HIGH PRIORITY SAFETY ALERT

It has recently been brought to the attention of the Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY) and the Executive Staff of the New York Fire Safety Academy that unidentified person or persons have tampered with a standpipe system in a building under construction in New York City.

The FDNY considers any tampering with a Standpipe System to be a serious event. Tampering with a standpipe system endangers the lives of construction workers; as well as the safety of responding firefighters in the event a fire was to occur.

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The fire in the Deutsche Bank building tragically resulted in the death of two (2) members of the FDNY. Numerous other members of the FDNY were severely injured while fighting to contain the fire. Investigation by the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office and FDNY Fire Marshals determined that the standpipe had been tampered with, rendering the system ineffective for firefighting purposes.

The FDNY and the New York Fire Safety Academy consider tampering with a standpipe system, or any of its parts, to be an action which can have tragic consequences. Tampering includes:

• Removing caps from floor outlets.
• Shutting down valves without proper notification or permission.
• Placing rubbish or cans into Fire Department connections.
• Any deliberate action which can impair the ability of the standpipe system to function as designed.

The FDNY and the New York Fire Safety Academy are dedicated to maintaining the highest levels of fire safety at all construction sites throughout the city. We respect the high degree of professionalism and integrity displayed on a daily basis by all members of the building trades throughout the City of New York. However, it must be noted that the FDNY and the Fire Safety Academy will support criminal prosecution of any person found tampering with or taking any measure that will compromise the effectiveness of fire protection systems in buildings under construction.

Thank you for your cooperation in maintaining the effectiveness of the fire protection systems in buildings under construction. Our only goal is to ensure that all our members return home safely to their families at the end of each work day.

For more information contact Carol Karlin
ckarlin@bteany.com or at 212.704.9745

A new OSHA PowerPoint presentation shows the heavy financial cost resulting from falls in construction. OSHA analyzed workers’ compensation data for injuries resulting from falls from elevations suffered by roofers and carpenters. The data, which covers 2005-2007, comes from 38 states, accounting for about 1/3 of total workers’ compensation benefits.

OSHA’s analysis found that falls from elevations by roofers cost an average of approximately $106,000 each, and that falls from elevations by carpenters cost an average of over $97,000 each. To view the PowerPoint presentation on Workers’ Compensation Costs of Falls in Construction, Click here

Name of Product: MS 391 Chain Saws

Units: About 3,000

Manufacturer: STIHL Inc., of Virginia Beach, Va.

Hazard: The flywheel on the chain saw can crack causing parts of the flywheel to separate and strike users or bystanders, posing a risk of injury.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: This recall involves STIHL MS 391 gas-powered chain saws with an orange top casing, gray base and black front handle and hand guard. “STIHL” and “MS 391″ are printed in an orange circle on the starter side of the unit. The serial number is located on the crankcase to the right of the muffler when viewed from the rear of the saw. Serial numbers included in the recall are:

28535 1759 through 28535 1956
28664 5278 through 28664 6277
28665 1283 through 28665 5577
28724 4317 through 28724 4480
28735 3627 through 28735 3647

Sold at: Authorized STIHL dealers nationwide from March 2011 through July 2011 for between $530 and $550.

Manufactured in: United States

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled chain saws and return them to an authorized STIHL dealer for the installation of a free replacement flywheel.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, consumers should contact STIHL at (800) 610-6677 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s website at www.stihlusa.com. Consumers also can email the firm at stihlrecall@stihl.us

Rule #1. Be cautious and plan ahead. Think about what could go wrong and pay close attention to what you’re doing while you work.

Rule #2. Make sure all containers are properly labeled and that the material is contained in an appropriate container. Don’t use any material not contained or labeled properly. Report any damaged containers or illegible labels to your supervisor right away.

Rule #3. Follow all established procedures and perform job duties as you’ve been trained.

Rule #4. Keep you and your work area clean. After handling any material, wash thoroughly with soap and water. Clean work surfaces at least once a shift so that contamination risks are minimized.

Rule #5. Use all materials solely for their intended purpose. Don’t, for example, use solvents to clean your hands, or gasoline to wipe down equipment.

Rule #6. Learn about emergency procedures and equipment. Understanding emergency procedures means knowing evacuation procedures, emergency reporting procedures, and procedures for dealing with fires and spills. It also means knowing what to do in a medical emergency if a co-worker is injured or overcome by chemicals.

