Wednesday, February 28, 2018
Bipartisan Senate Bill Would Ban HFCs
Monday, February 26, 2018
How to Determine When Bulk Shipments Only Need Two Placards [49 CFR 172.514(c)]
When you offer bulk shipments of hazardous materials, the vehicle must be placarded in a way that identifies the hazards of the materials being shipped. With few exceptions, placards must be displayed on all four sides of bulk packages. However there are certain situations where you have the option to display placards on two opposing sides, instead of all sides, of a bulk package.
When you offer bulk shipments of hazardous materials, the vehicle must be placarded in a way that identifies the hazards of the materials being shipped. With few exceptions, placards must be displayed on all four sides of bulk packages. However there are certain situations where you have the option to display placards on two opposing sides, instead of all sides, of a bulk package.
49 CFR 172.514(c) allows the following bulk packages to be placarded on only two opposite sides, or alternatively labeled instead of being placarded in accordance with Subpart E:
Portable tanks with a capacity of less than 1,000 gallons
DOT 106 or 110 multi-unit tank cars
Bulk packaging other than a portable tank, cargo tank, or tank car (e.g., bulk bag or box) that have a capacity of less than 640 cubic feet
Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs)-as defined at 49 CFR 178.700(c)
Large packagings as defined in 49 CFR 171.8
For IBCs labeled in accordance with Subpart E rather than being placarded, the IBC may display the proper shipping name and UN identification number in accordance with the size requirements of 49 CFR 172.301(a)(1) in place of the UN number on an orange panel or placard.
Learn more about how to comply with the latest hazardous material transportation regulations by attending Environmental Resource Center’s DOT Hazardous Materials Training: The Complete Course seminar, DOT Hazardous Materials Training: The Complete Course - Webcast, or DOT Hazardous Materials Update - Webcast.
Highest Rated DOT Hazmat Training
Training is required for all employees who the DOT classifies as Hazmat Employees. Anyone responsible for the safe transportation of hazardous materials, such as those who are involved in packaging, labeling, loading, unloading, completing shipping papers, or providing emergency information must be trained. Environmental Resource Center training is available on-site, and at conveniently located seminars, instructor-led webcasts, or self-paced online training.
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February 27
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March 6-8
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March 13-14
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March 19-22
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March 26-28
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March 27-29
Special offers for Reg of the Day� readers: Register for any of the classes listed above and you can take advantage of offers 1 and 2 or 1 and 3.
1. Register two attendees at full price and each additional person attends the same class for half price.
2. Save $100 off your registration when you register for both Hazardous Waste and DOT training in the same city.
3. Register for both Hazardous Waste and DOT training in the same city and get an Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet with electronic versions of both handbooks. The Amazon Fire offer is only available by phone. Call 800-537-2372 and mention the Amazon Fire offer. Only one tablet per student per 12-month period. Students receiving tablets will not receive paper versions of our handbooks. Payment must be made prior to the date of the seminar. You will receive your tablet at the class. This offer can be combined with offer #1, but cannot be combined with offer #2 above, or any discounts, promotions, or refunds.
The post How to Determine When Bulk Shipments Only Need Two Placards appeared first on Environmental Resource Center.
Tuesday, February 20, 2018
Is Your Workforce Prepared for Emergencies?
A recent study demonstrated some significant gaps in emergency preparedness. While 87% of respondents stated that they were aware of their workplace’s fire drill policy, only 57% of respondents indicated their workplace had preparedness drills in place for events such as hazardous materials incidents, weather alerts, and active shooter incidents.
A recent study demonstrated some significant gaps in emergency preparedness. While 87% of respondents stated that they were aware of their workplace’s fire drill policy, only 57% of respondents indicated their workplace had preparedness drills in place for events such as hazardous materials incidents, weather alerts, and active shooter incidents.
A survey of 530 respondents conducted by Rave Mobile Safety examined employee perceptions of workplace safety and security, and the findings revealed that "workplaces miss the mark in critical communication and planning, and could be unprepared to meet the future needs of employees," Rave reported.
Additionally, the study reported, as the workforce continues to evolve with a growing number of Millennials and Generation Z employees joining, the way workplace safety is communicated may also need to shift.
