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- PHMSA Publishes Final Rule Limiting Security Plans [Third Quarter 2010]
PHMSA’s new hazmat security plan benefits gases and welding distributors.
- Comprehensive Safety Analysis 2010 [Second Quarter 2010]
American Trucking Associations director of safety talks about ways to make gas cylinders and welding equipment trucks safer, and what FMSCA looks for.
- FMCSA Answers Your Driver Questions [Second Quarter 2010]
Bill Quade of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (Department of Transportation) answers questions submitted by gases and welding distributors association members.
- Inside A Roadside Inspection [Second Quarter 2010]
Two Illinois State police officers describe what they look for when inspecting bulk gas and gas cylinder trucks.
- Would You Be Ready For A DOT Audit? [Second Quarter 2010]
Gases and Welding Distributors Association consultant Mike Dodd discusses how to prepare for and handle a Department of Transportation (DOT) inspection.
- DOT Training Requirements [First Quarter 2010]
Important gases and welding issues regarding DOT, hazmat, cylinder filling, cylinder requalification, CDL, and more.
- DOT Regulations Come Under Scrutiny [First Quarter 2010]
The DOT's PHMSA is Under Congressional Scrutiny for being too close to the industry it regulates.
- Annual Driver Review [Third Quarter 2009]
Hazmat drivers are subject to annual reviews from DOT. Inspectors check hazmat cylinder requalification and cylinder filling operations.
- DOT Filing System [Second Quarter 2009]
Mike Dodd suggests a filing system for DOT files.
- DOT Audits And CFATS [Fourth Quarter 2008]
Companies identified by the Department of Homeland Security as high risk must submit a Chemical Security Assessment Tool (CSAT) Security Vulnerability Assessment (SVA); Department of Transportation (DOT) audits are on the increase.
- DOT Items To Consider [Third Quarter 2008]
Shipping paper information must be kept current; DOT special permit allows certain cylinders to go 10 years on requalification; Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards update.
- Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards [Second Quarter 2008]
Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS).
- DOT And Security Regulations On The Horizon [First Quarter 2008]
The Department of Transportation (DOT) is exploring a number of new security regulations for 2008.
- DOT Audits Are Increasing [Fourth Quarter 2007]
There is a definite increase in the number of Department of Transportation (DOT) audits in late 2007.
- DOT & Security Risk [Third Quarter 2007]
GAWDA offers programs to meet Department of Transportation (DOT) compliance.
- DOT And 2006 In Review [Second Quarter 2007]
Department of Transportation (DOT) audits and penalties for 2006.
- Do Your Drivers Have Second Jobs? [First Quarter 2007]
DOT holds motor carrier responsible for all hours worked by the driver, whether it is at your business or any other job they may work.
- Security Plan Audits [Fourth Quarter 2006]
Department of Transportation (DOT) audits and penalties for 2006.
- DOT Security And Hazmat Endorsements [Third Quarter 2006]
The number one penalty being issued by the Department of Transportation (DOT) is for the hazmat security program.
- Prepare For The Dreaded Call [First Quarter 2006]
There have been several new items from DOT for 2005 that are now in effect.
- DOT Training Requirements [Fourth Quarter 2005]
DOT’s main training topics are hazmat, driver, and drug and alcohol training.
- DOT Security Visits [Third Quarter 2005]
Department of Transportation (DOT) Security Reviews.
- Entry Level Driver Training [First Quarter 2005]
FMCSA rule requiring training for entry-level drivers.
- Technology and Trucking [Fourth Quarter 2004]
Communications technology in the welding and gases industry. Technology and Trucking.
- FMCSA Insurance Requirements [Third Quarter 2004]
The amount of liability insurance required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
- Security Training [Fourth Quarter 2003]
Research and Special Programs Administration (RSPA) 2003 rule on security requirements for shippers and carriers of hazardous materials. Security Training.
- Will You Be Ready For A DOT Audit? [Third Quarter 2003]
The Department of Transportation (DOT) continues to increases audits. Will You Be Ready For A DOT Audit?
