DES PLAINES, IL (March 23, 2000) - The American Society of Safety
Engineers (ASSE) today issued an immediate alert to its 33,000 members
notifying them that due to a fatal accident that occurred in Channelview,
Texas last Tuesday, the federal Occupational Safety and Health
Administration is investigating the whereabouts of potentially deadly
cylinders of class D breathing air often used when working in a confined
space.

        In a communication sent to all of its chapters, contacts, and
affiliated safety and health organizations,  ASSE President Frank Perry
states that ASSE was notified by OSHA that on  March 21 two painters were
wearing sandblast hoods connected to compressed air cylinders that may not
have contained a sufficient amount of oxygen. Following the accident OSHA's
preliminary tests found that the cylinders had a low level of oxygen.  As a
result, OSHA and the Houston-based  manufacturer of the cylinders, Aeriform,
are requesting that any and all air cylinders marked "compressed air -
breathing" that were purchased within the last three months be tested for
oxygen content prior to being used.  Perry also noted that according to OSHA
any potential cylinders, although purchased and currently only found in
Texas, could be anywhere in the country at this time and should be checked.

        "We are working with OSHA to get the word out now before any other
tragedies occur," Perry said.

        The air cylinders may not contain a sufficient amount of oxygen and
could be hazardous. They should be checked for an oxygen level of 19 to 23
percent by volume.  The cylinders were part of lot number C860-2-00-39RS,
which consisted of three clusters of 12 cylinders that were filled at
Aeriform on February 8, 2000. Stenciled at the bottom frame of the clustered
cylinders are either the numbers 9063 or 9065.  Perry stated that since
records of product shipment are apparently incomplete, according to OSHA, we
are notifying our chapters countrywide of the issue.  "We have received a
number of inquiries from our members concerned about this incident," Perry
said.  If a cylinder is located OSHA is urging people to contact Aeriform at
713-926-3166.