11

In This Issue

Highway Construction Safety 1

Director’s Column 2

LucasVarity MVPP 3

Heat Stress and MIOSHA 4

Asbestos Exposure 4

Safety Professional of the Year 5

Safety Council of West Michigan 6

Balkan Visitors 7

Wage & Hour News 8

SET Awards 9

Standards Update 10

Education & Training Calendar 12

Variances 13

Give ‘em a Brake...a work zonesafety awareness coalition representingunion road workers, law enforcement,road builders and transportation inter-ests, is urging motorists to slow downin work zones and watch out for work-ers. For years, this coalition has spon-

sored a statewide safety campaign called“Give ‘em a Brake,” designed to remindmotorists to drive safely, as Michigan’slargest-ever construction season gets un-derway.

“Safety in work zones is one of ourtop priorities,” said State TransportationDirector James DeSana. “We’re work-ing hard to make work zones more mo-torist-friendly, but drivers must do theirpart to ensure safety for everyone.”

“Alarmingly, there has been a 30percent increase in construction zonecrashes in 1997 and 1998 over the early90s. There was also a 24 percent jumpin injuries resulting from construction

Give ‘Em A Brakezone crashes in this time period. We arevery concerned about this upward trend,”said DeSana.

This year’s campaign theme is “Give‘em a Brake –– Slower Speeds SaveLives.” The campaign kicked off with anews conference in Lansing at the StateCapitol on May 10th, and includes state-wide billboards and radio and TVspots.

The billboardfeatures four actualroad constructionworkers: HerbeyGarza of Lansing,Construction Labor-ers Local 998; DaveHughes, Jr., of Char-lotte, Bennie Griffinof Detroit, and DebraHarris of Baldwin,all with ConstructionLaborers Local 1191.The constructionworkers are em-ployed by C&DHughes, Inc., a Char-

lotte-based road construction company.“This year, the campaign slogan,

Slower Speeds Save Lives, will informmotorists that they need to slow downand be careful when entering a construc-tion zone,” said Sam Hart, businessmanager, International Union of Oper-ating Engineers Local 324. “Construc-tion zones are full of real workers, notjust orange barrels and flashing lights.Everyone is entitled to a safe workplaceand the roadways are these workers’workplace. By slowing down when en-tering construction zones, motorists canhelp keep workers safe.”

Michigan’s Occupational Safety and Health ActVol. 3, No. 2 Spring/Summer 1999

By: Janet ForanMDOT Communications

MDOT press conference May 10th, at the Capitol.

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Construction is one of the most hazardous industries in Michi-gan. The Construction Safety Division in the MIOSHA Programis one of the few “formal” construction safety enforcement pro-grams in the U.S., and provides a special emphasis on the high-hazard construction industry. Their mission is to help assure safeemployment for construction workers in Michigan through identi-fication of hazards.

Among the reasons for the increased hazards in this industry isthat conditions are rapidly changing on a typical construction site.Conditions can change more in a few days or a few weeks on aconstruction site than they are likely to change in months or yearsat some manufacturing facilities. These changing conditions mustbe addressed through a comprehensive and actively implementedaccident prevention program.

In past issues, I’ve talked about the MIOSHA Strategic Plan.One of our three strategic goals is: To improve workplace safetyand health for all workers, as evidenced by fewer hazards, reducedexposures, and fewer injuries and illnesses. A key target area in theimplementation of this goal is to reduce construction fatalities by15 percent. We hope to reduce those numbers by focusing attentionand resources on preventing the four most prevalent types of work-place injuries and illnesses. (See sidebar.)

MIOSHA has historically developed partnering activities withour “stakeholders” to achieve common workplace safety and healthgoals. August 1, 1998, MIOSHA signed its first formal PartneringAgreement with the Michigan Roadbuilders Association pledg-ing to work together to improve safety and health in this extremelydangerous industry. MIOSHA has dedicated overtime for Construc-tion Safety Officers to help address highway construction hazards,as well as highly recognized dangers in other types of construction.MIOSHA has formed a similar partnership with Associated Gen-eral Contractors (AGC), Michigan Chapter, and presents con-struction safety training at AGC’s annual Construction Safety Day.

This issue of the MIOSHA News is dedicated to providinginformation to help employers reduce construction injuries, illnessesand fatalities. Heat stress and asbestos exposure also present poten-tial hazards for construction workers. See Page 4 for up-to-dateinformation from MIOSHA professionals on these topics. Our leadarticle is from the Michigan Department of Transportation and fo-cuses on summer safety in Michigan’s highway construction zones.It’s important for all of us to remember that highway construc-tion workers, too, would like to go home to their families at theend of the day.

From theBureauDirector’sDesk

By: Douglas R. Earle, DirectorBureau of Safety & Regulation

Construction Safety

Only about four percent ofMichigan’s workforce is employed inconstruction. Construction fatalities,however, account for more than 40percent of all MIOSHA program-related fatal workplace accidents.

1998 Construction FatalitiesBy Major Cause

Electrocution 8Fall 8

Caught Between 6(Cave-in 1)Struck By 6

(Struck by Traffic 0)Other 1

(Asphyxiation 1)Total 29

The hazards in the constructionindustry can be addressedthrough a comprehensive andactively implemented accidentprevention program.

MIOSHAAccident Prevention Program

Major Components

uuDesignate Qualified Person toAdminister Program

uuTrain Employees in Assigned Tools& Equipment

uuInspect Site for Unsafe Conditionsand Correct Hazards

uuInstruction in Recognition andAvoidance of Hazards (Tool BoxTalks)

uuHaz-Com, Confined Space TraininguuEmergency Procedures

Construction Safety Division517.322.1856

The above components can be found inconstruction, Part I, General Rules

Standards.

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It’s official!The LucasVarity Fenton Plant be-

came the first facility in the State ofMichigan to be awarded the MichiganVoluntary Protection Program(MVPP) Merit Status for excellence inSafety and Health on April 8, 1999. TheMVPP was awarded through the Depart-ment of Consumer and Industry Ser-vices, Bureau of Safety and Regulation.

The road was a long one, but thanks

to the efforts of the Safety Team and toeveryone in Fenton who helped to com-pile an outstanding safety record, it wasa successful journey.

The process to obtain the MVPPaward began in November 1997 with anapplication which included the plant’ssafety record such as recordable inci-dents, lost work days, along with basicinformation such as number of employ-ees, types of manufacturing processesused, etc. Many thanks go to Jeff Pow-ers, Director of Environmental, Healthand Safety at the corporate offices forhelping to complete a long and compli-cated application process.

After the plant’s initial applicationapproval, a Team from the Bureau ofSafety and Regulation visited Fenton forone week, interviewing and scrutiniz-ing our health and safety program. Wewere then required to submit a correc-tive action plan addressing any deficien-cies in our program falling short of the

LucasVarity MVPP CelebrationBy: John WilkersonLucasVarity Communications

State Rep. Paul DeWeese pays tribute to LucasVarity.

