Environmental Audits: What You Need to Know

Environmental Audits: What You Need to Know

Aug 17, 2022

Environmental Audits: What you need to know

What is in an environmental audit?

An environmental audit is a tool used to investigate, understand and identify the effects of certain activities on the environment. Depending on the type of audit and the focus of the investigation, different types of environmental audits exist.

Organizations now recognize the importance of environmental matters and accept that their environmental performance will be scrutinized by a wide range of interested parties.

As such, environmental auditing is used to provide insights into an organization’s compliance with environmental regulations, as well as their overall impact on the environment and environmental issues.

Once a thorough review is conducted and completed, the auditors or auditor may help you identify best management practices, implement corrective actions, streamline standard operating procedures and determine environmental programs and environmental plans.

What are the types of environmental audit?

There are three main types of environmental audits: compliance, management, and functional.

Compliance

Compliance audits evaluate a company’s environmental performance and responsibility practices to ensure that they are in line with legal requirements through an environmental assessment. This is usually the most comprehensive and expensive type of audit.

Management

Management audits verify whether a company has met the environmental objectives and performance levels set by management. These audits can help identify areas where improvement is needed such as required permits, materials, employee training records and applicable findings.

Functional

Functional audits focus on the impact of a particular activity, such as wastewater management, air quality monitoring or identifying hazardous waste.

These audits can help pinpoint problems, recommend solutions and identify corrective actions such as regulatory requirements, employees, materials management, if hazardous waste manifests, and more!

What is the role of environmental audit?

The role of environmental audit is to ensure that businesses are compliant with environmental standards and regulations. Environmental auditors assess the environmental operations and procedures for businesses, governments or utility companies.

They are responsible for making sure the environmental standards are being met by the business and detecting existing compliance problems or environmental management deficiencies.

By conducting audits, businesses can learn about their compliance status, identify areas for improvement, and develop action plans to address any deficiencies in their procedures.

Audits also help businesses benchmark their performance against others in their industry and track their progress over time with provided documents and applicable facility safety permits.

What is included in environmental audit?

An environmental audit includes a review of an organization’s compliance with environmental regulations, as well as its impact on the community.

The auditor will also assess the effectiveness of the organization’s environmental management system. Bonus points for identifying and implementing emergency response programs

How do you conduct an environmental audit?

  1. Brainstorm and develop a plan.
  2. Come up with some questions and checklists pre-audit.
  3. Review company background information and documents.
  4. Review operational documents.
  5. Conduct initial site visit and site inspection.
  6. Identify environmental requirements an compliance needs.
  7. Develop on site questionnaire and site checklists.
  8. Provide documents addressing site issues.
  9. Review assessment, inspection reports and sampling data.
  10. Arrange new management practices.
  11. Implement new environmental management systems and a management tool.

When is an Environmental Audit Necessary?

Environmental audits are necessary when there is a possibility that pollution is being generated by any industrial facilities.

The purpose of the audit is to control pollution, address hazardous waste or raw materials and improve product safety at the facility.

Environmental audits also help prevent and reduce chemical waste. In addition, environmental audit reports provide performance reviews of industrial working facilities and their possible impact on the surroundings.

This portion of the report will include an update and evaluation on current facility operations and facility procedures as well as pinpointing site issues and if the auditor has a concern about facility safety.

How do you implement and maintain environmental audit reports in your facility?

Your company or organization will have many documents from the site visit at your disposal. It may seem difficult to determine where to start especially with what feels like huge checklists but your audit will give you a suggestion on where to start from their assessment.

Organization is key to implementing new site management and new scope of work. It is important for companies to understand that it is important for these issues to be addressed and undertaken as soon as possible.

Conclusion

It is true that a concern or two will arise after this process is complete, however you will be able to contact your auditor and discuss any issues you may have with the assessment, facilities, materials, chemicals, tests, findings, regulations and more. A good audit should provide contact details and will be your best friend before and after the process.

How Can We Help? Ask a Question or Request Info or Pricing

Do you need an idea of where you stand with EPA or OSHA regulations?  Do you need full-time or temporary personnel to manage the day-to-day compliance tasks?  Would your employees benefit from onsite environmental training?  Our team of environmental consultants, safety consultants and industrial hygienists would love to help. Call (316) 264-7050 today!

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Lithium Batteries: Safety Hazards and Their Impact on Businesses

Lithium Batteries: Safety Hazards and Their Impact on Businesses

Aug 12, 2022

More lithium and lithium-ion batteries are being used in products today and just like any material, if we understand how to use it safely, it should not pose any problem. (Note: Lithium batteries are single-use batteries and lithium-ion batteries are the rechargeable kind.)

Lithium-containing batteries, when damaged. defective or used improperly, can present a fire and/or an explosion hazard.  Small items such as a laptop can typically have 6 lithium cells in them, while an electric vehicle can use 7,000 lithium-ion cells. This change in size greatly increases the risk and effects of a fire. If an electric vehicle catches on fire in your garage, you most likely do not have a way to deal with a 3,632° F fire.

Should I Really Worry About My Battery Catching on Fire?

If your battery stays intact, and does not allow moisture to get inside, or as long as there is not an issue with overcharging where the temperature runs away, you should be fine. The issue is that lithium and water don’t like each other. In fact, in its pure form, water causes lithium to react, sometimes violently, creating sparks and lots of heat, as well as hydrogen gas.

Lithium-ion batteries are a little different than the pure form of lithium in that they are filled with a lithium compound, and not pure lithium. Because of this, the material in many batteries are not quite as active with water. But when you have 7,000 cells in one place, if one catches on fire, a chain reaction can occur that you cannot control. Also fighting that fire with water may not be the best solution when water can cause it to react more.

This can be the same for industry. Lithium-ion batteries are being used in everything from pumps and instruments, to cars and equipment, hand tools, computer servers, and so many more products. Even your wireless mouse may have lithium-ion batteries.

If you just throw that away in the trash, not only are you potentially violating waste regulations and DOT shipping regulations, you may also be creating a fire hazard for the waste removal truck the landfill that it goes to.

DOT Issues Advisory Warning for Lithium-Containing Batteries

Recently DOT has found the issue with shipping lithium-containing batteries for recycle or waste has gotten out of hand. The Pipeline Hazardous Materials and Safety Administration (PHMSA), which is the HazMat division of the DOT, has issued a safety advisory on the dangers to help people out. The advisory warns that shippers and carriers need to take extra (and sometimes different) precautions when shipping damaged, defective or recalled lithium-containing batteries.

During recent compliance inspections, DOT inspectors have been finding improperly packaged and shipped lithium-containing batteries for disposal or recycling.  Some examples include:

  • Not packaging to prevent short circuiting
  • Mixing damaged batteries with others in the same packaging for recycling/disposal
  • Shipping pallets of batteries in boxes and drums with inappropriate package identifications

From a hazardous waste perspective, EPA recommends that lithium batteries be managed under the Universal Waste regulations.

Battery Disposal Rules – for Consumers

Regular citizens should take used, damaged, defective or recalled lithium-containing batteries to recycling facilities geared for accepting them, or your local household hazardous waste collection point. Do NOT throw them away with your other garbage.  If there is an item that’s recalled that has the battery in it, follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions and disposal instructions. Pay attention to any warnings.

Find an authorized provider to ship any lithium-containing batteries because they are considered to be hazardous materials.  When the post office asks if you are shipping hazardous materials, lithium-containing batteries makes that answer yes.

