method was published in the NIOSH Manual of Analytical Methods. (74551)

CIS 00-455 A new passive sampler for aldehydes. Tsai S.W., Que Hee S.S., American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal, July-Aug. 1999, Vol.60, No.4, p.463-473. Illus. 48 ref. (In English)

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A new passive air sampler based on a coated pellet that chemisorbed aldehydes by reaction with O-(2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorobenzyl) hydroxylamine hydrochloride is described. Vapours of known concentrations around the threshold limit values/time-weighted averages of n-valeraldehyde and acrolein and specific relative humidities (RH) were generated by syringe pumps in a dynamic generation and dilution system. An exposure chamber allowed measurement of face velocities, temperatures, exposing vapour concentrations and RH. The O-oxime derivative was desorbed quantitatively with hexane, and an aliquot injected for gas chromatographic analysis on a low polarity capillary column using mass spectrometric or electron capture detection. RH and temperature had no effects on the sampling constants of either aldehyde. Intermittent exposures had the same aldehyde equivalent recoveries as constant concentration exposures at the same time-weighted average. Stability after sampling was at least 6 months and the shelf life was over 3 months. (74552)

CIS 00-456 Tank truck driver exposure to vapors from oxygenated or reformulated gasolines during loading and unloading. Vainiotalo S., Ruonakangas A., American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal, July-Aug. 1999, Vol.60, No.4, p.518-525. Illus. 18 ref. (In English)

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Tank truck drivers' exposure to gasoline vapours was studied by collecting breathing zone samples during loading and unloading of gasoline at ten locations in Finland. The sampling times ranged from 16 to 57min, and time-weighted average concentrations for a 30-min period were calculated. Using the time-adjusted values, geometric mean concentrations (GM) were calculated for three periods of dispatch measurements and a period of unloading measurements at service stations. The GM for methyl tert-butyl ether ranged from 0.95 to 7.3mg/m³ and that for tert-amyl methyl ether from 0.30 to 1.1mg/m³. The GM concentrations of hexane, benzene, and toluene were in the range of 0.25-2.3mg/m³, 0.15-0.28mg/m³, and 0.73-1.7mg/m³, respectively. Multiple regression analysis yielded an r² value of 0.98 for the daily mean concentration of toluene and correspondingly 0.94 for benzene when daily wind speed (0.1-3.7m/sec) and daily air temperature (-7.4±17.2°C) were used as independent variables. The average number of gasoline loads per tank truck was 2.5, corresponding to 23,000L of gasoline. (74555)

CIS 00-457 Regulations on monitoring of exposure to hazardous chemicals at work. Murata M., Ito A., Kimura K., Kogi K., Journal of Science of Labour - Rōdō Kagaku, Jan. 1999, Vol.75, No.1 (2nd part), p.1-16. 2 ref. (In English)

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Comparison of national regulations for the monitoring of the working environment in which workers are exposed to hazardous chemicals. It is based on the answers to a questionnaire sent to administrative officers of 38 countries and the European Union in October 1995. Twenty-eight questionnaire replies were returned from nineteen countries, the European Union and eight Australian governments (national, state and territory) by December 1996. The review pays particular attention to the monitoring of airborne concentrations of chemicals and of personal exposures to them, and to ascertaining whether such measures are also applied to outdoor environments. The results demonstrate the growing trend to regulate the monitoring of occupational exposures to hazardous chemicals in a detailed manner, including in Japan. This questionnaire survey was undertaken at the request of the Ministry of Labour, Japan. (74581)

CIS 00-458 Toxic gases. (Spanish: Los gases tóxicos) Sanz-Gallén P., Garrido P., Nogué S., Prevención, Jan.-Mar. 2000, No.151, p.28-40. Illus. 13 ref. (In Spanish)

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Many industrial processes use or release toxic or otherwise harmful gases. The accidental or intentional mixing of certain chemicals can give rise to the liberation of toxic gases. These gases can be subdivided into asphyxiating gases which produce a deficit in oxygen (simple asphyxiants: carbon dioxide, methane, inert gases; chemical asphyxiants: carbon monoxide, cyanogenic compounds) and irritating gases (arsine, hydrogen sulfide, methyl mercaptan, nitrogen dioxide, hydrofluoric acid, hydrochloric acid, methyl bromide, ozone, ethylene oxide, ammonia, formaldehyde, chlorine, phosphine, fluorine, sulfur dioxide). The characteristics and the harmful effects of these gases are described. (74616)

CIS 00-459 Ozone measurements. (Spanish: Las mediciones del ozono) Shirk O., Morón Hodge R., Mapfre seguridad, 1st Quarter 2000, Vol.20, No.77, p.17-21. Illus. 5 ref. (In Spanish)

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After a brief description of ozone and its effects, the most widely used measurement methods (colorimetric tubes, CMS, diffusion) are presented as well as their fields of application. Tables for the interpretation of the measurements and ambient threshold limit values area also provided. Translated from German. (74638)

CIS 00-460 Occupational exposure to carcinogens in the European Union. Kauppinen T., Toikkanen J., Savela A., Pedersen D., Young R., Ahrens W., Boffetta P., Kogevinas M., Hansen J., Kromhout H., Maqueda Blasco J., de la Orden-Rivera V., Mirabelli D., Pannett B., Plato N., Vincent R., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Jan. 2000, Vol.57, No.1, p.10-18. Illus. 15 ref. (In English)

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CAREX, a carcinogen exposure database, was designed to provide selected exposure data of the number of workers exposed to carcinogens by country, carcinogen and industry in the member states of the European Union. CAREX includes data on agents evaluated by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) (all agents in groups 1 and 2A as of February 1995, and selected agents in group 2B) and on ionizing radiation. Results indicate that approximately 32 million workers (23% of those employed) were exposed to agents covered by CAREX. At least 22 million workers were exposed to IARC group 1 carcinogens. The exposed workers had altogether 42 million exposures (1.3 mean exposures for each exposed worker). The most common exposures were solar radiation (9.1 million workers exposed at least 75% of working time), environmental tobacco smoke (7.5 million workers exposed at least 75% of working time), crystalline silica (3.2 million exposed), diesel exhaust (3.0 million), radon (2.7 million) and wood dust (2.6 million). (74655)

CIS 00-461 Product mixtures. (French: Mélanges de produits) Claret J.L., Face au risque, June-July 1999, No.354, p.43-48. Illus. (In French)

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This article analyses the causes of chemical accidents resulting from the inadvertent mixing of reactive products. Mostly due to human error, these accidents often occur during delivery, handling or cleaning tasks, but also during the intervention of fire-fighting services with methods that are not suited to the accident, for example when using water on a fire involving certain types of reactive products. The frequency of occurrence of these accidents is analysed by industry, cause, type of event and consequence. Finally, 14 cases of accidents occurring in France between 1989 and 1997 are described. (74754)

CIS 00-462 Assessment of the sensitivity of the relation between current exposure to carbon black and lung function parameters when using different grouping schemes. van Tongeren M.J.A., Kromhout H., Gardiner K., Calvert I.A., Harrington J.M., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Nov. 1999, Vol.36, No.5, p.548-556. 27 ref. (In English)

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Using different grouping schemes for estimating exposure can have large effects on the slope and standard error of the exposure-response relation. In order to estimate the effect of the different grouping schemes on the level and precision of the exposure-response slope, data on lung function parameters and personal inhalable and respirable dust exposure levels from the European carbon black respiratory health study were used. The predicted attenuation and standard error of the relation between current inhalable and respirable dust levels and lung function parameters (FVC and FEV₁) were calculated for various exposure grouping schemes. These results were compared with the observed exposure-response relations. The similarities in predicted and observed exposure-response relations and standard errors are indicative of the robustness of these equations. Therefore, the equations appear to be a useful tool in establishing the most efficient way to utilizing exposure measurement data. (74508)

CIS 00-463 Worker sensitivity and reactivity: Indicators of worker susceptibility to nasal irritation. Woskie S.R., Eisen E.E., Wegman D.H., Hu X., Kriebel D., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Dec. 1998, Vol.34, No.6, p.614-622. 27 ref. (In English)

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Determinants of susceptibility to the irritant effects of sodium borate were studied in 18 workers identified through repeated self-reports of nasal irritation. Susceptibility was characterized by reactivity and sensitivity as estimated from their individual exposure-response model. The use of nasal sprays, current smoking and allergies were associated with lower reactivity, while high exposures to borate dust were associated with higher sensitivity. Use of a toxicokinetic dose model suggested that osmolar activation of mast cells to release histamine and other mediators is a plausible mechanism by which these workers may experience nasal irritation. (74515)

CIS 00-464 Lung granulomatosis in a dental technician. Brancaleone P., Weynand B., De Vuyst P., Stanescu D., Pieters T., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Dec. 1998, Vol.34, No.6, p.628-631. Illus. 16 ref. (In English)

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Combined histological, mineralogical and immunological studies of a dental technician with pulmonary granulomatosis suggest that this condition was most likely related to occupational exposure to beryllium and possibly to aluminium. (74517)

CIS 00-465 Contact dermatitis caused by benzoyl peroxide in podiatrists. Dejobert Y., Martin P., Piette F., Thomas P., Bergoend H., Contact Dermatitis, Mar. 1999, Vol.40, No.3, p.163. 5 ref. (In English)

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Case reports are presented of two podiatrists with contact dermatitis caused by exposure to benzoyl peroxide contained in thermoplastic materials. (74519)

CIS 00-466 Neuropsychological function in solvent-exposed South African paint makers. Myers J.E., Nell V., Colvin M., Rees D., Thompson M.L., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Nov. 1999, Vol.41, No.11, p.1011-1018. 23 ref. (In English)

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Neuropsychological and neurological functions were investigated in 228 paint-manufacturing workers in two South African factories who were exposed to organic solvents. Exposure was expressed as both 1990 TLV equivalents (ACGIH) and as total hydrocarbon parts per million. The WHO neurobehavioral core test battery, the Neurobehavioral Evaluation System-2, and the UNISA Neuropsychological Assessment Procedure were used to measure outcomes, while a Vibratron II was used to measure peripheral vibration sensation. Exposures were generally below the TLV and no exposure effect was found. Only age predicted Vibratron scores. Neuropsychological tests were sensitive to educational level, age, alcohol consumption and cultural indicators. WHO tests showed good construct validity for neuropsychological functions and should be more formally validated for use in developing countries. Nevertheless, cultural dependence is evident for all neuropsychological tests, and methods for bypassing this problem in less developed settings are discussed. (74530)

CIS 00-467 Efficacy of a barrier cream and its vehicle as protective measures against occupational irritant contact dermatitis. Berndt U., Wigger-Alberti W., Gabard B., Elsner P., Contact Dermatitis, Feb. 2000, Vol.42, No.2, p.77-80. Illus. 14 ref. (In English)

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In a randomized, double-blind study, a new barrier cream and its moisturizing vehicle were compared regarding their skin compatibility, efficacy and resulting acceptance. Two panels of 25 hospital nurses each with mild signs of skin irritation were asked to use one of the test products (barrier-cream or vehicle) over a period of four weeks. Effects of both types of preparations were studied weekly. No significant differences were found between the barrier cream and its vehicle. In both groups, clinical skin status improved and stratum corneum hydration increased significantly during the study period. Both preparations were well tolerated and accepted, thus showing both skin protection and skin care. These results contribute to the debate as to whether a strict distinction between "skin care" and "skin protection" products is justified. (74575)

CIS 00-468 Occupational allergic contact dermatitis from glyoxal, glutaraldehyde and neomycin sulfate in a dental nurse. Kanerva L., Miettinen P., Alanko K., Estlander T., Jolanki R., Contact Dermatitis, Feb. 2000, Vol.42, No.2, p.116-117. 10 ref. (In English)

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Case report of a non-atopic dental nurse with work-related hand dermatitis. Two patch test sessions gave positive reactions to glyoxal, glutaraldehyde and neomycin sulfate. The latter had been frequently used to treat her dermatitis. The sensitizations to glyoxal and glutaraldehyde were considered occupational. As the nurse had been exposed to both products, it is not clear if she developed cross-reactivity or concomitant sensitization. (74578)

CIS 00-469 Occupational airborne allergic contact dermatitis from isoflurane vapour. Finch T.M., Muncaster A., Prais L., Foulds I.S., Contact Dermatitis, Jan. 2000, Vol.42, No.1, p.46. 5 ref. (In English)

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Case report of a non-atopic anaesthetist with periorbital erythema and oedema who was initially patch tested to a standard series of products used in hospitals. He showed positive reaction to a number of allergens, including cetrimide. Despite strict avoidance of all the identified allergens, he remained symptomatic. The history suggested isoflurane could be responsible for this allergy. Repeated open application tests (ROAT) gave a positive result. The patient could not totally exclude occupational exposure isoflurane vapour; however, the use of protective eye wear has improved his symptoms. (74580)

CIS 00-470 Neurobehavioural effects of occupational exposure to cadmium: A cross sectional epidemiological study. Viaene M.K., Masschelein R., Leenders J., De Groof M., Swerts L.J.V.C., Roels H.A., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Jan. 2000, Vol.57, No.1, p.19-27. Illus. 62 ref. (In English)

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The aim of this cross-sectional study of 89 adult men (42 exposed to Cd and 47 control workers) was to investigate the toxic potential of chronic occupational exposure to cadmium (Cd) on neurobehavioural functions. Subjects were given a computer assisted neurobehavioural test, a validated questionnaire to assess neurotoxic complaints and a self-administered questionnaire to detect neuropathy and dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system. Historical and current data on biomonitoring of exposure to Cd and on microproteinuria were also available. Results show that the slowing of visuomotor functioning on neurobehavioural testing and increase in complaints consistent with peripheral neuropathy, complaints about equilibrium, and complaints about concentration ability were dose dependently associated with urinary Cd. (74656)

CIS 00-471 Evaluation of diabetes mellitus, serum glucose, and thyroid function among United States workers exposed to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin. Calvert G.M., Sweeney M.H., Deddens J., Wall D.K., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Apr. 1999, Vol.56, No.4, p.270-276. 21 ref. (In English)