BSR Deputy Director Deborah Grether presents the MVPPMerit Award to the LucasVarity Safety Team.

high standards set for MVPP Merit Sta-tus. After we submitted this action plan,we were notified of our Merit Status inNovember of 1998.

On April 8, Fenton was pleased tohost a number of distinguished guests,including State Representative PaulDeWeese, Fenton Mayor Sue Osborneand members of the Fenton Chamberof Commerce. A contingent of repre-sentatives from the Bureau of Safety andRegulation were also on hand at thecelebration. They included Deputy Di-

rector DeborahGrether; Chief of theSafety, Educationand Training Divi-sion MaryannMarkham; andBSR/MVPP TeamMembers JosephAgboka, Ph.D.,David Luptowskiand D.W. Johnson.

The entire plantwas invited to the cer-emonies held in a fes-tive atmosphere in atent just outside theplant. Opening

speeches were given by Mark Kline,Safety/Training Specialist, and by RonPratt, Plant Manager.

“We should be very proud of thisorganization,” said Ron Pratt. “TheFenton plant has always worked as ateam, and this is another great exampleof how we work together and watch outfor one another. Iwould like to givespecial recognition tothe Safety Team,which was formed in1988 and has been apart of the plant al-most since its exist-ence. They have insti-tuted some greattraining and incentiveprograms to keep usworking safely, and Isalute them and ev-eryone in the plant forthis achievement.”

One of the highlights of the MVPPceremony came as State Representa-tive Paul DeWeese gave his personaltribute to Fenton’s safety commitment.“As an emergency room physician, I amvery aware of the trauma that occurs toa person and their family when an in-jury occurs on the job. It is critical forour work places to be safe for all em-ployees. We can never allow profits tobe a higher priority than people. That iswhy I am so proud to be your State Rep-resentative. You have demonstrated yourcommitment to ensure that each personwho works at LucasVarity Fenton willbe safe,” Mr. DeWeese said.

Next came the moment we hadworked for over the past 18 months, theawarding of the MVPP signifying thatthe Fenton plant had achieved merit sta-tus. Deborah Grether said that the Bu-reau of Safety and Regulation hadsought the “best of the best” for the firstMVPP award. “You are the only meritplant in the State of Michigan, and Iam very pleased to award the MVPPplaque to the LucasVarity Fenton plant.”

As Deborah indicated, reaching themerit level is a step on the way to ourultimate goal, becoming a Star Statusplant. We’ll be eligible to qualify for StarStatus in November 1999, and it wouldbe a great way to head into the new cen-tury knowing the Fenton plant has thehighest regard for the health and safetyof all of its employees.

Congratulations to the FentonTeam! nn

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Heat StressBy: Ed Fredericks, I.H.BSR Occupational Health Division

Nationwide, an estimated 1.3 millionemployees in construction and general in-dustry potentially face significant asbestosexposure on the job. Heaviest exposuresoccur in the construction industry, particu-larly during building renovation or demo-lition activities where asbestos is disturbedor removed. Employees may also be ex-posed during the manufacture of asbestosproducts (such as textiles, friction products,insulation, and other building materials) andduring automotive brake and clutch repairwork.

If your work involves asbestos-contain-ing materials, it is important to recognizean employer’s responsibilities underMIOSHA concerning exposure monitoring,regulated areas, engineering controls andwork practices, respiratory protection, pro-tective clothing, hygiene facilities for em-ployees, communication of the hazards as-sociated with asbestos in construction ac-tivities, housekeeping, medical exams, andrecord keeping.Why regulate asbestos?

Asbestos is a mineral that has beenused in more than 3,000 different productsover the last 100 years for its insulating,acoustical and fire protective properties.Common products that contain asbestos arepipe insulation, floor and ceiling tile, spray-on insulation, boiler wrap insulation andelectrical appliances such as your toasterand hair dryer. Asbestos-containing mate-rials are frequently encountered in a widerange of environments, including but notlimited to, industrial and commercial fa-cilities, schools and universities, and resi-dential properties.

Asbestos is actually the name of agroup of minerals that share similar chemi-cal and physical properties. The most com-mon of these minerals are chrysotile,amosite, and crocidolite. The primary char-acteristic that makes asbestos a reason forconcern is its ability to separate into mi-croscopic needle-like fibers. Once thesefibers become airborne (usually by disturb-

AsbestosWhat’s Going on withAsbestos in Michigan?

By: George Howard, Asbestos Program SupervisorBill DeLiefde, OHD Regional Supervisor It can happen when you’re play-

ing on the weekend. It’s always seri-ous. But when it happens at work itcan be an issue for the Michigan Oc-cupational Safety and Health Act(MIOSHA) program.Work Factors

Four environmental factors affectthe amount of stress a worker faces ina hot work area: temperature, humid-ity, radiant heat (such as from the sunor a furnace) and air velocity. Perhapsmost important to the level of stressan individual faces are personal char-acteristics such as age, weight, fitness,medical condition and recent experi-ence working in heat.

What types of work settings areprone to causing heat-related illness inworkers?

Workers performing vigorouswork in direct sunlight; workers ex-posed to direct sunlight for long peri-ods; workers in plants where heatedprocesses are involved (forging, an-nealing, heat-cured products); andworkers performing work in enclosedspaces with little or no ventilationwhich receive exposure to sunlight; areall examples of work environmentsthat could cause heat-related illnesses. Signs and Symptoms

Employers and employees shouldbe aware of the signs and symptomsof heat related disorders.uHeat stroke, the most seriousillness, is caused by the failure ofthe body’s internal mechanism toregulate its core temperature.Sweating stops and the body canno longer rid itself of excess heat.Signs include mental confusion,delirium, loss of consciousness, abody temperature of 106+ de-grees, hot dry skin which may bered, mottled or bluish.uHeat exhaustion results fromthe loss of fluid through sweatingwhen a worker has failed to drinkenough fluids or take in enough

ing the product in which they are con-tained), they are easily inhaled into thelungs. Once in the lungs, these needle-likefibers can penetrate the lung tissue and thelining that holds the lung in place (pleura).This begins the process which can eventu-ally lead to one of the three commonly as-sociated diseases of asbestos:uuAsbestosis - A scarring and harden-ing of the lung tissue,uuLung cancer - Malignant tumorgrowth of the lung tissue,uuMesothelioma - A scarring andmalignant tumor of the lung lining.

All of these diseases can lead to death.Exposure to asbestos is also associated withincreased incidences of gastrointestinal can-cer. Epidemiological studies indicate thatthe risk of lung cancer among exposedworkers who smoke cigarettes is greatlyincreased over the risk of lung canceramong non-exposed smokers or exposednonsmokers. Therefore, smoking amongasbestos workers is strongly discouraged.