Battery Shipping and Disposal Rules – for Businesses

If you are a business, there are a number of regulations you need to follow to properly deal with lithium-containing batteries.  First, they can only be shipped by ground methods, so that’s by truck, rail or vessel. Overnight shipments or any shipment that could potential go via air methods are out of the question.

There are also specific regulations and procedures you need to follow to properly package, label and ship them.  There are regulations about the type of box you send them in because those packages must have special permits for this role.   There are special labels and markings that need to go on the packages and special ways they need to be packaged. Workers who will be participating in any function of the process are required to have proper training specific to their role, and that training is required every 3 years.  Emergency response information must also be included in the package process.

Training and Consulting Resource

iSi conducts hazardous materials shipping for businesses as well as conducts training to properly ship hazardous materials via ground, air, and vessel.  If you are a business that has question about how to deal with your lithium-containing batteries or if your workers need training, contact us today!

Need Help?

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Keith Reissig
Keith Reissig

Contributing:

Ryan Livengood

International Hazardous Materials Logistics Manager | EHS Regulatory Trainer

As a former corporate environmental, health and safety manager, Ryan has a vast experience in working with both environmental and safety compliance issues in multiple states.  His specialties include national and international dangerous goods transportation, hazardous waste, environmental compliance, industrial hygiene and safety compliance. He is also an ISO 14001 Lead Auditor.

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iSi’s Top 12 General Industry Safety Audit Findings

iSi’s Top 12 General Industry Safety Audit Findings

Aug 11, 2022

Safety regulations are enforced by OSHA, and in some states such as California and Indiana, by a state safety agency. How do you make sure you have your bases covered? A safety audit can determine your current status and what your vulnerabilities are. iSi’s general industry safety audits are conducted like a mock OSHA inspection for the 29 CFR 1910 general industry regulations. There is a wall-to-wall walkthrough, a records review of written programs, training programs, and past inspections, and interviews with employees.

Some of the below cited items start in the OSHA regulations, but detailed actions are prescribed by other regulations such as the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) or American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Standards. Others are based on items we see our clients cited for in OSHA inspections which we have added to our audits.

The following are our top 12 specific findings we see most when we do our general industry safety audit.

12. Safety Showers and Eyewash Stations

Facility safety showers and eyewash stations are not being inspected on a regular basis.  1910.151(c) discusses suitable facilities, but ANSI standard Z358.1-2014 specifies weekly visual inspections of both showers and eyewash stations.

11. Lifting Slings

We find that often there is no formal program in place to conduct a periodic inspection of all lifting slings. This must be conducted annually. 1910.184 includes guidance on the use of slings and item (d) covers inspections.

10.  Machines

At number 10 is fixed machines. We find fixed machines are not securely mounted to the floor or the bench top to prevent them from “walking.” 1910.212 is the standard for all machines and machine guarding. Item (b) covers the anchoring requirements.

9.  Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

PPE evaluations and hazard assessments must be conducted for each task. We find that these are either not conducted or not documented. The potential for workplace hazards must first be assessed and if PPE is needed, PPE must be selected, communication decisions must be communicated to affected employees and PPE must be fitted to each employee.

A written certification must be created which identifies the workplace evaluated, the person certifying the evaluation, the date the assessment was conducted, and signification that the document is a certification of hazard assessment.

These rules are found in 1910.132(d).

8. Fire Extinguishers

Are your fire extinguishers mounted too high, not mounted at all or are they blocked from access? 1910.157(c) is the standard which covers this issue.

7.  Emergency Lighting

Emergency lighting, in many locations, is not being tested every 30 days for 30 seconds or for 1.5 hours annually. Lighting can be found in Subpart E, Means of Egress, Maintenance, Safeguards, and Operational Features for Exit Routes, 1910.37(a)(4) and the NFPA 101 Life Safety Code 7.9.3.1.

6.  Lamps

We find that lamps less than 8 feet from the floor are not protected from accidental contact. Lamps need to be guarded and protected from accidental contact. This can be found in 1910.305(a)(2)(ix). Although a particular height requirement is not specified in this regulation, you should consider the reach of your tallest employees and length of the parts and/or tools being used in the area.

5.  Forklifts 

We see many issues with forklifts. The most common issue we find with forklifts no documentation of daily inspections, or no inspections being conducted. However, more recently we have been seeing issues with employees not wearing seatbelts, controls where the labeling has worn off, the use of non-factory attachments, and not updating data plates, tags and decals with revised capacity, and operation and maintenance data. Forklift standards are found in 1910.178.

4.  Grinder Wheels 

Machine guarding issues are a common item we see. One of the most prevalent ones relates to grinder wheels. The gap between the grinder wheels and the work rest plate should not be more than the maximum allowed 1/8 inch. The adjustable tongue guards shouldn’t be more than the maximum allowed 1/4 inch from the tongue guard. These regulations can be found in Subpart O, Abrasive Wheel Machinery, 1910.215(a)(4) and (b)(9).

3.  Electrical Panels 

With electrical panels, we often see the minimum required areas of clear space around the panels is not being maintained. Sufficient access must be maintained for safe operation, access, and maintenance. The rules, including a distance chart to help you determine proper clearances can be found in Subpart S, 1910.303(g).

2.  Hazard Communication

Within the hazard communication (hazcom) standard, there are requirements for secondary containers. We find many secondary containers of hazardous chemicals are not labeled correctly or have illegible writing on them. The regulation comes under the “labeling” section of 1910.1200. All containers, either primary or secondary, need to be labeled and contain product identifier and words, pictures, symbols or a combination of them. Portable containers, that is, containers you transfer chemicals to and intend for immediate use are not covered by this requirement.

1.  Access to Medical Records

The number one item we find in our audits relates to access to medical records. Employees are required to receive information on their access to medical records. This is required initially upon hire, and then annually thereafter. The regulations can be found in 1910.120(g)(1). Included with this requirement is notifying employees the existence, location and availability of records covered by 1910.120, the person responsible for maintaining and providing access to records, and each employer’s rights to access those records. As an employer, you need to keep a copy of 1910.120 and its appendices and make copies readily available, upon request, to employees.

This information can be covered within your annual training classes, or can be a written notice of information in an email, or a memo that is posted with your OSHA logs and other OSHA-required notices. The important part is that you document that you completed this requirement and how.

Where Do You Go From Here?

iSi can help you get a baseline on your safety compliance status by conducting a walkthrough. From there, we will create a matrix of issues we see with the corresponding regulatory standard. We can also help you prioritize the ones which are most critical to be taken care of.

Request a quote for a general industry safety audit today! Need more information about these issues?  Contact us at (888) 264-7050 or email us!

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ISO 14001 Checklist

ISO 14001 Checklist

Aug 11, 2022

What is Environmental Management System (EMS) auditing?

An Environmental Management System (EMS) audit is the process of assessing an organization’s compliance with ISO 14001:2015, the international standard for environmental management systems.

The audit assesses whether the organization has proper procedures in place to manage its environmental responsibilities, and if any corrective actions need to be taken for non-compliance.

An Environmental Management System audit can be conducted by internal or external auditors who analyze an organization’s operational procedures, documents, records and measurements against ISO 14001:2015 requirements.

The auditor will then report their findings and make recommendations on areas of improvement that need to be addressed. Achieving ISO 14001:2015 certification demonstrates that a company takes environmental responsibility seriously and is committed to reducing their environmental impact.