Rule #7. Always use required PPE—and inspect it carefully before each use to make sure it’s safe to use. Replace worn out or damage PPE; it won’t provide adequate protection.

Rule #8. Store all materials properly, separate incompatibles, and store in ventilated, dry, cool areas.

Rule #9. Read labels and the material safety data sheet (MSDS) before using any material to make sure you understand hazards and precautions.

Rule #10. Read the labels and refer to MSDSs to identify properties and hazards of chemical products and materials.

Regulation protects workers from dangerous chemicals,
helps American businesses compete worldwide

WASHINGTON – To better protect workers from hazardous chemicals, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has revised its Hazard Communication Standard, aligning it with the United Nations’ global chemical labeling system. The new standard, once implemented, will prevent an estimated 43 deaths and result in an estimated $475.2 million in enhanced productivity for U.S. businesses each year.

“Exposure to hazardous chemicals is one of the most serious dangers facing American workers today,” said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. “Revising OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard will improve the quality, consistency and clarity of hazard information that workers receive, making it safer for workers to do their jobs and easier for employers to stay competitive in the global marketplace.”

The Hazard Communication Standard, being revised to align with the United Nations’ Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals, will be fully implemented in 2016 and benefit workers by reducing confusion about chemical hazards in the workplace, facilitating safety training and improving understanding of hazards, especially for low literacy workers. OSHA’s standard will classify chemicals according to their health and physical hazards, and establish consistent labels and safety data sheets for all chemicals made in the United States and imported from abroad.

The revised standard also is expected to prevent an estimated 585 injuries and illnesses annually. It will reduce trade barriers and result in estimated annualized benefits in productivity improvements for American businesses that regularly handle, store and use hazardous chemicals, as well as cost savings of $32.2 million for American businesses that periodically update safety data sheets and labels for chemicals covered under the standard.

“OSHA’s 1983 Hazard Communication Standard gave workers the right to know. As one participant expressed during our rulemaking process, this update will give them the right to understand, as well,” said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Dr. David Michaels.

During the transition period to the effective completion dates noted in the standard, chemical manufacturers, importers, distributors and employers may comply with either 29 Code of Federal Regulations 1910.1200 (the final standard), the current standard or both.

The final rule revising the standard is available at http://s.dol.gov/P1*.

Further information for workers, employers and downstream users of hazardous chemicals can be reviewed at OSHA’s Hazard Communication Safety and Health topics at http://www.osha.gov/dsg/hazcom/index.html, which includes links to OSHA’s revised Hazard Communication Standard and guidance materials such as Q and A’s, OSHA fact sheet and Quick Cards.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA’s role is to ensure these conditions for America’s working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.

Workers Memorial Day is Observed on April 28,2021, to honor and remember those workers who lost their lives or were injured on the job. In 20120, the latest year for which the bureau of Labors Statistics has confirmed data, 4547 workers were killed and nearly 3.1 workers were injured. So far this year we have lost many and there has been a lot of effort in honoring those lost lives with a special Construction Workers Memorial Mass. The Mass will begin at 2pm on Monday April 28th in St Patrick’s Cathedral on Fifth Avenue Between 50 & 51st Street.

It has been requested that all construction workers who are attending the Mass as a Sign of solidarity among construction workers in New York City, be by St Patrick’s Cathedral by no later than 1:30 p.m. The New York Police Department coordinate a procession route on 5th Avenue and adjoining streets in which participating construction workers WEARING HARDHATS this will process into St. Patrick’s Cathedral where you will be seated by the ushers.

Please bring your hardhats for this procession. You will take them off after the opening prayer! Management is encouraged to join in the procession wearing hardhats as well. Those not wearing hardhats should not process but just enter through the side doors of the church.

Myotonic Dystrophy & Autism Speaks Event

Saturday September 8 2012 11:30 am – 9pm

DeMatti’s Park – $20 donation entry

Thompkins Avenue @ St Mary’s Avenue and Chestnut Ave

The following is a list of the bands that will be performing. Times of bands will be posted:
1. Atomic Dog
2. Alive “Kis Tribute”
3. Redrum
4. Close2Death
5. Exzakked
6. Gianni Records (featuring, Singer, SonnyG, B.dot and the Yazmatics)
7. Criminal Dancefloor
8. Atomic Krush
9. A work in progress
10. Betrayall

The estimated number of U.S. autistic kids has skyrocketed by 78% since 2000, according to a report from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. One in 88 American kids has autism, according to the new figures. Among boys, it’s one in 54.
Why? One expert says: “Better diagnosis, broader diagnosis, better awareness, and roughly 50% of ‘We don’t know.’”
One advocate says: “we have an epidemic of autism in the United States.
Come out and support the cause!!

