Briefings

Other news

OSHA releases hexavalent chromium booklet

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently published Hexavalent Chromium, a booklet outlining industry requirements for hexavalent chromium standards. Workers exposed to hexavalent chromium can develop lung cancer and damage to the nose, throat and respiratory system.

Inhaling hexavalent chromium fumes can cause allergic reactions or asthmatic symptoms. The chemical is used in pigments, metal finishing, wood preservatives and fungicides. Workers also may be exposed to hexavalent chromium fumes generated during welding of chromium metal alloys.

"Hexavalent chromium is a powerful lung carcinogen, and exposure to this chemical must be minimized," says David Michaels, OSHA's assistant secretary of labor. "OSHA provides guidance on its standards to ensure employers and workers know the best ways to prevent workplace injuries and illnesses."

Hexavalent Chromium is a companion document to the Small Entity Compliance Guide for the Hexavalent Chromium Standards published in 2006. Requirements for exposure limits, exposure monitoring and determination, protective work clothing and equipment, medical surveillance, communication of hexavalent chromium hazards and recordkeeping are described.

The booklet is free and available at www.osha.gov.

Green training courses receive approval

Green Roofs for Healthy Cities' (GRHC's) Green Roof Professional (GRP) training courses have been approved as high-quality green building education by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).

"USGBC-approved education providers undergo a rigorous third-party review process that ensures they provide the highest-quality green building professional development education," says Hazel Farley, GRHC's director of training and accreditation. "For the last five years, GRHC courses have provided continuing education credits for professionals registered with such organizations as The American Institute of Architects, American Society of Landscape Architects and RCI."

The industry online

The Bilco Co. has launched www.bilco.com, which features a new design and easier access to product information, including computer-aided design details, specifications and submittal drawings. The Web site also features a trade show calendar, news, user-friendly navigation, product literature, case studies and videos.

Architectural Building Components has launched www.archmetalroof.com, which is designed to provide updated product information and enhance customer relations. The Web site features an expanded and updated product gallery with new information, photos and informational videos, as well as enhanced search functionality that is said to help users quickly locate metal roofing and siding information.

Manufacturer news

Duro-Last® Roofing is honored

Duro-Last Roofing Inc., Saginaw, Mich., has been selected as one of Corp! magazine's Going Green honorees.

The Going Green Awards are presented to companies and individuals who have demonstrated exemplary efforts in environmentally friendly initiatives, including those related to air quality, green building and/or business practices, and environmental stewardship.

A breakfast program and panel discussion celebrating the winners was held Jan. 26 at Michigan State University's Management Education Center in Troy, Mich.

Bison Deck Supports wins award

Bison Deck Supports, Denver, has won the Architectural Record 2009 Editor's Pick award for its Massaranduba Wood Tile.

Bison Deck Supports' Massaranduba Wood Tile is one of 71 products chosen by Architectural Record to be published in its annual collection of the best new product offerings for architects and specifiers. Winning products are chosen by an independent jury of designers and materials specialists.

"The Bison product development team is honored to receive this award," says Lisa von Gunten, Bison Deck Supports' vice president. "As demand for building attractive pedestrian spaces and green roofs grows, there is a need for commercial building products that are environmentally smart."

Firestone Building Products expands department

Firestone Building Products Co. LLC, Indianapolis, has expanded its field technical staff and is in the process of streamlining its reporting tools.

In addition, the company has changed the name of its Field Technical Services department to the Quality Building Services department.

According to the company, the expansion will provide faster response times for site visits, roof system inspections and investigations, as well as increased training opportunities and greater nationwide availability.

Up the ladder

Randy Elo has been named an independent representative for Republic Powdered Metals Inc.

ATAS International Inc. has named Lori Morrow territory manager for Connecticut, western Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Vermont; Jeff Nichols has been named customer service representative in Mesa, Ariz.

Bradco Supply Corp. has appointed Larry Stoddard chief executive officer.