It also serves as a tool for continual improvement of environmental management system processes. A successful EMS audit is essential for an organization to remain compliant with ISO 14001:2015 standards and maintain their certification status.

Organizations looking to get certified under ISO 14001:2015 need to arrange for an EMS audit, in order to assess their current environmental management system and identify any areas that require attention as well as address significant environmental aspects. The auditor will also provide advice on ways to improve the organization’s EMS and suggest best practices.

A successful audit is essential for obtaining certification and achieving a high level of compliance with ISO 14001:2015 standards. To ensure a smooth audit process, organizations should have all necessary procedures, documents, records and measurements in place prior to the commencement of the audit.

Additionally, they should take the time to train their personnel on environmental policies and requirements so that they can answer any questions from the auditor.

What to expect during ISO 14001 audit?

The key stages of an EMS audit include:

– Preparation – development of the audit plan, followed by the assessment team’s familiarization with the requirements of ISO 14001:2015.

– On-site visits – review and analysis of documents, operating criteria, records and data, as well as interviews with relevant personnel.

– Reporting – summarizing of findings in a non-conformance report that identifies areas for improvement or corrective action.

– Follow up – implementing environmental management systems and the implementation of any identified corrective actions and verification that all issues have been addressed properly.

By completing these steps, organizations can ensure that their EMS meets the requirements of ISO 14001:2015 and is effectively implemented. Additionally, they can identify areas where processes or procedures could be improved to ensure continued compliance with environmental regulations.

Finally, an EMS audit can provide valuable insight into the environmental performance of an organization, helping them make informed decisions about how to reduce their impacts on the environment and save costs in the long term.

The environmental management system requirements are set in place to help each organization established environmental objectives and internal audits to aid in proper business processes incase of an unplanned external audit.

In addition to identifying issues and providing recommendations for improvement, a successful ISO 14001 audit should include education and training for relevant personnel in implementing the necessary corrective actions.

This will help to ensure that any changes or improvements identified as part of the audit process are properly understood and put into practice effectively.

Furthermore, regular audits help to ensure that any non-conformances are addressed in a timely manner and that the organization remains compliant with all applicable regulations. By undergoing periodic EMS audits, organizations can demonstrate their commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability.

What are the basic requirements of ISO 14001?

  1. Scope of the Environmental Management System

    The organization’s activities, products and services should be clearly stated in the scope of the EMS.

    This should include a description of the organization’s operations, processes, sites, departments, divisions, etc., to identify any associated environmental aspects or any adverse environmental impacts. Any legal or other requirements that must be addressed should also be specified.

  2. Environmental Policy

    The Environmental Policy outlines the organization’s commitment to protecting and enhancing the environment, as well as meeting all legal requirements.

  3. Evaluation of Environmental Risks and Opportunities

    Risks and opportunities should be identified, evaluated, monitored and managed in order to minimize the environmental impact of the organization or to identify any significant environmental aspects. This will involve collecting data relating to environmental performance indicators such as air quality, water usage, waste production and energy consumption.

  4. Evaluation of Environmental Aspects

    Businesses have a responsibility to put in place measures to reduce the environmental impacts of their activities. This involves assessing what impacts are created and putting in place sustainable practices that minimize or eliminate them.

    Examples of such practices include reducing energy consumption, waste minimization, reusing materials and resources, and exploring renewable energy sources. Additionally, businesses must stay abreast of environmental regulations and laws, as failure to comply with these can lead to substantial financial penalties.

  5. Environmental Objectives and plans for achieving them

    The environmental objectives of your organization should be realistic, achievable and measurable. They should also cover both short-term and long-term goals for the business.

    To ensure that these objectives are achieved, it is essential to have a structured plan in place with clear steps toward achieving each one as well as keep maintained documented environmental objectives for all relevant interested parties.

  6. Operational Control Procedures

    Organizations must take responsibility for setting their own operational controls to ensure that they meet the requirements of ISO 14001.

    The standard provides guidance on how organizations should go about this, including defining and documenting relevant internal procedures; assessing environmental objectives; conducting risk assessments; and identifying any training needs.

    When it comes to implementing these operational controls, organizations need to ensure that they are appropriate for the sector they operate in and take into account any relevant legal or compliance requirements.

    Furthermore, organization should review these controls regularly to ensure that they remain effective and address any changes in legislation or industry practices.

  7. Procedure for Emergency Preparedness and Response

    With an emergency plan, your organization will be able to respond appropriately and effectively in the event of an environmental emergency. A well-developed plan should include clear roles and responsibilities for staff, methods for communicating with stakeholders, and a system for evaluating the effectiveness of response measures.

  8. List of Interested Parties, Legal and Other Requirements

    In order to ensure a successful management system, it is essential that the needs and expectations of all interested parties are taken into account. Understanding these interests provides an insight into how the organization’s operations can contribute positively to the wider environment.

  9. Competence records

    Recording the training and competence levels of every member of your organization is an important part of introducing and managing an EMS. A successful EMS requires all staff to have a good understanding of their environmental responsibilities.

  10. Evidence of Communication

    Internal and External communications are also a key part of your management system. You can use external communications to inform people in the community or industry about your environmental objectives, progress reports on performance metrics, initiatives you have introduced and successes achieved.

    This will demonstrate to stakeholders that your organization is committed to environmental improvement and accountable for its actions.

  11. Monitoring Performance Information

    In order to demonstrate continual improvement, your organization must measure its performance and effectiveness in relation to the objectives of ISO 14001. It is important to have a record of these evaluations so that you can track the progress made toward achieving those objectives.

  12. Compliance obligations record

    It is essential to stay up-to-date with all legal environmental requirements that your organization is subject to. This can be achieved by carrying out a competent evaluation of applicable laws and regulations and conducting regular reviews to ensure the record is accurate and current. Additionally, it should also be documented any obligations your organization has to other parties.

  13. Internal Audit Program and Results

    A regular internal audit of your EMS is essential for its ongoing effectiveness and the overall environmental performance of your organisation. An audit can help to identify any issues or opportunities for improvement that have been overlooked, as well as demonstrate compliance with processes set up as part of implementing an EMS.

  14. Management Review Results

    The results of a management review should be used to identify areas for improvement, as well as any corrective and preventive actions necessary. Furthermore, senior management should also provide feedback on the effectiveness of corrective and preventive action taken in response to the review results.

  15. Nonconformities and Corrective Action

    It is important that root cause analysis is conducted to identify the source of the nonconformity. This should include a review of any relevant documentation, as well as an examination of processes and/or procedures which may have contributed to the issue. Once a root cause has been identified, corrective action can be taken to prevent recurrence and ensure compliance.

    The corrective action should be documented clearly in your records, including the specific steps taken to ensure the environmental management system conforms to the new policy.

    This should include details of any training or process modifications that have been implemented, as well as any changes to procedures and/or equipment used. You should also identify the individuals responsible for each stage of the process.

What are the 3 C’s of ISO 14001 EMS auditing?

  1. Conformance
  2. Consistency
  3. Continual Improvement

What are the mandatory records for ISO 14001?

The mandatory records of ISO 14001 include: Records of competence, awareness, and training.

These records are essential to your environmental management system, as they provide evidence that those involved in the system are adequately trained and aware of their responsibilities.

They demonstrate to regulators and other stakeholders that you have taken steps to ensure that everyone is well informed on how to reduce your environmental impact. Records may include details of courses attended, training materials such as manuals or handouts, and any assessments made about an individual’s knowledge or ability.