The key to preventing occupational ill-nesses/diseases involving asbestos is to ini-tially recognize products that may containasbestos and assure that employees areproperly trained, protected and equipped towork with these products in a safe manner.Who is the primary asbestosenforcement agency in Michigan?

The Occupational Health Division’s(OHD) Asbestos Program is responsible forthe enforcement of most Michigan asbes-tos regulations. The Asbestos Program is asection within the Department of Consumer& Industry Services, Bureau of Safety &Regulation. The Asbestos Program has thefollowing six major areas of responsibility.1) Accreditation of Workers

Asbestos abatement workers, supervi-sors, project designers, inspectors and man-agement planners must be appropriatelytrained and accredited before working inMichigan. Individuals who work as abate-ment workers, supervisors, project design-

Cont. on Page 15 Cont. on Page 16

Spring/Summer 1999

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The 69th Annual Michigan Safety Conference honored Richard Kennedy and Gerald Ouellette as Safety Professionalof the Year at the President’s Reception on Monday, April 19, 1999. This prestigious award is the highest honor the Confer-ence bestows to outstanding safety professionals in Michigan. Each honoree demonstrated outstanding technical expertise intheir field, developed innovative ideas and programs, and made signifcant contributions to advance their profession.

Richard “Dick” Kennedy has more than 17 years experi-ence as a construction safety consultant and provides ap-prentice and consultation services for the western side of thestate. As a MIOSHA employee, one of his main responsi-bilities is to work with contractors in helping them identifysafety hazards at job sites. He has been instrumental in thestart-up of the MIOSHA 10-Hour Construction Seminar andhas developed programs on accident prevention, hazard rec-ognition, trenching and excavation, personal protective equip-ment, fall protection and highway safety. Dick has been aspeaker at the Michigan Safety Conference since 1985 onbehalf of the MIOSHA Construction and SET Divisions.He received the Allan W. Harvie Meritorious Service Awardin 1994, presented to an individual in MIOSHA who hasmade an ongoing significant contribution in furthering theBureau’s objective of protecting Michigan workers, encour-aging innovation in meeting Bureau goals and fostering thespirit of teamwork. Dick has been a presenter at numerousseminars, as well as a certified police officer on a volunteerbasis for the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Department.

Richard KennedyOccupational Safety ConsultantConsumer & Industry ServicesBureau of Safety & Regulation

Safety Education & Training Division

Gerald W. Ouellette,CSM, CHCM, ASPManager of Environmental & Safety ServicesAmericas-Asia Pacific RegionPharmacia & Upjohn Company

Gerald Ouellette has more than 20 years experience in thefields of environmental safety and industrial hygiene with anemphasis in industrial safety, occupational health, emergencypreparedness, fire safety and loss control, security, training,product liability, and air, water and hazardous waste manage-ment. He is chair of the Safety Management Division, Michi-gan Safety Conference, and past-president of the Safety Coun-cil for West Michigan. He is a member of the American Societyof Safety Engineers, World Safety Organization, West Michi-gan Fire Protection Engineers, and is a Certified Hazard Con-trol Manager, Associate Safety Professional. Gerald has devel-oped and presented seminars and training classes on relatedsafety, industrial hygiene, environmental, engineering and healthsubjects. He is an instructor at Kellogg Community College,Battle Creek, where he teaches courses on plant layout andmaterial handling. As a member of the corporate environmen-tal quality and safety staff of Pharmacia and Upjohn, he pro-vides worldwide safety, industrial hygiene, environmental, losscontrol, emergency response, and health services--for animalhealth, research and development, and production facilities.

Safety Professional of the Year

Dick is congratulated by BSRDirector Doug Earle.

Dick’s family joined him at the Awards Ceremony.

Dick with SET Supervisor MikeEverett and Construction SafetyOfficer Tony Allum.

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The Safety Council for WestMichigan announced the recipientsof the 1998 Safety Awards for WestMichigan at the 52nd Awards Lun-cheon April 13, 1999, at the FetzerCenter, Western Michigan Univer-sity. For the past 52 years, the SafetyCouncil has recognized and awardedbusiness and industry for maintain-ing safe work practices. The SafetyCouncil for West Michigan is theonly organization in West Michiganthat acknowledges the efforts thatbusiness and industry make to pro-vide a safe workplace for their em-ployees.

Approximately 6,000 businessesand industries in 18 counties wereinvited to participate by providingtheir accident rates for 1997 and1998. Companies compete for theawards with other businesses and in-dustries similar in size, and also com-pete with themselves by submittingtheir rates from the previous year.The information required for partici-

Safety Council for West Michigan52nd Annual Safety Awards

SET Consultant and Safety Council Vice-President MicshallPatrick presents the award for Greatest Reduction in AccidentRate/1998-Group 5, to Mac McLemore, Safety Director forMidwest Metallurgical.

pation in the awards pro-gram is taken directly froma company’s MIOSHA 200Log, which is posted dur-ing February. All informa-tion submitted to the SafetyCouncil is held in confi-dence and no rates wereannounced or listed.

Dr. Kalmin Smith,Deputy Director of the De-partment of Consumer &Industry Services (CIS),was the keynote speaker atthe luncheon. Smith’s du-ties include oversight ofeight CIS bureaus andagencies including the Bu-reau of Safety and Regulation (BSR),which houses the MIOSHA programand the state’s Wage & Hour Divi-sion. Dr. Smith is also the State Co-ordinator for the implementation ofthe Americans with Disabilities Actfor the 50,000 state employees, aswell as all state parks, public build-

ings, and highwayrest stops.

More than 300employers and em-ployees attendedthe awards recogni-tion. One hundredand ten companiesreceived recogni-tion and were con-gratulated for suc-cessfully maintain-ing a safe work-place or improvingaccident rates in thefollowing three cat-egories: GreatestReduction in Acci-

dent Rate-1998, Lowest AccidentRate-1998, and No Lost Time Acci-dents-1998.

The awards were presented byMary Gustas, Executive Director ofthe Safety Council for West Michi-gan and Micshall Patrick, BSRSafety Education and Training Con-sultant and Vice President of theSafety Council Board of Directors.

Keynote speaker BSR Deputy Director Dr.Kalmin Smith and Mary Gustas, SafetyCouncil Executive Director.

Safety Councilfor West Michigan

437 W. Crosstown ParkwayKalamazoo, MI 49001

616.344.6189

Executive DirectorMary Gustas

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October 7 - 17, 1998,11 Balkan scientists vis-ited Michigan to partici-pate in an Advanced En-vironmental Workshopwith the Michigan StateUniversity (MSU), Insti-tute of International Health(IIH), funded by the U. S.National Institutes ofHealth. The program is acollaboration of informa-tion and ideas on environ-mental and occupationalhealth including: seminars,research projects, fieldtrips and other activities.

The American visit completed yeartwo of a five-year grant, which also in-cludes representatives from IIH travel-ing to Balkan countries to provide train-ing. Representative scientists from Bul-garia, Greece, Macedonia, Moldova,Romania, and Serbia participated withEvangelos Petropoulos, M.D., Ph.D.,Director of IIH and professors fromMSU.