- Hours Of Service [First Quarter 2003]
Department of Transportation (DOT) hours of service regulations have three limits: the 10-hour driving rule, the 15-hour on-duty/driving time rule, and the 60 or 70 hours of service rule.
- DOT Drug And Alcohol Regulations [Fourth Quarter 2002]
Department of Transportation (DOT) drug and alcohol regulations prevent accidents and injuries from misuse of alcohol and other drugs by drivers of commercial vehicles.
- Driving Commercial Motor Vehicles [Third Quarter 2002]
Department of Transportation (DOT) drug and alcohol regulations prevent accidents and injuries from misuse of alcohol and other drugs by drivers of commercial vehicles. Driving Commercial Motor Vehicles.
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- Medical Gas Expiration Dates [Third Quarter 2010]
FDA’s Current Good Manufacturing Practice determines medical gas expiration dating standards..
- What Is My FDA Compliance Exposure If Fire Departments
Fill Medical Oxygen? [Second Quarter 2010]
Gases and Welding Distributors Association medical gas consultant offers strategies for complying with FDA regulations when filling medical oxygen cylinders.
- Alternate Cylinder Fill Technologies [First Quarter 2010]
There are many new technologies available for filling high pressure medical gas cylinders.
- Is Air A Medical Or Industrial Gas? [Third Quarter 2009]
Air can be used as both a medical gas and an industrial gas. Production is regulated by the FDA and OSHA depending on its medical or industrial uses.
- Nitrogen [Second Quarter 2009]
Tom Badstubner explains if nitrogen is classified as a drug, device or industrial product depending on the situation.
- Top Five FDA Violations [First Quarter 2009]
Tom Badstubner cites the top 5 FDA violations and what a company can do to comply.
- E-Pedigree [Fourth Quarter 2008]
Drug counterfeiting and diversion are leading regulators to propose and implementing requirements that affect medical gas production and distribution.
- FDA's Focus On Segregation [Third Quarter 2008]
Food and Drug Administration inspections of cylinder fill plants focus in on segregation practices.
- Mine Rescue Gases [Second Quarter 2008]
The Food and Drug Administration allows oxygen cylinders to be used for mine safety chambers, but GAWDA wants clarification.
- Color Coding For Medical Gas Cylinders [First Quarter 2008]
The medical gases industry is working with the U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP) and FDA on color coding medical gas cylinders. This article examines the status of that initiative, with recommendations.
- Hyperbaric Chambers [Fourth Quarter 2007]
There are many Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations governing medical gas applications in hyperbaric chambers.
- Qualifying Systems For Medical Service [Third Quarter 2007]
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Medical Gas Guidance document requirements will influence the medical gases industry.
- Plumbing Contractors • Oxygen Bars [Second Quarter 2007]
Is it legal for medical gas suppliers to sell Nitrogen NF to plumbing contractors, and how does FDA continue to let oxygen bars stay in business?
- Medical Gas Testing Procedures [First Quarter 2007]
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is concentrating its medical gas enforcement activity on medical gas testing procedures and documentation.
- Is An FDA Crackdown Coming? [Fourth Quarter 2006]
Pressure on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to step up enforcement may impact the medical gases industry.
- Qualifying Fill Systems For Medical Service [Third Quarter 2006]
Qualification requirements for manually operated high-pressure medical gas fill systems are just now coming under FDA scrutiny.
- Preparing Medical Containers [Second Quarter 2006]
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is evaluating the practice of medical gas cylinder reuse.
- Pharmacy Board Proposes Distributor Verification And Accreditation [First Quarter 2006]
GAWDA responds to The National Association Boards of Pharmacy proposed model legislation Verified & Accredited Wholesale Distributors (VAWD) to stop the importation and sale of counterfeit drugs.
- Risk Assessment 101 [Fourth Quarter 2005]
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) supports the pharmaceutical industry's transition to risk-based compliance programs.
