Safety Corner

Finally! These 5 OSHA violations round out the top 20 at WPCF's. These violations relate to Respiratory Protection, Fire Safety and Hazardous Chemicals in Labs.

• Respiratory Protection: Requirement for minimal acceptable program. (must have written program). 1910.134 (b) (1)
• Respiratory Protection: Requirement for minimal acceptable program. (must be checked by a physician).
• Flammable & Combustible liquids: Design, Construction, & Capacity of Container 1910.106 (d) (1)
• Portable Fire Extinguisher: Monthly inspection. (NO EXCUSE for not being done) 1910.157 (e) (2)
• Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in Labs: Chemical Hygiene Plan. (must have written program). 1910.1450 (e) (1)

OSHA Tip:

• Employers must perform a Hazard Assessment. This will help you determine what PPE (personal protective equipment) will be required to do each job. 1910 (d) (1)

This brings up a good point. If OSHA comes to do an inpsection, you have the right to ask for indentification; you can also call OSHA's office for verification. During the inspection, OSHA will tour the plant, can take pictures, and interview employees (formally or informally). For your protection, take the same pictures as the OSHA inspector. Make sure your employees are aware of what OSHA abbreviations mean. (Examples: PPE, RTK).

DEP Corner

CERTIFICATION EXAM. Test date: Wednesday, January 20, 1999. Applications must be postmarked or received by the address shown below no later than Wednesday December 16, 1998 by 4:30 pm. No applications will be accepted after this date. There will be no acceptance of applications by phone calls or fax. Applications will be acepted anytime starting in October and up to December 16. There will be a $70 application fee. Enclose your check payable to DEP-POTW Exam with the application and send to the attention of:

Joe Nestico
Bureau of Water Management/DEP
79 Elm Street
Hartford, CT 06106-5127

For Your Information...

* Dues! It's that time again. CWPAA dues for the fiscal year 1998-1999 are due and payable. The individual membership fee is $15.00 and the corporate membership is $35.00.

If, on your mailing label above your name, you have the letter "L" or read 98/99 you are current and have to do nothing. All others must send payment. For individuals, you will have the letter "A" above your name, and for corporate members, you will have the letter "C".

If you need an invoice to submit for payment, please let Arnie Bevins know at (860) 871-0859 and he will get one out to you. Payment should be sent to:

CWPAA
P.O. Box 765
Vernon, CT 06066-0655

* Jan Marineau has relocated. Jan says: "This is to let everyone know I can no longer be contacted at the Canton WPCF. I am now at Plainvilles WPCF. My new number is (860) 793-0221 ext. 227, ask for Jan Marineau; Fax. (860) 793-2285. And everything is going FANTASTIC!"

Commentary

On October 21, Jan Marineau attended a seminar sponsored by Select Energy on electric billing, how charges are computed, and how to reduce costs. Jan offers the following commentary:

"It was one of the best seminars I have attended. It was discouraging to see the small turn out from WPCF management (supts., cpos, etc). Here was an avenue where you could learn how to reduce electrical costs -- and nobody felt that it was important enough to attend. Or does everyone think they know everything. Select Energy has put together a great line-up of seminars for the WPCFs to help them reduce electrical costs and everyone should be taken advantage of this information. Cost is minimal (lunch is included) and you're receiving CEUs for attending (wasn't everyone complaining that there was no training or anyone offering CEU's). Well here it is, and it's not just for supervisors! Take advantage of this training. Let's have a good turnout for all the seminars Select Energy is offering."