Safety Division Research Articles

Laboratory Safety Program at Francis Marion University

The chemistry program at Francis Marion University (FMU) received the 1999 University Safety Award from the Division of Chemical Health and Safety. Although there is no formal course in safety at FMU, the Laboratory Safety Training Program is extensive and well organized. The safety training program begins in General Chemistry and continues throughout the entire program. Proper safety equipment, regular review of all laboratory procedures, safety inspections, and continuous safety training provide the students and faculty with a safe laboratory experience.

Introduction of PIXE analysis system in NIRS

In March 1999, electrostatic accelerator, Tandetron (Model 4117MC, High Voltage Engineering Europe Co.) was installed in the Electrostatic Accelerator Building for PIXE (Particle Induced X-ray Emission) analysis. The accelerating voltage is 0.4 to 1.7MV, and the maximum beam current is 5μA at 3.4MeV. This system has three beam ports for different types of PIXE analysis: normal, micro-beam and in-air. The first beam port is used for normal PIXE. Since two types of X-ray detecting device, Si ( Li ) and CdZnTe detectors, are available here, elements from Na ( Z =11) to U ( Z =92) are detectable. Fifteen samples can semi automatically be measured at one time using a proton beam of optical beam size from 0.5 to 2.0 mm at 100 nA beam current. A quadrupole triplet magnet (Model OM2000, Oxford Micro beams, Ltd.) attached to the second beam port produces a proton micro-beam of square shape less than 1μ m ×1μ m . Micro-beam scanning PIXE analysis is carried out with this beam at 50pA current and scanning area up to 2.0mm square. The in-air PIXE analysis is performed using the third beam port. The operation of this machine has been scheduled to start from April 2000 and is controlled by Division of Technology and Safety. Some results preliminarily obtained are also shorn.

Utilization of health and safety consulting services of the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation by small businesses.

The Division of Safety and Hygiene (DSH) of the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (OBWC) provides health and safety consulting services to all businesses in Ohio insured by OBWC. It has been conceptualized that small companies in Ohio do not use health and safety consultative services to the same extent as non-small companies. To determine the validity of this belief, this study was conducted to analyze the records of the DSH for the years 1991-1995 in the Division's Southeast Region which contained a total of 281,041 insured companies. Of the 5977 companies utilizing the health and safety services of DSH and recording their number of employees, 65.3 percent were "small," defined as any company with less than 20 employees. Specific services used by businesses included industrial hygiene (small, 3.4% vs. non-small, 6.4%), ergonomics (0.7% vs. 2.8%), engineering such as ventilation or machine guarding (0.6% vs. 1.7%), construction safety (26.7% vs. 3.9%), and general safety such as implementing a safety program (31.4% vs. 22.4%). In conclusion, industrial hygiene, ergonomics, and engineering service utilization were significantly lower for the small businesses than for the non-small businesses, whereas safety service utilization was significantly higher for the small business. Improvement in the system of record-keeping and education/encouragement in the deployment of services are recommended.

Chemical health and safety as a professional career

Most scientists who have organizational responsibilities in safety areas have them as a part time or temporary assignment. There are very few chemists who have permanent safety assignments that are a significant part of their position description. Many active members in the ACS Division of Chemical Health and Safety are experienced chemists and engineers who realize the importance of this area. The practical knowledge that is so helpful in chemical health and safety concerns is best developed with years of experience. If we want chemists who are interested, experienced, and knowledgeable in chemical safety, then we must encourage individuals to specialize in chemical health and safety as a subdiscipline of chemistry. The OSHA Laboratory Standard requires research laboratories to have a Chemical Hygiene Officer or committee; this requirement provides organizations with the opportunity to establish career positions in this area. Compensation and career development potential must be equivalent to other professional positions. Colleges and universities should offer an elective course in chemical health and safety to both undergraduate and graduate students. Major research universities should appoint tenure-track faculty in this area, analogous to positions that currently exist in chemical education.

Investigation of film boiling thermal hydraulics under FCI conditions: results of analyses and a numerical study

Film boiling on the surface of a high-temperature melt jet or of a melt particle is one of key phenomena governing the physics of fuel–coolant interactions (FCIs) which may occur during the course of a severe accident in a light water reactor (LWR). A number of experimental and analytical studies have been performed, in the past, to address film boiling heat transfer and the accompanying hydrodynamic aspects. Most of the experiments have, however, been performed for temperature and heat flux conditions, which are significantly lower than the prototypic conditions. For ex-vessel FCIs, liquid subcooling is big and can significantly affect the FCI thermal hydraulics. Presently, there are large uncertainties in predicting natural convection film boiling of subcooled liquids on high-temperature surfaces. In this paper, research conducted at the Division of Nuclear Power Safety, Royal Institute of Technology (RIT/NPS), Stockholm, concerning film boiling thermal hydraulics under FCI condition is presented. Notably, the focuses are placed on the effect of water subcooling, high-temperature steam properties, the radiation heat transfer and mixing zone boiling dynamics on the vapor film characteristics. Numerical investigation is performed using a novel CFD modelling concept named as the local homogeneous slip model (LHSM). Results of the analytical and numerical studies are discussed with regards to boiling dynamics under FCI conditions.

