News Updates

NIOSH Updates
NIOSH : Volume: 2, Number
Volume 10, 2009
3, Number 6, 2010

OSH INFO : An Introduction to Indoor Air Quality

Carbon Monoxide (CO) Health Effects Associated with Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless and toxic gas.
Because it is impossible to see, taste or smell the toxic fumes,
CO can kill you before you are aware it is in your home. At
lower levels of exposure, CO causes mild effects that are often
mistaken for the flu. These symptoms include headaches,
dizziness, disorientation, nausea and fatigue. The effects of
CO exposure can vary greatly from person to person
depending on age, overall health and the concentration and
length of exposure.
Sources of Carbon Monoxide
Unvented kerosene and gas space heaters; leaking chimneys
and furnaces; back-drafting from furnaces, gas water heaters,
wood stoves, and fireplaces; gas stoves; generators and other
gasoline powered equipment; automobile exhaust from
attached garages; and tobacco smoke. Incomplete oxidation
during combustion in gas ranges and unvented gas or
kerosene heaters may cause high concentrations of CO in
indoor air. Worn or poorly adjusted and maintained
combustion devices (e.g., boilers, furnaces) can be significant
sources, or if the flue is improperly sized, blocked,
disconnected, or is leaking. Auto, truck, or bus exhaust from
attached garages, nearby roads, or parking areas can also be
a source.
At low concentrations, fatigue in healthy people and chest pain in people
with heart disease. At higher concentrations, impaired vision and
coordination; headaches; dizziness; confusion; nausea. Can cause flu-like
symptoms that clear up after leaving home. Fatal at very high
concentrations. Acute effects are due to the formation of
carboxyhemoglobin in the blood, which inhibits oxygen intake. At
moderate concentrations, angina, impaired vision, and reduced brain
function may result. At higher concentrations, CO exposure can be fatal.
Levels in Homes
Average levels in homes without gas stoves vary from 0.5 to 5 parts per
million (ppm). Levels near properly adjusted gas stoves are often 5 to 15
ppm and those near poorly adjusted stoves may be 30 ppm or higher.
ALERT:
Put generators outside.
Never use a generator inside homes, garages, crawlspaces,
sheds, or similar areas. Deadly levels of carbon monoxide can
quickly build up in these areas and can linger for hours, even
after the generator has shut off.
News Updates
NIOSH Updates
NIOSH : Volume: 2, Number
Volume 10, 2009
3, Number 6, 2010

OSH INFO : An Introduction to Indoor Air Quality

Steps to Reduce Exposure to Carbon Monoxide

It is most important to be sure combustion equipment is maintained and properly adjusted. Vehicular use should be carefully
managed adjacent to buildings and in vocational programs. Additional ventilation can be used as a temporary measure when high
levels of CO are expected for short periods of time.
• Keep gas appliances properly adjusted.
• Consider purchasing a vented space heater when replacing an unvented one.
• Use proper fuel in kerosene space heaters.
• Install and use an exhaust fan vented to outdoors over gas stoves.
• Open flues when fireplaces are in use.
• Choose properly sized wood stoves that are certified to meet EPA emission standards. Make certain that doors on all
wood stoves fit tightly.
• Have a trained professional inspect, clean, and tune-up central heating system (furnaces, flues, and chimneys) annually.
Repair any leaks promptly.
• Do not idle the car inside garage.

Sources : http://www.epa.gov/iaq/co.html
NIOSH Updates : Volume 3, Number 6, 2010

OSH INFO : 5S

What is a Five S?

A Five S program is usually a part of, and the key component of establishing a Visual Workplace. and are both a part of Kaizen -- a
system of continual improvement -- which is a component of lean manufacturing.

The Five S program focuses on having visual order, organization, cleanliness and standardization. The results you can expect
from a Five S program are: improved profitability, efficiency, service and safety.

The principles underlying a Five S program at first appear to be simple, obvious common sense. And they are. But until the
advent of Five S programs many businesses ignored these basic principles.

What are the Five S's?

Use the following links to learn more about 5S
•Sort - the first step in making things cleaned up and organized
•Set In Order - organize, identify and arrange everything in a work area
•Shine - regular cleaning and maintenance
•Standardize - make it easy to maintain - simplify and standardize
•Sustain -maintaining what has been accomplished
NIOSH Updates : Volume 3, Number 6, 2010

OSH INFO : Reducing Error and Influencing Behaviour (Guidance Booklets) (Paperback)

Product Details

Paperback: 92 pages
Publisher: HSE Books; Revised edition (June 1999)
ISBN-10: 0717624528
ISBN-13: 978-0717624522
Product Dimensions: 11.6 x 8.1 x 0.2 inches

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Aimed at managers, this text explains why human factors are important in health and
safety and how they need to be assessed and managed in the same way as other
risk factors. It gives practical advice on how to develop systems designed to take
account of human capabilities and fallibilities.

**Book for reference only :More details of this book, please refer NIOSH Library and to browse list of collection please visit; http://www.niosh.com.my
NIOSH Updates : Volume 3, Number 6, 2010

OSH INFO : NEWSPAPER CUTTING

Publication : UTUSAN MALAYSIA

Date : 15/04/2010
Page : 27
Headline : Tiga melecur dalam kebakaran kilang
NIOSH Updates : Volume 3, Number 6, 2010

OSH INFO : NEWSPAPER CUTTING

Publication : THE STAR

Date : 23/03/2010
Page : N24
Headline : Six die in gas mishap
NIOSH Updates : Volume 3, Number 6, 2010

OSH INFO : NEWSPAPER CUTTING

Publication : BERITA HARIAN

Date : 23/03/2010
Page : 13
Headline : Enam maut terhidu
gas beracun
NIOSH Updates : Volume 3, Number 6, 2010

OSH INFO : NEWSPAPER CUTTING

Publication : HARIAN METRO

Date : 23/03/2010
Page : 7
Headline : Enam sahabat maut terhidu gas beracun
NIOSH Updates : Volume 3, Number 6, 2010

OSH INFO : NEWSPAPER CUTTING

Publication : NEW STRAITS TIMES

Date : 23/03/2010
Page : 2
Headline : Six workers die in manhole