3M Science of Safety

In this episode Mark Reggers welcomes guest Ash Mayor. Ash, a specialist trainer within 3M's Safety Training team for the Personal Safety Division in Australia and New Zealand joins us to discuss confined space identification. Confined spaces are usually not designed for people to work in. Not all employers and operators understand what constitutes a "confined space", nor the dangers associated with working in such environments where hazardous atmospheres can quickly develop. So exactly what is a confined space and why are they so dangerous?

Ash Mayor, specialist trainer within 3M's Safety Training team for the Personal Safety Division in Australia and New Zealand joins host Mark Reggers one last time as they continue their confined space journey. In this episode they cover confined space emergency preparedness requirements and considerations. Having identified a confined space and measures to work safely within the space, are you prepared should an accident occur and rescue procedures need to be initiated? Confined spaces are found on numerous job sites and every year many workers are injured or killed while performing their daily work activities in confined spaces. In the event of an emergency time is critical, are you prepared for a confined space emergency?

In this episode Ash Mayor, specialist trainer within 3M's Safety Training team for the Personal Safety Division in Australia and New Zealand returns to continue his confined space discussion with host Mark Reggers. In this instalment they focus their conversation on working in confined spaces. Having identified a confined space as a hazard, proper planning is essential to working safely inside them. Ample consideration should be given to several issues, such as: site preparation, selection of equipment and PPE, personnel requirements, as well as training. Providing a safe means for workers to access and work in all types of confined space applications is critical.

In this episode Mark Reggers is joined by guest Terry Gorman, 3M's Occupational Hygienist for the Personal Safety Division in Australia and New Zealand to discuss respiratory fit testing. AS/NZS 1715:2009 - Selection, Use and Maintenance of Respiratory Protection, states that: "Employers shall ensure a suitable fit test is carried out for all users of Respiratory Protective Equipment with a close fitting face piece at least annually or whenever there is a change in the wearer's facial characteristics." What exactly is facial fit testing and why is it so important for workers wearing a respirator to be fit tested?

In this episode Mark Reggers discusses clandestine laboratories with guest Brad Prezant. Brad, an occupational hygienist, is the Chief Scientific Officer for ValidAir Sciences. Clandestine Laboratories, also known as clan labs, or by their more common term Meth labs are used for the manufacture of illegal drugs such as methamphetamine. These labs pose a serious risk to the community due to the hazardous toxic chemicals generated during the drug manufacturing process. The by-products of meth labs can contaminate buildings, furniture, soil, water, and air within or close to the clan lab site with harmful fumes and highly explosive chemical compounds that impact both health and the environment.

In this episode Dr. John Pournoor, 3M's Global Head of Government Affairs Center of Excellence, returns to continue the discussion on pandemics with a focus on how we prepare for the next crisis before it arises. A "pandemic" is defined by the Dictionary of Epidemiology as 'an epidemic occurring worldwide, or over a very wide area, crossing international boundaries and usually affecting a large number of people'. Throughout history, there have been a number of pandemics, one of the most devastating pandemics was the Black Death, resulting in the deaths of an estimated 75 to 200 million people in 1350. The most recent pandemics include the HIV pandemic as well as the 1918 and 2009 H1N1 pandemics.

In this episode 3M's Global Head of Government Affairs Center of Excellence, Dr. John Pournoor, joins us to discuss pandemics and how we plan for them as a nation so that we are prepared in the event of an outbreak. A "pandemic" is defined by the Dictionary of Epidemiology as 'an epidemic occurring worldwide, or over a very wide area, crossing international boundaries and usually affecting a large number of people'. Throughout history, there have been a number of pandemics, one of the most devastating pandemics was the Black Death, resulting in the deaths of an estimated 75 to 200 million people in 1350. The most recent pandemics include the HIV pandemic as well as the 1918 and 2009 H1N1 pandemics.

