Flashings

OSHA issues inspection directive

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued a directive for enforcing requirements of its Cranes and Derricks in Construction standard.

OSHA's construction crane and derrick rule was published Aug. 9, 2010, and its provisions went into effect Nov. 8, 2010. The rule was revised to address the significant number of fatalities associated with using cranes and derricks.

OSHA's Cranes and Derricks Safety web page provides compliance assistance regarding equipment requirements for assembly and disassembly, qualified rigger, signal person qualifications and wire rope inspections; frequently asked questions; and PowerPoint presentations and videos explaining the hazards involved with crane operations.

For more information, visit www.osha.gov/cranes-derricks/index.html.

ASTM International drafts standard

ASTM International has drafted a standard to define durable flashing. The draft standard, ASTM WK46735, "Guide for Evaluating the Variables that Can Increase the Durability of an Installed Flashing Assembly," will provide measurable and process-based assessment elements to characterize the performance of flashing assemblies. The standard will address the life cycle of an assembly from initial physical properties to potential reparability.

"Manufacturers first, and then building owners, will be the primary people interested in ASTM WK46735," says ASTM International member Michael Schmeida. "They want to know that what they have or are installing will be durable enough to meet their needs for the roof they own or are working on."

ASTM WK46735 is being developed by Subcommittee D08.24 on Sustainability, part of ASTM International's Committee on Roofing and Waterproofing. ASTM International welcomes all roofing professionals to contribute to its standards developing activities.

For more information, visit www.astm.org.

MIOSHA offers workplace safety grants

In celebration of the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (MIOSHA's) 40th anniversary, MIOSHA is offering grant awards up to $5,000 to improve workplace safety and health.

The program's goal is to create safer, healthier work environments and reduce the risk of injuries and illnesses to workers in Michigan.

"We are encouraging employers to step up workplace safety and health during MIOSHA's 40-year anniversary," says MIOSHA Director Martha Yoder. "We are pleased to partner with small employers by offering matching grants of up to $5,000 to make improvements in workplace safety and health. With a total of $500,000 available from MIOSHA, that's a $1 million investment in keeping Michigan's workers safe and healthy."

To qualify for a MIOSHA Safety and Health Improvement Program Grant, an employer must meet the following:

• Have 250 or fewer employees
• Be in MIOSHA's jurisdiction
• Have a site-specific evaluation conducted by a qualified safety professional or safety committee. A written report must be submitted with recommendations based on the evaluation unless the project is for lifting equipment in residential care facilities or fall-protection equipment in residential construction.
• Propose a grant project consistent with the recommendations of the safety and/or health evaluation and be directly related to improvements that will lead to a reduction in the risk of injuries or diseases to employees
• Have knowledge and experience to complete the project and be committed to its implementation
• Be able to match the grant money awarded and all estimated project costs must be covered

An application for a MIOSHA grant can be found at www.michigan.gov/mioshagrants.