Additionally, these records should be regularly updated so that you can track changes in personnel and keep up with advances in technology or processes.

By maintaining a clear record of who has been trained, when they were trained, and what specifically was addressed during the training session(s), you will be able to ensure that all parties understand their roles and remain up-to-date on the latest regulations and best practices.

Additionally, these records provide a basis for continuing improvement in your environmental management system by allowing you to identify gaps or areas where more training may be needed.

How do I audit a ISO 14001 checklist?

In order to achieve ISO 14001 certification, organizations must first develop an environmental policy that contains a commitment to continual improvement and compliance with applicable laws.

The organization must also create objectives and targets for their EMS. These should be aimed at reducing the company’s negative impact on the environment and can include such areas as energy efficiency, waste management, water conservation, emissions control, and pollution prevention.

The next step is to assess any existing environmental impacts of the organization’s operations. This assessment should identify risks or opportunities associated with environmental issues in order to develop mitigation strategies or take advantage of potential benefits.

Once these steps are completed, the organization needs to develop procedures related to all aspects of their environmental activities. These procedures ensure that employees are aware of their responsibilities and know how to handle environmental issues. The organization must also put in place a system for monitoring, measuring, and evaluating the performance of its EMS.

Finally, organizations must provide training to employees on the content covered by their environmental policy and procedures. They should also strive to continually improve their EMS by setting new goals or expanding upon existing objectives.

Doing so will help them maintain ISO 14001 certification while also reducing their negative impacts on the environment.

In summary, ISO 14001 provides organizations with an internationally recognized framework for designing, implementing, and improving an effective environmental management system that can be certified for.

Need Help?

iSi’s safety audit team can help you determine where you stand on compliance with OSHA regulations and provide a prioritized list of findings.  Contact us today to learn more about our audits!

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DYK: EHS Consultants

DYK: EHS Consultants

Aug 9, 2022

What does EHS stand for?

EHS stands for Environment, Health and Safety. Companies in a variety of industries have adopted EHS programs that not only ensure employees are safe at work, but also ensure that the quality of the environment and the health of the local community are protected from any hazards or consequences of the company’s operations, such as an accidental spill of dangerous substances.

By implementing these programs, businesses demonstrate their commitment to protecting both their employees and the communities in which they operate. Environmental, health and safety should be the main focus of very company and industry.

What are EHS process and procedures?

The right environmental, health, and safety (EHS) process is key to keeping your workplace safe. Here are a few steps that should be included in your EHS consulting services and EHS processes:

1. Establish Clear Policies and Procedures

Clear policies and procedures help everyone understand what is expected of them when it comes to safety. Make sure your policies are easy to understand and follow so that everyone can stay safe.

2. Educate Your Employees

It’s important to educate your employees on the dangers of their work and how to stay safe. Provide training on a regular basis so that everyone is up-to-date on the latest safety information.

This shows you value and support your employees and want to make sure they have the best resources and systems in place.

3. Get Everyone Involved

Safety is a team effort. Encourage everyone to be involved in the safety process, from management to front-line workers. By working together, you can create a safer workplace.

4. Inspect Your Workplace Regularly

Regular inspections help identify potential hazards before they cause an accident. Make sure to inspect both common areas and individual workstations. Also, it is important to get EHS management consulting regularly as law and regulations can change annually.

5. Invest in Safety Equipment

Investing in the right safety equipment can help protect your employees from accidents and injuries. Make sure you have the right equipment for the job and that it is properly maintained.

What does an EHS consultant do?

EHS consultants hone in on environmental and safety issues and identify potential risks for their clients as early as possible so that they can be reduced or eliminated as well as offer compliance services and professional services.

However, when adverse events do occur at work, the consultant will conduct an investigation and research into what went wrong.

The role of an EHS consultant is to protect workers from harm and help businesses avoid environmental damage. They do this by assessing risks, investigating accidents and advising clients on health and safety best practices.

An EHS consultant typically has a background in occupational health, safety or environmental management and EHS compliance.

They use their knowledge to advise clients on a wide range of issues including air quality, noise levels, waste disposal, and chemical safety.

Conclusion

In conclusion, businesses that focus on the implementation of employee health and safety programs demonstrate their commitment to protecting both their employee’s health and the communities in which they operate.

By taking these precautions, businesses can reduce the risk of injuries, improve the overall safety of their workplace and create positive outcomes.

How Can We Help? Ask a Question or Request Info or Pricing

Do you need an idea of where you stand with EPA or OSHA regulations?  Do you need full-time or temporary personnel to manage the day-to-day compliance tasks?  Would your employees benefit from onsite environmental training?  Our team of environmental consultants, safety consultants and industrial hygienists would love to help. Call (316) 264-7050 today!

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OSHA Safe + Sound Site Provides Free Resources for Your Safety Program

OSHA Safe + Sound Site Provides Free Resources for Your Safety Program

Aug 3, 2022

OSHA's ssafe+sound week logo

What is Safe + Sound Week?

OSHA has designated August 15-19, 2022 as Safe + Sound Week.  It’s held each August to recognize workplace safety and health programs and to create awareness for worker safety, and OSHA provides a wide variety of resources, social media tools and other information to help you celebrate.

The Safe + Sound effort is focused on encouraging workplaces to have a safety and health program.  It says that your program needs to have three main goals:  Worker Participation, Management Leadership and a process for Finding and Fixing Hazards.  OSHA provides a wide variety of resources on its Safe + Sound website for each one of these areas to help you reach this goal.  These tools are available all throughout the year.  The Safe + Sound Week is an opportunity to highlight the successes you have been able to accomplish, and at the very least, give you a way to promote safety to your company and to the public.

Below is a list of tools available both to help you bring awareness during Safe + Sound week, and to help you strengthen your program throughout the year.

Resources:  Safe + Sound Week

OSHA’s Safe + Sound Week website gives you a wide variety of resources to help plan, promote and celebrate Safe + Sound Week to your employees and to the public.

Some of these resources include:

  • Register your company nationally as a participant and see who else from your state is participating
  • Examples of workplace events and activities to have at your facility
  • Shareable logos and badges
  • Social media toolkits and photo and content frames
  • Safety and Health Matters to Me thought bubbles for employees to complete
  • Banners for Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn
  • Virtual meeting (Zoom) backgrounds
  • Shareable images that can be used for posters, bulletin board posts, or inclusion in your safety newsletters

Resources:  Strengthening Your Program Throughout the Year

OSHA’s Safe + Sound campaign website offers a number of educational flyers and guidance documents to help you strengthen your program throughout the year.   Some of these include:

  • Free webinars
  • OSHA Safety and Health Program Recommended Practices manual
  • ASSP Guidance Manual:  Keep Your People Safe in Smaller Organizations
  • Guidance documents and ideas
  • Worker participation worksheets and Better Safety Conversations worksheet
  • Leadership worksheets and challenge activities
  • Management safety pledge
  • Find and fix hazard identification tools

Certificate of Completion 

If your company would like to participate in Safe + Sound Week, you can sign up at https://www.osha.gov/safeandsoundweek/.  Your company will be added to the list of participating companies for your state.  Afterwards, you can download a certificate and a virtual challenge coin to recognize your organization.

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Warehouse Inspection Checklist

Warehouse Inspection Checklist

Jul 22, 2022

Why is warehouse safety important?

Warehouse managers have a difficult job. Not only do they need to keep their facility running smoothly, they need to ensure the safety of their workers, and facilitate warehouse operations.