Of the 11 days spent in Michigan,the Bureau of Safety and Regulation(BSR) Occupational Health Division(OHD) hosted the participants for oneand a half days. The par-ticipants spent a half dayat OHD’s occupationalhealth laboratory located at3350 N. Martin LutherKing Jr. Blvd. in Lansing.

Mary Ruppenthal,OHD Laboratory Scientistconducted a tour of theOHD laboratory describ-ing analytical equipmentand procedures used toanalyze samples collectedduring MIOSHA healthinvestigations. BobKieffer of the OHD Tech-nical Services Section fol-

MIOSHA Hosts Scientists......from Balkan Countries

By: Bob PawlowskiOHD Regional Supervisor

lowed with a presentation on field moni-toring equipment used to collect samplesby OHD compliance and consultationofficers. Samples collected by field com-pliance IH’s are typically personalbreathing zone air samples (the collec-tion device is physically attached to theemployee) to determine compliance withthe Michigan Air ContaminantsStandard’s permissible exposure limits(PEL).

The Balkan visitors were impressedwith the variety of collection devices andanalytical equipment used to assure a

healthy working environ-ment and compliance withthe PEL’s. The rest of theafternoon consisted of apresentation on MIOSHAand how the different de-partments and divisionsdealing with environmen-tal and occupational healthinteract to cover the manyaspects of public healththat are addressed by stateagencies. The presenta-tion was conducted byBob Pawlowski, OHDRegional Supervisor.

The next day, six ofthe Balkan scientists traveled to theFarmington OHD office, where theyeach accompanied a compliance in-dustrial hygienist during a field inves-tigation. They all returned to theFarmington office at the end of the day,at which time a question and answersession was conducted with BobPawlowski and district supervisorsSundari Murthy and Adrian Rocskay.

Visitor comments were positive in-cluding compliments on the profes-sional manner in which investigationswere conducted and how well compli-

ance officers worked withemployees and employers.One Balkan scientist statedthere was an obvious at-mosphere of mutual re-spect shown between thecompanies’ health andsafety representatives andthe OHD industrial hy-gienist. Dr. Petropoulossaid our presentations andactivities were highly ratedin the written evaluationsof the program. The OHDstaff also found the col-laboration to be enlighten-ing and an excellent learn-ing experience.

The Balkan representatives with the OHD Farmington staff.

Gerald Dike, OHD industrial hygienist (2nd from R) and BogoljubPerunicic (2nd from L) with employee and employer representatives.

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The Wage & Hour Division isresponsible for establishing and is-suing state prevailing wage rates forstate-covered construction projects.Two of the rate schedules estab-lished are the Commercial Sched-ule for Construction of Buildingsand the Road Builder Schedule forRoad and Highway Construction.The process used to establish theserates is directed by the MichiganPrevailing Wage Act, Act 166 of1965, and is an annual survey ofunion trade locals to obtain ratescontained in local collective bargain-ing agreements.

The Commercial Rate Sched-ules are updated in the fall and areready for distribution by January.These rates generally remain in ef-fect until December 31. RoadBuilder Rate Schedules are updatedeach July and remain in effect untilthe following June 30. The processof updating road builder rates beginsin June, and rates will be establishedfor each county.

The Division also issues stateprevailing wage rates for bid pur-poses to contracting agents. Ratesare good for 90 days from the issuedate. Rates are provided free-of-charge to contracting agents. Ratesfor non-bidding purposes are alsoprovided to the general public at aminimal fee or free-of-charge on theDivision’s website.

Michigan teenagers looking for a summer job have a very good chanceof finding one, according to the Michigan Department of Career Develop-ment. Michigan’s labor market continues to be strong, which gives youngpeople the opportunity to earn money and acquire work skills.

While it is important for young people to have constructive early workexperiences, it is equally important that their jobs are safe. The MIOSHAWage & Hour Division is committed to assuring the safe employment ofyoung people. When businesses provide teens with positive and safe workexperiences, everyone wins.

Act 90, PA of 1978, The Youth Employment Standards Act, providesfor the legal employment and protection of youth, under the age of 18,who work. Youth are restricted in who they may work for and the type ofwork they may perform.

Minors may not work in the following industries: logging, mining,firefighting, excavation, heavy equipment, meat processing, construction,or in industries wherein they are required to use respiratory equipment.Youth cannot do work which requires them to drive a motor vehicle in theperformance of their jobs. Minors may not operate power-driven machin-ery, such as slicers, dough mixes, saws, etc.

Besides these specific restrictions, the general duty clause of Act 90prohibits employing minors in occupations which are hazardous or injuri-ous to their health or well-being. In addition to these restricted and prohib-ited occupations, the safety and health standards that apply to adults underMIOSHA also apply to minors.

A work permit is required from the school before a minor may work.During the summer recess school offices are open and able to issue workpermits.

Parents are encouraged to visit their child’s place of employment toget to know the employer and the types of jobs available, and in particular,what work their child will be doing.

The Wage & Hour Division offers on-site consultation to businesseson youth employment issues. Employers can request a consultation bycalling the Wage & Hour Division.

Wage & HourYouth Employment Prevailing Wage

For More Information:

Wage & Hour Division517.322.1825

Website:www.cis.state.mi.us/

bsr/divisions/wh/home.htm

Conditions for Youth Employment

u14- to15-year-old minors cannot work between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and7:00 a.m.

u16- to17-year-old minors cannot work between the hours of 10:30 p.m.and 6:00 a.m., while school is in session.

u16- to 17-year-old minors may work until 11:30 p.m., during school vacation.uThe total hours of work cannot exceed 48 hours of work and school

combined.uMinors must be supervised.uMinors may not work more than five hours without a full, 30-minute rest

period.

News

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99

State Gives Safety and Health Awards

Eight Michigan companies havereceived Safe ty Educat ion andTraining (SET) Awards as of June1999. The SET Division of theMichigan Department of Consumer& Industry Services (CIS), Bureauof Safety and Regulation recognizesthe safety and health achievementsof Michigan employers and employ-ees through SET Awards, which arebased on excellent safety and healthperformance.

The SET Gold Award recog-nizes two years of an outstandingMIOSHA record, the SET SilverAward recognizes one year of anoutstanding MIOSHA record, theSET Bronze Award recognizes em-ployers who have made a measur-able improvement, and the Ergo-nomics Innovation Award recog-nizes innovative ideas which havebeen implemented to reduce workerstrain.

“These companies are outstand-ing examples that emphasize the im-portance of workplace safety,” saidCIS Director Kathy Wilbur. “Theyare demonstrating that it’s possibleto maintain an accident-free workenvironment and still be economi-cally competitive.”