Experimental and analytical studies of melt jet-coolant interactions: a synthesis

Instability and fragmentation of a core melt jet in water have been actively studied during the past 10 years. Several models, and a few computer codes, have been developed. However, there are, still, large uncertainties, both, in interpreting experimental results and in predicting reactor-scale processes. Steam explosion and debris coolability, as reactor safety issues, are related to the jet fragmentation process. A better understanding of the physics of jet instability and fragmentation is crucial for assessments of fuel-coolant interactions (FCIs). This paper presents research, conducted at the Division of Nuclear Power Safety, Royal Institute of Technology (RIT/NPS), Stockholm, concerning molten jet-coolant interactions, as a precursor for premixing. First, observations were obtained from scoping experiments with simulant fluids. Second, the linear perturbation method was extended and applied to analyze the interfacial-instability characteristics. Third, two innovative approaches to computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling of jet fragmentation were developed and employed for analysis. The focus of the studies was placed on (a) identifying potential factors, which may affect the jet instability, (b) determining the scaling laws, and (c) predicting the jet behavior for severe accident conditions. In particular, the effects of melt physical properties, and the thermal hydraulics of the mixing zone, on jet fragmentation were investigated. Finally, with the insights gained from a synthesis of the experimental results and analysis results, a new phenomenological concept, named ‘macrointeractions concept of jet fragmentation’ is proposed.

Performance of Whole-Body Counters at IGCAR in an Intercomparison Exercise

The Canadian National Calibration Reference Centre for in vivo Monitoring (NCRC), and United States Department of Energy (USDOE) periodically conduct intercalibration and intercomparison exercises with the aim of evaluating the relative performances of whole-body counting systems in various countries. In continuation of their earlier exercises they initiated another exercise in 1996. The exercise consists of identifying and quantifying the unknown radionuclides deliberately included inside the phantom chosen for calibration. The exercise was carried out with a resin-filled, ICRP standard, adult female BOMAB phantom. Each participating laboratory was given seven days for measurement and evaluation of the results irrespective of the number of counting systems they possessed. Health and Safety Division (HASD), Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR) received the phantom during April 1997 and correctly identified the radionuclides. The activity estimate has a bias of 3% and a measurement precision better than 1%. It is interesting to see such close agreement in the prediction of activity of the radionuclides, even though the whole-body counting systems are calibrated with a masonite cut-sheet phantom whose size, shape and weight are quite different from that of the BOMAB phantom used in the present exercise. The details of the exercise, the phantom used, the measurements made and the results obtained are discussed.

Due diligence for the small business

The Electromagnetic Compatibility Regulations 1992 as amended are enforced in The UK by Local Authority Trading Standards Services. They vary in size and responsibility, however they provide a comprehensive service over a range of 100s of Acts of Parliament and subsidiary Regulations, of which EMC is but one. In some authorities such as Warwickshire EMC fall into the Safety Division which ensures compliance with all “CE” Marking legislation which advise and enforce this legislation for an estimated 500 companies based in the county that either produce or import EMC products. Other authorities operate on a geographical or business sector basis in which the officers deal with a smaller number of businesses for a wider range of legislation. The effect is that there is a difference in the level of knowledge about all types of legislation including EMC around the country. Warwickshire recognises this problem and have introduced a co-ordinating body called LACOTS to help uniformity of advice and enforcement throughout the UK. (4 pages)

医療放射線と安全管理

医療放射線と安全管理

Farm work related fatalities among adults in Victoria, Australia: The human cost of agriculture

The purpose of this study was to review the patterns of, and trends in, farm work related fatalities among adults in one Australian state for the period 1985–1996. Fatality data was provided by the Victorian Workcover Authority Health and Safety Division. Trends were determined using regression techniques assuming a Poisson error structure for annual fatality rates. Results showed an annual average of eight deaths. Males, and those 60 years and over, were over-represented, compared to persons employed. Tractor incidents were the most common type of fatality (72%), with tractor roll overs accounting for 61% of all tractor incidents. Non tractor fatalities included being hit by a falling object and transport incidents. Statistical trend analyses revealed a non significant decrease in the tractor roll over fatality rate, and significant increases in the all farm ( P=0.004) and non tractor fatality rates ( P=0.036). The 3 year moving average rate for non tractor farm fatalities has increased to the point where it exceeds that for tractor roll over fatalities, and is approaching that for all tractor fatalities. Changes within the agricultural industry, coupled with the ageing of the farm workforce, appear to placing Victorian farmers at increased risk of farm work related death.