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), warehouse managers face a number of potential hazards in their workplace, including unsafe use of a forklift, improper stacking, and unsatisfactory fire safety provisions. These line items plus many more will be included in an osha inspection.

How to use a warehouse safety checklist?

Maintaining compliance with industry safety standards is critical for any business, but can be especially difficult for small businesses. One way to ensure compliance especially before a company is required to do a formal safety audit is to use safety inspection checklists that are compliant with OSHA standards. iSi offers a checklist free of charge to help companies start their compliance journey.

Additionally, using pre-written checklists can help reduce the amount of time spent on safety inspections, allowing business owners to focus on their core operations. Finding a warehouse safety checklist is the first step to this process.

What should be checked during warehouse safety inspections?

Forklifts:

In any warehouse, forklift accidents are a major concern that can facilitate numerous hazards. Forklift operators need to be properly trained and aware of potential safety risks, especially while loading docks. In order to avoid injuries, it is important to maintain haulage equipment, make sure it is in good working order, never exceed 5 mph outside or in a warehouse, examine the area before driving a forklift, and perform regular checks on all equipment.

Docks and Dock doors

Injuries can occur when warehouse employees are struck by items or equipment falling from the dock or while loading dock doors, when the forklift runs off the dock, or when employees engage in “dock jumping.” It is important for the safety of workers to drive slowly, never go in reverse, and wear a hard hat. Ladders and stairs should meet OSHA’s guidelines, and “dock jumping” should be prohibited.

Material Storage

A good item to examine on the warehouse safety checklist is material storage. Warehouses are often dangerous places to work, as the slightest mistake can lead to a worker being injured. In order to keep workers safe, it is important that warehouses implement safety measures to prevent falls and other injuries from occurring. One such way to prevent falls and protect employees is by positioning items evenly throughout the warehouse and on storage racks.

This means that when workers walk through the warehouse, they will not have to navigate around large piles of boxes or other items. This is important for the safety of the workers. Placing heavier loads in lower distances will also help to keep workers safe, as it will be easier for them to maintain their balance when carrying heavy objects. Implementing these simple safety measures can help keep your workers safe and injury-free.

Charging Station

In the warehouse, one of the most important safety steps you can take is to identify hazards and know how to prevent them. According to OSHA, there are a number of things that you can add to your warehouse safety inspection checklist to maintain warehouse safety, including banning smoking and open flames, keeping an adequate inventory of fire extinguishers, and properly positioning forklifts before charging.

Chemicals

In order to be compliant with local, state, and federal regulations, it is important for warehouses to have safety data sheets (SDSs) on hand. SDSs are documents that contain all the relevant information about hazardous materials and chemicals, including its hazards, proper storage and handling, first-aid and firefighting measures, toxicological information, and more.

For warehouses that store hazardous chemicals, it is especially important to be up to date with all regulations. This is because hazardous materials and chemicals can pose a danger to employees if not handled properly. In order to prevent accidents, employees will need regular training and management should preform regular inspections.

Warehouses should make sure they have up-to-date SDSs for all of their chemicals. Having these documents on hand will help ensure a safe work environment and the warehouse is in good standing with all regulations.

Person lifting or handling

For employees who are performing regular lifting and handling of heavy objects, quick is not safe. Most cases of back pain are caused by strain or injury to the muscles, ligaments, or discs in the back. The good news is that these injuries can often be prevented by using proper lifting techniques as well as storing heavy or cumbersome items preoprly on storage racks.

Security System

As technology advances, more and more businesses are turning to warehouse security systems to protect their investments. With the installation of alarms and surveillance cameras near all access points, business owners can rest easy knowing that their facilities are under 24/7 monitoring. While there are many companies that offer these services, it is important to do your research before selecting a provider.

One of the first things you will want to consider when hiring a security company is their experience in servicing storage areas and other sensitive locations. It is also important to look at the quality of their equipment. In addition, the company should offer cloud storage so that you can access videos from anywhere at any time.

Finally, be sure to ask about the company’s customer service policies. You should expect 24/7 support in case of an emergency.

Fencing

Most people know that fences provide a layer of security by keeping unauthorized individuals out of a designated area. What many people don’t realize, however, is that fences also need to be routinely inspected in order to ensure they are still structurally sound and haven’t been compromised. Just as you would perform maintenance on your car or home, it’s important to inspect your fence on a regular basis and identify safety hazards to prevent any unwanted access or damage from happening.

Employees

Employees that can identify when something doesn’t seem right can be your best protection against potential security breakdowns. This should be a part of your hazard communication. Security breaches can happen anywhere, at any time, so it’s important to have a plan in place for how to handle them. That means having employees who are alert and paying attention to their surroundings, and who know what to do if something seems suspicious.

What are the most common warehouse safety hazards?

Fire Safety

A warehouse is a large, open space where goods are stored and processed. Because of the nature of their work, warehouses pose a unique fire risk. In order to ensure that your warehouse is as safe as possible in the event of a fire, it is important to take some precautions.

The most important thing you can do is make sure that your warehouse is well-marked with clear exit signs and that there are adequate fire extinguishers available. You should also store flammable materials in a safe place and make sure that wires are properly insulated. Having proper emergency exits, fire exits, and fire alarms can and will save lives as well as products.

Falls

It’s no secret that safety is of utmost importance in the workplace. Every employee should be aware of the proper safety protocols to follow in case of an emergency. In addition, it’s important to take measures to ensure the safety of employees while they are working.

This may include using safety railings, harnesses, and other protective devices. It’s also beneficial to cordon off uneven or damaged areas while repairs are being made.

Heavy machinery

Heavy equipment is often essential to completing construction or other tasks. However, working with this equipment can be dangerous if not done properly. It is important that you take the necessary precautions to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you when using heavy equipment. All vehicles

Some tips to keep in mind are: being aware of your surroundings, safely entering and exiting equipment, sustaining communication with other workers, using appropriate spotter signals, creating buffer zones, and workers knowing when to stop so that they are not in a dangerous situation.

Trip hazards

It’s no secret that the warehouse industry is a dangerous one. Every year, workers in a warehouse are injured and killed on the job because of common hazards. In an effort to reduce these numbers, it’s important for employers to be aware of the most common warehouse safety hazards and take steps to correct them.

One of the most common types of accidents in a warehouse is a slip or trip. This can be caused by many things, such as poor lighting, loose materials on the floor, spills, or uneven flooring.

To avoid these accidents, it’s important for employers to take steps to improve visibility and make sure that all surfaces are even and free of hazards. Implementing hazard signs and caution tape can also help increase awareness among workers.

Overexertion

What are overexertion injuries? For example, injuries caused by lifting, pushing, pulling, holding, carrying, or throwing objects all fall under the category of overexertion.

To help prevent overexertion-related accidents, your workers must receive proper safety training. In particular, learning how to lift and carry objects without injury is a vital part of warehouse worker training.

Carrying heavy items improperly can result in a number of different types of injuries: back strains and sprains, hernias, neck strains and sprains, shoulder strains and sprains. Injuries like these can keep your workers off the job for weeks or even months at a time. That’s why it’s so important to make sure your workers know how to safely lift and carry boxes and other items in the warehouse setting.

Falling objects

Working in a warehouse almost guarantees that some materials will be stacked on racks above everyone’s heads. Hard hats, hard hats, hard hats… is the number one thing every person should be wearing to prevent injury. Therefore, it’s possible for items to fall from those racks and cause injuries or get lost in the flue space. In order to prevent these things from happening, a safety protocol should be put into place.