In this episode 3M's Chief Science Advocate Jayshree Seth returns to discuss the 3M State of Science Index Study; why it was initiated, its findings and why a national conversation about science and its important role in the world is needed. The State of Science Index Study is an original third-party research project commissioned by 3M that explores global attitudes towards science. Spanning 14 countries, the study examines perceptions of science and its positive or negative impact on society. All over the world people are intrigued by the idea of science, recognising how it impacts the world on a global scale. Even though 90% of those surveyed stated that the word "science" makes them feel hopeful versus discouraged, 38 percent said their lives would not be much different if science didn't exist, and about a third fell into the science skeptic camp.

In this episode we welcome Jayshree Seth, 3M's Chief Science Advocate to discuss Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics - often referred to by its acronym STEM. STEM is an academic discipline that integrates the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics to create critical thinkers, increase science literacy and enable the next generation of innovators. STEM is significant as it touches every part of our lives from the economy through to our general well-being. It is about moving forward, solving problems, learning and pushing innovation to the next level.

In this episode we welcome back guest Terry Gorman, a Certified Occupational Hygienist for 3M Australia and New Zealand in the Personal Safety Division to discuss respiratory protection programs. Respirators protect you from inhaling hazardous chemicals in the air that can be in the form of gases, vapours, mists or dust. A Respiratory Protection Program operating according to the guidance in AS/NZS 1715 is required for workers to achieve a safe, reliable and ongoing level of protection from identified airborne contaminants. If you provide respirators to your employees you must have a written respiratory protection program in place.

In this episode Peter Tighe, former Chief Executive Officer of the Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency and host Mark Reggers look at the future of asbestos in this country and where we go from here to get rid of asbestos. Asbestos is an umbrella term for a group of fibrous silicate minerals found abundantly in nature. In the past, it was widely used in commercial applications and construction because its length and strength make it very heat resistant, great at insulating surfaces and easy to weave within other materials and products. Repeated and long-term exposure to asbestos has been directly linked to lung cancer, mesothelioma and other pulmonary issues. There is no safe level of exposure to asbestos fibres, it's critical that you learn about the dangers of asbestos, where it can be found and how to manage it safely. NOTE: The specific legislative requirements vary slightly between the states, territories and countries in Australia & New Zealand, so be sure to check your specific legislative requirements to ensure you are meeting your obligations.

In this episode host Mark Reggers discusses asbestos in imported items with guest Peter Tighe. Peter is the former Chief Executive Officer of the Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency. Asbestos is an umbrella term for a group of fibrous silicate minerals found abundantly in nature. In the past, it was widely used in commercial applications and construction because its length and strength make it very heat resistant, great at insulating surfaces and easy to weave within other materials and products. Repeated and long-term exposure to asbestos has been directly linked to lung cancer, mesothelioma and other pulmonary issues. There is no safe level of exposure to asbestos fibres, it's critical that you learn about the dangers of asbestos, where it can be found and how to manage it safely. NOTE: The specific legislative requirements vary slightly between the states, territories and countries in Australia & New Zealand, so be sure to check your specific legislative requirements to ensure you are meeting your obligations.

In this episode last week's guest Jason Wall, the Acting State Inspector within the Asbestos and Demolition Unit of the Construction Team in SafeWork NSW, returns to impart his wisdom about asbestos removal with host Mark Reggers. Asbestos is an umbrella term for a group of fibrous silicate minerals found abundantly in nature. In the past, it was widely used in commercial applications and construction because its length and strength make it very heat resistant, great at insulating surfaces and easy to weave within other materials and products. Repeated and long-term exposure to asbestos has been directly linked to lung cancer, mesothelioma and other pulmonary issues. There is no safe level of exposure to asbestos fibres, it's critical that you learn about the dangers of asbestos, where it can be found and how to manage it safely. NOTE: The specific legislative requirements vary slightly between the states, territories and countries in Australia & New Zealand, so be sure to check your specific legislative requirements to ensure you are meeting your obligations.

