MARCO Grand Rounds for August 26, 2007

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday, by request, we will talk about chicken pox and shingles. Is it possible to get chicken pox twice? Who needs the shingles vaccine? How can we differentiate between one pox disease from another?

Join in, should be fun.


[MARCO Grand Rounds take place on 14.307 MHz at 10 AM Eastern Time - 1400 UTC in the summer]

MARCO Grand Rounds for August 19, 2007

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will discuss a blockbuster--THE FDA announced today, Aug. 16, that Warfarin (Coumadin)'s label will carry new information describing the role of genetics in dosing. The label will say that a lower initial warfarin dose "should be considered for patients with certain genetic variations."

This means that to CYA you will need to get a $400 test to determine if that person is a slow absorber or rapid absorber of the drug. Medicare will cover it but private insurance no.
Tune in, should be fun!

MARCO Grand Rounds for August 12, 2007

Warren's announcement of this week's Grand Rounds has brought out the wags in the group:

This Sunday we will continue the discussion of gas expansion both at altitude and attitude. No one has come up with the answer as to why coal miners don't have mustaches or beards. Tune in and leave your matches in the kitchen. See you--all, or rather, hear you-all Sunday. Should be fun.
-KD4GUA

A bearded miner cannot establish a reliable seal on a respirator.
-Chip, N5RTF

Chip has a point but it is not the answer.
-Warren kd4gua.

Beards itch under masks…That's why the bomber pilots in WWII were always careful to shave closely before a mission.
-Al KA7LOT

Al has a point, but not the point one is looking for, concerning beards in coal miners. Warren -Warren KD4gua.

Multiple answers to an essay question.

1. Excess amounts of coal dust settles in beards and could
be breathed in causing respiratory problems.

2. Miner's carbide lamps could catch the beard on fire.

3. The company store has an over supply of razor blades.
-Danny W4DAN

I think Chip's answer was correct. The following information is from the
U.S. Department of Labor, MSHA's (Mine Safety and Health Administration):
It is one paragraph from the full page of text on the subject.

MSHA's Occupational Illness and Injury Prevention Program
Health Topic

"Silica Exposure of Surface Coal Miners"

What can miners do to limit their exposure to silica containing dust?

Mine operators are required to provide and assure the use of appropriate controls for dust while drilling in rock. Miners should be sure to use all available engineering controls such as dust collectors, wet drilling, drill platform skirts and enclosed cabs. Miners should adjust their work procedures so that they do not stand in dust clouds. While not accepted as a primary control, miners should make use of respirators made available by the mine operator, to provide the maximum protection possible, especially when necessary to work in dust for short periods. If a respirator is used, the miner and mine operator should assure that it is approved for use in silica-containing dust, that it is maintained as approved, worn as designed (not altered in any way), equipped with new filters at least each shift, and fitted so as to provide a tight seal to the face. Miners wearing a respirator can not have beards/mustaches which interfere with the respirator seal to the face.

Mine Safety and Health Administration
Coal Mine Safety and Health Division
1100 Wilson Boulevard
Arlington, Virginia 22209-3939

Phone:(202) 693-9630
-Danny W4DAN

Tune in on Sunday, August 12, 14.307 MHz at 10 AM Eastern/1400 UTC for the answer!!

The answer:

Danny...you done hit the nail on the head with number 2.

2. Miner's carbide lamps could catch the beard on fire.

-Warren KD4GUA

MARCO Grand Rounds for August 5, 2007

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will discuss the #1 problem aboard airliners--GAS! ...review your G.I. physiology so we can have more participation. We do produce more of, burp, it as we get older but WHY?

Do you know why coal miners never wore beards?

Tune in 14.307 Sunday, 10 a.m. Eastern for an explosive question and answer session.