That protocol should include the use of a safety harness, regular inspections of the racks, and employee training on how to properly stack materials.

Lack of Awareness

The biggest hazard in warehouse safety is lack of awareness. When you go through your warehouse safety checklists make sure your warehouse workers, co-workers, and managers are practicing situational awareness.

To help maintain this level of awareness, your team should know all current regulations and latest regulations as well as provide effective training to all workers. When you provide training make sure to include hazard communication with warehouse workers and take preventive measures to keep everyone safe.

If an incident arises, take immediate corrective actions and safety procedures, create reports of the incident and leave the warehouse in good condition.

How do warehouse inspections work?

Warehouse safety inspections, also known as warehouse audits, are an important part of maintaining a safe and efficient working environment in a warehouse setting for warehouse staff. By following a set of documented processes, employers can ensure employee safety, protect inventory from theft or damage, and optimize workflows and procedures. A warehouse safety checklist can help to guide warehouse workers through the necessary steps to complete an effective inspection. Inspections is a warehousing industry standard.

Conclusion:

Having a warehouse is an important part of any business, and it’s essential to make sure they are functioning properly. A warehouse inspection checklist can help you do just that.

A good inspection checklist will cover all the key areas of a warehouse, from the inventory to the security systems. It should also be customized to your specific needs, so that you can be sure nothing is missed.

A well-executed warehouse inspection can help you identify any potential problems before they become serious issues. It can also help you ensure that your warehouse is running as efficiently as possible, which can save you time and money in the long run.

Where Do You Go From Here?

iSi can help you get a baseline on your environmental compliance responsibilities and help you prioritize the ones which are most critical to be taken care of.  Request a quote for an environmental audit today!  Need more information about these issues?  Contact us at (888) 264-7050 or email us!

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Sustainability Software

Sustainability Software

Jul 16, 2022

Sustainability software is a powerful tool for businesses and organizations that are looking to become more sustainable and reduce their carbon footprint. This type of software collects data on energy usage, waste disposal, water consumption, and other environmental factors in order to measure the sustainability performance of an organization or business.

It can provide detailed reports showing which areas need improvement as well as suggest ways to reduce emissions and optimize resource use. By collecting this data, companies can set goals and reach them with greater accuracy and efficiency than ever before.

With sustainability programs, organizations have the power to make a real difference in the world around them while also saving money in the long run by reducing their energy costs. In short, it’s a win-win proposition for everyone involved.

Sustainability software is an important tool in the fight against climate change. By taking a more holistic view of sustainability, companies can make decisions that will benefit everyone – from individuals to corporations, and even entire nations.

The data provided by these solutions helps organizations and businesses understand where they stand with regards to their ESG goals and objectives, while also providing them with the tools they need to achieve their desired results. With the right software in place, organizations are well on their way towards making sustainable progress for years to come.

What is Sustainability Software?

Sustainability software is a type of technology that helps organizations reduce their environmental footprint. It provides tools and resources for companies to track, monitor, and improve the sustainability performance of their operations. By utilizing data-driven insights, businesses can make informed decisions about how to reduce waste, increase energy efficiency, and ultimately create a sustainable future.

Sustainability software also helps organizations stay in compliance with regulatory bodies by providing visibility into their current eco-friendly initiatives. With this kind of software available, it’s never been easier for businesses to make meaningful changes toward creating a more sustainable world.

10 sustainability management software providers to consider:

  1. IBM

  2. Metrio

  3. Microsoft

  4. FigBytes

  5. Ecometrica

  6. Benchmark Digital Partners

  7. Diligent ESG

  8. OneTrust

  9. Persefoni

  10. SAP

Sustainability and ESG Data & Reporting

Sustainability data and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) data are an increasingly important part of corporate responsibility. Companies are now under pressure to demonstrate their commitment to upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct in all of their operations. As a result, sustainability reporting and ESG reporting have become key components of effective corporate governance.

Companies must be able to clearly articulate the steps they are taking to reduce their environmental impact, address issues related to employee welfare, or improve governance structures. By doing so, companies can help ensure that stakeholders have faith in their commitment to responsible business practices and set themselves up for long-term success, especially with ESG and sustainability reporting.

Not only does this type of reporting help ensure that a company is adhering to best practices but it also helps them stand out in the market and attract more customers. In today’s globalized economy, businesses must prioritize sustainability reporting and ESG reporting if they want to thrive in an ever-changing landscape. These should act as your company’s reporting solutions which will generate reports that drive data reliability and sustainability goals.

Key features in sustainability management software

Sustainability management software is designed to help businesses and organizations track, measure, and manage their sustainability efforts. The key features in this type of software include data collection capabilities, reporting metrics tools, visualization dashboards, risk analysis tools, and integration with other systems.

Data collection allows organizations to collate information from numerous sources including internal business operations, external environmental sources, and more. Reporting metrics provide insights into the organization’s sustainability performance and how it can be improved.

Visualization dashboards allow users to easily comprehend complex data in an interactive format. Risk analysis tools offer more sophisticated insights into potential risks associated with a business or organization.

Lastly, integration with other systems allows for seamless integration of various data sources and a unified view of sustainability performance. With all these features, organizations can better understand the impacts of their sustainability initiatives and how to improve them.

Benefits From Professional Sustainability Management Solutions

Leading sustainability software providers can help businesses achieve their environmental and social objectives, as well as reduce costs. These solutions provide businesses with tools to improve their efficiency and reduce energy consumption, thus reducing their carbon emissions and overall carbon footprint.

Additionally, by understanding the impacts of their operations and taking appropriate action, businesses are able to increase the value of their products or services more sustainably. Furthermore, sustainability management solutions can help businesses with their public relations, as they demonstrate a commitment to social responsibility.

With Metrio sustainability reporting software, you can easily collect, analyze, disclose, report and communicate your ESG data. Our software enables organizations to compare and save data in a centralized platform, enabling better decision-making and improved corporate sustainability performance.

Finally, by understanding the current and potential impacts of their operations, businesses can create positive relationships with stakeholders by implementing responsible strategies for long-term sustainability which ultimately empowers organizations.

Sustainability Progress – The Need is High, But Progress is Slow

Sustainability Progress is an integral part of achieving a more sustainable global future. It involves making changes to our lifestyles, businesses, and communities that promote environmental responsibility and long-term economic growth.

Through setting and monitoring progress goals with specific targets, companies can track their own performance while demonstrating commitment to corporate sustainability objectives. Stakeholders are able to assess and evaluate a company’s commitments to sustainability, enabling better decision-making and improved corporate transparency.

Net-Zero Emissions Targets are a Top Priority

Net-Zero Emissions is an important concept in the global effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prevent further climate change. This goal seeks to achieve a balance between releasing carbon into the atmosphere and removing it from the atmosphere by using strategies such as renewable energy production, carbon accounting, energy efficiency measures, and carbon capture and storage technologies. This can help campnys measure and manage their portfolio exposure to climate risks and financed emissions as they navigate the risks and opportunities in the net-zero transition.

The ultimate aim is for society to reach a point where the level of greenhouse gas emissions released is equal to the amount that is taken out, thus creating a cycle of zero net emissions. Emissions management software can help achieve this goal.

Tackle your Scope 3 Challenge

As with any challenge, the first step to success is understanding the problem. When it comes to tackling Scope 3 emissions, this means gaining an in-depth knowledge of your business’s sources of emissions and the different strategies you can use for reducing them. Once you have a clear picture of what needs to be done, you can start mapping out your Scope 3 emissions reduction plan, taking into account all of the relevant stakeholders and resources.