Palmer Engineering, Inc., aDemmer Affiliate, of Lansing, re-ceived the SET Gold Award. CISDeputy Director Dr. Kalmin

Smith presented the award to DaveDeSmyter , Plant Manager, TomPeck , Production Manager, andWilliam Demmer of Palmer Engi-neering on April 27, 1999. PalmerEngineering was founded in 1948and is a QS 9000 stamping facilitythat manufactures small precisionstampings. It became affiliated withthe Demmer family in 1987 andemployees 34 workers.

SET Supervisor Mike Everettpresented the Gold Award toMiller Fluid Power of Livonia,and the Silver Award to G & LTool of Westland. Miller FluidPower is primarily involved in themanufacturing of precision pneu-matic and hydraulic cylinders forindustry and commercial use andemploys 20 workers. G & L Toolis one of the leading suppliers ofheader tools and special toolingand also has 20 workers.

A Gold Award was presented toTenneco Automotive EngineeringCenter of Grass Lake at an em-ployee celebration. Bronze Awardswere rece ived by The CrownGroup o f Livonia; AcutusGladwin of Taylor; and Koyo Cor-porat ion o f Batt le Creek.Gi lrearth Manufactur ing ofHowell received the Ergonomics In-novation Award.

Mike Arno, Plant Manager, MarkPritchard (rear), Inventory ControlManager, and Dave Feldman,Manufacturing Manager, Miller Fluid.

Mike Everett, SET Supervisor; BobbyStout, SET Consultant; with James Hill,Vice-President, and David Jackson,President, G & L Tool, Inc.

BSR Deputy Director Dr. Kalmin Smithpresents the Gold Award to Tom Peck,Production Manager, PalmerEngineering.

S E T A w a r d s

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Construction SafetyStandards Commission

LaborMr. Daniel CorbatMr. Carl Davis**Mr. Andrew LangMr. Martin Ross

ManagementMr. Thomas HansenMr. Charles GatecliffMs. Cheryl HughesMr. Peter Strazdas*

Public MemberMr. Kris Mattila

General Industry SafetyStandards Commission

LaborMr. Guy Butts

Mr. Tycho FredericksMr. Michael D. Koehs*

ManagementMs. Gretchen Bria

Mr. Timothy J. Koury**Ms. Doris MorganMr. Andy C. Brown

Public MemberMs. Geraldine A. Johnson

Occupational HealthStandards Commission

LaborDr. G. Robert DeYoung

Mr. Mark GaffneyMs. Cynthia Holland

Capt. Michael McCabe*Management

Mr. Robert DeBruynMr. Michael LucasMr. Richard Olson

Mr. Douglas Williams**Public Member

Dr. Glen Chambers

*Chair**Vice Chair

On December 1, 1998, OSHA published amendments to the per-mit-required confined spaces standard in the Federal Register. Theamended rules speak to employee participation in the confined spaceentry program and the opportunity to observe related testing and moni-toring. The criteria for preparing for the timely rescue of any inca-pacitated permit-space entrant is also addressed.

Part 90 was originally adopted by MIOSHA by reference on No-vember 2, 1993. The Occupational Health Standards Commissionand the General Industry Safety Standards Commission have de-termined that to be “as effective as” OSHA, the final rule amendmentshould be incorporated into MIOSHA’s current standard and have di-rected that the promulgation process be implemented. The amendedstandards are expected to be final this summer.

The MIOHSA Standards Division is holding public hearings forthe General Industry Safety Standards Commission for the fol-lowing proposed amendment: General Industry: Part 62. Plastic Mold-ing; R 408.16227 Lubrication and Maintenance; and R 408.16234Injection Molding Machinery.

August 17, 1999 August 19, 1999Liquor Control Commission Ferris State UniversityLiquor Control Hearing Room Rankin Student Center24155 Drake Road Room 312 - Centennial RoomFarmington, Michigan 805 Campus Drive9:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Big Rapids, Michigan

9:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

The purpose of the hearings is to allow all interested parties anopportunity to present data, views, and arguments relative to the pro-posed amendments. Attendees are urged to submit a written summaryof remarks as part of their presentation. Written comments for eachset of proposed rules must be submitted as separate documents.

Persons unable to attend may submit written data no later than5:00 p.m., August 19, 1999. Copies of the amendments may be ob-tained from the address listed on page 16. A copy of the rule alsoappears in the Michigan Register, June, 1999.

The hearings will be conducted in compliance with the 1990 Ameri-cans with Disabilities Act, in an accessible building with handicapperparking available. For a sign language interpreter or assisted listen-ing devices, please call 517.373.0378 TDD or 1.800.SAY.ABLE T/V.

To contact Connie Munschy, Chief of the Standards Division, or any ofthe Commissioners, please call the Standards Division Office at517.322.1845.

Standards UpdateConfined Space Entry

Public Hearing

Spring/Summer 1999

1111

Occupational Safety Standards

General IndustryPart 21. Powered Industrial Trucks ............................. At Advisory CommitteePart 55. Explosives and Blasting Agents .......................... Effective7/30/99Part 56. Storage and Handling of Liquefied Petroleum Gases ........... Draft at LSB for informal reviewPart 62. Plastics .......................................... Public Hearings August 17 & 19Part 73. Fire Brigades ...................................... Draft at LSB for informal reviewPart 90. Permit-Required Confined Spaces (PRCS)................... LSB formal certificationPart 91. Process Safety Management of Highly Hazardous Chemicals (PSM) .... LSB formal certification

ConstructionPart 6. Personal Protective Equipment .......................... Effective7/30/99Part 13. Material Handling................................... Effective7/30/99Part 26. Steel and Precast Erection ............................. At Advisory CommitteePart 31. Diving Operations ................................... At Advisory CommitteePart 91. Process Safety Management of Highly Hazardous Chemicals ..... LSB formal certification

Occupational Health Standards

General IndustryAcrylonitrile .............................................. RFR approved1,3-Butadiene.............................................. Published Michigan Register 4/30/99Cadmium ................................................ Effective 4/21/99Coke Oven Emissions ........................................ Published Michigan Register 4/30/99Ethylene Oxide ............................................ Draft at LSB for informal reviewFormaldehyde ............................................. Published Michigan Register 4/30/99Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) ..... Draft at LSB for informal reviewInorganic Arsenic........................................... Draft at LSB for informal reviewMethylene Chloride ......................................... At ORR for Governor approvalMethylenedianiline .......................................... LSB formal certificationPermit-Required Confined Spaces (PRCS) .......................... LSB formal certificationPersonal Protective Equipment ................................. Effective 4/21/99Process Safety Management of Highly Hazardous Chemicals (PSM) ........ LSB formal certificationVinyl Chloride ............................................. Draft at LSB for informal review

ConstructionAsbestos ................................................. Published Michigan Register 4/30/99Lead.................................................... Published Michigan Register 5/31/99

JCAR = Joint Committee on Administrative RulesLSB = Legislative Services BureauORR = Office of Regulatory ReformRFR = Request for Rulemaking

Status of Pending Michigan Occupational Safety & Health Standards

The MIOSHA Standards Division assists in the promulgation of Michiganoccupational safety and health standards. To receive a copy of the MIOSHAStandards Index (updated April 1999) or for single copies and sets of safetyand health standards, please contact the Standards Division at 517.322.1845.