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A cross-sectional study of workers employed >15 years earlier in the manufacturing of 2,4,5-trichlorophenol or one of its derivatives at two United States chemical plants was conducted. The control group consisted of people with no occupational exposure to phenoxy herbicides and were recruited from the neighbourhoods where the workers lived. A total of 281 workers and 260 unexposed controls participated. Overall, the prevalence of diabetes mellitus was not significantly different between the workers and controls. Also, there was not a significant positive trend between prevalence of diabetes and increasing serum 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) concentration. However, diabetes was found in six of ten workers. After excluding subjects being treated for diabetes, workers in the group with the highest extrapolated half-life TCDD concentrations had a significantly increased adjusted mean serum glucose concentration compared with controls. Workers were also found to have a significantly higher adjusted mean free thyroxine index than the controls, especially among workers in the group with the highest extrapolated half-life TCDD concentrations. However, no evidence was found for the relationship between exposure to TCDD and an increased risk of thyroid disease. (74684)

CIS 00-472 Long term effects on the olfactory system of exposure to hydrogen sulphide. Hirsch A.R., Zavala G., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Apr. 1999, Vol.56, No.4, p.284-287. 15 ref. (In English)

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Chronic effects of hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) on cranial nerve I (nervi olfactorii) have been only minimally described. In this study, chemosensations (smell and taste) were evaluated in eight men who complained of continuing dysfunction 2-3 years after the start of occupational exposure to H₂S. Various bilateral (both nostrils) and unilateral (one nostril at a time) odour threshold tests with standard odorants as well as the Chicago smell test, a three-odour detection and identification test and the University of Pennsylvania smell identification test, and a series of 40 scratch and sniff odour identification tests were administered. Six of the eight patients showed deficits of various degrees. Two had normal scores on objective tests, but thought that they continued to have problems. H₂S apparently can cause continuing, sometimes unrecognized olfactory deficits. Further exploration into the extent of such problems among workers exposed to H₂S is warranted. (74685)

CIS 00-473 Medical surveillance for respirator users. Muhm J.M., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Nov. 1999, Vol.41, No.11, p.989-994. Illus. 23 ref. (In English)

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The US Occupational Safety and Health Administration has changed the content and frequency of medical assessments required by the Respiratory Protection Standard. The requirement for periodic reevaluations has been replaced by a requirement to reevaluate users when they experience difficulties with respirator use, or when changes in the workplace result in increased physiological stress in workers. The experience of medical surveillance programmes for respirator users suggests that routine surveillance is not necessary. The frequency of disease sufficiently debilitating to preclude respirator use found through medical surveillance is low; adverse outcomes experienced by respirator users, although potentially tragic, are not outcomes for which medical surveillance plays a preventive role. This article proposes an approach for in which the respirator components are evaluated before the user is subjected to medical investigations. (74529)

CIS 00-474 A comparison of physiological responses to two types of particle barrier, vapor permeable clothing ensembles. Reneau P.D., Bishop P.A., Ashley C.D., American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal, July-Aug. 1999, Vol.60, No.4, p.495-501. Illus. 25 ref. (In English)

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The purpose of this study was to compare the effects on worker productivity of particle barrier, vapour permeable suits based on polyethylene (PE) and on polypropylene (PP). Fifteen male subjects performed four work tests consisting of a walk/arm curl combination, two in a wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) of 26°C and two in a WBGT of 18°C, with subjects wearing each suit once in each environment. No significant difference was observed between the suits at 18°C WBGT, but a significant difference was found between the suits, with the PP having a lower Tre in the WBGT=26°C at the 80th, 100th and 120th min. A significant difference was also seen in the 26°C WBGT with the PP resulting in a lower heart rate (HR) at the 40th, 60th, 80th, 100th and 120th min and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) at the 75th, 90th and 120th min. Additionally, a significant difference was seen between PE and PP for Tre, delta Tre, mean skin temp (mTsk), delta mTsk and HR, each regressed against time in the 26°C WBGT. Twelve of the 15 subjects also reported feeling cooler in the PP versus the PE in either WBGT environment. (74553)

CIS 00-475 Evaluation of workers' exposure to dust, ammonia and endotoxin in poultry industries at the province of Isfahan, Iran. Golbabaei F., Islami F., Industrial Health, Jan. 2000, Vol.38, No.1, p.41-46. Illus. 22 ref. (In English)

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This study was conducted to assess various environmental exposure measurements (total dust, ammonia and endotoxin) of an unspecified number of workers in 13 poultry barns in the province of Isfahan, Iran. The results show that the workers who worked in enclosed systems of parent stock barns have the highest exposure to total and respirable dust: 21.3 ± 3.2 and 4.6 ± 0.9mg/m³, respectively. In comparison with different ages of chicken, the highest concentration of total and respirable dust were 5.4 ± 0.7 and 3.3 ± 0.7mg/m³ in the 45th day. In the above-mentioned situation, the results of endotoxin concentrations were 20.6 ± 1.1, 23.6 ± 2.2, 21.3 ± 1.2 and 26.8 ± 1.8ng/m³ respectively. Ammonia concentrations had the highest rate in enclosed systems of laying hens in winter and the 45th day of chicken age, measuring 33.2 ± 5.2 and 20.2 ± 3.0mg/m³, respectively. (74523)

CIS 00-476 Knowledge and behaviour of pesticide users in Benin. (French: Connaissance et comportement des utilisateurs de pesticides au Bénin) Fayomi B., Lafia E., Fourn L., Akpona S., Zohoun T., Forget G., African Newsletter on Occupational Health and Safety, Sep. 1998, Vol.8, No.2, p.44-47. Illus. 10 ref. (In English, French)

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Topics: agriculture; assessment of knowledge; behaviour study; Benin; cross-sectional study; developing countries; food contamination; information dissemination; occupational hygiene; personal hygiene; pesticides; questionnaire survey; risk factors; safety and health training; solubility in lipids; supply of information. (74558)

CIS 00-477 Major accidents related to manure: A case series from Switzerland. Knoblauch A., Steiner B., International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health, July-Sep. 1999, Vol.5, No.3, p.177-186. Illus. 22 ref. (In English)

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Data on 61 serious accidents related to manure exposure in Switzerland between 1951 and 1995 were analysed. 44 were due to inhalation of manure gas, 11 involved falls into manure containers and six were methane explosions. There were 105 victims in all, with 49 fatalities, including 12 in which persons attempting to rescue primary victims died. 37 persons survived gas poisoning. There were 15 successful rescues and four cases in which primary victims saved themselves. The main danger is that of gradual or sudden manure gas intoxication, which is often fatal. However, almost a third of the accidents were due to falls into manure containers or manure gas explosions. Accidents in which victims of gas poisoning regained consciousness and saved themselves are also reported. Analysis of the accident circumstances confirms the importance of strict observation of existing safety guidelines with respect to both structural design and working practices. Specific measures at the scene can substantially increase the chances for survival of both primary victims and would-be rescuers. (74563)

CIS 00-478 Occupational airborne allergic contact dermatitis from sawdust in livestock sheds. de Cock P., van Ginkel C.J.W., Faber W.R., Bruynzeel D.P., Contact Dermatitis, Feb. 2000, Vol.42, No.2, p.113. 5 ref. (In English)

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Report of two cases: a 21-year-old farmer's son working week-ends on his parents' pig and cattle farm who developed dermatitis on the face and forearms and a 43-year old dairy farmer with eczema of the hands. Both had positive patch tests to colophony. The dairy farmer also showed a positive reaction to penicillin. It was concluded that they had occupational airborne allergic contact dermatitis from the colophony in sawdust in livestock sheds. An allergic contact dermatitis to penicillin was also diagnosed for the dairy farmer. (74577)

CIS 00-479 Self reported symptoms and inhibition of acetylcholinesterase activity among Kenyan agricultural workers. Ohayo-Mitoko G.J.A., Kromhout H., Simwa J.M., Boleij J.S.M., Heederik D., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Mar. 2000, Vol.57, No.3, p.195-200. 33 ref. (In English)

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The objective was to assess health hazards posed by pesticides on agricultural workers in Africa. Complete data were available for 256 exposed subjects and 152 controls from four regions in Kenya, who were given a structured questionnaire. Prevalence ratios were estimated for symptoms with changes in cholinesterase activity in serum. A significant change in symptom prevalence was found in the controls with a higher prevalence in the low-exposure period. Analysis of the relation between cholinesterase inhibition and symptoms showed that prevalence ratios were significantly >1 for respiratory, eye and central nervous system symptoms for workers with >30% inhibition. The results suggest a relation between exposure and acetylcholinesterase inhibition, acetylcholinesterase activity, and respiratory, eye, and central nervous system symptoms. (74660)

CIS 00-480 Farmworker exposure to organophosphorus pesticide residues during apple thinning in central Washington State. Simcox N.J., Camp J., Kalman D., Stebbins A., Bellamy G., Lee I.C., Fenske R., American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal, Nov.-Dec. 1999, Vol.60, No.6, p.752-761. Illus. 26 ref. (In English)

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The exposure of twenty workers from three work sites to azinphos-methyl over an entire apple-thinning season was studied. Exposure potential was estimated by foliar residue measurements, and individual exposures were estimated by biological monitoring through urinary metabolites. Measurable azinphos-methyl residues were found on apple foliage at all sites throughout the six-week sampling period, indicating continuous exposure potential (median residue level of 0.5µg/cm²). Measurable levels of the urinary dialkylphosphate metabolite, DMTP, were found in virtually all urine samples, with concentrations differing significantly across the three sites (0.53, 0.29 and 0.90µg/ml), and with intraindividual variability much greater than interindividual differences. Group mean DMTP concentrations at each site fluctuated according to foliar residue levels. (74775)

CIS 00-481 Exposure to fungicides in fruit growing: Re-entry time as a predictor for dermal exposure. Tielemans E., Louwerse E., de Cock J., Brouwer D., Zielhuis G., Heederik D., American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal, Nov.-Dec. 1999, Vol.60, No.6, p.789-793. Illus. 18 ref. (In English)

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Dermal exposure to the fungicides captan and tolylfluanid was measured among workers in the fruit-growing sector using cotton gloves (12 persons) and skin pads on several body parts (12 persons). For harvesting activities, re-entry time appeared to be an important determinant of dermal exposure to captan and tolylfluanid. For captan, calculated half-life times from the most recent exposure survey were lower (glove data: 5 days; pad data: 6 days) compared with half-life times based on another study conducted recently (11 days). Possible explanations for the discrepancy are discussed. For tolylfluanid, estimated half-life times during harvesting were 2 and 3 days, based on pad and glove data, respectively. Prediction of captan exposure during other crop activities appeared to be far more difficult, although the estimated half-life time was comparable with that for harvesting. (74779)

CIS 00-482 Occupational respiratory allergy in bakery workers: A review of the literature. Houba R., Doekes G., Heederik D., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Dec. 1998, Vol.34, No.6, p.529-546. 177 ref. (In English)

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The literature on baker's allergy is reviewed focusing on the allergens involved, epidemiologic research, exposure assessment, evidence of exposure-response relationships and possible prevention strategies. A large number of potential allergens have been identified and are described here. While little is known about the incidence of baker's allergy, a large number of cross-sectional studies have shown that sensitization and work-related symptoms are common among bakery workers. Only atopy and exposure levels have consistently been reported as determinants of this disease. Age, sex and smoking habits do not seem to be associated with sensitization or work-related respiratory symptoms. Immunochemical methods have been developed to investigate the role of allergen exposure in the development of baker's asthma. Clear exposure-response relationships have been found. Implications for prevention strategies and standard setting are discussed. (74511)

CIS 00-483 Sensitization to green coffee beans and work-related allergic symptoms in coffee workers. Larese F., Fiorito A., Casasola F., Molinari S., Peresson M., Barbina P., Negro C., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Dec. 1998, Vol.34, No.6, p.623-627. Illus. 21 ref. (In English)

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In a study of 112 workers in a modern coffee manufacturing plant with good environmental conditions, there was a significant correlation between sensitization to green coffee beans and work-related symptoms, common allergic symptoms and atopy by prick test. Results indicate a need to evaluate atopic status in workers and to identify the most susceptible subjects with the aim of informing them of their at-risk status and monitoring their progress. (74516)

CIS 00-484 Follow-up of allergic symptoms among nurses sensitised to latex. (Italian: Follow-up dei sintomi allergici in un gruppo di operatori sanitari sensibilizzati al lattice) de Zotti R., Muran A., Negro C., Medicina del lavoro, Jan.-Feb. 2000, Vol.91, No.1, p.53-60. 24 ref. (In Italian)

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Hospital workers sensitized to latex and complaining of respiratory symptoms at work were studied. All 28 subjects were women who had worked for 12 years in departments with high, moderate or low exposure to rubber gloves; 20 also complained of latex skin symptoms; 25 were atopical. The specific inhalation test with latex gloves confirmed the diagnosis of asthma in 4 cases and of rhinitis in 13 cases. The workers were reinvestigated 14 months later. Overall, improvement of skin symptoms were observed in 74% and of respiratory symptoms in 56% of the cases. The persistence of symptoms was significantly higher among workers who continued to work in departments with high or moderate latexglove exposure. The results show that skin and respiratory symptoms were related to the use of powdered latex gloves and confirm the importance of primary prevention. (74645)

CIS 00-485 Hyperventilation following a large-scale hazardous-materials incident. Burgess J.L., Kovalchick D.F., Kyes K.B., Thompson J.N., Barnhart S., International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health, July-Sep. 1999, Vol.5, No.3, p.194-197. 17 ref. (In English)