53% of surveyed Millennial respondents were either unaware of their workplace’s emergency plans or said that their workplace did not have emergency plans in place. When compared to respondents age 45 and older, a big discrepancy is revealed: Only 34% of respondents in this age group responded the same way about their employers’ workplace safety plans.
Additionally, nearly half of the 45 and older age group said that they were "very likely" to report an issue in which their own or a co-worker’s safety was in question, but only 8% of Millennials said they were "very likely" to report an issue like this.
Most respondents agreed on their preferred mode of communication in the event of a workplace emergency: text message. However, only 37% of respondents said their workplace currently has a mass text message notification system in place.
The study concluded that employers must take steps to ensure that their organizations are prepared in the event of an emergency, whether it be a fire, hazardous materials incident or an active shooter situation.
California Hazardous Waste and DOT Training
Register for California Hazardous Waste Management and DOT Hazardous Materials Training: The Complete Course in San Jose, CA, on February 27 - March 1 and save $100 or receive an Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet with electronic versions of both handbooks. To take advantage of this offer, click here or call 800-537-2372.
Charleston Hazardous Waste and DOT Hazardous Materials Training
Register for Hazardous Waste Management and DOT Hazardous Materials Training: The Complete Course in Charleston, SC, on March 19-21 and save $100 or receive an Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet with electronic versions of both handbooks. To take advantage of this offer, click here or call 800-537-2372.
Jacksonville Hazardous Waste and DOT Hazardous Materials Training
Register for Hazardous Waste Management and DOT Hazardous Materials Training: The Complete Course in Jacksonville, FL, on March 27-29 and save $100 or receive an Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet with electronic versions of both handbooks. To take advantage of this offer, click here or call 800-537-2372.
Study Finds Nonfatal Injuries Among Law Enforcement Officers Increased
An estimated 669,100 law enforcement officers were treated in emergency departments across the nation for nonfatal injuries between 2003 and 2014, according to a study by researchers at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). The study, which is the first to examine nonfatal injuries among officers on a national scale, was published online this month in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.
Law enforcement officers (LEOs) have historically high rates of fatal and nonfatal injuries. The new research shows that officers are three times more likely to sustain a nonfatal injury than all other US workers, and is the first to capture nonfatal injuries sustained from assaults and unintentional injuries such as accidental falls or motor vehicle crashes.
"Studies based on evidence are an important feature of public health and this principle extends to studying the law enforcement community and their work," said NIOSH Director John Howard, M.D. "The safety and health of both police and citizens depend on understanding how policing tactics impact officer and citizen injuries."
The study researchers, whose aim was to provide national estimates and trends of nonfatal injuries to law enforcement officers from 2003 - 2014, found the following:
* The LEO nonfatal injury trend increased across the 12-year period studied; this is in contrast with the trend for all other US workers which significantly decreased.
* Assault-related injury rates significantly increased almost 10% annually from 2003 to 2011.
* The three leading reasons for on-duty injuries were assaults & violent acts (36%), bodily reactions & exertion from running or other repetitive motions (15%), and transportation incidents (14%).
The study used nonfatal injury data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System - Occupational Supplement (NEISS-Work). Data were obtained for injuries treated in U.S. emergency departments from 2003-2014.
The post Is Your Workforce Prepared for Emergencies appeared first on Environmental Resource Center.
Friday, February 16, 2018
Fees Proposed for TSCA Chemical Safety Evaluations
“EPA has moved swiftly to implement the amended TSCA requirements. Our proposed TSCA fees rule ensures we have sufficient resources to review chemicals for safety with the highest scientific standards,” said EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt.
Under the Lautenberg Chemical Safety Act, the proposed fees on chemical manufacturers, importers and processors, will provide a sustainable source of funding to defray resources that are available for implementation of new responsibilities under the amended law.
These fees to be collected from certain chemical manufacturers and importers, including processors, would go toward developing risk evaluations for existing chemicals; collecting and reviewing toxicity and exposure data and other information; reviewing Confidential Business Information (CBI); and, making determinations in a timely and transparent manner with respect to the safety of new chemicals before they enter the marketplace.
