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OH&S Consulting News - June 2017
NIOSH SLM brings Noise Safety surveillance right to your phone
Source: Worksite Medical Occupational Health in Motion by Ryan Shaffer Feb 15 2017, Blog Hearing Protection
Curious about the noise levels at your workplace? Well, now you can eliminate the guess work thanks to a new mobile app from NIOSH.
With NIOSH SLM – available in the iTunes App Store – managers can assess noise risk via their iPhones. The free, easy-to-use app measures sound levels, and provides noise exposure parameters that let users know whether or not their workers are at risk for hearing loss.
After evaluating 192 other applications in 2014, NIOSH collaborated with app developing company EA LAB to create a more functional SLM app geared toward work environments. It’s not only functional; it’s highly accurate. That accuracy increases with the addition of an external microphone. In fact, it measured levels within ± 1 dB of the reference SLM over the testing range of 65 -95 dB SPL in the CDC laboratory.
How does the noise measuring app work?
The app uses the phone’s built-in microphone to provide instant reports on sound level in A, C, or Z-weighted decibels. It provides various metrics, such as run time and time-weighted average. Also, it includes basic noise and hearing loss prevention information. A great feature is available when the user enables location settings. He/she can obtain noise measurements from specific locations via the phone’s GPS. Furthermore, statistics and metrics can be recorded, saved and shared.
While NIOSH SLM serves as a great sound-measuring tool, it is not meant to replace a professional grade device. However, it’s a great supporting product to go along with hearing conservation methods, such as audiometric testing.
The app is not currently available on Android devices.
Check out the NIOSH SLM video HERE
N.B: OH&S Consulting is not recommending this product we just providing information about a new product available on the market.
New Publications from WorkSafe WA
Source: WorkSafe Newsletter 30/05/2017
WorkSafe has recently released the following publications:
Draining deep fryers - essential safety information
WorkSafe has seen some significant burn injuries from draining hot oil from deep fryers.
Evacuation procedure and diagram essentials - Fact Sheet
WorkSafe has recently released a fact sheet which offers essential information to assist employers in meeting their obligations under the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984 and the Occupational Safety and Health Regulations 1996
Safety alert 01/2017 Raw asbestos found in empty sea containers
Recently WorkSafe became aware that a number of empty sea containers had come into Fremantle port contaminated with raw chrysotile (white asbestos).
Government Reforms - Western Australia
Source: WorkSafe Newsletter 30/05/2017
The Department of Commerce will amalgamate with the Department of Mines and Petroleum on 1 July 2017 to form the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety. During the transition phase both departments will continue to operate as usual and you can access the services and information through their existing websites:
Department of Commerce: www.commerce.wa.gov.au
Department of Mines and Petroleum: www.dmp.wa.gov.au
Injury Reporting and Investigation Essentials for Employers
Source: WorkSafe WA website 10/04/2017
WorkSafe Western Australia is the government agency responsible for regulating WA’s occupational safety and health (OSH) legislation.
When incidents occur at workplaces, employers are required to report certain injuries and diseases to WorkSafe and investigate these injuries.
This fact sheet offers essential information to assist employers in meeting their obligations under the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984. To access further information and this fact sheet go to: http://www.commerce.wa.gov.au/publications/injury-reporting-and-investigation-essentials-employers
Diesel Particulates
Source:Resources Safety Magazine Marh 2017
Diesel particulates are a known hazard for mining operations, especially in underground mines, where the widespread use of diesel vehicles and equipment means that ventilation is critical.
Underground miners can be exposed to ten times more diesel exhaust than in other workplaces. Monitoring of diesel exhaust from newer diesel engines indicates that they produce more diesel particles, which are also smaller in size (10-30 nanometres), known as nano diesel particulate matter (nDPM). These combine to form larger particles and can absorb significant quantities of hydrocarbons and other compounds.
Research around the world suggests nDPM is a harmful carcinogen that can be absorbed through the lungs into the bloodstream as well as causing cardiovascular effects, especially for asthmatics.
Research to evaluate nDPM would assist in developing control measures to protect workers in underground mines and other environments where nDPM is generated such as diesel exhausts in power stations.
Control measures for industry could include changes to engine design, exhaust filters, mine ventilation, respiratory protective equipment (RPE), or changes to operating and maintenance procedures.
Meth Helpline Launched
Source: Resources Safety Matters Vol 5 March 2017
The Meth Helpline was officially launched on 12 September 2016. Situated within the Alcohol and Drug Support Service, the helpline provides a 24/7, confidential, non-judgmental telephone counselling, information and referral service for anyone seeking help for their own or another person’s methamphetamine use.
The Meth Helpline is part of the State’s methamphetamine strategy, and aims to increase access to support and help reduce the impact of methamphetamine use in Western Australia.
The Alcohol and Drug Support Service will continue to provide 24/7, state-wide telephone counselling, information, referral and support to anyone concerned about their own or another person’s alcohol or other drug use via the:
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Alcohol and Drug Support Line
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Parent and Family Drug Support Line
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Working Away Alcohol and Drug Support Line
The support lines can also be accessed via Live Chat, email, the Translating and Interpreting Service, and the National Relay Service.
The Alcohol and Drug Support Service will also continue to provide the booking service for cannabis and other drug intervention requirement schemes.
Contact with the support lines is one-to-one, confidential and provided by a professionally trained counsellor.
For further information about services, contact 1800 874 878, send an email to alcoholdrugsupport@mhc.wa.gov.au or visit the webpage at www.drugaware.com.au/getting-help/how-to-get-help/#Meth-Helpline