In this episode host Mark Reggers discusses asbestos management in the workplace with guest Jason Wall. Jason is the Acting State Inspector within the Asbestos and Demolition Unit of the Construction Team in SafeWork NSW. Asbestos is an umbrella term for a group of fibrous silicate minerals found abundantly in nature. In the past, it was widely used in commercial applications and construction because its length and strength make it very heat resistant, great at insulating surfaces and easy to weave within other materials and products. Repeated and long-term exposure to asbestos has been directly linked to lung cancer, mesothelioma and other pulmonary issues. There is no safe level of exposure to asbestos fibres, it's critical that you learn about the dangers of asbestos, where it can be found and how to manage it safely. NOTE: The specific legislative requirements vary slightly between the states, territories and countries in Australia & New Zealand, so be sure to check your specific legislative requirements to ensure you are meeting your obligations.

In this episode Linda Apthorpe, Consultant Occupational Hygienist and University Lecturer continues her discussion with host Mark Reggers as they navigate their way through the topic of asbestos and why it needs to be taken so seriously. Asbestos is an umbrella term for a group of fibrous silicate minerals found abundantly in nature. In the past, it was widely used in commercial applications and construction because its length and strength make it very heat resistant, great at insulating surfaces and easy to weave within other materials and products. Repeated and long-term exposure to asbestos has been directly linked to lung cancer, mesothelioma and other pulmonary issues. There is no safe level of exposure to asbestos fibres, it's critical that you learn about the dangers of asbestos, where it can be found and how to manage it safely.

In this episode host Mark Reggers discusses the subject matter of asbestos with guest Linda Apthorpe. Linda is a Consultant Occupational Hygienist and Lecturer at the University of Wollongong. Asbestos is an umbrella term for a group of fibrous silicate minerals found abundantly in nature. In the past, it was widely used in commercial applications and construction because its length and strength make it very heat resistant, great at insulating surfaces and easy to weave within other materials and products. Repeated and long-term exposure to asbestos has been directly linked to lung cancer, mesothelioma and other pulmonary issues. There is no safe level of exposure to asbestos fibres, it's critical that you learn about the dangers of asbestos, where it can be found and how to manage it safely.

In this episode host Mark Reggers discusses the world of standards with guest Catherine Dunkerley. Catherine is the Senior Stakeholder Engagement Manager at Standards Australia. Standards are documents that set out specifications, procedures and guidelines that aim to ensure products, services, and systems are safe, consistent, and reliable. In the world of safety, standards ensure the quality and consistency of products and services, giving both businesses and consumers greater peace of mind. They serve to increase our health and safety and can be used to justify operations, ensuring that products, services and methods are appropriate for their intended use.

In this episode host Mark Reggers and guest Meagan McCool, Director of Hazardous Chemical Facilities and Safety Management Audits with SafeWork NSW focus their discussion on Formaldehyde, one of the 2 priority hazardous chemicals for the 2018 reduction strategy program. There are a multitude of hazardous chemicals of various forms used in the workplace that can cause illnesses such: as cancer, respiratory disease and skin and eye irritations, as well as death and permanent disabilities from fire and explosion related injuries. However, with the correct control mechanisms in place, exposure to dangerous chemicals are preventable, ensuring healthy, safe and productive workplaces.

In this episode host Mark Reggers discusses the SafeWork NSW 2017-2022 Hazardous Chemicals and Materials exposures baseline and reduction Strategy with guest Meagan McCool. Meagan is the Director of Hazardous Chemical Facilities and Safety Management Audits at SafeWork NSW. There are a multitude of hazardous chemicals of various forms used in the workplace that can cause illnesses such: as cancer, respiratory disease and skin and eye irritations, as well as death and permanent disabilities from fire and explosion related injuries. However, with the correct control mechanisms in place, exposure to dangerous chemicals are preventable, ensuring healthy, safe and productive workplaces.