EPA has finalized three important rules under the Lautenberg Chemical Safety Act and is now taking action to move the fourth to completion. EPA is working to implement the new law, the first major update to an environmental statute in 20 years, and get the most modern and safe chemicals to market quickly in order to provide regulatory certainty for manufacturers and confidence for American consumers.
This rule is the final of four framework rules under the Lautenberg Chemical Safety Act, incorporating input received at an August 11, 2016 public meeting. Under the proposed rule, affected businesses would begin incurring fees on October 1, 2018 and small businesses would receive an 80% discount on their fees for new chemical submissions.
The 60-day comment period will open upon the forthcoming publication of the proposed fees rule in the Federal Register.
On June 22, 2017 – the one-year anniversary of the Lautenberg Chemical Safety Act – EPA met milestones for three framework TSCA rules: the Prioritization Process Rule, Risk Evaluation Process Rule, and Inventory Rule.
In addition to finalizing framework TSCA rules so the Agency can properly implement the law within the timeframes set by Congress, EPA has addressed and eliminated the backlog. The current caseload is back at the baseline level.
- The Prioritization Process Rule establishes a framework and criteria for identifying high-priority chemicals for EPA risk evaluations.
- The Risk Evaluation Process Rule establishes a framework for evaluating high priority chemicals to determine whether or not they present an unreasonable risk to health and/or the environment. The rule ensures transparency and confidence in the risk evaluation process while retaining flexibility to allow for new scientific approaches as they are developed.
- The Inventory Rule requires industry reporting of chemicals manufactured, imported, or processed in the US over the past 10 years to identify which chemical substances on the TSCA Inventory are active in US commerce. This will inform the chemicals EPA prioritizes for risk evaluations.
Nashville Hazardous Waste and DOT Hazardous Materials Training
Register for Hazardous Waste Management: The Complete Course and DOT Hazardous Materials Training: The Complete Course in Nashville, TN, on February 20-22 and save $100 or receive an Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet with electronic versions of both handbooks. To take advantage of this offer, click here or call 800-537-2372.
Kansas City Hazardous Waste and DOT Hazardous MaterialsTraining
Register for Hazardous Waste Management: The Complete Course and DOT Hazardous Materials Training: The Complete Course in Kansas City, MO, on February 20-22 and save $100 or receive an Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet with electronic versions of both handbooks. To take advantage of this offer, click here or call 800-537-2372.
California Hazardous Waste and DOT Hazardous Materials Training
Register for California Hazardous Waste Management and DOT Hazardous Materials Training: The Complete Course in San Jose, CA, on February 27 – March 1 and save $100 or receive an Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet with electronic versions of both handbooks. To take advantage of this offer, click here or call 800-537-2372.
New Guidance from EPA on Reclassification of Major Sources as Area Sources Under Section 112 of the Clean Air Act
On January 25, 2018, the EPA issued a guidance memorandum that addresses the question of when a major source subject to a maximum achievable control technology (MACT) standard under CAA section 112 may be reclassified as an area source, and thereby avoid being subject thereafter to major source MACT and other requirements applicable to major sources under CAA section 112. As is explained in the memorandum, EPA’s definitions of major source in CAA section 112(a)(1) and of area source in CAA section 112(a)(2) compels the conclusion that a major source becomes an area source at such time that the source takes an enforceable limit on its potential to emit (PTE) hazardous air pollutants (HAP) below the major source thresholds (i.e., 10 tons per year (TPY) of any single HAP or 25 TPY of any combination of HAP). In such circumstances, a source that was previously classified as major, and which so limits its PTE, will no longer be subject either to the major source MACT or other major source requirements that were applicable to it as a major source under CAA section 112.
A prior EPA guidance memorandum had taken a different position. See Potential to Emit for MACT Standards--Guidance on Timing Issues, John Seitz, Director, Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards, (May 16, 1995). The May 1995 Seitz Memorandum set forth a policy, commonly known as ``once in, always in'' (OIAI policy), under which “facilities may switch to area source status at any time until the ‘first compliance date’ of the standard,'' with first compliance date being defined to mean the “first date a source must comply with an emission limitation or other substantive regulatory requirement.”
Thereafter, under the OIAI policy, “facilities that are major sources for HAP on the `first compliance date' are required to comply permanently with the MACT standard.”
