The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has proposed new crystalline silica limits for manufacturers and employers, along with increased workplace monitoring and medical testing for employees. The rule will lower the allowable exposure of crystalline silica for workers to
50 micrograms per cubic meter of air averaged over an eight-hour day.

Employers will be required to measure workers’ access to silica and provide increased medical testing and exams to workers with silica exposure that is considered high. The pottery manufacturing, tile, brick, concrete and glass industries are specified in OSHA documents, and both manufacturing and installation workers are included in the affected group. For more information, contact the U.S. Department of Labor (www.dol.gov).

SGCDpro Hosts Policy Call

In August, the Society of Glass and Ceramic Decorated Products (SGCDpro) partnered with the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) to host a policy call exclusively for members of the society. As a member of NAM’s Council of Manufacturing Associations, the society is able to keep members informed about important legislative and rulemaking decisions.

The call included presentations by Walt Sanders, SGCDpro Washington liaison; Linda Menghetti Dempsey, vice president of international economic affairs at NAM; and Joe Trauger, vice president of human resources policy at NAM. The call was moderated by Paul Hartgen, NAM’s executive director of the Council of Manufacturing Associations. Topics discussed on the call covered product safety, trade issues (including new rules set forth by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, or CPSC) and human resources (including workplace safety and questionable activities by OSHA). 

Technotes Reorganized on SGCDpro Website

SGCDpro’s popular Tech Notebook has been reorganized by category on the society’s website. Tech Notebook began in 1995 as a series of articles in the society’s newsletter. The articles were compiled into a CD in 2005 and subsequently posted to the society’s website, where they are currently available to members.

Deco ’14 Program Available

SGCDpro has released the preliminary program for Deco ’14 in Pittsburgh. Former CPSC Commissioner Anne Northup will speak at the society’s 50th Anniversary Awards Luncheon on April 7. The program includes a Basics of Decorating session on Saturday and the annual Ask the Experts legislative session on Sunday morning. Other highlights will include exhibits on Sunday afternoon and a LEAN manufacturing session on Saturday afternoon. For complete details, visit www.sgcd.org.

Deco ’15 to Be Held at Hilton Easton in Columbus

The Hilton Easton in Columbus, Ohio, has been selected as the site of Deco ’15. SGCDpro President Chad Yaw noted that Columbus is centrally located for many SGCDpro members, allowing them the flexibility to attend without making costly air travel arrangements. The Hilton Easton is located near the airport and is surrounded by many restaurant and entertainment options.

2014 Membership Invoices

SGCDpro will soon mail membership invoices for 2014. Membership costs have remained the same for several years, yet benefits have increased. Members rely on SGCDpro to keep them up to date on critical regulatory and legislative issues, and the society’s website and email blasts keep members informed in real time. Renew your membership by December 31 to avoid interruption in member service.

Goldray Industries Joins SGCDpro

SGCDpro welcomes new member, Goldray Industries, a Canadian manufacturer of architectural decorative glass. Goldray is a member of both the U.S. and Canadian Green Building Councils. The company collaborates with 3M on innovative architectural surfaces.

 Any views or opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and do not represent those of Ceramic Industry, its staff, Editorial Advisory Board or BNP Media.