- Requirements For Holding And Distributing Medical Gas Products [Third Quarter 2005]
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) supports the pharmaceutical industry's transition to risk-based compliance programs.
- FDA Urban Legends [Second Quarter 2005]
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will likely never require installation of dedicated medical tanks and equipment by medical gas companies; hospitals (but not EMS and fire companies) are exempt from cGMP requirements.
- Quality Systems For Pharmaceutical Manufacturing [First Quarter 2005]
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) document outlines comprehensive Quality Systems approach to drug manufacturing operations.
- Quality Audits [Fourth Quarter 2004]
Once Food and Drug Administration (FDA) releases new medical gas guidance document, industry can expect increase in inspection activity.
- Medical Gas Cylinder Filling Requirements For EMS [Third Quarter 2004]
Trend growing in the medical gases business for emergency medical services to refill town Oxygen USP cylinders.
- Qualifying Items For Medical Gas Service [Second Quarter 2004]
The biggest difference between oxygen-clean components and those qualified for medical gas service is the "paperwork pedigree.
- FDA Addresses Part 11 [First Quarter 2004]
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) simplifies part 11 requirements for electronic records and signatures for medical gas producers.
- Industrial Customers Requesting Medical Gases [Fourth Quarter 2003]
Distributing medical gases to unauthorized customers may put a distributor in violation of federal law.
- 21st Century cGMP Inspections [Third Quarter 2003]
Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) Pharmaceutical cGMPs for the 21st Century: A Risk-Based Approach.
- FDA Medical Gas Guidelines [Second Quarter 2003]
Early in 2003, FDA is expected to publish for public comment its long anticipated updated FDA Medical Gas Guidelines, this will be the first formal update since they were originally published in 1989.
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- DOT Changes Special Permits Process In Response To Criticism [Third Quarter 2010]
DOT makes changes to the PHMSA special permits process and approvals program..
- Drivers Face Host Of New Regulations [Second Quarter 2010]
The. U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) presents new rules for drivers of trucks hauling hazmat and industrial gas cylinders.
- GAWDA Joins Hazmat Coalition [Third Quarter 2009]
GAWDA joins a coalition of hazmat shipper and carrier organizations - the IP Group. GAWDA is a full voting member representing hazmat in the gases and welding industry.
- Driver Regulations Still In Flux [Second Quarter 2009]
As Washington makes the change in administration, there are several DOT rulemakings on commercial motor vehicle driver safety still in the works.
- DOT Listens, Proposes Changes To Security Rules [First Quarter 2009]
Department of Transportation (DOT) considers revisions to HM-232F security plans for some materials classified as hazmat.
- GAWDA Renews Its Human Resources Committee [Fourth Quarter 2008]
Gases And Welding Distributors Association (GAWDA) Renews Its Human Resources Committee.
- Driver Training Proposal Generates More Questions [Third Quarter 2008]
U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) offers minimum training standards for entry-level commercial truck drivers, but the rulemaking leaves questions.
- Truck Driver Hours Bounce From Agency To Court To Congress [Second Quarter 2008]
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) driver hours-of-service regulations under debate.
- Security And Transportation Issues Remain On Docket For 2008 [First Quarter 2008]
Issues of security and transportation regulation remain at the top of the Washington agenda for GAWDA in 2008.
- Homeland Security Takes Over Regulatory Role From DOT [Fourth Quarter 2007]
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has become the lead federal agency in developing security regulations for the transportation of hazardous materials.
- Transportation Worker Identification Credential Program [Third Quarter 2007]
Department of Homeland (DHS) establishes Transportation Worker Identification Credential Program.
- New Commercial Vehicle Fees [Second Quarter 2007]
Unified Commercial Registration Plan results in added fees.
- PHMSA Considering Limits To Hazmat Security Plans [First Quarter 2007]
The Pipelines and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has published an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) to consider revisions to the list of hazardous materials that require a security plan.
