This training video, produced by the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration, shows proper procedures for donning (putting on) and doffing (taking off) all types of respirators.
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Archive for March, 2010
Published by the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration in December, this new training video clarifies the differences between facemasks and respriators.
Despite the Chinese New Year celebration coming to a close, a backlog of Asian freight persists. Despite heavy demand generated by the recovering global economy, capacity is down between 30-45% from this time last year according to one freight forwarder. Reports from several Chinese ports suggest ships are sailing above capacity, and experts predict it may take months before backlogs clear.
With limited space, shippers have been forced to pay elevated rates to secure cargo space aboard overbooked ships. New rate increases as high as 15% took effect March 1, but with carriers eager to recoup loses from 2009, more increases likely loom ahead.
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President Obama has approved legislation to increase the budgets to two of the key government agencies responsible for ensuring occupational safety. The appropriations bill, signed into law in December, will increase 2010 OSHA and NIOSH budgets by 8% and 5%, respectively. According to Safety + Health magazine, the agencies expect to use the additional funds to hire compliance officers and expand pandemic flu preparedness.
Months after first beginning their climb, natural rubber latex prices continue to hover near record levels set earlier this month closing at 742 sen/kg Thursday (Source: Malaysian Rubber Board). Despite improved production, supplies have been slow to reach the market in recent weeks as dealers hold stock in anticipation of higher prices.
Driving the higher prices:
- Weakened supplies due to lower winter season production
- Stronger than anticipated global economic recovery
- Increased demand from the Chinese automotive industry
- Rising crude oil prices
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