Ultimately, as part of a good sustainability strategy, you’ll need to develop a comprehensive action plan for reducing emissions, based on the best practices for energy efficiency and low-carbon operations. Setting targets and timelines will help you stay focused and motivated towards achieving your goals.

Finally, consider how you can collaborate with other companies in order to share expertise and resources, which will make it easier to reduce emissions across your entire supply chain. With careful planning and commitment, you can make strides towards meeting your Scope 3 emission reduction objectives.

Are you ready to start your Corporate Sustainability journey?

Our team of experts can help you with whatever compliance issues you may be facing. Whether it is understanding the complexities of a given regulation or recognizing where your company needs to improve, we have the necessary skills and experience to provide assistance. We will take the time to understand your unique needs and develop tailored solutions that address those needs. For facilites looking for help navigating the often perplexing regulatory landscape, contact us today!

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Does this new change pertain to your company? Our team can help you figure it out and can help with other air compliance issues.

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iSi’s Top 8 Gaps Found in Environmental Audits

iSi’s Top 8 Gaps Found in Environmental Audits

Jul 16, 2022

​Environmental regulations are enforced by federal, state and local governments. How do you make sure you have your bases covered? An environmental audit can determine your current status and what your vulnerabilities are.

iSi’s environmental audits cover air, wastewater, stormwater, waste, spill prevention, tanks, DOT and emergency planning (EPCRA) requirements. They are a mock regulatory audit, looking at all aspects of your program through data gathering, walkthroughs and records reviews.

The following are our top 8 areas of compliance we see issues with when we do our audits.

Inaccurate Permits, Registrations & Notifications

What your facility does will determine which of these you need.  For example, have you notified the proper agencies regarding your spraying, blasting, emitting, generating, collecting, storing, disposing, dumping and discharging operations?

When do your permits expire?  Do your permits reflect the operations you’re conducting now?

Notifications may need to be made to EPA, your state authority, and in some cases, municipal authorities.  Many times there will need to be notifications made BEFORE you do these operations in addition to during and after.

Have you made determinations on what category of air emissions source you are or what classification of hazardous waste generator you are?  Who do your storage tanks need to be registered with?

Inaccurate/Incomplete Facility Plans

Specific written plans are required depending on what you do or have onsite. Which apply to you? Are they updated on the frequency required?  Some examples include:

  • Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Plans
  • Work Practice Implementation Plans (WPIP)
  • Storm Water Pollutions Prevention Plans (SWP3)
  • Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure (SPCC) Plans
  • Facility Response Plans (FRP)
  • Emergency Response Action Plans (ERAP)
  • DOT Security Plans
  • Hazardous Waste Contingency Plans
Missing/Incomplete Facility Inspections

Are you conducting the inspections which apply to you, on the frequency required?  What documentation is required?  Some typical issues we see missing inspections include:

  • Air
  • SWP3
  • SPCC
  • FRP
  • DOT
  • Hazardous Waste
Missing/Incomplete Facility Tracking

Are you tracking your air emissions correctly? What about waste generation? Tier II or Form R chemicals?  In many cases what you purchase and how much you use need to be tracked.  What do your permits require?  Are you past the usage allowed?  Have you changed a process which was not accounted for in the permit?

These are the areas many companies do not track their usage:

  • Air Emissions
    • Volatile Organic Compounds
    • Hazardous Air Pollutants
    • Particulate Matter
  • Waste Generation
  • Tier II
  • Form R
Inaccurate/Incomplete Reporting

We see a lot of issues with inaccurate and incomplete reporting.  This affects all areas of environmental issues. Reports can be required to monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, and annually?  What does your state/city/county require vs. what’s required federally?

When you have a spill, who are you reporting that to?  There are federal and state regulations which require you to make phone calls to certain authorities based upon the quantity and location.  Besides 9-1-1 or your spill contractor, you may need to report a spill to local emergency planning, the National Response Center, your state authorities.  Do you have a plan for this?  Have you done this and is it documented?

Inaccurate/Undocumented Training

Have you conducted the training you are required to?  Are the right people trained?  In addition to environmental training, please keep in mind that some regulatory agencies cross over in their requirements.  Don’t assume that because you’ve had hazardous waste training, that will suffice for shipping hazardous materials, or if you’ve had OSHA HAZWOPER training that will work for hazardous waste.  There are differences between EPA, OSHA and Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations and the training required for each.

Annual training is required for hazardous waste and per many environmental plans.  Do you have a mechanism to track this?  Are you doing this and has your training been documented?

Do you have job descriptions on file for your people?

Incomplete/Inaccurate Records

Are you keeping required records? Where are they kept and for how long?  Documentation is critical and will save you from many hassles in an inspection.  Are you keeping records for onsite inspections, training, and notifications?  Are they easily accessible?

Poor Day-to-Day Facility Management

Is there a disconnect in the proper way to do something vs. how it’s actually being done?  Spot checks and walkthroughs are just as important for environmental issues as they are for safety.  Many times we see worksites where the same issues keep cropping up on a regular basis.  Are issues you’ve been cited for in the past still popping up at your facility?

For example, are your hazardous materials going into the proper containers?  Are the containers closed and sealed?  Are they properly labeled?  Have your hazardous waste containers been sitting onsite for past the allotted time frame?  What are you doing with your spent fluorescent bulbs?

Do you have proper containment around your tanks?  Are containments cracked or able to leak?

Where is your stormwater being directed?  Do you have vehicles or equipment which leak oils that could come into contact with rainwater where the oils could be transported offsite?

Some of the most common areas we see issues include:

  • Air Emissions
  • Stormwater
  • SPCC
  • Waste
  • DOT
Where Do You Go From Here?

iSi can help you get a baseline on your environmental compliance responsibilities and help you prioritize the ones which are most critical to be taken care of.  Request a quote for an environmental audit today!  Need more information about these issues?  Contact us at (888) 264-7050 or email us!

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OSHA’s Hexavalent Chromium Standard Case Study and Regs

OSHA’s Hexavalent Chromium Standard Case Study and Regs

Jul 8, 2022

iSi works with a number of different companies, and when we see results of regulatory inspections, we like to use them as examples to perhaps help give other companies some insight into what to do with their own compliance.  Quite a few companies are subject to OSHA’s Hexavalent Chromium Standard for either General Industry or Construction, so many that OSHA has had a National Emphasis Program for this for quite a few years.

The types of operations with hexavalent chromium exposures include:

  • Manufacturing of Aircraft, Stainless Steel, Paint, Chemicals, or Pre-Cast Concrete
  • Metal Finishing and Preparation
  • Electroplating
  • Painting or Sanding of Painted Parts
  • Welding of Stainless Steel
  • Iron and Steel Mills and Foundries
  • Printing
  • Construction
  • Chemical Mixing
  • Waste Handling
  • Tanning Leather
  • Handling Catalysts

OSHA Inspection Case Study

A metal finishing company that iSi works with has been working to comply with the hexavalent chromium standard, having iSi conduct their quarterly monitoring and issuing employee notices while the company handles the other elements of the program.  After an employee complaint, OSHA arrived onsite to look at hexavalent chromium compliance.   This is the type of company already on OSHA’s target list for the emphasis program.  The result of the inspection was three violations of the standard.

