While presenting at the Cal/OSHA Safety Summit this week, I challenged attendees to write down one key takeaway, priority or action step from the presentations they heard over the three days. This is my standard practice as one of my biggest challenges is actually putting into practice what I’ve learned. My second highest CliftonStrength is…
Sustainable Companies Think Beyond the Environment
When I was employed by Johnson and Johnson over a decade ago, sustainability became one of the focus areas; but, at that time, sustainability was primarily environmental stewardship of manufactured products and ensuring proper we management throughout their life cycles. The idea of sustainability has morphed into a term that includes not only the life…
Reporting Now Required for Methylene Chloride Containing Products
Changes to the California Department of Toxic Substances Control’s (DTSC) Safer Consumer Products program adds methylene chloride containing varnishes and paint strippers to reporting requirements. Need assistance with regulatory submissions? EHS Compliance Services Inc has assisted manufacturers and small business for almost a decade. We have certified and experienced professionals who are excited to work…
California Employers Deadline Approaching
The Cal/OSHA electronic report of injuries and illnesses is due December 31, 2018, for establishments with 250 or more employees (if not specifically exempt) and establishments with 20 to 250 employees in the industries listed in regulation Appendix H of 8 CCR 14300.41. On November 1, 2018, California approved changes that require employers to submit…
Air Pollution Linked to Autism
A newly released study links exposure to fine particles found in vehicle exhausts, industrial emissions and other sources of outdoor pollution to increased risk of children developing autism spectrum disorder (ASD) by up to 78%. Associate Professor Yuming Guo of Monash University, where the study was conducted, was quoted as saying, “The serious health effects…
Combustible Dusts in the Spotlight Again
Combustible dusts are in the spotlight again! The CSB recently reported 105 combustible dust incidents between 2006 and 2017. Having clients in a number of these industries, I’m eager to hear the results of the Call to Action in which the CSB asks companies, regulators, inspectors, safety training providers, researchers, unions, and the workers of…
HAZARDOUS WASTE ELECTRONIC MANIFEST (e-MANIFEST) IMPLEMENTATION AND FEES
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will begin implementation and operation of the e-Manifest system on June 30, 2018. The e-Manifest requirements will be effective in all states on this date affecting to those required to use a hazardous waste manifest–generators; transporters; owners and operators of treatment, storage and disposal facilities (TSDF); and handlers of state-only…
Changes to Hazardous Waste Regulations
On November 28, 2016, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a final rule that significantly revises hazardous waste generator regulations. These revisions provide less stringent requirements for many hazardous waste generators and become effective on May 17, 2017. The revised regulations are intended to improve compliance and program effectiveness, clarify existing regulations, address regulatory gaps,…
MSDS versus SDS and the New Hazard Communication Standard
By Guest Blogger: Lisa Stringfellow of Graphic Products On December 1, 2013—about one year from now—the implementation of training to the new Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200) will be required. This includes changes in the way hazards of chemicals are conveyed. One key aspect of this change is the replacement of MSDSs (Material Safety Data…
The Basics of Stormwater Permitting
One of the areas I recently investigated for an industrial client was the need for a stormwater permit or a No Exposure Certificate so I thought this would be a good topic of which to give an overview. Stormwater is generated from melting snow, precipitation and run-off from irrigation. It is classified into two…