Fall Protection Analysis for Workers on Residential Roofs

Safety during residential roof construction and repair activities is of significant concern since many injuries occur, especially as a result of falls. The Hawaii Occupational Safety and Health Division of the Hawaii Department of Labor commissioned a research project to investigate this matter. This study involves an evaluation of existing regulations, construction practices, and alternate fall protection measures. It is found that the current state of compliance is poor; fall protection plans are not prepared as required, and positive safety measures such as guardrails and personal fall arrest systems are not used. The reasons for this are many, including the extreme competitiveness of the home building and roofing industries, unsafe worker behavior, design difficulties, conventional construction practices, and a lack of knowledge. Fall protection regulations are misunderstood, and the fall protection plan is particularly prone to poor implementation. For fall protection systems to be implemented voluntarily, they must be feasible, simple, economical, protective, and flexible. Several systems were analyzed for their ability to meet these criteria. The most promising systems included prefabrication of the roof system and personal fall arrest systems use. This paper presents the findings of the study and recommendations for optimal enforcement with an aim at reducing fall injuries.

Cholinesterase Status of Some Ethiopian State Farm Workers Exposed to Organophosphate Pesticides

Cholinesterase Status of Some Ethiopian State Farm Workers Exposed to Organophosphate Pesticides : Kibruyisfa Lakew, et al. Occupational Safety and Health Division, Region 14 Labour and Social Affairs Bureau—The effects of organophosphate (OP) pesticide exposure on cholinesterase (ChE) activities were assessed in relation to occupational factors by studying 430 pest control workers from three state farms and 161 comparable controls. Plasma cholinesterase (PChE) and erythrocyte cholinesterase (AChE) activities were determined by an electrometric method. Plasma alkaline phosphatase (AP) and glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT) were estimated colorimetrically by using diagnostic kits 6391 and 1442520 respectively. Information on OP poisoning symptoms and related occupational factors were collected based on the WHO recommendations. Pest control workers had significantly lower PChE and AChE activities than the controls (P<0.001). In addition, 58 (13.5%) and 47 (10.9%) of the exposed workers had PChE and AChE activities below the lower limits of the controls respectively. Normal plasma AP and GPT values without significant difference from the controls were noted. Among the exposed population, the “spray men” and those who were exposed for 5 years or less were found to be the most affected groups. Although poisoning symptoms were more frequent in the exposed workers than in the controls, only sweating was found to have an association with a significant reduction in AChE activities (P<0.05). The study revealed that the health risks are more apparent in the exposed workers and are of immediate concern. Pre‐placement and periodic medical examination and creation of swareness among the exposed population are recommended to minimize the problem.

Comparison Between the 1992 Principles of Good Laboratory Practice as Defined in the Environment Monograph No. 45 and the Draft Revision of the Principles of GLP as Published by OECD on 6 January 1997

Whilst it is accepted that the draft revised OECD Principles, which were developed in 1995 and 1996 by the Expert Group, has been put out to industry for review, it is likely that the changes, following the review period, will not be of any great significance or difference from that document which has been provided to industry. In fact, in the covering letter that accompanies the OECD draft Revision from the Environmental Health and Safety Division, there was a paragraph which indicated ‘those issues for which consensus could not be reached were not included in the draft Revision’. This indicates that there are some areas where it will be impossible for harmonization to be achieved and, in general, it is thought that with the expansion of the GLPs there is very little in terms of contentious issues which will be seen by industry as an imposition on the current use of the GLPs and the implementation of these in non-clinical safety studies. The following personal viewpoint therefore is a summary of the changes and a comparison between the two guidelines which it is hoped will give the reader immediate information as to where changes have occurred and the implication of those changes for the personnel involved in non-clinical safety studies.