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Actual or perceived exposure to hazardous materials may result in physiological and psychological effects. However, hyperventilation following such exposures has not previously been reported. After a large-scale industrial release of oxides of nitrogen, five of 17 patients evaluated at a major trauma center were hyperventilating, as defined by arterial PCO₂ < 33mm Hg, and nine patients had arterial PCO₂ < 37mm Hg. First responders (rescue team members and paramedics) had a higher rate of hyperventilation than other occupational groups. Age, sex, marital status, decontamination and mode of arrival were not significantly associated with hyperventilation, although marital status was close to being significant. This study suggests that hyperventilation may be a common reaction after hazardous-materials incidents, and that certain populations may be at increased risk for this condition. (74565)

CIS 00-486 BCGA Code of practice CP 26 - Bulk liquid carbon dioxide storage at users' premises. British Compressed Gases Association, 14 Tollgate, Eastleigh, Hampshire, SO53 3TG, United Kingdom, rev.1, 1999. 32p. Illus. 26 ref. (In English)

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This document of the British Compressed Gases Association is intended as a Code of Practice for the guidance of UK companies associated with the installation, operation and maintenance of liquid carbon dioxide storage installations at users' premises. It makes reference to current UK legislation and British Standards in this field. Contents: general considerations; layout and design features; access to the installation; testing of the installation and commissioning; operation and maintenance; training and protection of personnel. (74733)

CIS 00-487 Investigations into pulmonary effects of low toxicity dusts - Parts I and II. Cullen R.T., Tran C.L., Buchanan D., Davis J.M.G., Jones A.D., Searl A., Donaldson K., Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 1999. xii, 280p. Illus. Bibl.ref. Price: GBP 70.00., ISBN 0-7176-2437-4 (In English)

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The aim of this study was firstly to assess the relative toxicities of a panel of nine low-toxicity respirable dusts in in-vitro and in-vivo assays in rats. Lung instillation and inhalation tests provoked inflammatory response and particulate accumulation in the lungs. Data show differences in pulmonary responses to inhalation of the dusts and in the distribution of macrophage. In a second part, two dusts (titanium dioxide and barium sulfate) were used to evaluate the dose-response relationship between lung burden and specific biologically adverse effects (retardation of alveolar clearance and pulmonary inflammation), to validate a predictive mathematical model and to estimate the NOAEL level. (74738)

CIS 00-488 Toxicological profile for 2-butoxyethanol and 2-butoxyethanol acetate. Agency for Toxic Substances and Diseases Registry (ATSDR), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Division of Toxicology/Toxicology Information Branch, 1600 Clifton Road NE, E-29, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA, Aug. 1998. xvii, 357p. Illus. approx. 245 ref. (In English)

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Topics: 2-butoxyethyl acetate; butoxyethanol; criteria document; exposure evaluation; glossary; haematuria; health hazards; irritation; limitation of exposure; literature survey; neurological effects; skin absorption; toxic effects; toxicity evaluation; toxicology; USA. (74686)

CIS 00-489 Toxicological profile for diisopropyl methylphosphonate. Agency for Toxic Substances and Diseases Registry (ATSDR), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Division of Toxicology/Toxicology Information Branch, 1600 Clifton Road NE, E-29, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA, Aug. 1998. xvii, 133p. Illus. approx. 100 ref. (In English)

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Topics: diisopropyl methylphosphonate; criteria document; exposure evaluation; glossary; health hazards; irritation; limitation of exposure; literature survey; toxic effects; toxicity evaluation; toxicology; USA. (74687)

CIS 00-490 Toxicological profile for hexamethylene diisocyanate. Agency for Toxic Substances and Diseases Registry (ATSDR), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Division of Toxicology/Toxicology Information Branch, 1600 Clifton Road NE, E-29, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA, Aug. 1998. xvii, 157p. Illus. approx. 185 ref. (In English)

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Topics: hexamethylene diisocyanate; criteria document; exposure evaluation; functional respiratory disorders; glossary; health hazards; irritation; limitation of exposure; literature survey; neurological effects; toxic effects; toxicity evaluation; toxicology; USA. (74688)

CIS 00-491 Toxicological profile for jet fuels (JP-5 and JP-8). Agency for Toxic Substances and Diseases Registry (ATSDR), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Division of Toxicology/Toxicology Information Branch, 1600 Clifton Road NE, E-29, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA, Aug. 1998. xvii, 167p. Illus. approx. 270 ref. (In English)

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Topics: criteria document; dermatitis; exposure evaluation; glossary; health hazards; irritation; jet aircraft; kerosene; limitation of exposure; literature survey; neurological effects; petroleum products; toxic effects; toxicity evaluation; toxicology; USA. (74689)

CIS 00-492 Toxicological profile for white phosphorus. 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, 212p. Illus. approx. 160 ref. (In English)

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Topics: bone diseases; cardiotoxic effects; phosphorus; chemical burns; criteria document; dermatitis; exposure evaluation; glossary; haematological effects; health hazards; hepatotoxic effects; irritants; limitation of exposure; literature survey; nephrotoxic effects; neurological effects; toxic effects; toxicity evaluation; toxicology; USA. (74690)

CIS 00-493 Toxicological profile for chloroethane (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, Dec. 1998. xix, 147p. Illus. 223 ref. (In English)

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Topics: ethyl chloride; criteria document; exposure evaluation; frostbite; glossary; health hazards; irritation; limitation of exposure; literature survey; narcotic effects; neurological effects; neurotoxic effects; sensitization; skin absorption; toxic effects; toxicity evaluation; toxicology; USA. (74691)

CIS 00-494 Toxicological profile for titanium tetrachloride. 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, 109p. Illus. 128 ref. (In English)

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Topics: titanium tetrachloride; caustic substances; chemical burns; criteria document; exposure evaluation; eye injuries; glossary; health hazards; limitation of exposure; literature survey; lung deposition; pneumonia; toxic effects; toxicity evaluation; toxicology; USA. (74695)

CIS 00-495 National profile - Chemicals management in Germany. Stirba U., Kowalski U., Schlottmann U., Bundesanstalt für Arbeitsschutz und Arbeitsmedizin, Wirtschaftsverlag NW, Verlag für neue Wissenschaft GmbH, Bürgermeister-Smidt-Str. 74-46, Postfach 10 11 10, 27511 Bremerhaven, Germany, 2000. 105p. Illus. 16 ref. + Diskette., ISBN 3-89701-478-5 (In English)

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This publication provides an overview of chemicals management in Germany. Contents: basic background information; production, export, import and use of chemicals; special environmental problems; statutory regulations and voluntary agreements; procedures for chemical management and ministries and authorities involved; NGOs; cooperation between federal and regional authorities; data warehouses and databases; technical infrastructure (GLP, good professional practice); international cooperation. (74732)

CIS 00-496 Selection criteria for the remote isolation of hazardous inventories. Mather J., Fewtrell P., Lines I.G., Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 1999. vi, 97p. 13 ref. Price: GBP 25.00., ISBN 0-7176-1678-9 (In English)

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This report identifies the main decision factors that need to be considered when assessing the requirement for the provision of remote isolation for hazardous inventories. A description of a simple step by step methodology for undertaking this isolation assessment is presented. A review of accidents involving isolation problems is provided as well as a cost-benefit analysis of isolation systems. (74736)

CIS 00-497 Modelling the behaviour of spillages of sulphur trioxide and oleum: Further work. Kapias T., Griffiths R.F., Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 2000, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2000. iv, 63p. Illus. 54 ref. Price: GBP 20.00., ISBN 0-7176-1734-3 (In English)

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The objective of this research project was to investigate theoretically the behaviour of spillages of sulfur trioxide (SO₃) and oleum (mixture of SO₃ and sulfuric acid H₂SO₄) and to develop a model describing the behaviour of the resulting cloud. The parameter principally governing the spill behaviour is the amount of water available for reaction. Cloud behaviour is mostly affected by wind speed, vapour evolution rates, atmospheric stability and atmospheric relative humidity. (74739)

CIS 00-498 Amyl formates. Fire Prevention, Dec. 1999, No.327, 2p. Insert. 10 ref. (In English)

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Contents of this data sheet: hazards of amyl formates (flammable, explosion risk, vigorous reaction with oxidizing compounds); physicochemical properties; precautions; fire fighting. (74538)

CIS 00-499 Propyleneimine, inhibited. Fire Prevention, Jan. 2000, No.328, 2p. Insert. 10 ref. (In English)

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Contents of this data sheet: hazards of 2-methylaziridine (highly flammable, fire and explosion risk); physicochemical properties; precautions; fire fighting. (74539)

CIS 00-500 Pyrrole. Fire Prevention, Feb. 2000, No.329, 2p. Insert. 9 ref. (In English)

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Contents of this data sheet: hazards of pyrrole (highly flammable, fire and explosion risk, strong reaction with oxidizing compounds); physicochemical properties; precautions; fire fighting. (74540)

CIS 00-501 Asbestos: Medical guidance note. Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 6FS, United Kingdom, 3rd ed., 1999. 4p. 8 ref. Price: GBP 4.50. (In English)

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Guidance note aimed at doctors and other health professionals with responsibility for medical surveillance of employees exposed to asbestos, including information on action levels and exposure limits, health effects, medical surveillance, notification of asbestos-related diseases, and Social Security benefits. Asbestos properties, legislation and past uses are briefly described. (74714)

CIS 00-502 Controlled compensation of a ventilation system. (French: La compensation contrôlée d'une installation de ventilation) Fontaine J.R., Rapp R., Travail et sécurité, Feb. 2000, No.593, 4p. Insert. Illus. 10 ref. (In French)

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Aimed at employers, regulators and equipment suppliers, this information sheet summarizes the main technical and legal requirements for exhaust ventilation systems with make-up air. Topics covered: French regulations; reasons why make-up air is required; design criteria to be observed for workshops with specific pollution risks; steps to be followed for selecting the appropriate type of equipment. (74758)

CIS 00-503 Solvents. Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, Feb. 2000. 2p. 11 ref. (In English)

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This information sheet describes the hazards associated with the use of solvents and solvent-based construction products and provides guidance on the avoidance of health hazards, particularly in poorly ventilated areas. Contents: health effects (inhalation of vapours, skin and eye contact, ingestion); preventing and controlling exposure; personal protective equipment (overall, gloves, face shield, respirator); hygiene; first aid. (Replaces CIS 93-274.) (74744)

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CIS 00-504 Fire hazards from electrical cables. (French: Câbles électriques et incendie) Le Botlan Y., Face au risque, June-July 1999, No.354, p.21-26. Illus. (In French)

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Electrical cables are rarely the cause of fires. However, in cases where a fire is already declared, cables can be important contributors to its propagation. This propagation depends both on the cables themselves (and in particular on the materials they are made of) and on the way the cables are stacked. This article presents a few broad principles that should be respected during the installation of electrical cable systems, refers to the standards currently applicable in France with respect to the fire resistance of cables and describes large-scale tests that are used to assess the fire behaviour of cables under close to real-life conditions. (74752)

CIS 00-505 Preventing accidental spills. (French: Prévention des déversement accidentels) Douté M., Face au risque, June-July 1999, No.354, p.13-19. Illus. (In French)

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On manufacturing sites, the handling and storage of liquids can cause spills. If not promptly detected and contained, they can give rise to polluting leaks and more serious environmental damage. The installation of safety equipment and emergency intervention planning can reduce the magnitude and impact of such pollution. Topics include: risk analysis; storage; handling; stop valves; absorbents; suction removal, floating barriers; personal protective equipment; waste disposal; measures in the event of an accident. (74751)

CIS 00-506 Passive protection against fire (I) - Characteristics and applications. (Spanish: La protección pasiva en seguridad contra incendios (I) - Características y aplicaciones) Lacosta Berna J.M., Prevención, Jan.-Mar. 1997, No.139, p.32-45. Illus. 9 ref. (In Spanish)

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Passive protection can be defined as a "built-in" protection of buildings against fire. It includes all materials that are fire-resistant or which enable improvements in the fire behaviour of other materials. These passive elements have no direct bearing on the fire, but can help slow down its propagation, avoid the collapse of the structure or allow the evacuation of persons by limiting the emission of smoke. This is the first of two articles on the subject, covering more specifically fire-resistance standards applicable to building materials, the effects of fire on various materials (wood, reinforced concrete, steel) and elements that protect structures and seal openings (see also CIS 00-507). (74612)

CIS 00-507 Passive protection against fire (I) - Intumescent coatings. (Spanish: La protección pasiva en seguridad contra incendios (II) - Los materiales intumescentes) Lacosta Berna J.M., Prevención, Apr.-June 1997, No.140 p.48-61. Illus. 9 ref. (In Spanish)

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Passive protection can be defined as a "built-in" protection of buildings against fire. This is the second of two articles on the subject (see also CIS 00-506), covering more specifically intumescent coatings. Contents include: different types and their characteristics; composition of intumescent systems; properties; mechanisms of foam formation; physical forms (paints, varnishes, putties) and their application. (74613)

CIS 00-508 Fighting against arson. (French: La lutte contre l'incendie volontaire) de la Hougue G., Face au risque, June-July 1999, No.354, p.27-31. Illus. (In French)

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Insurance companies estimate that between 25 and 50% of fires are caused by arson. In France, statistics compiled by the Ministry of Interior show a 227% progression in the number of cases of arson between 1987 and 1996. Fires due to arson generally cause more damage than accidental fires, because they are often started in the absence of employees on the premises and with the intention to cause destruction. This article reviews some of the factors that motivate arsonists to act, based on whether the person is an employee or otherwise, and whether the act is pre-mediated or not. Typical vulnerable spots within a company are listed. Finally, it is recommended that the possibility of arson be systematically taken into account in risk analysis and prevention planning. (74753)

CIS 00-509 Vernon: At the heart of the technological research centre on industrial hazards. (French: Vernon: au cœur de la technopole des risques industriels) Taverne A., Travail et sécurité, Oct. 1999, No.589, p.2-7. Illus. 1 ref. (In French)

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This article introduces the laboratory of the French National Centre for Protection and Prevention (CNPP). The laboratory is equipped with full-scale oil industry installations for the fire-fighting training of emergency services of oil companies as well as of public fire-fighters. Other areas of specialization include the training of professional fire-fighters, waste disposal, water cleanliness, automobile safety and the reliability of remote-control electronic systems. (74755)