Please contact me @ joe@joecovello.net for sponsorship opportunities

MISTWAVE TO SUMMER

AT CEDAR GROVE BEACH,

STATEN ISLAND, NY

After the successful exhibition of MistWave by the artists Andrea Padilla and Stanley Harris last summer at the Figment NYC 2011 Art Festival on Governors Island; MistWave has a new summer home. Through the New York Parks and Recreation Departments Public Art Program, MistWave will be exhibited all summer. Come see MistWave on  Memorial day weekend, May 28, 2012 through Labor Day weekend, September 3, 2012 at Cedar Grove Beach, Staten Island, NY.

MistWave is an interactive public art installation inspired by Under the Wave off Kanagawa of Hokusai’s print, “The Great Wave”. Constructed of Recycled scaffolding materials with Mist emanating from curved pipes as fractals. MistWave represents the vascular system of a wave. Through line and form, MistWave transitions a static sculpture into a vehicle of poetic expression that contrasts the fragility of human life with the power of nature.

Come enjoy one of New York’s most beautiful beaches this summer. Play, relax, and have fun in the cooling mists of Mistwave

We’ll soon be announcing specifics about a Party/Event celebrating MistWave’s new home… watch for it!!! This WILL be FUN.

Hope to see you there,

Stanley and Andrea

Special thanks to Joe Covello and United Hoisting &Scaffolding Corp. without who’s help MistWave may not have come to be… Thank You!!!

Mist Wave 2011

When: April 27^th  - show starts at 8pm.  Doors open at 7.

Where: Looney Bin Comedy Club – 141 East Service Road -

Staten Island, New York 10314

The American Cancer Society is hosting Comedy for a Cure once again. If you were there last year you will remember how amazing the event was.Hundreds of people and the community really came together to sponsor food and gifts and in the end we were able to raise $10,000 for the cause.

Although I am no longer on the Business Council Committee I would like to share with you all that there are a few items are needed for this event, so any help is greatly appreciated

They are in need of 7 more  sponsors at $250 that would get you signage (that will be designed by ACS and sit behind the comedians) at the event, this $250 will also include 2 entry tickets to the event.

Also needed are another 6 gift baskets so far we have

AF Bennett, Casale Jewelers, Posh Baby and Teen, Clarks House of Flowers.  

Paper coverage by The Advance

Video coverage from NY1

You can contact Cory Shifter @ cory@casalejewelry.com

or myself @  joe@joecovello.net

See you all there

Background

The ANSI Z359 standards released in 2007 not only provide an update to the previous Z359.1 standard on personal fall arrest systems, but the standards also give more detailed guidance on comprehensive managed fall protection programs (.2), positioning and travel restraint systems (.3), and rescue (.4). Some of the key changes included in the standards became immediately visible and effective due to changes in equipment. For example, the required snaphook gate strength changed significantly from the previous standard of 220 pounds (front load) and 350 pounds (side load) to the 2007 standard of 3,600 pounds for both front and side loads. It is important to note that snap hooks designed to the Z359.1-1992 (R1999) standard still meet the OSHA regulation for a locking snaphook.

Many times, standards or rules are changed to correct unsafe equipment. This was not the case with the 2007 standards. The changes serve to enhance safety — to make workers at heights even more safe and at less risk for injury.

Managed Fall Protection Programs

Although it is beneficial to abate a fall hazard successfully, without a true fall protection program, you may be spending resources on solutions that do little to reduce your overall risk. The elements of a fall protection program, as outlined in the ANSI Z359.2-2007 standard, are foundational for creating a program that reduces risk and improves safety for work at heights. When one or more of the elements is missing, a program can become stalled or be deemed ineffective.

The program elements outlined in the ANSI Z359.2-2007 are:

• Policies, duties, and training
• Fall protection procedures
• Eliminating and controlling fall hazards
• Rescue procedures
• Incident investigations
• Evaluating program effectiveness

With thorough information on each of these distinct elements, the ANSI Z359.2 standard can help you establish a managed fall protection program or improve on one specific aspect. For example, in the procedures section, the standard gives detailed information on fall hazard surveys, which represent a critical step toward identifying and prioritizing fall hazards. Once you understand the magnitude of fall hazards and potential risks associated with them, an initial validated budget can be created. Then, a phased implementation plan can be developed based on priorities and budget.