1212

BSR Education & Training CalendarDate Course Contact Phone

Location MIOSHA TrainerAugust2 When MIOSHA Visits Pat Murphy 248.353.4500

Southfield Linda Long5 Lockout/Tagout & Confined Space Entry Staff 810.445.5480

Roseville Bernard Sznaider10 Lockout/Tagout & Confined Space Entry Janie Willsmore 517.546.3920

Howell Karen Odell10 Hazard Communication & Lift Truck Cindy Swiler 231.775.2458

Cadillac Jerry Medler18 Evaluating & Implementing a Safety Program Reid Sheeley 810.752.2091

Shelby Township Lee Kueppers19 Machine Guarding Sherri Pavloski 906.635.2802

Sault Ste. Marie Jerry Medler19 Mechanical Power Press Safety Julie 810.989.5740

Port Huron Bernard Sznaider26 Recordkeeping-Accident Investigation Christy Winter 248.620.2534

Clarkston Richard Zdeb

September8 & 9 Mechanical Power Press Safety Ed Ratzenberger 248.557.7010

Southfield Linda Long10 Elements of A Safety Program Susan Verellen 810.263.2886

Clinton Township Suellen Cook13 Supervisor’s Role In Safety Andy Carr 248.353.4500

Southfield Richard Zdeb14 Supervisor’s Role In Safety Sherri Pavloski 906.635.2802

Sault Ste. Marie Jerry Medler14-16 Safety & Health Administrator Course Christy Winter 248.620.2534

Clarkston Richard Zdeb16 Industrial Ergonomics/Hand & Finger Safety Karen Dalton 734.458.3923

Garden City Linda Long16 MIOSHA Recordkeeping Seminar Jacqueline Schank 734.464.9964

Canton Suellen Cook16 Mechanical Power Press Safety Staff 810.445.5480

Roseville Bernard Sznaider19 Hazard Communication Workshop Tom Nichols 517.782.8268

Jackson Gregg Grubb21 Supervisor’s Role in Safety Cindy Swiler 231.775.2458

Cadillac Jerry Medler28 Lockout/Tagout & Confined Space Pat Murphy 248.353.4500

Review & Interactive Workshop-Detroit Linda Long

Spring/Summer 1999

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V a r i a n c e sPublished July 30, 1999

Following are requests for variances andvariances granted from occupationalsafety standards in accordance with rulesof the Department of Consumer & Indus-try Services, Part 12, Variances(R408.22201 to 408.22251).

Variances Requested

Part number and rule number fromwhich variance is requestedPart 8 - Material Handling. RuleR408.40833, Rule 833(1)Summary of employer’s request forvarianceTo allow employer to tandem lift structuralsteel members under controlled conditionsand with stipulations.Name and address of employerAbray Steel Erectors, Inc.Location for which variance is requestedSt. Fabian Parish, Farmington HillsSunrise Assisted Living Building,NorthvilleKarotech Office Building, Commerce Twp.Riverbend Project, Clinton TownshipSunrise Assisted Living, Ann ArborName and address of employerAmerican Erectors, IncLocation for which variance is requestedNorthfield West - Great Lakes Gas Build-ing, TroyName and address of employerBroad, Vogt & Conant, IncLocation for which variance is requestedGeneral Motors - Michigan Assembly Plant,FlintName and address of employerDouglas Steel Erection CompanyLocation for which variance is requestedFord ADIM, DearbornTroy Office Center II, Building E., TroyMichigan State University, Bio-PhysicalSciences Bldg., East LansingWilliam Beaumont Hospital, Rose CancerCenter, Royal OakName and address of employerGeneral Steel Erection, IncLocation for which variance is requestedTroy Physician Project, TroyName and address of employerHavens National Riggers & ErectorsLocation for which variance is requested

Project #1/Hazama Corp., EcorseName and address of employerIdeal Steel & Builders’ Supplies, Inc.Location for which variance is requestedTiger Stadium, DetroitName and address of employerJohnson Steel Fabrication, IncLocation for which variance is requestedGM L6 Engine Facility, BP 304 Trestle,FlintName and address of employerKokosing Construction Company, Inc.Location for which variance is requestedMichigan International Speedway, Brook-lynName and address of employerMcGuire Steel Erection, Inc.Location for which variance is requestedOakland Commons, SouthfieldSterling Heights Performing Arts Center,Sterling HeightsMill Creek Middle School, DexterCheyenne Elementary School, MacombTwp.Gratiot Hospital, AlmaThermofil Mezzanine, FowlervilleSt. Mary’s Hospital, SaginawViking Ice Arena, Hazel ParkSt. Mary Catholic Church, WayneFranklin Pointe Office Bldg., BloomfieldHillsMichigan Army National Guard, BattleCreekLansing State Journal-USA TodayEMU- Health & Human Services Bldg.,YpsilantiMunn Ice Arena (at MSU), East LansingLife of Faith Fellowship Church, Port Hu-ronName and address of employerMidwest Steel, Inc.Location for which variance is requestedDaimler Chrysler IS expansion project,Auburn HillsName and address of employerR & B Steel CompanyLocation for which variance is requestedClinton County Courthouse, St. JohnsName and address of employerSova Steel, Inc.Location for which variance is requestedDetroit Tiger Stadium, DetroitMacomb Community College, Warren

Great Lakes Steel/Cold Galvanizing Line

Ford Motor Company Town Center,DearbornName and address of employerVulcan Iron WorksLocation for which variance is requestedFord Motor Company, Dearborn EnginePlant Addition, DearbornName and address of employerWhitmore SteelLocation for which variance is requestedTiger Stadium, Detroit

Part number and rule number fromwhich variance is requestedPart 10 - Lifting and Digging Equipment.Rule R408.41015a (2) (d)(g) (3) (4)Summary of employer’s request forvarianceTo allow employer to utilize an unguardedwork platform suspended under a bridgedeck by two cranes in accordance with cer-tain stipulations.Name and address of employerAnlaan CorporationLocation for which variance is requestedM-6/I-96 Interchange, Ramp B, KentCounty

Part number and rule number fromwhich variance is requestedPart 10 - Lifting and Digging Equipment.Rule R408.41018a(16) & RuleR408.41020a(5)Summary of employer’s request forvarianceTo allow the employer to utilize rotationresistant cable to raise and lower work plat-form and to allow the derrick hoist machinebase to be anchored at the two rear cornersto deadmen in lieu of all four corners, pro-vided stipulations are adhered to.Name and address of employerCB&I Constructors, Inc.Location for which variance is requested1,500,000 gallon Waterspheroid, Wixom