CIS 00-510 New Royal Decree on the prevention of serious accidents. The main obligations of employers. (Spanish: Nuevo Real Decreto sobre prevención de accidentes graves. Principales obligaciones del industrial) Bravo de la Iglesia L., Mapfre seguridad, 1st Quarter 2000, Vol.20, No.77, p.23-29. Illus. 6 ref. (In Spanish)

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The new features of Spanish Royal Decree 1254/1999 on the prevention of serious accidents are described concentrating on the obligations of industrial employers. Two levels of obligation have been laid down depending on upper and lower threshold levels of hazardous substances. The employer is bound to take a series of measures to prevent serious accidents and, in the event of such an accident, to limit its consequences for the population and the environment. The main obligations of the new decree include: notification of the activity; defining a prevention policy for serious accidents; emergency plans, safety reports; information to be given in the event of a serious accident; annual inspection. (74639)

CIS 00-511 Methods of prevention, detection and control of spillages in European oil pipelines. Martin D.E., CONCAWE, Madouplein, 1210 Brussels, Belgium, May 1998. vi, 34p. 5 ref. (In English)

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This report reviews the causes of spillage from operating oil pipelines and discusses current practice in spillage prevention, detection and control. Spillages are prevented by competent design, careful construction, rigorous inspection and efficient operation. Monitoring the pipeline provides the information necessary to maintain the system. Various techniques are available to prevent spillages occurring, and if they do, to detect, locate and thus minimize the volume spilled. In case of an emergency, emergency plans and the intervention of trained operators allows quick spillage control, minimizing the impact on the environment. (74729)

CIS 00-512 Risk assessment results: Sensitivity to weather data. Davies P.A., Quinn D.J., Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 1999. vi, 86p. Illus. Price: GBP 30.00., ISBN 0-7176-1723-8 (In English)

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The risks of harming persons in the vicinity of major hazardous industrial sites are calculated to evaluate the tolerability of risks against established criteria. The objective of this study is to examine the sensitivity of risk assessment results to weather parameters (wind speed, weather stability, release orientation). Mathematical models are used for risk calculations performed with five weather sets. (74737)

CIS 00-513 Prevention of major industrial accidents. An ILO code of practice. National Institute for the Improvement of Workforce Conditions and Environment, 22/3 Mu2 Baromachachonnanee Highway, Thaling-Chan, Bangkok 10170, Thailand, 1999. 110p., ISBN 974-7873-45-1 (In Thai)

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Translation into Thai of the ILO Code of Practice abstracted as CIS 91-972. Topics: accident investigation; causes of accidents; directive; emergency organization; hazard evaluation; ILO; information of personnel; inspection; IPCS; major hazards; notification of occupational accidents; occupational safety; risk factors; safety guides; safety planning; safety training in industry; Thailand; translation. (74692)

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CIS 00-514 Separate or single earthing in units housing electrical transformers. (Spanish: Separación o unificación de tierras en los centros de transformación) Calvo Sáez J.A., Prevención, Jan.-Mar. 2000, No.151, p.43-53. Illus. 8 ref. (In Spanish)

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This article addresses the question of the earthing of electrical circuits from the vantage point of the engineer designing a production plant or a building housing a manufacturing unit connected to a medium voltage supply (with an internal low voltage distribution) and discusses the basic reasons for either separating or joining the earthing. (74617)

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CIS 00-515 Effectiveness of an intervention to increase construction workers' use of hearing protection. Lusk S.L., Hong O.S., Ronis D.L., Eakin B.L., Kerr M.J., Early M.R., Human Factors, Sep. 1999, Vol.41, No.3, p.487-494. 29 ref. (In English)

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In this project the effectiveness of a theory-based intervention (video, pamphlets and a guided practice session) to increase the use of hearing protection devices (HPDs) among construction workers was tested. Post-test measures were collected 10-12 months following the intervention. A total of 837 high-noise-exposed workers were included in the analysis. The results indicated that the intervention significantly increased use of HPDs but had no effect on intention to use HPDs in the future. Pretesting had no effect on use. The fact that younger workers used HPDs less often and reported lower intention to use HPDs in future is worrying. (74571)

CIS 00-516 An assessment of occupational noise exposures in four construction trades. Neitzel R., Seixas N.H., Camp J., Yost M., American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal, Nov.-Dec. 1999, Vol.60, No.6, p.807-817. Illus. 43 ref. (In English)

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A total of 338 exposure samples was collected from 133 construction workers employed in 4 trades: carpenters, labourers, ironworkers and operating engineers. Four sites using a variety of construction techniques were sampled at least 12 times on a randomly chosen date over a 22-week period. Workers completed a questionnaire throughout the workday detailing the tasks preformed and tools used. Exposure levels were measured using both the OSHA and the 1996 draft NIOSH/ISO exposure metric. The highest exposure levels were found for tasks involving pneumatically operated tools and heavy equipment. Construction method, stage of construction, and work tasks and tools used were found to be better exposure predictors than the trade. (74780)

CIS 00-517 Drafts in cold environments - The significance of air temperature and direction. Griefahn B., Künemund C., Gehring U., Mehnert P., Industrial Health, Jan. 2000, Vol.38, No.1, p.30-40. Illus. 24 ref. (In English)

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The influence of air temperature and of the direction of drafts on subjective and physiological responses is investigated in 58 healthy persons. Drafts were applied horizontally or vertically with mean air velocities of 0.1 to 0.3m/s and a turbulence intensity of 50%. Air temperature was varied between 11 and 23°C and metabolic rates between <70 and 156W/m². These parameters were kept constant during the one-hour sessions. The subjects were dressed for thermal neutrality. Draft-induced annoyance was registered every five minutes using a list of prescribed body parts and skin temperature was measured at the forearm and at the neck. Subjective and physiological responses were systematically related to air temperature. Draft-induced general annoyance, draft-induced local annoyance (neck, forearm) and the drop of the corresponding skin temperature were inversely related to air temperature. Horizontal drafts seem to cause somewhat stronger reactions. (74522)

CIS 00-518 Occupational exposure to static, ELF, VF and VLF magnetic fields and immune parameters. Tuschl H., Neubauer G., Schmid G., Weber E., Winker N., International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health, 1st Quarter 2000, Vol.13, No.1, p.39-50. Illus. 21 ref. (In English)

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The aim of the study was to examine the effect of occupational exposure to electromagnetic fields on the immune system among hospital personnel operating magnetic resonance tomographs and industrial workers at induction heaters. In both categories of workplaces, magnetic flux densities exceeding Austrian exposure standards were registered. Because of the complexity and high redundancy of the immune system, an extensive range of assay systems was applied. The number of natural killer cells and oxidative burst in monocytes showed statistically significant differences in workers at induction heaters and controls. The observed effect on oxidative burst was counteracted by a higher number of active cells in the exposed group, indicating normal non-specific immunity. (74773)

CIS 00-519 Microwave emissions from police radar. Fink J.M., Wagner J.P., Congleton J.J., Rock J.C., American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal, Nov.-Dec. 1999, Vol.60, No.6, p.770-776. Illus. 15 ref. (In English)

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This study evaluated police officers' exposures to microwaves emitted by traffic radar units. Exposure measurements were taken at approximated ocular and testicular levels of officers seated in patrol vehicles. Seventeen different models, encompassing 4 frequency bands and 3 antenna configurations, were included. Of the 812 measurements taken at the officers' seated ocular and testicular positions, none exceeded 0.04mW/cm²; the highest of these (0.034mW/cm²) was less than 1% of the most conservative current safety standards. Results of this study indicate that police officer exposure to microwave radiation is apparently minimal. Because of uncertainty in the medical and scientific communities concerning non-ionizing radiation, a policy of prudent avoidance is recommended, including purchasing units with the lowest published maximum power densities, purchasing dash/rear deck-mounted units with antennae mounted outside the patrol vehicle, and training police officers to use the "stand-by" mode when not actually using radar. (74777)

CIS 00-520 Need for hearing loss prevention for agricultural aerial application service personnel. Lankford J.E., Meinke D., Hotopp M., Journal of Agromedicine, 1999, Vol.6, No.2, p.25-39. Illus. 18 ref. (In English)

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Agricultural aerial applicator services utilize fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters which generate noise levels that may produce noise-induced hearing loss in pilots and support personnel. Cockpit noise levels (L_eq) ranged from 98 to 110dBA. Pilot noise doses for fixed-wing aircraft averaged 954% and for helicopters averaged 407%. The hearing sensitivity of 12 pilots surveyed was worse than would be predicted for individuals in a non-noise exposed environment. It is recommended that all pilots working in agricultural aerial applications be included in an effective hearing conservation programme. Some support personnel (chemical handlers) might also be at risk and should be considered for the programme. (74502)

CIS 00-521 Heat exhaustion in a deep underground metalliferous mine. Donoghue A.M., Sinclair M.J., Bates G.P., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Mar. 2000, Vol.57, No.3, p.165-174. Illus. 44 ref. (In English)

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A total of 106 miners working in a deep underground mine suffered from acute heat exhaustion in the course of a one-year period. Their history was obtained with a structured questionnaire, and their pulse rate, blood pressure, tympanic temperature and urine-specific gravity measured before treatment. Venous blood was analysed during the acute presentation and after recovery. Body mass index and maximum O₂ consumption were measured after recovery. Psychrometric wet bulb temperature, dry bulb temperature and air velocity were measured at the underground sites where heat exhaustion had occurred. Conclusions are that heat exhaustion in underground miners is associated with dehydration, neutrophil leukocytosis, eosinopenia, metabolic acidosis, increased glucose and ferritin, and a mild rise in creatine kinase, aspartate transaminase and lactate dehydrogenase. (74657)

CIS 00-522 Cosmic radiation and magnetic field exposure to airline flight crews. Nicholas J.S., Lackland D.T., Butler G.C., Mohr L.C., Dunbar J.B., Kaune W.T., Grosche B., Hoel D.G., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Dec. 1998, Vol.34, No.6, p.574-580. Illus. 19 ref. (In English)

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Personal dosimeters were used to measure magnetic fields in the cockpit and the cabin of several different aircraft types during 37 flights. Cosmic radiation was estimated by computer for 206 flights. Magnetic field levels in the cockpit had a mean value of approximately 17 milliGauss (mG), while cabin measurements were lower (between 3 and 6mG). Cosmic radiation equivalent dose rates to bone marrow and skeletal tissue ranged from 0.3 to 5.7µSv (microsieverts) per hour. Elevated magnetic field levels in the front serving areas and the cockpit suggest the need for further study to evaluate long-term exposure to cosmic radiation and magnetic fields by flight crew members who work in these areas. Cosmic radiation levels are well below occupational limits for adults, but may require some pregnant flight crew members to adjust their flying time or routes. (74513)

CIS 00-523 Novel methods for early identification of noise-induced hearing loss. Lutman M.E., Hall A.J., Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 2000, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2000. vi, 49p. Illus. 21 ref. Price: GBP 20.00., ISBN 0-7176-1753-X (In English)

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The aim of the project was to compare various methods that might be used to monitor cochlear function in people exposed to noise, and particularly new techniques involving the recording of otoacoustic emissions, with typical monitoring by audiometry. The recording of otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) has three advantages: it does not require the active cooperation of the test subject, it is faster (by a few seconds) and the specifications of the test room are less stringent than for audiometry. Three different types of OAE tests were evaluated as well as two psychophysical tests. (74740)

CIS 00-524 Acoustics and vibration - Laboratory measurement of vibro-acoustic transfer properties of resilient elements - Part 1: Principles and guidelines. (French: Acoustique et vibrations - Mesurage en laboratoire des propriétés de transfert vibro-acoustique des éléments élastiques - Partie 1: Principes et lignes directrices) International Organization for Standardization (ISO), Case postale 56, 1211 Genève 20, Switzerland, 1st ed., 1997. iii, 20p. Illus. 16 ref. (In English, French)

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This International Standard describes the determination of vibro-acoustic transfer properties of resilient elements used to reduce the transmission of sound and vibrations from engines, appliances, structures etc. The present Part 1 serves as an introduction and a guide to parts 2 to 5 of ISO 10846, which describe laboratory measurement methods for the determination of the most important quantities governing transmission of vibrations through linear insulators. It provides the theoretical background, the principles and limitations of the methods and guidance to selection of the most appropriate standard of the series. (74710)

CIS 00-525 Machinery and equipment: Declared noise emission values based on the determination of the combined standard deviation. Nordtest, P.O. Box 116, 02151 Espoo, Finland, 1997. 7p. 21 ref. (In English)

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Guidelines for determining the A-weighted declared single-number and dual-number noise emission values of machinery and equipment based on the determination of their spectrum or A- and C-weighted noise levels. Annex B provides an example of a noise emission declaration for machinery and equipment. (74712)

CIS 00-526 Radiation doses - Assessment and recording. Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, Mar. 2000. 4p. Illus. 5 ref. (In English)

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This information sheet provides advice on the requirements of the UK Ionising Radiations Regulations 1999 (IRR99) regarding the assessment of radiation doses. Contents: selection of an approved dosimetry service; care and use of dosimeters; procedure for lost or damaged dosimeters; assessment of internal dose; dose records; incorrect recorded dose; investigation of overdoses; workers of external contractors, short term workers and self-employed workers. (Replaces CIS 96-338.) (74742)

CIS 00-527 Protection of outside workers against ionising radiation. Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, Mar. 2000. 2p. (In English)

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This information sheet is aimed at workers of external contractors (outside workers), their employers and employers in control of controlled areas. It gives guidance on the provisions of the Ionizing Radiations Regulations 1999 (IRR99) relating to outside workers. Contents: provision and updating of radiation passbooks; exchange of information between employers; procedure before an outside worker starts work; dose estimation; estimates of dose from a contamination incident. (74743)

CIS 00-528 Electromagnetic fields and waves (0Hz -300GHz). (French: Champs et ondes électromagnétiques (0Hz -300GHz)) Hée G., Méreau P., Dornier G., Travail et sécurité, Feb. 2000, No.593, 4p. Insert. Illus. 7 ref. (In French)

