What is a catalytic converter?

An integral part of all modern gasoline powered automotive engines, the catalytic converter's job is to reduce tailpipe emissions by catalyzing exhaust gasses into compounds that are safer for the environment. Hopefully everyone remembers Chem 101.

Why is it valuable? 

Catalytic converters for gasoline-powered auto engines contain precious metals: platinum, rhodium, and palladium. A catalytic converter contains just a few grams of each, but that is all it takes to drive up the value from $300 to $1500+ depending on age and what vehicle the catalytic converter was taken from. An experienced thief only needs minutes to perform the necessary work to steal the converter and the return can be quite lucrative. However, the value can plummet to less than $100 if the thief can't sell the catalytic converter to a legitimate recycling company and instead has to sell as scrap metal. This typically happens when legitimate recyclers detect the catalytic converter was stolen and refuse to buy for fear of knowingly buying stolen goods.

Although modern diesel engines also use a catalytic converter, they do not use the same precious metals that are required by gasoline engines. These vehicles are much less susceptible to catalytic converter theft.

On March 14th, OSHA released a memo allowing employers to suspend Annual Respriator Fit testing due to a shortage of fit-testing kits and masks themselves. Until further notice the following guidance has been given by OSHA:

There are other changes highlighted in this articles by Safety and Health Magazine: OSHA allowing all employers to suspend annual respirator fit testing

The most important part of ladder safety education is giving our ladder users the tools they need on the jobsite to make certain they can climb safely if the task requires that they climb at all. There is a free ladder safety application for mobile phones that will put many ladder safety practices in the hands of your employees in the place they need them most; On The Job.

This week, take time to discuss the use of this application, communicate with your ladder users on how to use this tool and review your program and practices surrounding site-specific ladder safety.  Have each ladder user in your company download the app to their mobile phone and practice using the safety components it provides such as ladder selection, ladder inspection, ladder set up and proper use reminders.

NIOSH - Informational PDF

Within our industry there are some common mistakes that occur that result in injuries to our people.  Here is a list of some of the most common mistakes so that you can discuss these with your team.  Below  the list of common mistakes is an example of a very good reason to always be diligent about safety when using a ladder.  

Every year, more than 300 people die in ladder-related accidents, and thousands suffer disabling and/or debilitating injuries. Without better training and continuous innovation in safety planning and product design, we will continue to see far too many fatalities. National Ladder Safety Month will heighten awareness of safe ladder use, reinforce safety training and educate homeowners and working professionals. The American Ladder Institute shares these ladder safety tips during week 2 of National Ladder Safety Month.  Please share these resources with your team.  Every year, more than 300 people die in ladder-related accidents, and thousands suffer disabling and/or debilitating injuries. Without better training and continuous innovation in safety planning and product design, we will continue to see far too many fatalities. National Ladder Safety Month will heighten awareness of safe ladder use, reinforce safety training and educate homeowners and working professionals.

Main Ladder Safety Tips:

• Three points of contact: Always maintain three points of contact when using a ladder. Keep either two feet and one hand or one foot and two hands on the ladder as you are descending or ascending. When working, in addition to your having both feet supported on a step or rung, brace yourself into the ladder.
• Climb slowly: Climbing slowly and deliberately ensures you don't make any sudden movements that could contribute to a fall.
• Maintain a center of gravity: Keep the center of your belt buckle/stomach between the ladder's side rails when climbing and working. Do not overreach.
• Pay attention throughout the entire climb: Devote your full attention to the climb and descent until you are safely off the ladder. Simple mistakes and oversight can have severe consequences.Here is a video from American Ladder Institute on Ladder Selection, set-up, and common mistakes.

Below is a video from the American Ladder Institute on Ladder Selection, set-up, and common mistakes:

Establishments covered by the OSHA’s electronic recordkeeping requirements must submit their completed 2019 Form 300A using OSHA’s Injury Tracking Application (ITA) by Monday, March 2, 2020.  Here is a link to find the Tracking Application. 

https://www.osha.gov/injuryreporting/

PestSure's Loss Prevention team conducted our 2019 meeting last week in Tucson, Arizona. With over 100 guests and 50 PestSure companies represented, it was a great time to learn about the latest safety topics in the pest control industry. If you weren't able to make it this year, you can find the presentations in the Members Only section of the website. 

Dehumidifier Fire Damage

Gree Reannounces Dehumidifier Recall Due to Serious Fire and Burn Hazards; More Fires and Property Damage Reported

On September 12, 2013, Gree, in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, announced a recall on dehumidifiers manufactured by Gree Electric Appliances of China and were sold from January 2005 through August 2013. The dehumidifiers can overheat, smoke and catch fire, posing fire and burn hazards to consumers.