１９９７年度日本建築学会大会（関東）に参加して （防火部門）

１９９７年度日本建築学会大会（関東）に参加して （防火部門）

Computer‐based Training Applied to Permit to Work Systems: an Evaluation

SUMMARY The Offshore Safety Division of the Health and Safety Executive commissioned the authors to examine the applicability of new information technology training methods for training the offshore workforce in safety‐related topics. The aim was to investigate the potential benefits of information technology as a medium for transmitting safety‐related information. To compare the effectiveness of new and existing methods for safety training, groups of workers undergoing computer‐based training (CBT) for permit to work (PTW) procedures participated in a pre‐ and post‐test evaluation. The operations carried out on a production platform involve hazardous chemicals and processes, which necessitate a system of authorizing any work on the installation: a Permit To Work (PTW) system. As the system is not standardized across the industry, even those who have worked on other installations need to be trained in how the system operates on their present installation. The importance of ensuring staff carry out work ac...

Subsea Pipeline Isolation Systems: Reliability and Costs

Since the Piper Alpha disaster, more than 80 subsea isolation systems (SSIS) have been installed in subsea gas and oil pipelines in the U.K. continental shelf at an estimated cost in the region of {Brit_pounds}500 million. The reliability and costs of these installations have now been assessed between Dec. 1992 and Oct. 1993. This assessment was based upon comprehensive reliability and cost databases which were established so that the studies could be based upon factual information in order to obtain a current status as required by the sponsoring group. The study consultants report findings have now been consolidated into a report by the UKOOA Pipeline Valve Work Group. Probabilities of failure for different types of valves and systems have been assessed and expenditures broken down and compared. The results of the studies and the conclusions drawn by UKOOA Pipeline Valve Group and the HSE Offshore Safety Division are presented in this paper.

Application of fuzzy logic control system for reactor feed-water control

On the occasion of the 2nd World Congress of IFSA held in Tokyo in July, 1987, a small meeting was convened by Prof. Nishiwaki, Ex-deputy director of the Division of Nuclear Safety and Environmental Protection of IAEA, to discuss possible application of fuzzy set theory and fuzzy logic control in nuclear plants. This paper describes successful actual application of fuzzy logic control system (FLCS) to the feed-water control system of the 165 MWe Fugen Advanced Thermal Reactor (ATR). Fugen is a heavy-water moderated, light-water cooled reactor. The introduction of fuzzy logic control system (FLCS) has enabled operators to more effectively control the steam drum water level as compared with a conventional proportional-integral (PI) control system.

Identifying the Right Stuff: Selecting and Training On‐Scene Emergency Commanders

This paper examines the selection and training of on‐scene commanders who have responsibility for managing an emergency at the scene of the event, be it a fire, a riot, a battle or an aircraft with a technical problem in flight. It presents a selective review of the findings of a study, commissioned by the Offshore Safety Division of the UK Health and Safety Executive, which examined the selection, training and competence assessment of individuals with emergency command responsibilities in a range of military, public service and commercial organisations. It identifies a set of generic characteristics and competencies for on‐scene commanders and considers how these are identified in the selection process. This is followed by a discussion of training and formal competence assessment. These issues have increasing relevance not only for the military and civil protection agencies but also in an industrial context for site managers, particularly in chemical, petroleum and nuclear plants and in large entertainment venues.

TO BOLDLY GO WHERE NO STATE HAS GONE BEFORE1

ABSTRACT The Marine Safety Division of the 11th Coast Guard District and the California Office of Oil Spill Prevention and Response are pursuing new avenues to assure that federal, state, and local efforts in California achieve the goals of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 and the Lempert-Keene-Seastrand Oil Spill Prevention and Response Act of 1990. Coordination of the seven California area committees, publishing detailed area contingency plans, and the implemention of a memorandum of agreement on oil spill prevention and response highlight recent cooperative successes. In 1994 a joint Coast Guard/state/industry incident command system task force drafted an ICS field operations guide and incident action plan forms that meet National Interagency Incident Management System and fire scope ICS requirements.

MEXUSPAC: MEXICO/U.S. PACIFIC REGIONAL RESPONSE COORDINATION TEAM1

ABSTRACT The Agreement of Cooperation Between the United States of America and the United Mexican States Regarding Pollution of the Marine Environment by Discharges of Hydrocarbons and other Hazardous Substances, signed in Mexico City in 1980, provides a framework for cooperation in response to pollution incidents that pose a threat to the waters of both countries. Under this agreement, MEXUSPAC organizes Mexican and U.S. response agencies to plan for and respond to pollution emergencies in the marine environment. The MEXUSPAC contingency plan designates the commandant of the Mexican Second Naval Zone and the chief of the U.S. Coast Guard 11th District Marine Safety Division as the MEXUSPAC Cochairmen, and defines on-scene commanders, joint operations centers, and communications protocols that would be needed to coordinate the response to pollution incidents affecting both countries.