HHS issues updated North American flu pandemic plan
OSHA revises its Hazard Communication Standard
Joint Commission launches portal for HAI resources
Deadline for NFPA 99 proposed changes fast approaching
ICC announces availability of model green construction code
HHS issues updated North American flu pandemic plan
The Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) last month announced an updated plan for collaborating with Canada and Mexico on pandemic flu preparedness. The update to the initial 2007 plan builds on lessons learned from the 2009 H1N1 pandemic. According to HHS, the countries will collaborate on actions such as surveillance and early warning systems for disease outbreaks and epidemiological investigations of animal and pandemic flu viruses. The plan also calls for protecting critical infrastructure in a public health emergency and lays the groundwork for mutual assistance during a response.
OSHA revises its Hazard Communication Standard
The Department of Labor's Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) recently revised its Hazard Communication Standard, aligning it with the United Nations' Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals. "Exposure to hazardous chemicals is one of the most serious dangers facing American workers today," says Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "Revising OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard will improve the quality, consistency and clarity of hazard information that workers receive, making it safer for workers to do their jobs and easier for employers to stay competitive in the global marketplace."
Joint Commission launches portal for HAI resources
The Joint Commission last month launched a health care-associated infection (HAI) electronic portal to provide an integrated "kiosk" of HAI resources in one organized area that is accessible through any of the Joint Commission-related websites. "We hope the information on the portal will assist organizations, practitioners and caregivers to prevent HAIs," says Jerod M. Loeb, executive vice president, health care quality evaluation for the Joint Commission.
Deadline for NFPA 99 proposed changes fast approaching
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) now is accepting proposals for the 2015 edition of NFPA 99: Health Care Facilities Code, according to the American Society for Healthcare Engineering's ASHE Insider e-newsletter. ASHE encourages its members to read carefully the 2012 edition of the Health Care Facilities Code - or to contact consultants and ask them to review - before suggesting changes and providing substantiation to support the recommended changes. The input stage for NFPA 99 ends on June 22. (The input deadline for NFPA 101: Life Safety Code is May 4.)
ICC announces availability of model green construction code
The International Code Council has announced the availability of the 2012 International Green Construction Code (IgCC) for constructing and remodeling buildings. IgCC was developed with the American Institute of Architects and the American Society for Testing and Materials International as the initial cooperating sponsors, and with the support of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, the U.S. Green Building Council and the Illuminating Engineering Society.