The guidance signed on January 25, 2018, supersedes that which was contained in the May 1995 Seitz Memorandum. The EPA indicated that it will soon publish a Federal Register document to take comment on adding regulatory text that will reflect EPA's reading of the statute.
The post Fees Proposed for TSCA Chemical Safety Evaluations appeared first on Environmental Resource Center.
Thursday, February 15, 2018
Do You Have the Right Fire Extinguishers?
The three most commonly used fire extinguishers are air-pressurized water (APW), carbon dioxide and multi- purpose/dry chemical. According to OSHA:
- Air-pressurized water extinguishers are designed to be used only on Class A fires (wood, paper, cloth, rubber and certain plastics). Never use an APW extinguisher on flammable liquid fires, as it may make the situation worse, or electrical fires, as it may cause electrocution.
- Carbon dioxide extinguishers put out fires by displacing oxygen. Be aware that pieces of dry ice will shoot from the device. Carbon dioxide extinguishers are meant for use only on Class B fires (oils, gasoline, some paints, lacquers, grease, solvents and other flammable liquids) and Class C fires (electrical fires, including fires in wires, fuse boxes and energized electrical equipment).
- Multi-purpose/dry chemical extinguishers coat the fuel element with a thin layer of fire-retardant powder, OSHA notes. Although generally rated for Class B and C fires, they may be marked as multi-purpose for use in Class A, B and C fires. All fire extinguishers will be marked with labeling that identifies what class of fire it can be used on.
To use a fire extinguisher; NFPA recommends remembering to PASS:
- Pull the pin and hold the extinguisher with the nozzle pointed away from you, then release the locking mechanism.
- Aim low – point at the base of the fire.
- Squeeze the lever slowly.
- Sweep the nozzle in a side-to-side motion.
Nashville Hazardous Waste and DOT Training
Register for Hazardous Waste Management: The Complete Course and DOT Hazardous Materials Training: The Complete Course in Nashville, TN, on February 20-22 and save $100 or receive an Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet with electronic versions of both handbooks. To take advantage of this offer, click here or call 800-537-2372.
Kansas City Hazardous Waste and DOT Training
Register for Hazardous Waste Management: The Complete Course and DOT Hazardous Materials Training: The Complete Course in Kansas City, MO, on February 20-22 and save $100 or receive an Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet with electronic versions of both handbooks. To take advantage of this offer, click here or call 800-537-2372.
California Hazardous Waste and DOT Training
Register for California Hazardous Waste Management and DOT Hazardous Materials Training: The Complete Course in San Jose, CA, on February 27 – March 1 and save $100 or receive an Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet with electronic versions of both handbooks. To take advantage of this offer, click here or call 800-537-2372.
CDC’s New WISQARS Data Visualization
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System (WISQARS) is an interactive, online database that provides fatal and nonfatal injury, violent death, and cost of injury data from a variety of trusted sources. You can use WISQARS data to learn more about the public health and economic burden associated with unintentional and violence-related injury in the United States.
Occupational Health Internship Program (OHIP) Offers Paid Summer Internships
The Occupational Health Internship Program (OHIP) online application is now open for summer 2018. OHIP is a national summer program dedicated to help students learn about the field of occupational safety and health from those most at stake: working people. Please help spread the word about this nine-week, paid summer internship opportunity open to undergraduate and graduate students interested in occupational safety and health, and in working with worker organizations like unions and worker centers. The application deadline is February 16, at 11:59 pm PST.
The post Do You Have the Right Fire Extinguishers? appeared first on Environmental Resource Center.
Monday, February 12, 2018
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- Hazardous Waste Management: The Complete Course (RCRA)
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Thursday, February 8, 2018
Falls Top Construction Death Incidents
Falls Top Construction Death Incidents
A recently created database allowed researchers to determine that, in a 33-year period, falls accounted for nearly half of all construction worker deaths - and more than half of the workers killed lacked access to fall protection - according to the Center for Construction Research and Training (also known as CPWR).Using data from the NIOSH Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation program, the researchers found fatality reports for 768 construction industry fatalities and created a searchable database, the Construction FACE Database, of those reports.