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This information sheet summarizes the current state of knowledge with respect to hazards from exposure to electromagnetic fields. Topics covered: risks for humans; preventive measures (measurement of the fields, information of employees, measures aimed at creating awareness among occupational physicians, limitation of exposure of pregnant women and of persons treated for cancer, limiting the use of mobile phones); protective measures against interference with sensitive electronic equipment; regulations and standards. (74760)

CIS 00-529 Noise control in the woodworking industry. (French: L'insonorisation dans l'industrie du bois) Guillemin C., Barbara J.J., Travail et sécurité, Mar. 1999, No.582, p.53-56. Illus. 6 ref. Also available as an offprint from the INRS. (In French)

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Practical safety data sheet. Topics: acoustic enclosure; acoustic helmets; data sheet; design of equipment; earplugs; France; legislation; limitation of exposure; noise control; noise level measurement; noise reverberation; sound absorption; sound attenuation; sound shielding; woodworking industry; woodworking machines. (74630)

CIS 00-530 Noise assessments in paper mills. Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, Mar. 2000. 4p. 7 ref. (In English)

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This information sheet is aimed at helping employers and employees understand their legal duties under the Noise at Work Regulations 1989 (CIS 90-21) for making a noise assessment. Contents: noise levels requiring action as defined by regulations 4 and 5; purpose of a noise assessment; preparing and carrying out the noise assessment; benefits of equipment hiring; calculating daily personal noise exposure; noise assessment records; action plan to introduce noise control measures and implementation; including noise control in the purchasing policy; reassessment and record-keeping. (74749)

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CIS 00-531 Fatal occupational injuries associated with forklifts, United States, 1980-1994. Collins J.W., Landen D.D., Kisner S.M., Johnston J.J., Chin S.F., Kennedy R.D., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Nov. 1999, Vol.36, No.5, p.504-512. Illus. 32 ref. (In English)

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Deaths of workers involving forklifts in the United States during a 15-year period were investigated based on death certificate data. The circumstances of the deaths, the nature of the injury, and the age, sex, race, occupation and industry of the victims were examined. A total of 1,021 deaths was identified, resulting in 27,505 years of productive life lost. The average age of the fatally injured worker was 38. The most common circumstances of the fatalities were overturns (22%), pedestrians struck by forklifts (20%) and workers crushed by forklift (16%). Many of the fatalities resulting from overturns might have been prevented if the operator had been restrained with a lap/shoulder belt. Careful consideration should be given to separating pedestrian and forklift traffic, and restricting the use of forklifts near time clocks, exits, and other areas where large numbers of pedestrians pass through in a short time. Additionally, systematic traffic control, including rules for pedestrian and forklift traffic are necessary. (74504)

CIS 00-532 Injuries related to forklifts and other powered industrial vehicles in automobile manufacturing. Collins J.W., Smith G.S., Baker S.P., Warner M., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Nov. 1999, Vol.36, No.5, p.513-521. 7 ref. (In English)

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In the United States, approximately 100 workers are fatally injured each year in forklift and other powered industrial vehicle (PIV) incidents, and an estimated 34,000 work-related injuries involving forklifts are treated in U.S. emergency rooms each year. 916 incidents involving forklifts and other PIVs that occurred in 54 plants operated by a major U.S. automobile manufacturer over a 3-year period were analysed. The incidents resulted in 3 fatalities and 913 nonfatal injuries. The most common incident involved pedestrians (35%) who were struck by a PIV, the load being carried by a PIV or a rack or bin that had been struck by a PIV. Of the 913 nonfatal injuries, 41% resulted in an employee missing work, incurring 22,730 lost workdays, an average of 61 days per lost workday incident. Recommendations to reduce the risk of injury include separating PIVs and pedestrian traffic, restricting the use of forklifts in an area where a large number of pedestrians travel and improving the training of all personnel who drive. (74505)

CIS 00-533 A case-control study of forklift and other powered industrial vehicle incidents. Collins J.W., Smith G.S., Baker S.P., Landsittel D.P., Warner M., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Nov. 1999, Vol.36, No.5, p.522-531. Illus. 20 ref. (In English)

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A study was conducted to examine powered industrial vehicle (PIV) incidents at eight automotive manufacturing plants. 171 incidents where a PIV was involved in a collision were identified. Site visits were conducted to collect data regarding the collision site, the PIVs involved in the incidents, and driver characteristics, which were compared with information from a sample of worksites, PIVs, and PIV drivers who had not been involved in a PIV-related incident in the previous three years. In half of the cases, a pedestrian was struck by a PIV or an object being carried by the PIV. Obstructions that restricted the aisle width increased the odds of a collision incident 1.89 times. Overhead mirrors at intersections and blind corners with limited visibility reduced the odds of a PIV collision incident by a third. When carrying a load, the odds of a PIV being involved in a collision was 1.58 times greater than an unloaded one. Changes in the factory environment, vehicle safety features and driver and pedestrian training are suggested to reduce the risk of PIV incidents. (74506)

CIS 00-534 Chainsaw lacerations to the leg in the New Zealand logging industry: 1983 to 1996. Sullman M., Journal of Occupational Health and Safety - Australia and New Zealand, Aug. 1999, Vol.15, No.4, p.341-350. Illus. 18 ref. (In English)

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The frequency, mechanism, location and severity of chainsaw lacerations to the legs of New Zealand logging workers from 1983 to 1996 are described. The data were obtained from an industry-based accident-reporting scheme. Chainsaw lacerations to the leg were reduced from nearly 30% of all reported lost-time injuries in 1983 to 4% in 1996 are described. The most common mechanism of injury was cutting an unprotected part of the leg, followed closely by cutting through the cut-resistant legwear. Chainsaw injuries to the leg were most severe when no cut-resistant legwear was worn and least severe when the protective legwear was cut through. (74569)

CIS 00-535 Manual handling injuries to workers attending the Royal Liverpool University Hospital. Frostick S., Davies J., Kemp G., Manning D., Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 1999. x, 71p. 17 ref. Price: GBP 25.00., ISBN 0-7176-1698-3 (In English)

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This report describes work conducted in three phases aimed at analysing the components of accidents in manual handling injuries (MHI) and comparing them to other injuries. 55% of MHIs occurred in 15 out of 130 occupational groups. Most frequently represented occupations were labourers, sales and shop assistants and drivers. In some occupations, such as scaffolders, stagers and steeplejacks, all injuries were MHIs. Moving and transporting stock or materials, construction and tidying were the most frequently mentioned activities associated with MHIs. Lifting, lowering, carrying, trying to jump clear, holding with both hands and moving backwards were body movements involved in more than 70% of the MHIs. (74735)

CIS 00-536 The management of safety in Railtrack: A review by the Health and Safety Executive. Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 2000, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, Apr. 2000. 137p. Price: GBP 10.00., ISBN 0-7176-1762-9 (In English)

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This report gives the findings of a safety management analysis carried out by the HSE at Railtrack, the British railway infrastructure company. It highlights key areas for improvement at the policy, organization, active and reactive monitoring, audit and review levels. (74734)

CIS 00-537 Injury associated with working near or operating wood chippers. Publications Dissemination, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), 4676 Columbia Parkway, Cincinnati OH 45226-1998, USA, Aug. 1999. 3p. Illus. 1 ref. (In English)

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This leaflet describes the hazards of working with or near self-feeding wood chippers. A major hazard is that of being caught by material being fed, and drawn into the rotating chipper knives. Hoods poorly fastened, prematurely opened, damaged or poorly maintained are another important source of fatalities and injuries. Recommendations for accident prevention are provided to employers. (74717)

CIS 00-538 Carriage of passengers on farm trailers. Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, Mar. 2000. 4p. Illus. 1 ref. (In English)

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This information sheet is aimed at all persons who use a trailer to move people around on a farm, and sets out the features the trailer should have if it is used for carrying passengers. Main topics covered: requirements for the towing vehicle and the trailer; equipment for trailers used regularly for workers or for carrying members of the public; trailers used for workers on exceptional basis; safety rules; legal requirements. (74746)

CIS 00-539 Forestry and logging industry. National Occupational Health and Safety Commission, NOHSC, GPO Box 58, Sydney NSW 2001, Australia, no date. 4p. Illus. 2 ref. (In English)

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Statistical information on 44 work-related fatalities in the forestry and logging industry in Australia is provided, with analysis concerning accident mechanism, occupation, location and activity. Six accidents are described. Falling objects such as trees and tree branches accounted for 64%, and felling or clearing trees accounted for 73% of the accidents. (74716)

CIS 00-540 Safeguarding of combination metalworking machines. Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, mars 2000. 4p. Illus. 5 ref. (In English)

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http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/eis13.pdf

This information sheet provides practical guidance to users on the safeguarding of combination metalworking machines. Contents: hazards and risks of combination metalworking machines; general safeguarding and specific requirements for punching, notching, shearing, cropping and bending; machine controls; emergency stops; operator training. (Replaces CIS 94-2100.) (74748)

CIS 00-541 Safety at construction works. Epimorfotiki Kilkis Ltd., 25 Martiou 40 St., Kilkis, Greece, no date. 301p. Illus. 2 ref. (In English)

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Following the observation of construction industry workplaces, ten cases of unsafe working habits were selected and tools for improved safety devised, including: an antislip ladder base, a conical cement bucket, protective netting, a concrete-bar rail and a cement pump funnel. Many unsafe practices were found and are commented upon, and specific recommendations to eliminate them. Specific features of the construction industry in general and of construction sites in Greece and Denmark in particular (the Øresund Link project, connecting Denmark and Sweden through a tunnel-bridge combination), are presented. A wide variety of problems are discussed with respect to Greek legislation and the ILO Practical Code for Safety and Health in Construction. (74701)

CIS 00-542 Working on roofs. Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 6FS, United Kingdom, May 1999. 8p. Illus. 3 ref. (In English)

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This information sheet is aimed at people working on roofs or managing and supervising such work. It sets out key safeguards, considers risk assessment, access, edge protection, work platforms and roof ladders, fall arrest equipment, training, work on fragile materials, falling materials and working on flat and sloping roofs. (74713)

CIS 00-543 Crossing high-speed roads on foot during temporary traffic-management works. Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, Apr. 2000. 2000. 4p. 13 ref. (In English)

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This information sheet provides advice on health and safety issues where traffic management workers cross on foot the carriageways of high-speed roads which are open to traffic. Contents: legal requirements; design and planning of temporary traffic management arrangements; health assessment of workers; training of workers; personal protective equipment and high-visibility garments; advance signing; rules of safe crossing; hours of work; accident reporting. (74745)

CIS 00-544 Safe use of single-end tenoning machines. Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, Mar. 2000. 4p. Illus. 8 ref. (In English)

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This information sheet provides practical guidance to help employers satisfy the requirements of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998. Accident prevention can be achieved by hardware measures (braking device, improvement of the guarding of the tools, enclosure of machine to restrict third party access, tooling) and safe working practices (adequate training and supervision of workers, clamping of the workpiece, securing the fences and guides, provision of workpiece supports), as well as other measures such as good lighting, housekeeping, frequent machine checks and regular maintenance. (74750)

CIS 00-545 Hydraulic equipment. National Occupational Health and Safety Commission, NOHSC, GPO Box 58, Sydney NSW 2001, Australia, no date. 2p. Illus. 2 ref. (In English)

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Statistical information on 43 work-related fatalities with hydraulic equipment in Australia is provided, with analysis concerning equipment, industry, occupation, employment arrangement and accident mechanism (falling object, moving machinery, moving object, trapping). Four accidents are described. (74715)

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CIS 00-546 Catastrophe model for the exposure to blood-borne pathogens and other accidents in health care settings. Guastello S.J., Gershon R.R.M., Murphy L.R., Accident Analysis and Prevention, Nov. 1999, Vol.31, No.6, p.739-749. Illus. 15 ref. (In English)

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Workers at three hospitals were surveyed on HIV-relevant exposures (needlesticks, cuts, splashes, contact with open wounds), the accident rate for broadly-defined injuries, and several occupationally relevant themes. A cusp (cubic polynomial) model predicting HIV-relevant exposures was more accurate than a linear model containing the same variables. Some of the variables predisposed workers to greater differences in HIV-relevant and general accident exposures: shiftwork, climate, depressive symptoms and workpace. Other variables governed how close an individual was to a critical threshold where a harmful incident would take place: verbal abuse, professional group membership. Similarly, a cusp model for accident incidents predicted from HIV-relevant exposures and occupational variables was also more accurate than comparison models. Two variables predisposed the worker to a greater accident risk: depression symptoms and shift work. Four other variables predisposed the worker to lesser accident risk: job satisfaction, safety climate, environment stressors and workpace. (74590)

CIS 00-547 AIDS and work. (French: Sida et travail) Performances Humaines et Techniques, May-June 1997, No.88, p.6-37. (In French)

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Topics: discriminatory practices; drug dependence; drugs; employee rights; ethics; France; handicapped workers; human behaviour; immunodeficiency syndrome; industrial physicians; infectious diseases; information of personnel; legislation; medical treatment; narcotics; nursing personnel; responsibilities of employers; role of supervisory staff; social aspects; work in isolation. (74627)

CIS 00-548 Preventing needlestick injuries in health care settings. Publications Dissemination, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), 4676 Columbia Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45226-1998, USA, Nov. 1999. 23p. Illus. 77 ref. (In English)

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This booklet is addressed to employers and workers in health care establishments. Health care workers exposed to needles are at an increased risk of needlestick injuries. Such injuries can lead to serious (even fatal) infections with bloodborne pathogens, such as hepatitis B and C viruses and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Case studies of needlestick injuries are presented. The brochure advises avoiding the unnecessary use of needles, using needleless and safer needle devices, and promoting education and safe work practices. It also presents intervention strategies for reducing the risks. (74718)