- Background Checks, Credentials And Fees In Flux For Hazmat Drivers [Fourth Quarter 2006]
The federal government is trying to streamline its requirements for background checks and credentials for drivers of vehicles carrying hazardous materials.
- Hazmat Incident Reporting Rules Clarified [Third Quarter 2006]
Clarifying the confusion over the requirements for hazmat incident reporting under HM-229.
- The Value Of GAWDA [Second Quarter 2006]
The many benefits of membership in the Gases and Welding Distributors Association.
- Security Concerns Present New Regulatory Challenges [Fourth Quarter 2005]
Distributors of hazmat face additional security regulations at the federal, state and local levels.
- How To Determine Cylinder Ownership [Third Quarter 2005]
How to determine cylinder ownership under Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMRs) 49 C.F.R. 173.301.
- The Cost Of Safety Programs [Second Quarter 2005]
Hazmat safety training is crucial to a welding and gases company's success.
- HIPAA'S Impact On DOT Driver Qualification And Medical Requirements [First Quarter 2005]
How the HIPAA Act of 1996 "Privacy Rule" regulation designed to protect disclosure of certain health information effects DOT regulations requiring employers to obtain and keep certain medical information related to their drivers.
- New Entry-Level Driver Training Rules [Fourth Quarter 2004]
Minimum Training Requirements for Entry-Level Commercial Vehicle Drivers.
- RSPA Amends HM Incident Reports [Third Quarter 2004]
The RSPA has issued a final rule in HM-229, 68 Federal Register 67746 (December 3, 2003) that changes the hazmat incident reporting requirements for all hazmat incidents occurring on and after January 1, 2005.
- GAWDA Government Affairs Committee [Second Quarter 2004]
A review of recent activities of the GAWDA Government Affairs Committee and a look at what's ahead.
- TSA Background Checks On Hazmat CDL Drivers Delayed [First Quarter 2004]
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has delayed background checks for drivers who apply for hazmat endorsement.
- Cylinder Ownership [Fourth Quarter 2003]
Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations provide that a cylinder filled with hazmat may not be offered for transportation unless filled by the owner or with the owner's consent.
- Security Developments Since 9/11 [Third Quarter 2003]
For companies such as welding and gases distributorships that ship hazmat, there are many new security regulations on the horizon.
- Medical Gas Guidelines, Security And Driver Hours Top Agenda For 2003 [Second Quarter 2003]
Medical Gas Guidelines, Security And Driver Hours Top Agenda For 2003.
- Ignoring EPCRA Reporting Can Be Expensive [First Quarter 2003]
Significant financial penalties from the EPCRA can result from failure to provide EPCRA hazmat inventory reports
- Cylinder Requirements [Third Quarter 2002]
Hazmat cylinder regulations changes proposed by the DOT Research and Special Programs Administration were dropped at the urging of the National Welding Supply Association.
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- Why Do Lean At All? [Third Quarter 2009]
Lean operations can be beneficial in difficult economic times. Gases and welding distributors are wise to implement these lean operations.
- What Is Lean Thinking Anyway? [Second Quarter 2009]
A description of the concept of lean thinking and ho it applies to focusing and measuring performance, removing waste, increasing customer service, smoothing process flows, and doing only those activities that add customer value.
- Achieve Operational Excellence [First Quarter 2009]
Operational excellence means doing things effectively across a company's operations—across the entire supply chain—to gain a competitive advantage in the marketplace.
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- Drug-Free Workplace [First Quarter 2009]
The Drug-Free Workplace Act requires contractors and grantees of federal agencies to certify that they will provide a drug-free workplace.
- Do You Need A Written Emergency Action Plan? [Third Quarter 2008]
If your welding and gases company has 11 or more employees at any given facility, OSHA requires a written Emergency Action Plan.
- Reporting Work-Related Injuries And Illnesses [Second Quarter 2008]
OSHA requires that welding and gases distributors establish a procedure for the reporting of work-related injuries and illnesses.
- What's Up With OSHA [First Quarter 2008]
OSHA's top ten most frequently cited safety standards.
