The iSi Blog
Featuring the Latest From OSHA and EPA as Well as Other Regulatory and iSi Updates
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EPA’s Navigable Waters Protection Rule Defines Waters of the U.S.
EPA and the U.S. Army have finalized their definition of the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) through a new final rule called the Navigable Waters Protection Rule. The definition of WOTUS has been at the point of contention between regulators, industry and...
Potential Employer Requirements in an OSHA Emergency Standard for COVID
UPDATE: President Biden signed an Executive Order on Thursday, Jan. 21, 2021 that requires the following: Within 2 weeks (by Feb. 4, 2021), OSHA is required to: Issue guidance to employers on workplace safety during the COVID pandemic. OSHA and MSHA are required to...
EPA Rule Adds PFAS Chemicals to the TRI Report
EPA has added certain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to the list of chemicals which need to be tracked annually on your EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) report (below). This rule is effective 1/1/2020, so you’ll need to start tracking and collecting...
EPA Finalizes Aerosol Can Universal Waste Regulation
As we first reported here in April 2018, and is now final, EPA is allowing generators to handle aerosol cans as a universal waste rather than a hazardous waste. The rule becomes effective February 7, 2020. The final rule looks a bit different than the proposed...
EPA Issues Air Permitting Updates for New Sources, PSD and Title V Air Permits
EPA has issued air permitting updates in order to help companies save time and reduce paperwork and compliance burdens. Air Permitting Update: Definition of Adjacent Areas As we first reported here last fall, EPA was considering changing the interpretation of the...
What OSHA Says About Using Online Safety Training Courses
News to your inbox! We cover OSHA, EPA and DOT regulations news & best practices each week. Subscribe to our blog today! OK, OK, before anyone has a chance to say “of course you’re going to write THIS article,” we want to make it clear that although iSi may be...
OSHA’s New Weighted System for Inspection Priorities
News to your inbox! We cover OSHA, EPA and DOT regulations news & best practices each week. Subscribe to our blog today! OSHA’s fiscal year has started and with the new year comes a new system for weighting their priorities for inspections. This OSHA...
Shelbye Smith Receives Promotion
iSi is pleased to announce the promotion of Shelbye Smith, SPHR to the Chief Culture and Talent Officer at iSi. Shelbye has been with iSi for 16 years, where she primarily has served as both the Human Resources Manager and Risk Manager.“This promotion is a...
OSHA’s New Quantitative Fit-Testing Protocols Aim to Save Time & Effort
iSi conducts both quantitative and qualitative fit-testing and can help you determine what your facility's needs are for respiratory protection. Contact us today!OSHA has added two new fit testing protocols for quantitative respirator fit-testing. The two new...
SPCC Plans: What Are They and Does Your Company Need One?
iSi can help you determine if this applies to your company, and then we can help you write the plan. Contact us today! If your company uses or stores large quantities of oil, you may be subject to EPA’s Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasures, or SPCC...
Citation Case Study: Fluorescent Lamps Hazardous Waste Violation
iSi conducts audits and inspections to find potential environmental violations, including hazardous waste. Let us give you that second set of eyes to make sure your company is on track. The following is an example of a fluorescent lamp hazardous waste...
Phase I ESAs: Reveal the Hidden Truths Behind Your Next Property Acquisition
iSi conducts Phase I ESAs, as well as Phase II ESAs which include sampling of water, groundwater, soil and more. Add us to your list of potential vendors for your next property transaction! Imagine this scene: your company just purchased a prime piece of property...
Robot Safety: NIOSH Develops Program to Study Robot-Related Injuries
iSi has provided safety assistance to companies utilizing laser guided vehicles. Let us help you with hazard evaluations, training and related issues. With the increased use in robotic technology, NIOSH has been looking into the safety impact of working...
Citation Case Study: Paint Drippings on the Ground a Hazardous Waste Violation
iSi conducts audits and inspections to find potential environmental violations, including hazardous waste. Let us give you that second set of eyes to make sure your company is on track. The following is an example of a hazardous waste citation given to a...
The 3 Most Important Elements of a Good Safety Program
OSHA’s Safe + Sound Week this week gives us a chance to take a look at company safety programs, what makes them successful and what elements need to be a part of them. OSHA identifies the following three main elements of an effective safety and health program....
Self-Retracting Lifelines Under Recall
iSi conducts required routine fall protection equipment inspections for our clients companies. Let us give you that 3rd party eye, and get this task off your to-do list. If your company uses DBI-SALA self-retracting lifelines, you may be subject to a...
EPA’s National Compliance Initiatives Show Enforcement Priorities
We can help determine which of these apply to your facility, and help you make sure you're on the right track if you're inspected. Just like OSHA has national emphasis programs for areas they want to target in their enforcement, EPA has its own national...
House Bill Would Require OSHA to Develop Formal Heat Standard – Let the Debate Begin
A new bill introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives would require OSHA to establish heat exposure rules for both indoor and outdoor workplaces.Called the Asuncion Valdivia Heat Illness and Fatality Prevention Act, it would require OSHA to issue a formal heat...
OSHA Updates 14 Standards
As part of the President’s Executive Order for agencies to improve regulations and conduct regulatory reviews, OSHA has been working on reviewing their standards to remove outdated, duplicate, and inconsistent parts of their standards. The latest round of...
EPA’s “Once In, Always In” May Be Officially on the Way Out
EPA has proposed a rule that would officially eliminate the air regulations rule of “Once In, Always In” for major source hazardous air pollutant (HAP) emissions. As a result, EPA is estimating reduced regulatory burden for thousands of locations, and...
What are Lab Packs and How Could Your Facility Use Them?
I’ve never been a fan of “spring” cleaning, but it's a necessary part of good housekeeping around the home or at your facility. When was the last time your facility did a “spring cleaning” walkthrough to see if there are any materials around your workplace that are...