CIS 00-549 Biological hazards in the work environment. (French: Risques biologiques en milieu de travail) Leprince A., Dornier G., Travail et sécurité, Oct. 1999, No.589, 4p. Insert. Illus. 12 ref. (In French)

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In France, an estimated 1.2 million workers are exposed to biological hazards at work. This information sheet summarizes the current state of knowledge with respect to the prevention of biological hazards. Topics covered: risks of infection from biological agents; carcinogenicity of some biological agents; preventive action (risk assessment, identification of hazards, containment, vaccination); occupations at risk from exposure to blood; infection risks in medical laboratories; biological hazards in effluent treatment plants; research; training; French and European regulations. (74757)

CIS 00-550 Contagious diseases in the working environment - Part 1/5. Juntunen J., EURO TV-News/Educational films, PL 1243, 96101 Rovaniemi, Finland, 2000. Videotape (VHS) (length: approx. 30min). (In English)

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This videotape is part of a series of five films on contagious diseases (HIV, hepatitis C and B, tuberculosis, etc.) in the working environment (see also CIS 00-551, CIS 00-552, CIS 00-553 and CIS 00-554). This film focuses on infection risk situations which could be experienced by police, border guards, customs officials, conductors and security guards, and which could give rise to the possibility of their becoming carriers of a contagious disease through contact with body fluids. (74786)

CIS 00-551 Contagious diseases in the working environment - Part 2/5. Juntunen J., EURO TV-News/Educational films, PL 1243, 96101 Rovaniemi, Finland, 2000. Videotape (VHS) (length: approx. 40min). (In English)

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This videotape is part of a series of 5 films on contagious diseases (HIV, hepatitis C and B, tuberculosis, etc.) in the working environment (see also CIS 00-550, CIS 00-552, CIS 00-553 and CIS 00-554). This film focuses on infection risk situations which could be experienced by nurses, real estate managers, agricultural workers, health inspectors as well as microbiology laboratory workers, and which could give rise to the possibility of their becoming carriers of a contagious disease through contact with body fluids. (74787)

CIS 00-552 Contagious diseases in the working environment - Part 3/5. Juntunen J., EURO TV-News/Educational films, PL 1243, 96101 Rovaniemi, Finland, 2000. Videotape (VHS) (length: approx. 30min). (In English)

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This videotape is part of a series of five films on contagious diseases (HIV, hepatitis C and B, tuberculosis, etc.) in the working environment (see also CIS 00-550, CIS 00-551, CIS 00-553 and CIS 00-554). This film focuses on infection risk situations, which could be experienced by social workers, bailiffs, pharmacists and pharmacy employees, dentists and nurses, and which could give rise to the possibility of their becoming carriers of a contagious disease through contact with body fluids. (74788)

CIS 00-553 Contagious diseases in the working environment - Part 4/5. Juntunen J., EURO TV-News/Educational films, PL 1243, 96101 Rovaniemi, Finland, 2000. Videotape (VHS) (length: approx. 30min). (In English)

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This videotape is part of a series of five films on contagious diseases (HIV, hepatitis C and B, tuberculosis, etc.) in the working environment (see also CIS 00-550, CIS 00-551, CIS 00-552 and CIS 00-554). This film focuses on infection risk situations which could be experienced by taxi and bus drivers, cleaners, restaurant and pub doormen, and library and shop workers, and which could give rise to the possibility of their becoming carriers of a contagious disease through contact with body fluids. (74789)

CIS 00-554 Contagious diseases in the working environment - Part 5/5. Juntunen J., EURO TV-News/Educational films, PL 1243, 96101 Rovaniemi, Finland, 2000. Videotape (VHS) (length: approx. 30min). (In English)

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This videotape is part of a series of five films on contagious diseases (HIV, hepatitis C and B, tuberculosis, etc.) in the working environment (see also CIS 00-550, CIS 00-551, CIS 00-552 and CIS 00-553). This film focuses on infection risk situations which could be experienced by firemen, ambulance drivers, educational workers and childminders, and which could give rise to the possibility of their becoming carriers of a contagious disease through contact with body fluids. (74790)

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CIS 00-555 Evaluation of the clinical utility of mobility charts. Lawson S., Skevington J., O'Connell B., Ryan M., Sprigg V., Journal of Occupational Health and Safety - Australia and New Zealand, Aug. 1999, Vol.15, No.4, p.365-371. Illus. 2 ref. (In English)

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This article reports the findings of a project that evaluated the utility of pre-designed mobility charts and stickers used to communicate a patient's mobility status and provide instructions on patient transferring techniques. A six-month trial of the mobility charts and stickers was undertaken on a combined orthopedic-rheumatology ward at a major hospital in Western Australia. A second ward with a comparable patient population (orthopedics) served as a comparison ward. The extent to which the stickers communicated clear, unambiguous instructions was also investigated. The trial revealed strong hospital staff support for the use of mobility charts. Nurses appraised the chart as being a useful, user-friendly communication tool that provided patient-specific information on transferring techniques. The findings also revealed that some stickers needed modification to enhance clarity of the instructions. (74570)

CIS 00-556 An observation instrument for assessment of work technique in patient transfer tasks. Kjellberg K., Johnsson C., Proper K., Olsson E., Hagberg M., Applied Ergonomics, Apr. 2000, Vol.31, No.2, p.139-150. 55 ref. (In English)

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The aim of the study was to design and evaluate an observation instrument for the description and ergonomic assessment of the techniques of nursing personnel for moving patients. The instrument consists of 24 items arranged in three phases of a transfer: the preparation phase, the starting position and the actual performance. Observations can be made from video recordings by trained observers. The validity and reliability of the instrument were evaluated on 35 video-recorded patient transfers from hospital wards, and were mostly satisfactory. (74573)

CIS 00-557 Patient handling with and without slings: An analysis of the risk of injury to the lumbar spine. Elford W., Straker L., Strauss G., Applied Ergonomics, Apr. 2000, Vol.31, No.2, p.185-200. Illus. 63 ref. (In English)

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In this study, kinematic variables and subjective ratings of body part stress and lifter preference were used as measures of the relative risk for three two-person techniques for carrying a patient from one chair to another chair (using no sling, one and two slings). 22 nurses participated in the study conducted in Australia. Kinematic measures of angular displacement, velocity and acceleration were obtained using the lumbar motion monitor and visual analogue scales were used to obtain measures of body part stress for seven body parts. There was no significant difference between one and two sling techniques. Mean total body stress rating was higher for the no-sling technique and all subjects indicated that their preference was for slings. Although all measures of risk rated the no-sling technique as carrying a higher level of risk than the techniques using slings, the elimination of manual patient handling seems the best option for the reduction of work-related back injuries. (74574)

CIS 00-558 An ergonomics program designed to reduce the incidence of upper extremity work related musculoskeletal disorders. Bernacki E.J., Guidera J.A., Schaefer J.A., Lavin R.A., Tsai S.P., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Dec. 1999, Vol.41, No.12, p.1032-1041. Illus. 59 ref. (In English)

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In 1992, the Johns Hopkins Hospital and University in Baltimore (MD, USA) initiated a programme aimed at the early diagnosis and treatment of potential upper extremity work-related musculoskeletal disorders (UEWMSDs) among employees. The programme consisted of an ergonomic assessment of workplaces of employees with UEWSMSD, as well as the identification and correction of areas throughout the hospital and university where UEWMSDs could possibly occur. The programme resulted in an initial increase in the number and cost for the treatment of UEWMSDs. Subsequently, there was a significant decrease in the number of UEWMSDs reported and virtual elimination of the need to use surgical procedures to correct these conditions. (74542)

CIS 00-559 Biomechanical analysis of materials handling manipulators in short distance transfers of moderate mass objects: Joint strength, spine forces and muscular antagonism. Nussbaum M.A., Chaffin D.B., Baker G., Ergonomics, Dec. 1999, Vol.42, No.12, p.1597-1618. Illus. 38 ref. (In English)

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An experimental study of two types of mechanical manipulators (articulated arm and overhead hoist) was conducted to determine whether biomechanical stresses, and hence injury risk, would be alleviated. Short distance transfers of loads with moderate mass were performed both manually and with manipulator assistance under a variety of task conditions. Strength demands at the shoulders and low back, lumbar spine forces and lumbar muscle antagonism were determined. Strength requirements decreased significantly at both the shoulders and low back when using either manipulator in comparison with similar transfers performed manually. Peak spine compression and anterior-posterior shear forces were reduced by about 40% on average. (74549)

CIS 00-560 Special issue: International symposium on future developments in human work systems. Kogi K., Kikuchi Y., Suzuki T., eds., Journal of Human Ergology, Dec. 1997, Vol.26, No.2, p.i-ii; p.89-192 (whole issue). Illus. Bibl.ref. (In English)

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Proceedings of the International symposium on future developments in human work systems held in Yokohama, Japan, 27-28 June 1996. Main topics presented: flexible work systems (job sharing, telework, career breaks); work organization; migrant workers; sociocultural and psychological aspects; ergonomic aspects; human behaviour; ageing and efficacy of work; developing new skills for new tasks; older workers and new technologies. (74550)

CIS 00-561 Ergonomics investigation of retail ice cream operations. Dempsey P.G., McGorry R.R., Cotnam J., Braun T.W., Applied Ergonomics, Apr. 2000, Vol.31, No.2, p.121-130. Illus. 13 ref. (In English)

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An ergonomics evaluation of retail ice cream shops, including field and laboratory data collection, was conducted with the goal of providing recommendations to enhance the health, safety and productivity of shop employees. A primary focus of the investigation was quantifying the task demands of scooping ice cream. This goal was accomplished through the use of a custom-designed instrumented ice cream scoop. Data were collected at an ice cream shop under typical conditions, while the laboratory experiment investigated task demands of ice cream scooping over a range of realistic temperatures. Recommendations to improve operations in retail ice cream shops are presented. (74572)

CIS 00-562 The effect of a work-conditioning programme on manual labourers in South African industry. Scott P.A., International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, June 1999, Vol.24, No.3, p.253-259. Illus. 22 ref. (In English)

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The Ergonomic Stress Index (ESI) is the ratio of job requirements to employee capabilities. By improving the physical work capacity of workers, while at the same time educating and training them how best to execute the task, one may be able to reduce the ESI and thus lessen the incidence of musculoskeletal disorders. The objective of the project was to investigate the effect of a "Work Conditioning" programme to proactively assist in the reduction of occupational disabilities. Twenty-four male labourers engaged in physically demanding tasks in local industries participated in the study. The programme, conducted on work premises, included general physical conditioning and specific job simulations. The results revealed an outstanding overall amelioration within the various situations with statistically significant improvement in most parameters. These data indicate that in developing countries, where there remains a substantial amount of physically demanding manual materials handling, there is an urgent need to educate and train the workers how best to cope with the demands of the task. (74582)

CIS 00-563 Synchronized exposure and image presentation: Analysis of digital EMG and video recordings of work sequences. Forsman M., Sandsjö L., Kadefors R., International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, June 1999, Vol.24, No.3, p.261-272. Illus. 19 ref. (In English)

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To relate ergonomic assessment of work to specific situations or tasks performed in the course of work, it may be important to identify particularly strenuous tasks and to analyse the mix of high and low load periods. Ergonomic analysis methods include observation methods as well as physiological measurements, such as electromyography (EMG). This paper describes SEIP (Synchronized Exposure and Image Presentation), which integrates video recordings with simultaneously recorded exposure signals on a regular PC display. An example includes a sequence from a car assembly plant where EMG was recorded from the trapezius and the wrist extensor muscles of a worker, while he was video recorded while performing his regular work. It was concluded that SEIP is easy to use and is pedagogic when comparing different work methods. It unites observational methods and direct physiological measurements, thus offering the practicing ergonomist a more complete picture of the work being studied. (74583)

CIS 00-564 Anthropometry of female maquiladora workers. Liu W.C.V., Sanchez-Monroy D., Parga G., International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, June 1999, Vol.24, No.3, p.273-280. 16 ref. (In English)

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This paper presents 12 body dimensions of female workers of the maquiladora industry along the Mexico-US border. These data are compared with anthropometric characteristics of Mexican-American females and females in Colombia, Japan, Korea and the US. Anthropometric characteristics of female maquiladora workers were found to be significantly different from those of the Mexican-American females. On the average, the maquiladora females were 47mm shorter in stature than Mexican-American females. The maquiladora females also had smaller biacromial breadth, by 18mm, and wider bitrochanter breadth, by 25mm, than the Mexican-American females. The results also show that maquiladora females and Japanese females shared similar anthropometric characteristics. This paper provides a preliminary data set for the anthropometric characteristics of the maquiladora females. (74584)

CIS 00-565 Use of neural networks to achieve dynamic task allocation: A flexible manufacturing system example. Lin D.Y., Hwang S.L., International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, June 1999, Vol.24, No.3, p.281-298. Illus. 48 ref. (In English)

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In order to attain optimum performance of automated systems, task allocation between humans and computers becomes very important. However, a critical problem existing in the technology of dynamic task allocation is how to develop an implicit human-computer communication interface. Two models, that of "neural networks" and of the "predictive method", are proposed for the allocation of tasks between humans and computers. The first phase of the study was to find important and sensitive indexes to measure the mental workload in supervisory tasks through the use of a multiple regression equation. The second phase was to construct a programming system in an FMS to evaluate the workload index and allocate the task dynamically through the application of the back propagation network (BPN) and the predictive values of the multiple regression equation. Participants were divided into two groups, dynamic and static. The result showed that the workload of the dynamic group was significantly lower than the static group. The neural network proved to be an effective method for decreasing the mental workload through dynamic task allocation. (74585)

CIS 00-566 Ergonomic study of a tyre warehousing workplace. (French: Etude ergonomique d'un poste de magasinage de pneus) Gunter-Martin E., Van Brederode A., Cahiers de médecine interprofessionnelle, 1999, Vol.39, No.1, p.23-32. Illus. (In French)

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Topics: age-linked differences; cardiodynamic changes during effort; elbow; ergonomic evaluation; heart rate monitoring; job study; joint diseases; loading and unloading; manual dexterity; manual handling; physical fatigue; shoulder; standard; tyres; warehousing; wrist. (74622)