Part number and rule number fromwhich variance is requestedPart 10 - Lifting and Digging Equipment.Rule R408.41015a (2)(g)(h)(i) &R408.41018a (12) & (16)Summary of employer’s request forvarianceTo allow the use of a work platform con-

Cont. on Page 14

1414

taining a stripping scaffold mounted on theboom of a P & H Omega 40 ton hydrauliccrane provided all of the requirements ofConstruction Safety Standard, Part 10. Lift-ing & Digging Equipment except rule1015a (2)(g)(h)(i) and 1018a (12) & (16).Name and address of employerS. E. Johnson CompaniesLocation for which variance is requestedBlue Water Bridge, Port Huron

Part number and rule number fromwhich variance is requestedPart 10 - Lifting and Digging Equipment.Rule R408.41015a(3) (4) &R408.41018a(21)Summary of employer’s request forvarianceTo allow the use of a work platform sus-pended from the load line of a crane totransport employees to scaffold platformsto perform welding during stack construc-tion.Name and address of employerMonarch Welding & Engineering, IncLocation for which variance is requestedCentral Wayne County Energy RecoveryProject, Dearborn

Part number and rule number fromwhich variance is requestedPart 10 - Lifting and Digging Equipment.Rule R408.41015a (2)(g)(h)(i) &R408.41018a (12)Summary of employer’s request forvarianceTo allow the use of work platform contain-ing a stripping platform mounted on theboom of a P & H Omega 40 ton hydrauliccrane to heights of up to 70 feet providedall of the requirements of ConstructionSafety Standard, Part 10. Lifting and Dig-ging Equipment except Rule1015a(2)(g)(h)(i) and 1018a(12) are met.Name and address of employerWalter Toebe Construction CompanyLocation for which variance is requestedI-275 Reconstruction Job in Wayne/Oak-land County - MDOT Project

Part number and rule number fromwhich variance is requestedPart 12 - Scaffolds and Scaffold PlatformsR408.41221, Rule 1221(1)(c)

Cont. from Page 13 Summary of employer’s request forvarianceTo allow employer to use stilts at a maxi-mum height of 24 inches under controlledconditions and according to certain stipu-lations.Name and address of employerRitsema AssociatesLocation for which variance is requestedBronson Hospital Project, KalamazoooName and address of employerStanton Interiors, IncLocation for which variance is requestedBronson Methodist Hospital - South Cam-pus Development, Kalamazoo

Part number and rule number fromwhich variance is requestedPart 20 - Demolition. Rule R408.42034,Rule 2034(2)Summary of employer’s request forvarianceTo allow employer to drop demolition de-bris in a secured, closed area of the build-ing without a material chute under con-trolled conditions and according to certainstipulations.Name and address of employerSCS GroupLocation for which variance is requestedBoard of Water & Light Power Plant, Lan-sing

Variances Granted

Part number and rule number fromwhich variance is requestedPart 8 - Material Handling. RuleR408.40820, Rule 820(4).Summary of employer’s request forvarianceTo allow employer to mechanically stacklagging material to approximately 14 feet.Name and address of employerRic-Man Construction, Inc.Location for which variance is requestedDownriver Regional Storage & TransportSysterm, Taylor

Part number and rule number fromwhich variance is requestedPart 8 - Material Handling. RuleR408.40833, Rule 833(1)Summary of employer’s request forvarianceTo allow employer to tandem lift structural

V a r i a n c e sPublished July 30, 1999

steel members under controlled conditionsand with stipulations.Name and address of employerJ. S. Alberici Construction Co., Inc.Location for which variance is requestedCentral Wayne Energy Recovery Project,Dearborn HeightsName and address of employerAmerican Erectors, IncLocation for which variance is requestedKellogg Building, University of Michigan,Ann ArborName and address of employerAssemblers, Inc.Location for which variance is requestedTroy Corporate Center, TroyName and address of employerBristol Steel & Conveyor Corp.Location for which variance is requestedL6 Engine Facility, FlintName and address of employerDouglas Steel Erection CompanyLocation for which variance is requestedLegislative Office Building, LansingColumbia Center Tower B, TroyWilliam Beaumont Hospital, AmbulatoryCare Center, TroyName and address of employerHavens Steel CompanyLocation for which variance is requestedTiger Stadium, DetroitName and address of employerMatheny Steel Erectors, Inc.Location for which variance is requestedMTA Mass Transportation Bldg., FlintName and address of employerMcGuire Steel Erection, Inc.Location for which variance is requestedRochester New High School, RochesterWest Bloomfield Library, West BloomfieldWestwinds Community Church, JacksonTownsend Hotel Addition, BirminghamOrchards Corporate Center - Bldg. 1 andBldg. 2, FarmingtonThe Skating Center, RochesterNorthfield Crossing, TroyG M L6 Engine Facility, FlintName and address of employerMidwest Steel, Inc.Location for which variance is requestedFord Motor Company, DearbornGM-UAW Training Center, DetroitName and address of employerPioneer, IncLocation for which variance is requestedVan Andel Institute, Grand Rapids

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Spring/Summer 1999

1515

ers, building inspectors, or managementplanners must submit proof that they haveattended and successfully completed theirrespective training courses. Asbestos in-spectors, management planners, and projectdesigners must also satisfy asbestos-relatedwork experience requirements to becomeaccredited to work in the state.2) Approval of Asbestos Training

In order for individuals performing as-bestos-related work to become accredited,they must successfully complete a desig-nated training course that is recognized orapproved by the Asbestos Program. Michi-gan course sponsors for asbestos abatementworker, contractor/supervisor, project de-signer, inspector and management plannercourses must submit an application andother specified materials to the AsbestosProgram and receive approval before thecourse may be taught in Michigan. Specifi-cally, course sponsors must submit allcourse materials, instructor’s credentials,and a completed application form with theappropriate fee. Upon determination that acourse sponsor has satisfied Michigan’sminimum requirements, it is approved toprovide asbestos-related training within thestate of Michigan.3) Licensing of Asbestos AbatementContractors

Other than specified exempt licensedtrade groups (i.e., electricians, mechanicalcontractors, plumbers, residential builders,or residential maintenance/alteration con-tractors), any individual or company withinMichigan that is hired to remove or encap-sulate friable asbestos on the premises ofanother, must be licensed by the AsbestosProgram before engaging in any asbestosabatement activities. To become licensed,a contractor must have workers’ compen-sation insurance and proof that all workersand supervisors have been accredited be-fore receiving their annual licenses. Thedesignated exempt licensed trade groups areallowed to remove or encapsulate friableasbestos materials without obtaining an as-bestos abatement contractor’s license pro-vided the job they are performing is inci-dental to their primary license trade and itdoes not exceed 260 linear feet or 160square feet of friable asbestos-containingmaterials.