In this episode host Mark Reggers and guest Kate Cole, Manager of Occupational Health and Hygiene with Ventia resume their discussion and delve deeper into the subject matter of Silica in the workplace. Silica, a basic component of soil, sand and rock is one of the most widespread minerals on earth existing in both crystalline and amorphous form. The crystalline form, which is more of a health concern, can be found in many common construction and building materials including: sand, stone, cement, concrete, asphalt, brick, tile, grout, mortar and drywall. Crystalline silica can become airborne during sanding, crushing, cutting, drilling and chipping. These tiny particles can be easily inhaled and travel deep into your lungs, repeated and long-term exposures have been linked to Silicosis and Lung Cancer. Some deadly respiratory illnesses caused by work can take up to 20 years to develop.

In this episode host Mark Reggers discusses the serious issue of Silica in the workplace with guest Kate Cole. Kate is a Certified Occupational Hygienist and is the Manager of Occupational Health and Hygiene with Ventia. Silica, a basic component of soil, sand and rock is one of the most widespread minerals on earth existing in both crystalline and amorphous form. The crystalline form, which is more of a health concern, can be found in many common construction and building materials including: sand, stone, cement, concrete, asphalt, brick, tile, grout, mortar and drywall. Crystalline silica can become airborne during sanding, crushing, cutting, drilling and chipping. These tiny particles can be easily inhaled and travel deep into your lungs, repeated and long-term exposures have been linked to Silicosis and Lung Cancer. Some deadly respiratory illnesses caused by work can take up to 20 years to develop.

In this episode host Mark Reggers and guest Luciana Macedo, 3M's Occupational Hygienist for the Personal Safety Division Australia and New Zealand pick up where they left off last week. They continue their discussion to help you work through the range of hearing protection options available and how to select the most appropriate for a wide range of noise levels. It's a loud world out there, and some of us work in hazardous noise environments. Being around too much loud noise can make you lose your hearing. Don't put your hearing at risk, once it's gone, you can't get it back. Repeated exposure to loud sounds, greater than 85 dBA, can cause permanent hearing loss and tinnitus, as well as other negative health effects that can impact your well being, such as: stress, anxiety, hypertension, sleep disturbance and fatigue. Here's the good news, there's a lot you can do to protect your hearing with the appropriate hearing protection.

In this episode host Mark Reggers speaks with guest Luciana Macedo, Occupational Hygienist for 3M Australia/New Zealand in the Personal Safety Division to help you work through the range of hearing protection options available to select the most appropriate for a wide range of noise levels. It's a loud world out there, and some of us work in hazardous noise environments. Being around too much loud noise can make you lose your hearing. Don't put your hearing at risk, once it's gone, you can't get it back. Repeated exposure to loud sounds, greater than 85 dBA, can cause permanent hearing loss and tinnitus, as well as other negative health effects that can impact your well being, such as: stress, anxiety, hypertension, sleep disturbance and fatigue. Here's the good news, there's a lot you can do to protect your hearing with the appropriate hearing protection.

In this episode host Mark Reggers and guest Terry Gorman, 3M's Occupational Hygienist for the Personal Safety Division Australia/New Zealand take up where they left off and continue their big picture discussion about Respiratory Protective Equipment Selection. Respiratory protective solutions are available in many forms and at times can be confusing. Which solution meets your workplace challenges and suits you best…disposable, reusable or powered & supplied air option? How do you know if you even need a respirator, what type of filter is required to provide adequate levels of protection and how often do they need to be changed? Daily? Weekly? Monthly?

Welcome to the inaugural episode of the 3M Science of Safety Podcast, an informative and practical series where we examine the complexities of daily safety challenges and arm you with a wealth of knowledge, know how, tips and advice to navigate your way through what at times appears to be a never-ending maze. In this episode host Mark Reggers discusses the ins and outs of Respiratory Protective Equipment Selection with guest Terry Gorman, a Certified Occupational Hygienist for 3M Australia/New Zealand in their Personal Safety Division. Respiratory protective solutions are available in many forms and at times can be confusing. Which solution meets your workplace challenges and suits you best…disposable, reusable or powered & supplied air option? How do you know if you even need a respirator, what type of filter is required to provide adequate levels of protection and how often do they need to be changed? Daily? Weekly? Monthly?