CIS 00-567 Variability of geometric and mechanical measurements on wheelchair users. (French: Mesure de la variabilité des paramètres géométriques et mécaniques de la position des personnes en fauteuil roulant) Maltais C., Dansereau J., Lacoste M., Travail et santé, June 1998, Vol.14, No.2, p.S-12-S-16. Illus. 7 ref. (In French)

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A measurement method was developed to describe and quantify the handicapped user's 3D position in his wheelchair. Pre-defined landmarks are digitized with an articulated mechanical arm. To quantify the pressure distribution, a system composed of sensors is used on the seat and the back of the wheelchair. In this method, different types of errors contribute to modify the geometric and mechanical measurements. The purpose of this study is to evaluate these errors and their impact on the precision of the various parameters on a sample group of five non-handicapped subjects. The variability of most of the geometric parameters was <2° where the sagittal rotation of the pelvis (3.8°) showed the highest variability and the thigh angle (0.5°) the lowest. The lowest variability of the mechanical parameters was obtained for the average pressure and pressure gradient measurements. It was confirmed that the geometric and mechanical measurement method presented in this paper is a non-invasive, simple and accurate procedure for seating evaluation. (74624)

CIS 00-568 Simulation. (French: Simulation) Performances Humaines et Techniques, Nov.-Dec. 1998, No.97, p.8-45. Illus. 24 ref. (In French)

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Topics: assembly-line work; check lists; computer simulation; conditions of work; ergonomics; workplace design. (74628)

CIS 00-569 The accuracy of self-rating of exposure to repetitive work. Petersson N.F., Mathiassen S.E., Björing G., Winkel J., International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, Feb. 2000, Vol.25, No.3, p.239-246. Illus. 24 ref. (In English)

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Assessment of the exposure to repetitive mechanical tasks is important in many ergonomic contexts and self-rating may often be an appropriate tool. However, there is a lack of agreement among studies regarding the accuracy of self-rating. The purpose of this study was to investigate the accuracy of self-rating the duration and frequency of lifting and sorting tasks, using questions with open answers in controlled laboratory experiments. It is concluded that while the accuracy is sufficient for some applications, the precision of self-rating of exposures is poor at the individual level. Short durations are overestimated by 100% while longer durations are more accurate. The number of repetitions in sorting tasks was generally underestimated. The inter-individual variation in rating performance was large for durations as well as for repetitions. (74651)

CIS 00-570 Effect of glove, orientation, pressure, load and handle on submaximal grasp force. Buhman D.C., Cherry J.A., Bronkema-Orr L., Bishu R., International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, Feb. 2000, Vol.25, No.3, p.247-256. Illus. 13 ref. (In English)

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There is an inherent trade-off between safety and performance when using gloves. The objectives of this research project were to examine grasp force at maximal and submaximal exertions, and to address the possibility of a relationship between tactility and grasp force. Experiments were conducted under a variety of performance conditions to examine the effect of glove type, pressure differential and lifted load on grasp force at submaximal exertions and to examine the effect of glove type, handle size, handle orientation and lifted load on submaximal and maximal grasp forces. Findings indicated that grasp force was effected by frictional and load tactile feedback. There was a strong glove effect at maximal exertions. However, the glove effect was marginal at submaximal exertions. This suggests that the neuromuscular mechanisms utilized during maximal exertions are differentially applied and/or different from those used during submaximal or "just holding" types of exertion. (74652)

CIS 00-571 Sleepiness during night-shift - sleeping habits or melatonin rhythm? A laboratory study. Farbos B., Bourgeois-Bougrine S., Cabon P., Mollard R., Coblentz A., International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, Feb. 2000, Vol.25, No.3, p.283-294. Illus. 29 ref. (In English)

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The relationship between sleeping habits and sensitivity to sleepiness were examined in seventeen male volunteers selected according to their features of "morningness-eveningness" and the degree of flexibility of their sleeping habits. Subjective assessments were made of sleepiness, fatigue, mental performance and sleep, and the alpha attenuation test. The melatonin circadian rhythm was also measured. Data were compared between the following pairs of groups: evening-morning, flexible-rigid, evening-flexible, morning-flexible and morning-rigid, and groups with an advanced onset of melatonin production at 11 pm and with a delayed onset at 2 am. Results showed that morning, morning-flexible, morning-rigid and advance groups presented more adjustment difficulties than evening, evening-flexible and delay groups. Results suggest that melatonin production and a combination of the two dimensions "eveningness" and "flexibility" of sleeping habits could explain the capacity to adjust to night-work. (74653)

CIS 00-572 Wrist and forearm posture from typing on split and vertically inclined computer keyboards. Marklin R.W., Simoneau G.G., Monroe J.F., Human Factors, Dec. 1999, Vol.41, No.4, p.559-569. Illus. 20 ref. (In English)

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A study was conducted on 90 experienced office workers to determine how commercially available alternative computer keyboards affected wrist and forearm posture. The alternative keyboards tested had the QWERTY layout of keys and were of three designs: split fixed angle, split adjustable angle and vertically inclined. When set up correctly, commercially available split keyboards reduced mean ulnar deviation of the right and left wrists from 12° to within 5° of a neutral position compared with a conventional keyboard. The finding that split keyboards place the wrist closer to a neutral posture in the radial/ulnar plane substantially reduces one occupational risk factor of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs): ulnar deviation of the wrist. (74771)

CIS 00-573 The effects of keyswitch stiffness on typing force, finger electromyography, and subjective discomfort. Gerard M.J., Armstrong T.J., Franzblau A., Martin B.J., Rempel D.M., American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal, Nov.-Dec. 1999, Vol.60, No.6, p.762-769. Illus. 36 ref. (In English)

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The effects of keyswitch stiffness and key action on typing force, electromyography (EMG) and subjective preference were examined. Keyboards with an audible key click and key activation force of 0.72N and with no key click that were identical in design but had different key activation forces (0.28N, 0.56N,and 0.83N) were used. Twenty-four female subjects typed on each keyboard for 15 minutes while typing force and left-hand surface EMG of the finger flexor and extensor muscles were monitored. Subjects then used one of the keyboards at their workstations for seven workdays and were monitored again. This procedure was repeated for all four keyboards. Results suggest that increasing "make" force (= actuation force) causes typing force and EMG to increase but that the ratio of 90th percentile typing force to "make" force decreases as "make" force increases. Subjective discomfort was significantly higher for the keyboard with 0.83N "make" force. (74776)

CIS 00-574 Four assessment tools of ergonomic interventions: Case study at an electric utility's warehouse system. Marklin R.W., Wilzbacher J.R., American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal, Nov.-Dec. 1999, Vol.60, No.6, p.777-784. Illus. 13 ref. (In English)

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In an electrical utility warehouse system, tasks problematic with respect to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) affecting both the back and upper extremities were identified and engineering controls were implemented. Quantitative analysis was performed on each task before and after ergonomics intervention to evaluate exposure to the risk of WMSDs. Four methods were used to evaluate the risk of exposure to injury before and after ergonomics intervention: the 1991 NIOSH Lifting Equation, the Static Strength Prediction Program, the Lumbar Motion Monitor, and the Borg Psychophysical Assessment of Effort. Results from applying these four methods showed that the probability of low-back disorder risk factors was reduced by as much as 29%, the percentage of people capable of performing tasks was increased by as much as 90%, the NIOSH Lifting Index was reduced from above 2.0 to less than 2.0, and the psychophysical assessment of effort was consistently reduced from the "heavy or strong" range to the "light or moderate" range. (74778)

CIS 00-575 Sleep problems in white-collar male workers in an electric equipment manufacturing company in Japan. Nakata A., Haratani T., Kawakami N., Miki A., Kurabayashi L., Shimizu H., Industrial Health, Jan. 2000, Vol.38, No.1, p.62-68. Illus. 28 ref. (In English)

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In order to clarify sleep habits and sleep disturbances among healthy male white-collar workers, a total of 1,161 employees of an electric equipment manufacturing company were surveyed by means of a mailed questionnaire. The workers were asked about 11 types of sleep habits. They were also divided into two sets of four groups according to age and job type: 23-29, 30-39, 40-49 and 50-59; managerial, professional, technical and clerical. In this study, sleep problems were defined as having at least one of the following four characteristics: taking more than 30 minutes to fall asleep; waking up during sleep (ADS) almost every night; early morning awakening (EMA) almost every day; and excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) at work almost every day. Analyses showed that sleep problems were present in 26.0% of workers, and that the problems were most serious among workers aged 50 years and above (36.0%). The findings suggest a need for increased attention to sleep problems in older workers as well as in younger workers with EDS. (74524)

CIS 00-576 Oxygen enrichment of room air to improve well-being and productivity at high altitude. West J.B., International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health, July-Sep. 1999, Vol.5, No.3, p.187-193. Illus. 23 ref. (In English)

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Increasingly, commercial and scientific activities, such as mining and observational astronomy, are taking place at very high altitudes, up to 5,000m. Frequently, workers commute to these locations from much lower altitudes. In addition, large numbers of people permanently live and work at high altitudes. The hypoxia of high altitude impairs sleep quality, mental performance, productivity and general well-being. The proposed solution is to inject oxygen into enclosed work areas through the air-conditioning system. An increase in oxygen concentration by one percentage point (e.g. from 21% to 22%) decreases the equivalent altitude by about 300m, i.e. a room at an altitude of 4,500m containing 26% oxygen is effectively at an altitude of 3,000m. This innovative technique promises to improve productivity and well-being at high altitudes. (74564)

CIS 00-577 A study on job placement for handicapped workers using job analysis data. Chi C.F., International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, June 1999, Vol.24, No.3, p.337-351. Illus. 22 ref. (In English)

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This study determined job titles which can be adequately performed by various types of disabled workers. For each job title, 41 specific variables, falling in three major classes (required education and experience, physical demands, task environment) were factor analysed, using principal components analysis with Varimax rotation. The five-factor (occupational hazard, verbal communication education and training, visual acuity, body agility and manual ability) solution explained 58.4% of the variance. Applying the hierarchical clustering procedure to the loading scores on the five job factors, the 112 job titles were classified into 15 homogeneous clusters. By mapping the loading scores on the five job factors and the handicap profile developed, job titles which can be adequately performed by visually impaired, wheelchair dependent, learning disabled, mental retarded or hearing impaired workers or by individuals with emotional disturbances can be classified. The results can be utilized to expand the perspectives of both the counsellor and the person being counselled about job possibilities and job requirements. (74586)

CIS 00-578 Effects of speed of lift on static and inertial moments at the joints. Bernard T.M., Ayoub M.M., Lin C.J., International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, Apr. 1999, Vol.24, No.1, p.39-47. Illus. 13 ref. (In English)

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Biomechanical models, often in the form of static models, are used to quantify stresses on the body. It has been shown that static models underestimate the stresses of a dynamic activity since static models fail to account for inertial effects. The primary objective of this study was to determine the effect of lifting speed on the reactive moments at the joints using several cumulative measures of whole-body stress. Five male subjects lifted a box loaded with weight based on their individual maximum acceptable weights of lift at five speeds covering the range from very slow to very fast. When averaged across the lift, the inertial component accounted for 2.5%, 5.5%, 10%, 12% and 14% of the average dynamic moment at each of the five speeds, from slowest to fastest, respectively. Recommended handling strategies include slow, smooth lifting to minimize biomechanical stresses on the lifter; however, in reality handlers tend to lift at relatively fast speeds. Biomechanical studies need to account for speed of lift to accurately predict stresses to propose safer lifting strategies. (74587)

CIS 00-579 Psychophysical and physiological study of one-handed and two-handed combined tasks. Yoon H., Smith J.L., International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, Apr. 1999, Vol.24, No.1, p.49-60. Illus. 23 ref. (In English)

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The objective of this study was to utilize the psychophysical approach to examine the combinations of one-handed manual material handling (MMH) activities from a simulated industrial task involving one-handed and two-handed combined tasks, and to develop mathematical models for combined tasks. Maximum acceptable weight workload capacities for 1h work periods for one-handed and two-handed combined tasks (lifting a box from floor-to-knuckle height, carrying the box for 4.3m, and lowering the box from knuckle-to-floor height) were determined psychophysically under three frequencies: six handlings per minute, one handling per minute, and one handling per 5min. In addition to maximum acceptable weight, heart rate, ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) values and tasking time were also measured as response variables. Combined MMH capacity models for one-hand and two-handed tasks were developed. The advantages and disadvantages of different models are discussed. (74588)

CIS 00-580 A comparison of literature-based design recommendations and experimental capability data for a complex manual materials handling activity. Mital A., Ramakrishnan A., International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, Apr. 1999, Vol.24, No.1, p.73-80. Illus. 16 ref. (In English)

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Most manual materials handling jobs include more than one handling activity. It has been presumed that manual lifting activity limits a person's ability to perform manual materials handling activities. This case study demonstrates that such is not always the case. Using a complex manual materials handling task from the railroad industry, it is demonstrated that the capability to perform multiple activity materials handling jobs is limited by different materials handling activities for different people. Capabilities of male volunteers on this complex task are presented. The task, which involved lifting, turning, carrying and pushing activities, was also analysed using both the old and revised NIOSH and other guidelines. It is concluded that both old and revised NIOSH guidelines are of little use in analysing jobs such as described here. It is suggested that the failure to study realistic manual handling activities, and the resulting lack of guidelines to design such jobs, is a dominant reason why the hazards of manual materials handling have not been contained. (74589)

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CIS 00-581 Predictors of occupational low back disability: Implications for secondary prevention. Feuerstein M., Berkowitz S.M., Huang G.D., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Dec. 1999, Vol.41, No.12, p.1024-1031. 58 ref. (In English)