AsbestosCont. from Page 4

4) Processing of Asbestos AbatementProject Notifications

Contractors performing friable asbes-tos removal or encapsulation work mustprovide project notifications indicating thestart-up/ending dates and other job-relatedinformation to the Asbestos Program withina specified time frame. The Asbestos Pro-gram requires project notification 10 daysprior to any non-emergency asbestos abate-ment project exceeding 10 linear feet or 15square feet, or both, of friable asbestosmaterials.

Emergency asbestos abatementprojects must provide notification (phone,fax or mail) prior to starting the projects.Initial phone and fax notifications must befollowed up by submitting the original writ-ten project notification and fee.5) AHERA Management Plan

The Asbestos Hazardous EmergencyResponse Act (AHERA) of 1986 is an actmandated by Congress and administered bythe U.S. Environmental Protection Agency(EPA). This act mandates inspections andwritten management plans for friable andnon-friable asbestos-containing buildingmaterials for kindergarten through 12thgrade private and public nonprofit schools.The Asbestos Program is the state agencywhich was selected by the governor to re-view the school’s management plans anddetermine their compliance with AHERA.This process has involved the review ofmore than 5,000 individual plans.6) Compliance Investigations

The Asbestos Program conducts on-siteevaluation of the abatement activities ofcontractors and also responds to complaintsor referrals involving improper practices orprocedures during asbestos abatement ac-tivities.What regulations are enforced?

The program enforces: Michigan Pub-lic Act 135 “Asbestos Abatement Contrac-tors Licensing Act,” Michigan Public Act440 “Asbestos Workers Accreditation Act,”OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1101 “Asbestos Stan-dard for Construction,” and OSHA 29 CFR1910.1001 “Asbestos Standard for GeneralIndustry.”

In addition, the Asbestos Programevaluates compliance with 40 CFR 763, the“Asbestos Hazard Emergency ResponseAct” and 40 CFR Subpart M, the “NationalEmission Standard for Hazardous Air Pol-lutants.” When violations are identified,they are referred to the EPA or Michigan’s

Department of Environmental Quality’s AirQuality Division (DEQ) as appropriate.What were the amendments to PublicActs 135 & 440 in 1998?

On June 24, 1998, the state of Michi-gan enacted Public Acts 894, 895, and 896.These acts amended Act 135 of 1986 andAct 440 of 1988. They redefined “depart-ment” (formerly the Department of PublicHealth) as the Department of Consumer andIndustry Services; removed the June 1998,sunsets written into Act 135 and Act 440;required training course sponsors under Act440 to include a student’s social securitynumber on the numbered certificate ofcourse completion for more accurate iden-tification; and aligned the accreditation andtraining course sponsor window periods inAct 440 with the asbestos abatement con-tractor licensing window renewal period.

The concept of “window period” wasfirst implemented in Act 135 for asbestosabatement contractors. The “window pe-riod” (...renew no sooner than 90 days be-fore the license expires and not later than30 days before the license expires) was es-tablished to allow a licensed asbestos abate-ment company ample time to renew andthus, minimize the possibility of a contrac-tor working under a lapsed license. Thisamendment to Act 440 allows time for thecorrection of deficiencies in accreditationand training renewal applications, thus, po-tentially eliminating abatement workers andtraining providers from inadvertently per-forming asbestos-related activities withoutlicensure, which could subject them to stiffpenalties.

This approach establishes consistencyamong the three disciplines: accreditationof individuals, approval of asbestos train-ing course sponsors, and licensure of as-bestos abatement contractors. It also mini-mizes confusion in Michigan’s asbestos li-censing community; ensures that the asbes-tos industry as a whole operates smoothly;and lessens the odds that someone may beallowed to work in any classification or dis-cipline of the asbestos industry withoutproper licensure.

For more information, copies of rulesand regulations, worker accreditation ap-plication forms, project notification forms,lists of asbestos training courses in Michi-gan, or lists of licensed asbestos abatementcontractors, please contact the AsbestosProgram at 517.322.1320. nn

Who to Contact

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Heat StressCont. from Page 4

salt or both. The worker still sweatsbut experiences extreme giddiness,nausea, or headache. The skin isclammy and moist, the complexionpale or flushed.uHeat cramps, painful spasms of themuscles, are caused when workersquickly drink large quantities of wateror an electrolyte solution (sports drink)during or immediately after perform-ing work in the heat.uFainting and heat rash can also becaused by the worker’s body beingunable to handle the heat imposed bythe environment and the intensity ofwork being performed.

While there are no specific regulationsregarding how hot the work environmentcan be, there is within MIOSHA the Gen-eral Duty Clause, which requires that theemployer “must provide a workplace freefrom recognized hazards.” Where workersexposed to heat are: (1) demonstrably ill,and (2) this could be verified by a healthcareprofessional, and (3) the employer doesnothing to alleviate these conditions, aninvestigation by an Industrial Hygienistfrom MIOSHA’s Occupational Health Di-vision could result in a General Duty vio-lation being written.

What can employers and employeesdo to prevent heat related illness?

A variety of engineering controls in-cluding general ventilation may be help-ful. Shielding workers from radiant heatsources, providing cooling fans, modifyingequipment, using power tools to reducemanual labor, personal cooling devices, andpersonal protective equipment are all waysto reduce the hazards of heat exposure.

Work practices such as providingplenty of drinking water (as much as a quartper worker per hour) at the workplace canhelp reduce the risk of heat disorders.Glasses of ice chips, “sports drinks” to re-place potassium, calcium and magnesiumsalts and more frequent rest periods in coolareas are all effective in reducing heat stress.Workers should if possible wear loose-fit-ting, light-colored, porous clothing whichallows free air circulation over the body.

Educating workers, management, andfirst aid providers on recognizing symptomsof heat-related illness, how to report thesesymptoms to the employer, and methods forreducing the effects are a part of a compre-hensive health and safety program.

For assistance in coping with workingin Michigan summers contact the Occupa-tional Health Division of MIOSHA at517.322.1608.

Consumer & Industry ServicesBureau of Safety & RegulationDirector: Douglas R. Earle

MIOSHA News is a quarterlypublication of the Bureau of Safety& Regulation, which is responsiblefor the enforcement of the MichiganOccupational Safety and Health Act(MIOSHA).

The purpose is to educate Michiganemployers and employees aboutworkplace safety and health. Thisdocument is in the public domainand we encourage reprinting.

Editor: Judith Keely Simons

Consumer & Industry ServicesDirector: Kathleen M. Wilbur

Bulk RateU.S. Postage

PAIDLansing, MI

Permit No. 1200

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How To Contact UsMIOSHA Complaint Hotline 800.866.4675Fatality/Catastrophe Hotline 800.858.0397General Information 517.322.1814

Free Safety Consultation 517.322.1809Free Health Consultation 517.322.6690

Website: www.cis.state.mi.us/bsr

Consumer & Industry ServicesBureau of Safety & RegulationP.O. Box 306437150 Harris DriveLansing, Michigan 48909-8143

(15,000 copies printed at a cost of $5,391 or $0.36 per copy.)