Workplace Safety

MSA issued a User Safety Notice to inform customers that MSA has received field reports of a limited number of Latchways Standard Self-Retracting Lifelines (SRL) in which some internal bolts came loose. MSA has not received any reports of injuries associated with this condition; however, it may lead to window of time in which a fall may not be arrested.

Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) issued a Hazard Alert to inform businesses about the dangers and safety precautions associated with the use, transport, and storage of dry ice and liquid nitrogen. University units involved with COVID-19 vaccine distribution efforts and research groups should take all necessary precautions when working with dry ice and liquid nitrogen.

Vacuum pumps are used to remove air and other vapors from a vessel or manifold. Weak points in containers or systems under vacuum can create implosion or explosion hazards, and cause injury by violently spraying glass and hazardous materials. An example of this is an incident that recently occurred at the University of Pennsylvania resulting in an explosion and fire.

New rules went into effect on October 31, 2020, for the management of dangerous waste pharmaceuticals, which set new requirements for Washington state health care facilities that generate pharmaceutical waste.