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The present case-control study identified the relative contribution of demographic, physical demand, physical fitness as well as occupational and individual psychosocial variables to back-related work disability in the US Army. Soldiers diagnosed with a lumbosacral strain and medically discharged from the Army (n=174) were compared with non-disabled controls (n=173). Data were obtained from the US Army Health Risk Appraisal (HRA). For cases, these data predated disability determination by 1 to 3 years. For controls, the HRA was completed during the same time period. Significant predictors of back disability were: age, lower rank, infrequent aerobic exercise, higher work stress, worries and lower social support. (74541)

CIS 00-582 How the psychosocial work environment of motor vehicle mechanics may influence coping with musculoskeletal symptoms. Torp S., Riise T., Moen B.E., Work and Stress, July-Sep. 1999, Vol.13, No.3, p.193-203. 36 ref. (In English)

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103 garage mechanics in 12 garages responded to a questionnaire on their ability to cope with musculoskeletal symptoms. Positive and significant relationships were shown to exist between how mechanics coped with their musculoskeletal symptoms and psychosocial factors such as work demand, social support, control of risk factors and managerial involvement in health and safety work. Isolated advice on changes in working methods and the use of lifting equipment, back schools and ergonomic interventions alone have limited effects. Their implementation appears to require an organization with positive health and safety attitudes. (74491)

CIS 00-583 Work organization, job stress and work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Carayon P., Smith M.J., Haims M.C., Human Factors, Dec. 1999, Vol.41, No.4, p.644-663. Illus. 152 ref. (In English)

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Recent studies indicate potential links between work organization, job stress and work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMDs). Several pathways for a theoretical relationship between job stress and WRMDS are proposed, which highlight the physiological, psychological and behavioural reactions to stress that may be related to WRMDs directly or indirectly. One model stipulates that psychosocial work factors which can cause stress might also influence ergonomic factors such as force, repetition and posture that have been identified as risk factors for WRMDs. In order to fully understand the aetiology of WRMDs, it is important to examine physical, ergonomic and psychosocial work factors simultaneously. Smith and Carayon-Sainfort (1989) have proposed a model of the work system for stress management that provides a useful framework for conceptualizing the work-related factors that contribute to WRMDs. (74772)

CIS 00-584 Sense of coherence and ill health among the unemployed and re-employed after closure of an assembly plant. Hanse J.J., Engström T., Work and Stress, July-Sep. 1999, Vol.13, No.3, p.204-222. Illus. 56 ref. (In English)

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Sense of coherence (SOC) is a dispositional orientation of perceiving and controlling the environment for meaningful and appropriate action. Subjects of this cross-sectional study were 344 former employees of an assembly plant closed down two years earlier, of whom 92 were still unemployed at the time of the study. Ill-health symptoms and poor SOC were significantly more frequent among those still unemployed, but in the presence of a strong SOC being unemployed had a rather low impact on health symptoms. SOC appeared to have a greater impact on psychological symptoms among unemployed as compared to re-employed workers. A high education level and white-collar work were related to strong SOC. Re-employed workers reported a significantly stronger SOC. (74492)

CIS 00-585 Construct validity of the Maslach Burnout Inventory-General Survey: A two-sample examination of its factor structure and correlates. Taris T.W., Schreurs P.J.G., Schaufeli W.B., Work and Stress, July-Sep. 1999, Vol.13, No.3, p.223-237. Illus. 48 ref. (In English)

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The Maslach Burnout Inventory-General Survey, an instrument for the measurement of burnout in professions not involving contacts with persons, was validated in a study involving 179 software engineers and 284 university staff members. With respect to internal validity, the distinction of three burnout subscales is retained. With respect to external validity, the meaning of the subscales in terms of selected work characteristics is quite different. For practical purposes, burnout scores can readily be obtained in a one-dimensional concept; for scientific purposes, burnout should be scored in three different dimensions. (74493)

CIS 00-586 Subjective health complaints: Is coping more important than control?. Eriksen H.R., Ursin H., Work and Stress, July-Sep. 1999, Vol.13, No.3, p.238-252. Illus. 43 ref. (In English)

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In a study involving 1,060 Norwegian postal workers with high work demand, the interrelations of psychological demands, control, coping, job stress and subjective health complaints were examined. A demand-coping model was developed and compared with the traditional demand-control model. Coping, understood as the expectancy of positive outcomes, was found to have more impact than control (decision latitude). Subjective health complaints were found to depend more on combinations of demands and coping than on demands and control. Individual coping mechanisms were found to be more important for subjective health than organization factors. (74494)

CIS 00-587 The Job Demand-Control(-Support) Model and psychological well-being: A review of 20 years of empirical research. van der Doef M., Maes S., Work and Stress, Apr.-June 1999, Vol.13, No.2, p.87-114. Illus. 98 ref. (In English)

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Research on psychological well-being under occupational stress published between 1979 and 1997 is reviewed and compared in terms of the Job Demand-Control and Job Demand-Control-Support models. Two hypotheses are tested: the strain hypothesis (high demands and low control should produce the lowest well-being) and the buffer hypothesis (control can moderate the negative effects of high demands on well-being). Low social support (isolation) should reinforce these negative effects (iso-strain hypothesis) while high social support should moderate them. It was found that only the aspects of job control that correspond to the specific demands of a given job moderate the impact of high demands on well-being. (74495)

CIS 00-588 The Job Demands-Job Control Model and absence behaviour: Results of a 3-year longitudinal study. Smulders P.G.W., Nijhuis F.J.N., Work and Stress, Apr.-June 1999, Vol.13, No.2, p.115-131. 64 ref. (In English)

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Job demands, job control, physical working conditions, and employees' age, education, and health were evaluated in a given year in 1,755 male employees of a technical maintenance firm in the public sector, and correlated with absence behaviour in that year and three subsequent years. Age, health and prior absence were found to be the best predictors of future absences. Job control was found to be significantly associated with a low number of simultaneous and subsequent absence days. The same findings were made for the effect of job demands. Job control and job demand did not predict later absence frequency. The authors suggest that job demands (such as work under time pressure) could be perceived as "a pressure to attend". (74496)

CIS 00-589 Psychosocial work environment and mental health among travelling salespeople. Borg V., Kristensen T.S., Work and Stress, Apr.-June 1999, Vol.13, No.2, p.132-143. 18 ref. (In English)

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A sample of 1,306 Danish travelling sales representatives was examined with respect to factors leading to poor mental health. Psychological demand factors (long working hours, a large number of clients per day, late working hours, and a high level of perceived job demands) correlate with poor mental health. Improvements in mental health can be expected from combining sales with other tasks, spending more time with a given client, working more regular hours, and improved decision authority. Support from colleagues and superiors, nights away from home, or number of hours away from the company did not correlate with mental health. (74497)

CIS 00-590 Critical incident stress debriefing and its effects on coping strategies and anger in a sample of Australian police officers involved in shooting incidents. Leonard R., Alison L., Work and Stress, Apr.-June 1999, Vol.13, No.2, p.144-161. 40 ref. (In English)

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Situation appraisals and coping behaviours, symptom outcomes and expectations of police officers involved in shooting incidents were analysed in two groups of 30 police officers each, one of which received and the other did not receive a Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD). The CISD appeared to lead to reduction in anger levels and greater use of some specific adaptive coping strategies, but closer analysis revealed that factors such as prior negative life experiences could be more important. The opportunity for a CISD was found to be important; the non-debriefed felt overlooked and more angry. The quality of debriefings was sometimes regarded as insufficient. (74498)

CIS 00-591 The derivation of a brief Student Nurse Stress Index. Jones M.C., Johnston D.W., Work and Stress, Apr.-June 1999, Vol.13, No.2, p.162-181. Illus. 47 ref. (In English)

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A number of items from the Beck and Srivastava Stress Inventory and some new additional items were analysed in answers from 235 first-year student nurses. Four factors - academic load, clinical concerns, personal problems and interface worries - produced a psychometric solution validated in an additional sample of 188 subjects. (74499)

CIS 00-592 Hard facts. O'Driscoll E., Occupational Health, Jan. 2000, Vol.52, No.1, p.16-17; 19. Illus. (In English)

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This article expresses the results of a questionnaire survey in the United Kingdom on bullying by type of organization, perceived extent of the bullying, manner in which the problem is addressed and personal experiences of bullying. Two thirds of the respondents worked for companies employing more than 1,000 employees; manufacturing industries accounted for 30% and health care for 27%. The survey highlights the fact that a majority of respondents (two thirds) believe that their employers do not take the bullying problem seriously, and 84% state that there is no policy on this issue within their organization. Most of the responders (90%) believe that bullying exists within their organization. The perpetrator of the bullying is often a superior. The reaction to bullying varies (confronting the issue, complaining to management, tendering one's resignation). (74525)

CIS 00-593 It's the people - stupid! The importance of human factors in safety assurance. Simpson G., Journal of Occupational Health and Safety - Australia and New Zealand, Aug. 1999, Vol.15, No.4, p.325-332. 13 ref. (In English)

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All too frequently, the focus on safe behaviour has concentrated on apportioning blame on the workforce rather than attempting to understand all the factors influencing safe behaviour. If standards of safe behaviour are to improve, the influence of all the people in the system should be considered, from design engineers to senior management and supervisory staff, and to the workforce itself. Through a series of examples, the factors influencing safe behaviour and feasible solutions are described. (74568)

CIS 00-594 Psychosocial risk - What is it, and how to prevent it?. (Spanish: El riesgo psicosocial - ¿Qué es y cómo se previene?) de la Roca Pascual Y., Menchón Sánchez E., Prevención, Jan.-Mar. 2000, No.151, p.7-16. Illus. 5 ref. (In Spanish)

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This article highlights the role of applied psychology in the prevention of occupational health and safety risks within an enterprise. The psychologist's task is to analyse psychosocial risk factors at the workplace and risk factors specific to the individual employee, and to plan preventive actions based on technical factors, work organization, working conditions, labour-management relations and the effects of the workplace atmosphere in order to develop a coherent system. (74614)

CIS 00-595 Work organization and mental health: Current awareness and scope for action. (French: Organisation du travail et santé mentale: état des connaissances et perspectives d'intervention) Vézina M., Revue de médecine du travail, Jan.-Feb. 1999, Vol.XXVI, No.1, p.14-24. Illus. 95 ref. (In French)

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Topics: cardiovascular diseases; depressive neurosis; human behaviour; job dissatisfaction; literature survey; mental health; mental stress; motivation; neuropsychic stress; psychology and sociology; psychology of absenteeism; risk factors; sleep disturbances; social aspects; stress studies; work involving responsibility; work organization. (74625)

CIS 00-596 Occupational stress, with many factors involved. (French: Stress professionnel, une multiplicité de facteurs en cause) Travail et sécurité, Mar. 1999, No.582, p.26-37. Illus. 9 ref. (In French)

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Topics: compensation of occupational diseases; determination in saliva; emergency organization; fire services; France; hormones; human behaviour; job dissatisfaction; mental health; mental stress; motivation; neuropsychic stress; psychology of absenteeism; social aspects; stress factors; work involving responsibility; work organization. (74629)

CIS 00-597 Risk factors for psychological stress among international business travellers. Striker J., Luippold R.S., Nagy L., Liese B., Bigelow C., Mundt K.A., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Apr. 1999, Vol.56, No.4, p.245-252. 30 ref. (In English)

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This study investigated sources of self-reported psychological stress among international business travellers at the World Bank. Hypotheses were that work pressures, personal and family concerns, health behaviours and attitudes, and travel across time zones contribute to travel stress. A travel survey was developed from focus groups and consisted of questions about these potential sources of travel stress. Surveys were sent to a random sample of staff, stratified by number of travel missions, age range and sex. Canonical correlation analyses estimated the association between key survey items on sources of stress and two measures of travel stress. A total of 498 staff members completed the survey. More than a third reported high to very high travel stress. Correlations between predictors and travel stress showed that social and emotional concerns (such as impact of travel on family and sense of isolation) contributed the most to such stress, followed by health concerns and workload upon return from travel. Surprisingly, time zone travel did not contribute to the self-reported stress of these travellers. There were few modifiers of stress, although respondents suggested that a day of rest after travel and reduced workloads would help. (74681)

CIS 00-598 The mental workload of work is increasing. (French: La pénibilité mentale du travail augmente) Travail et sécurité, Oct. 1999, No.589, p.8-10. Illus. 3 ref. (In French)

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According to a survey conducted in 1998 by the French Ministry of Employment, occupational mental workload has increased when compared to the results of a similar survey conducted in 1991. One employee in four claims not to have enough time to do their work. Topics covered: perceived risk of penalty in the case of errors; work rhythms; noise exposure; indicators of occupational mental workload; frequency of task interruptions in favour of more urgent tasks; bullying at work; conflicts with superiors or co-workers. (74756)

CIS 00-599 Violence at work. (French: La violence au travail) Chappell D., Di Martino V., ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, 2nd ed., 2000. xiii, 171p. Illus. Approx. 250 ref. Price: CHF 25.00., ISBN 92-2-110840-6 (In English, French)

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This publication provides the basis for understanding the nature of violence in the workplace, provides information on current legislation and presents preventive strategies and measures. The importance of preventive, systematic and targeted response to violence at work is stressed. This second edition updates information presented in an earlier edition (see CIS 98-1047). (74705)

CIS 00-600 Secondary analysis of data from OPCS surveys of psychiatric morbidity in Great Britain. Gatward R., Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2000. viii, 142p. Illus. 4 ref. Price: GBP 37.50., ISBN 0-7176-1759-9 (In English)

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This research report provides information on psychiatric morbidity by occupation from secondary analysis of a national survey of psychiatric morbidity in 1993. The analysis yields case definitions for overall psychiatric morbidity, 14 neurotic symptoms and 6 neurotic disorders linked to ICD-10 disease classifications. Frequency tables are presented showing the proportion of these various case definitions by occupational groups as defined by standard occupational classification. Logistic regression analysis controlling for age and sex provides odds ratios for these case definitions and a crude ranking of occupations with respect to psychiatric morbidity. Information on days off work, mental problems as reasons for resigning from employment, suicidal tendencies and psychotropic drug use is also provided. (74708)

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