US

House Expected to Grill Executives of Nation’s Five Largest Vaping Companies

Published

4 years ago

November 20, 2020

By Personal Injury Attorney Jacob Kimball of Springs Law Group

Democrat Diana DeGette of California wants answers from the vaping industry. She says that no one knows how vaping affects the health of users and that, as a result, consumers are left in the dark. Meanwhile, vape companies rake in billions of dollars and have attracted a new generation of youths into a potentially lifelong addiction to nicotine.

This hearing is seen as one of Congress’ latest attempts in probing the growing vaping market. Congress’s prior examinations into the market include several vaping-related hearings last year as well as raising the federal minimum age for vaping to 21.

DeGette is the chairwoman of the House Energy and Commerce oversight and investigations subcommittee. She has called to testify executives from five of the nation’s largest e-cigarette companies, which represent 97 percent of the country’s $19.3 billion vaping industry. These five companies include Juul, Logic, NJOY, Fontem, and Reynolds American, many of which have been the subject of prior congressional investigations regarding their marketing and business practices potentially targeting young people.

Thousands of individuals – many of them children and young adults – suffered serious personal injuries last year during a rash of vape-related illnesses, which caused dozens of deaths. The subcommittee is seeking information about how the companies’ marketing efforts have played a role in the teen vaping epidemic, as well as what known health risks their products may pose to users.

In response to this crisis, the Trump Administration (administration) released a new policy that at least temporarily banned some of the most popular vape pod-based flavors – fruit and mint – but leaving both tobacco and menthol flavors unregulated. However, there is concern that mint simply may be relabeled as menthol in some cases.

Further, many vape products remain on the market: disposable vape pens, open tank devices, and e-liquids available in vape shops. In essence, says Matt Myers, President of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, the administration’s rule leaves a gaping hole through which vulnerable populations can still access vape products. As a result, there has been a growing concern that young people will resort to using other disposable and cartridge-based products as a way to find similar sweet flavors.

Meredith Berkman of Parents Against Vaping E-Cigarettes says that kids continue to use disposable vape products in sweet flavors that are thought to lure children into the market. She emphasizes the risk of personal injury to adolescents newly hooked on a nicotine product with poorly understood health impacts.

Federal data shows that middle and high school students are particularly at risk of becoming addicted to vaping and the nicotine it provides. Over the course of 30 days, more than five million of these young people admit to using vape products at least once.

Starting in May of 2020, the administration’s new rule requires companies to get approval from the federal Food and Drug Administration to sell their vape products and to prove that they provide a public health benefit. However, critics fear that the argument used to sell vaping in the first place, i.e., that it’s healthier than smoking cigarettes, may allow these products back on the market.

US

Shielding Lives and Assets – Fire Watch Protections in America

Published

2 years ago

May 3, 2023

Jimmy Lerner

Fire safety is a matter of utmost importance in the United States. Fire watch protection is an invaluable service that can prevent and mitigate fires from escalating, saving lives and assets. Fire watch protection involves a guard actively patrolling a property to detect and prevent potential fire hazards before they become an issue. This article will provide an overview of fire watch protections in America, focusing on the services available, the role of firefighters, and the benefits of fire watch services.

Fire Watch Protections

Fire watch protections are crucial for safeguarding lives and assets in America. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) mandates that every commercial building should have a functional fire alarm system, an automatic sprinkler system, and fire extinguishers. However, there are times when these safety measures fail or get damaged due to construction work or maintenance activities. In such cases, temporary fire watch protections become necessary.

Temporary fire watch protections require trained personnel to monitor the building’s premises 24/7 until the primary safety systems are fully operational again. This is particularly important for high-rise buildings where the evacuation process takes time and may pose a challenge during emergencies. Moreover, the presence of trained personnel on-site ensures that any potential hazards can be identified early on and dealt with before they escalate.

In conclusion, implementing proper fire watch protections is essential in ensuring the safety of people and property in America. It not only complies with NFPA standards but also provides peace of mind to building owners, managers, employees, and visitors alike knowing that there are efficient emergency response plans in place if an unfortunate situation arises.

The Need for Fire Watch Services

Fire watch services are becoming increasingly important to protect lives and assets in America. When businesses or buildings are undergoing construction or repairs, the fire sprinkler systems may be temporarily out of order, leaving the building vulnerable to fire damage. Fire watch services provide a temporary solution by employing trained personnel who remain on site to detect and prevent fires.

In addition to construction sites, fire watch services are also necessary for buildings that have experienced power outages or other malfunctions that could disable their fire safety systems. Fires can occur at any time and without warning, so it is vital to have someone on hand who can quickly respond and alert authorities if necessary.

Overall, investing in fire watch services is a small price to pay compared to the potential cost of property damage or loss of life caused by a preventable fire. With proper planning and implementation of these preventative measures, businesses and individuals can rest easy knowing they are doing everything possible to keep themselves and others safe from harm.

Safety Regulations & Standards

Fire watch is a critical fire protection service that ensures the safety of lives and assets in America. One of the primary reasons why fire watch services are essential is because they help detect fire hazards before they cause significant damage. During a fire watch, trained personnel patrol designated areas to identify potential risks and address them promptly. This process involves inspecting electrical equipment, flammable materials, and other potential sources of ignition.

To ensure adequate protection for lives and property during a fire watch operation, it’s essential to adhere to specific safety regulations and standards. These regulations provide guidelines on how to conduct fire watches effectively while minimizing risks associated with firefighting activities. For instance, OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) has established standard 1910.157 that outlines requirements for portable firefighting equipment accessibility in workplaces.

In conclusion, adhering to safety regulations and standards during a fire watch operation can significantly enhance the efficiency of firefighting efforts while reducing the risk of injury or loss of life. It’s crucial to work with certified professionals who understand these guidelines so that you can be confident in their ability to protect your assets effectively.

Potential Challenges & Solutions

One of the major challenges faced by fire watch protection companies in America is the high demand for their services during peak seasons. During these periods, there is often a shortage of skilled professionals to carry out necessary tasks like monitoring alarm systems, patrolling buildings, and maintaining firefighting equipment. This often results in delays and gaps in coverage which can be detrimental to businesses and property owners. To mitigate this challenge, fire watch protection companies can invest in training programs for their staff or partner with recruitment firms to ensure they have access to a pool of qualified personnel.

Another potential challenge for fire watch protection firms is the issue of compliance with regulations set by local and federal authorities. These regulations often require that certain standards are met regarding equipment maintenance, emergency response plans, and employee training. Failure to comply with these regulations could lead to fines or legal repercussions that could harm the reputation and financial stability of the company. To overcome this challenge, fire watch protection firms need to stay up-to-date on changes in regulations through continuous education and collaboration with industry associations such as The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Additionally, they should invest resources into ensuring that their policies and procedures align with regulatory requirements.