- OSHA 300 Series Recordkeeping [Fourth Quarter 2007]
OSHA 300 series requirements for reporting work-related injuries and illnesses.
- Automated External Defibrillators [Third Quarter 2007]
According to OSHA, about 10,000 sudden cardiac arrest cases occur in the workplace each year. Automated External Defibrillators significantly affect the survival rate of cardiac arrest cases.
- First Aid Requirements [Second Quarter 2007]
Are you meeting your OSHA legal and moral obligations to ensure your employees have access to prompt medical attention either by first aid or full medical treatment?
- Globally Harmonized System For Hazard Communication [First Quarter 2007]
The Globally Harmonized System (GHS) for Hazard Communication was first introduced to our gases and welding membership at the GAWDA University Compliance Training in Indianapolis in spring 2006.
- A Review Of Some Key Safety Issues [Fourth Quarter 2006]
Five issues that apply to the welding and gases industry with significant impact on safety performance.
- A Defense For OSHA Citations [Third Quarter 2006]
Protecting yourself from OSHA citations.
- Forklift Safety [Second Quarter 2006]
OSHA requirements for forklift operator safety training.
- Safety In The Home [First Quarter 2006]
Lost productivity, absenteeism, and healthcare are impacted by home-related injuries.
- Ergonomics [Fourth Quarter 2005]
OSHA's comprehensive approach to ergonomics is designed to quickly and effectively reduce ergonomic injuries in the workplace.
- Lockout/Tagout [Third Quarter 2005]
OSHA requires gases and welding distributors to develop, implement and enforce an energy control Lockout/Tagout program.
- OSHA Hazard Communication Standard [Second Quarter 2005]
OSHA requires gases and welding distributors to develop, implement and enforce an energy control program.
- Keeping A Positive Safety Culture? [First Quarter 2005]
Overview of the need for a positive, accident-free, safety culture in the welding and gases industry.
- Weak Seat Belt Enforcement Leads To More Deaths [Fourth Quarter 2004]
Each employee who drives a vehicle, car or truck must be measured and held accountable to ensure he/she is wearing a seat belt and that every person in the vehicle is properly buckled up.
- Hand And Finger Injuries [Third Quarter 2004]
GAWDA's Safety Committee recommendations to reduce hand and finger injuries.
- Work-Related Injuries Cost Businesses Nearly $1 Billion Per Week [Second Quarter 2004]
Work related injuries costs for businesses continue to rise to nearly $1 Billion per week.
- Managing Your Workers' Compensation Costs [First Quarter 2004]
It's important to manage Workers' Compensation costs just as you manage all costs of doing business.
- Employee Risk Taking [Fourth Quarter 2003]
Understanding risk, and how people respond to risk, can enhance your safety program.
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JDF Coordinating Counsel Report |
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Welding Fume Litigation |
- Trends, Trials And Appeals [Second Quarter 2010]
Gases and Welding Distributors Association welding fume litigation counsel reviews the last year of legal issues regarding the industrial gas and welding industry.
- Distributors Should Not Let Guard Down [First Quarter 2010]
An update on welding fume litigation; welding rods.
- Settlement Not The End For Welding Fume Litigation [First Quarter 2006]
The settlement of the Charles Ruth case for a reported $1.5 million by defendants ESAB and Hobart Brothers does not mean that welding rod manufacturers or distributors are throwing in the towel.
- Welding Fume Litigation Update [Fourth Quarter 2005]
Much has happened in the industry with regards to welding fume litigation claims since Elam in 2003 and Clendenden last spring.
- Distributors Beware [Fourth Quarter 2004]
After attacking manufacturers in welding rod litigation, an enterprising Louisiana lawyer has followed the progression of other toxic tort litigations and has fired the first shots at distributors.
- How Should Your Company Respond To Welding Rod Claims [Third Quarter 2004]
Welding rod liability could develop into mass tort litigation because it presents many of the same factors that continue to drive asbestos litigation.
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