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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released improved procedures for donning (putting on) and doffing (taking off) personal protective equipment (PPE) for healthcare workers caring for a patient with suspected or confirmed Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) . They have also released some pretty comprehensive  video training to show the donning and doffing procedures . These procedures are explained using two different types of respirators depending on the respirators the hospital may have available: Image #1: PAPR, image courtesy of the CDC (www.cdc.gov). Image #2: N95 Respirator, image courtesy of the CDC (www.cdc.gov). Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR): A PAPR with a full face shield, helmet, or headpiece. Any reusable helmet or headpiece must be covered with a single-use (disposable) hood that extends to the shoulders and fully covers the neck and is compatible with the selected PAPR. See Image #1.  N95 Respirator: Single-use (disposable) N95 respirator in c...

Manufacturers and importers of hazardous chemicals have until June 1, 2015 to update their labels and material safety data sheets to be in compliance with the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) final rule promulgated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). While you�re patiently waiting for manufacturers to conduct the revisions to labels and updating material safety data sheets to reflect the 16-section format required for Safety Data Sheets (SDS), you still have to train your employees in the new label elements and new SDS format. OSHA has put together Quick Cards for sample labels and SDS , explaining the new requirements, but some employees and safety professionals may find it difficult to train employees without real, concrete examples. Many manufacturers and importers may also be moving slowly on their revisions due to the perceived difficulty of completing the revisions. To assist safety professionals and industrial hygienists in their training, here�s so...