New Standards

To provide further guidance, the ANSI Z359 family of standards added new sections focusing on active fall protection systems in November 2009.

ANSI Z359.6 — Specifications and Design Requirements for Active Fall Protection Systems

ANSI Z359.12 — Connecting Components for Personal Fall Arrest Systems

ANSI Z359.13 — Personal Energy Absorbers and Energy Absorbing Lanyards

The goal of the new ANSI Z359.6-2009 standard is to provide uniform guidelines for engineers designing active fall protection systems, including travel restraint and vertical and horizontal fall arrest systems. Before the release of the standard, the only guidance on designing fall protection systems came from OSHA, stating that anchorages and horizontal lifelines must be “designed, installed and used under the supervision of a qualified person.” But what does that mean? If you asked 10 people, you probably would get 10 different answers. One area that continues to be debated is what criteria should be used to designate someone as a qualified person. This was addressed in the Z359.2-2007 standard.

Although much of the practical application of the .6 standard will be executed by engineers, it is also critical for safety managers to understand the framework of the standard. Having an awareness of the standard will allow safety professionals to be better consumers, ensuring they receive a properly designed system. The key to remember is that designing a fall protection system is more than identifying an anchorage of adequate strength. In addition to addressing the strength design, this standard provides the other requirements for the system, such as procedures and training.

Key topics from the ANSI Z359.6 standard that should be of interest to anyone working with active fall protection systems are ballasted style anchors, multiple worker falls, and clearances. For example, what do you do if you are on a roof and there is nothing that can serve as an anchor? Ballasted style anchors are manufactured products or systems that people can assemble and use. The ANSI Z359.6 standard provides guidelines to consider when evaluating their suitability as a means of fall protection.

The .12 standard addresses connectors for personal fall arrest systems. The standard provides detailed information on D rings, snaphooks, buckles, and adjusters. These connectors are integral components, which means they are always part of another component, such as a lanyard, harness, vertical lifeline, etc. Carabiners are also addressed, although this component may or may not be integral to another component. One important reminder is that this standard does not address anchorage connectors. Anchorage connectors will be addressed by a separate standard.

The .13 standard provides key information on lanyards and energy absorbers for personal fall arrest systems. Key topics of the standard include changes to the components’ test weight, lanyards rated for a 12-foot free fall, and increased deceleration distance. The standard also provides valuable information on twin-leg or Y lanyards and guidance for determining maximum arresting force.

The changes presented in the .12 and .13 standards present challenges for a variety of reasons. First, you may purchase a self-retracting device that is designed to the ANSI Z359.1-2007 standard. The ANSI Z359.1-2007 standard contains requirements for both self-retracting lanyards and snaphooks. However, there is a more recent standard for snaphooks: ANSI Z359.12- 2009. This scenario can be expanded to diff erent components of a fall protection system, such as anchorage connectors and harnesses. Safety professionals will need to stay aware of these new standards as they become effective.

Moving Forward

The ANSI Z359 committee is moving forward on additional standards that will provide guidance for fall protection programs and systems. Future standard topics include:

• System requirements
• Rope access systems
• Descending devices
• Full-body harnesses
• Self-retracting devices
• Vertical lifelines
• Fall arresters
• Horizontal lifelines
• Anchorage connectors

Each of the new standards released provides additional guidance for maintaining an effective fall protection program. The ultimate goal, of course, is to increase safety and reduce risk for work at heights. As more forward-thinking companies adopt the guidelines presented in the new and upcoming ANSI Z359 standards, the closer we collectively step toward reversing the trend of increasing fall fatalities — and that’s really what it’s all about.

The publication of the ANSI Z359 standards provides more guidance than any single resource for developing and implementing a fall protection program. This information is critical because falls affect the quality of life for the worker and the bottom line for the company. The goal is to reduce risk and improve safety for work at heights.

Common, and potentially fatal, misconceptions about fall protection are that it is harder to work, it slows down work activity, and it is too difficult to implement. Regulations clearly are not enough since, after more than 70 years of standards, rules, and regulations, workers are still falling to their deaths in increasing numbers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, fall fatalities increased 28 percent in the same time period (1995-2007) that overall workplace fatalities decreased 12 percent.

Here is a Guideline from MILLER on understanding the ANSI Z359 Fall Protection Code

Information provided by Miller & OHS