DOE Invests in Capturing Energy From Waves, Tides & Currents

U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced its $16 million investment for numerous projects that will help capture energy from waves, tides and currents in an efficient and sustainable manner. The agency says that wave and tidal energy are untapped resources for the U.S., and that they provide clean, renewable resources that can be used where changing tides, waves or currents move a significant volume of water.

DOE reports the projects will "increase the power production and reliability of wave and tidal devices and help gather valuable data on how deployed devices interact with the surrounding environment." The latest wave and tidal energy assessments from DOE report up to a potential of 1,400 terawatt hours of generation per year. Reportedly, one terawatt-hour of electricity is enough to power 85,000 homes.

Visit DOE's website for more information and for a list of the funded projects.

IPAF’s Accident Database Releases Results for the First Half of 2013

Results from IPAF’s accident database report 28 fatalities worldwide involving aerial work platforms (AWPs) in the first half of 2013.

Data shows overturn (10) and fall from height (9) are among the main causes of fatalities in the early half of 2013, followed by entrapment (5), electrocution (3) and impact with AWP(1). Compared with data from the same time last year, in which 17 fatalities were reported, there has been about a 65% increase in the number of fatalities reported for the first half of 2013. However, IPAF credits the increase to data collection by the accident reporting project, not necessarily an increase in incidents.

More data show that among these fatalities, 13 occurred in the USA, two in France, Germany, the Netherlands and the UK, and one in Armenia, Canada, Ireland, Malaysia, Norway, Spain and the UAE. Of the known machine types used in the incidents, 13 fatalities involved boom lifts, 10 involved scissor lifts and three involved vehicle mounts. 

In 2012, IPAF introduced the accident-reporting project as system to collect worldwide data on fatal accidents involving aerial work platforms (AWPs), hoping to improve the safe use of these platforms. IPAF urges manufacturers, rental companies, contractors and users to report any known AWP-related accidents to aid the organization in further understanding common trends. Data collected from the project is kept confidential and used solely for the purposes of analysis and making recommendations to improve safety. 

“The accuracy of the data relies upon those using MEWPs and other interested parties to report any known fatal accidents to IPAF at www.ipaf.org/accident or to an IPAF member of staff,” said IPAF technical officer Chris Wraith. “The comprehensiveness of the data cannot be guaranteed, but where appropriate, action is taken to verify the facts. The data is updated should relevant information become available.”

For more information, visit www.ipaf.org/accident

Harvard Offers Health Tips for Older Drivers to Stay Safe

In a recent Harvard Health Letter article, "Stay Driving to Stay Independent," Harvard Medical School offers several health conditions and "quick fixes" that older drivers should consider to stay safe on the road.

1. Changes in eyesight and hearing. These senses can deteriorate with age. People over 65 are recommended to have a comprehensive eye exam every other year, or more frequently with eye conditions. Keeping noise to a minimum and reducing or eliminating night driving are recommended.
2. Chronic physical conditions. The effects of diseases, such as pain from arthritis, tremors from Parkinson’s disease or blood sugar imbalance from diabetes, can impair driving functions such as steering, pressing gas and brake pedals, and observing traffic. Harvard recommends exercise and stretching to maintain strength and flexibility, and checking blood sugar before getting behind the wheel, if diabetic.
3. Cognitive changes. Problems such as dementia or other cognitive impairment can create serious dangers when driving. Effects can include confusion in high-traffic areas, getting lost, and misjudging distance or timing. Although the safest action is to give up driving, Harvard recommends avoiding driving during busy times of day, and avoiding high-traffic areas.
4. Medications. Medication can cause side effects such as dizziness, confusion and drowsiness, all of which can adversely affect driving ability. Harvard reminds drivers to check with their doctor to learn about a medication’s potential effect on driving ability.
5. Heart attack or stroke. These emergencies can cause a driver to lose consciousness and pose an added threat. Drivers are urged to familiarize themselves with the symptoms of these emergencies so they can pull over safely and call 9-1-1.
6. Emotional distress. Life events that cause emotional distress can create an added risk when driving, because they can create a mental distraction for the driver. Harvard recommends asking someone else to drive during times of emotional distress.

New Alert on Power Tool Electric Shock

An alert by NT WorkSafe, a division of the Department of Business in Australia, identifies electric shock hazards associated with excessive sweating during use of electricity-powered tools. The alert warns that power drills, grinders, welders and tech screw guns are the most common tools to cause electric shocks in hot, humid conditions.

To prevent or lessen electric shock, NT WorkSafe offers the following suggestions: 

• Avoid use of tools powered by electricity during the hottest part of the day. Instead, try using battery-powered tools when possible.
• Use residual current devices, which will limit electric shocks to a subcritical level.
• Isolation transformers can also limit the risk of electric shock.
• Voltage reduction devices and G clamp earths can be used in welding to reduce shock risks.
• If a power tool has caused shocks, it should be isolated and tagged out, then examined by a trained individual to ensure that it is fit for use before retesting and tagging the tool. 

Find the complete alert here. 

EPA, OSHA, ATF Provide Information on the Safe Storage, Handling and Management of Ammonium Nitrate

On Friday, EPA, OSHA and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) issued a chemical advisory on the safe storage, handling and management of ammonium nitrate, following an August 2013 executive order on “Improving Chemical Facility Safety and Security.”

The advisory provides lessons learned and steps on how to reduce risks associated with ammonium nitrate for facility owners and operators, emergency planners and first responders with regards to ammonium nitrate. It also includes information on ensuring proper building design, storage containers and fire protection; understanding the hazards that exist when developing emergency response plans; and learning from other incidents, including the explosion in West, Texas.

“Understanding and minimizing the hazards posed by solid ammonium nitrate used in fertilizers is a key component of this advisory,” said Mathy Stanislaus, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response. “In addition, the community emergency planning and response information in this document provides a valuable tool that will help protect workers, first responders and communities throughout the country.”

In August, President Obama directed the federal government to improve operational coordination, modernize policies, regulations and standards, and work to identify best practices to improve chemical safety. President Obama established the Chemical Facility Safety and Security Working Group, wherein the chemical advisory was developed and facilitated.

Click here to view the advisory.