After analyzing the incidents in the new database, researchers concluded that, between 1982 and 2015:
* 42% (325) of the fatalities involved falls
* 54% of the workers killed had no access to a personal fall arrest system, and 23% had access to a PFAS but did not use it
* Most of the workers with no access to PFAS worked for residential building contractors and contractors in the roofing, siding and sheet metal sectors
* 107 of the 325 falls were from 30 feet or higher
* 20% of the 768 deaths occurred in the victims’ first two months on the job.
"Even though this study was unable to assess effectiveness of the OSHA fall protection standard established in 1995, the considerable number of fall fatalities from lower heights provides strong evidence of the need for the OSHA requirement that fall protection be provided at elevations of 6 feet or more in the construction industry," researchers said.
In the study abstract, the researchers say the database allowed them to analyze FACE reports "quantitatively and efficiently," adding "comprehensive research using FACE reports may improve understanding of work-related fatalities and provide much-needed information on injury prevention."
Nashville Hazardous Waste and DOT Training
Register for Hazardous Waste Management: The Complete Course and DOT Hazardous Materials Training: The Complete Course in Nashville, TN, on February 20-22 and save $100 or receive an Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet with electronic versions of both handbooks. To take advantage of this offer, click here or call 800-537-2372.
Kansas City Hazardous Waste and DOT Training
Register for Hazardous Waste Management: The Complete Course and DOT Hazardous Materials Training: The Complete Course in Kansas City, MO, on February 20-22 and save $100 or receive an Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet with electronic versions of both handbooks. To take advantage of this offer, click here or call 800-537-2372.
California Hazardous Waste and DOT Training
Register for California Hazardous Waste Management and DOT Hazardous Materials Training: The Complete Course in San Jose, CA, on February 27 - March 1 and save $100 or receive an Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet with electronic versions of both handbooks. To take advantage of this offer, click here or call 800-537-2372.
Continued Dangers for Construction Workers Revealed in New Report
A new report released by a state workplace safety watchdog highlights the deadly risks construction workers face in New York.
The New York Committee for Occupational Safety and Health (NYCOSH) released its latest construction fatality report, "Deadly Skyline: An Annual Report on Construction Fatalities in New York State." The report found increases in New York State construction fatalities stating that "employers routinely violate legal regulations with impunity."
The organization’s members include workers, unions, community-based organizations, workers’ rights activists, and health and safety professionals.
The report’s key findings:
* In 2016, New York State had a 60% higher construction fatality rate than New York City. Over the past five years, the New York City fatal occupational injury rate in construction decreased by 21.3%, while the New York State rate increased by 29.5% over the same period of time.
* Non-union job sites are especially dangerous for workers. NYCOSH analyzed OSHA’s 36 investigated construction fatality citations in 2016 and found that in New York State, 94.7% of workers who died on private work sites were non-union. In New York City, 93.8% of construction workers who died on private work sites in 2016 were non-union.
* Falls continue to be the top cause of construction fatalities in New York State and New York City. In all of New York State in the past ten years, 218 workers died in falls, which accounted for 48% of all construction fatalities. In New York City alone, over the past ten years, 101 workers died due to falls, which on average accounted for 46% of all construction deaths.
* Enforcement agencies are drastically underfunded. NYCOSH conducted an in-depth analyses of OSHA inspections in New York State since OSHA’s founding and found a staggering decrease in inspections over the past twenty years.
* OSHA construction fines for fatality cases remain low. Average OSHA fines in construction fatality cases decreased by 7%, to $20,217.
The report, published in part by a grant provided by the New York State Department of Labor, offered a number of recommendations to improve worker safety in the state:
* Require construction training and certification for New York State’s construction workers. Municipalities and New York State need to create rigorous training requirements for construction workers.
* Establish funding streams for construction safety training programs in New York City. As the requirements for construction safety training increase, so should the funding to provide such training, especially to ensure that low-wage immigrant workers have the opportunity to access them.
* Preserve the Scaffold Safety Law. Given that fall-fatalities are the top cause of death on construction sites, this legislation must be defended in order to prevent such deaths.
* Pass Carlos’ Law to ensure corporate responsibility for worker fatalities.
* Expand criminal prosecutions statewide.
* Use existing city power to suspend or revoke licenses and construction permits for criminal contractors.
The post Falls Top Construction Death Incidents appeared first on Environmental Resource Center.