The first violation was for not having required change rooms.  The company did have a locker area for the employees to change at, and it was in a separate area behind their 3 paint booths.  OSHA found fault with this because there was no demarcation between where the paint booths ended, and the clean room began.  The contaminated portion wasn’t clearly marked.  There also wasn’t separate storage for protective clothing vs. street clothes, only the lockers.  A second violation was cited for this area because there was no sink in the immediate area for washing. OSHA decided the sink that was being used to clean up was too far causing potential contamination to areas outside the regulated area. These two items were cited together since they were part of the same portion of the standard, and the original fine was at a Serious level for $8,192.

The third item was a citation for finding hexavalent chromium in the break area.  There are no set limits on the amount of hexavalent chromium that can be found on surfaces.  Wipe samples indicated levels of 0.05 µg/m3, a very low level detected.  However, it was still enough to be detected and the company was fined for a Serious violation at $5,461.

The total fine was $13,653, which is OSHA’s minimum fine amount for any Serious violation.  With many violations, the company was given a chance to reduce the fine through an Expedited Informal Settlement Agreement, still leaving a violation of over $8,000.

So what are the hexavalent chromium standard’s rules for General Industry and Construction?

The Rules – General Industry
29 CFR 1910.1026

The permissible exposure limit (PEL) for hexavalent chromium is 5 micrograms per cubic meter (5 µg/m3) in an 8-hour time weighted average (TWA). There is also an Action Level that triggers parts of the standard that begins at 2.5 µg/m3.

Make an Exposure Determination

Companies are required to make an Initial Exposure Determination by conducting employee exposure sampling to determine your exposures, including enough breathing zone samples to characterize a full shift, do representative sampling for each shift the exposure can occur using the employee with the greatest potential exposure, or use other air monitoring, historical data and performance-oriented sampling.  If the results are at or above the Action Level, periodic monitoring is required every 6 months, and if they’re above the PEL, monitoring is required quarterly. Notify your employees within 15 business days of the results of monitoring, and if you’re above the PEL, you need to include what corrective action is being taken.

You’re not allowed to rotate employees’ job assignments in order to not meet the PEL requirements.

Establish Regulated Areas

Formally establish the area where employee exposures can be expected above the PEL and then clearly demarcate and label that area from the rest of the workplace to alert employees of its boundaries.  Limit access to this area to only authorized personnel. Regulated Areas can not be used for eating, drinking or smoking nor can any of these items be taken into a Regulated Area such as a pack of gum or cigarettes in an employee’s pocket.

Engineering Controls and PPE

Your first responsibility is to use engineering controls where possible, and if not feasible, reduce the levels as low as you can and then use personal protective equipment (PPE), such as respirators.  The aircraft industry is required to use engineering/work practice controls to reduce exposures to at least 25 µg/m3.  If employees are not exposed for more than 30 days/year, then this requirement does not apply.

Protective Clothing and Equipment (PPE)

Contaminated PPE and other waste and debris must be removed at the end of the shift or completion of tasks and placed into sealed, impermeable bags or containers.  No PPE leaves the workplace and can be laundered as long as those who are laundering are alerted to the harmful effects of hexavalent chromium, that it cannot become airborne and requires minimal skin and eye contact.  Remove contaminated PPE from the change rooms and ensure these bags and containers are properly labeled per Hazard Communication requirements.  PPE cannot be shaken or blown down to remove the dust.

Also, for EPA purposes, all waste material needs to have a waste determination and any debris or waste may be considered hazardous due to the chromium levels.  Make sure you have a determination for these materials.

Hygiene Areas

Provide changing rooms with separate storage for contaminated clothes and equipment and the employees’ street clothes.  Provide washing facilities, with employees washing prior to eating, drinking, smoking, chewing tobacco/gum, applying makeup or using the restroom.  Employees are not to do these activities within the marked off regulated area.  Any eating or drinking areas need to be as free of hexavalent chromium as practicable, and employees are not to wear contaminated clothing/equipment in those areas.

Housekeeping

All surfaces need to be as free as possible of hexavalent chromium.  Clean using wet methods or HEPA vacuums first, and only use dry shoveling/brushing/sweeping where the HEPA vacuum wasn’t effective.  No compressed air can be used to blow the dust.

Initial and Annual Medical Surveillance

Employees who exceed the Action Level must be provided, at no cost to the employee, initial and annual medical surveillance for those with the following situations:

  • Greater than 30 days of exposure (within 30 days for initial, then annually)
  • Exposure in an emergency (within 30 days)
  • Those exhibiting symptoms of exposure (within 30 days)
  • Those terminated (if exposed within past 6 months)

Hazard Communication (Hazcom) and Training Requirements

Include hexavalent chromium in your Hazcom program, including container labeling, SDSs, and training.  Training for hexavalent chromium needs to include all of the requirements of the standard as well as provisions for medical surveillance.

Recordkeeping

You must keep records of your air monitoring data (who – names and job positions, when, where, method used, results, PPE used, other data used) as well as medical surveillance records and training records.

Most Hexavalent Chromium Exposures – General Industry

Electroplating – Hard chrome plating, decorative chrome plating, anodized chrome plating when placing and removing products into and from the bath, rinsing with water, and replenishing bath with chromate solution or powder.

Welding – Welding stainless steel, welding in confined spaces on stainless and carbon steel, indoor welding without engineering controls. Exposures come from welding fumes generated from the base metal and applied coatings, electrode coatings, high-chromium nickel alloy electrodes and chromium-containing filler metals.

Painting – Spray painting, abrasive blasting for the removal of chrome containing paint/primer, sanding or grinding on chrome-covered materials. Hexavalent chromium found in paint include strontium chromate and zinc chromate, and even the blasting grit will contain paint waste-containing chrome.

Foundries, Steel Mills, Molten Metal Operations — Furnace and crane operations, molten metal pouring and transfer, tapping, surface conditioning, hot rolling, torch cutting and gouging, and welding.

The Rules – Construction
29 CFR 1926.1126

The hexavalent chromium rules for the construction industry are pretty much the same as those in general industry, with the following exceptions:

  • Employee notices of monitoring must be provided to employees within 5 days rather than 15
  • The sections on Regulated Areas and Housekeeping are not included in the construction standard.

Most Hexavalent Chromium Exposures – Construction

Painting and Surface Operations – Removal of chromate-containing paint and primer for surface preparation of existing steel (bridges, water towers, and industrial buildings), abrasive blasting and equipment maintenance for site cleanup following abrasive blasting.

Welding and Thermal Cutting – Welding stainless steel and welding in confined spaces or indoor conditions, for both stainless steel and carbon (mild) steel (industrial piping and vessels; architectural facades; constructional structures; boilers; indoor architecture; petrochemical structures; shipbuilding; and turbine blades.), brazing, thermal cutting and boilermaker work.

Concrete Operations – Certain mixes, such as Portland Cement, are know to contain hexavalent chromium and operations such as mixing, pouring or cutting dry cement may release the chromium to the air and become a breathing hazard.

What does your hexavalent chromium area look like?  Are you following the regulation requirements and monitoring your employees?  iSi works with many companies who are required to comply with this standard, so we’re well versed in how to help.  Contact us today!

Program Assistance

Need help determining where you stand with hexavalent chromium compliance?  Need sampling or an audit to see what you’re missing?  We can help!

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iSi Environmental – Hazardous Waste Disposal

iSi Environmental – Hazardous Waste Disposal

Jul 1, 2022

Hazardous waste management is essential for your operations. Our responsive hazardous waste management services provide safe, compliant, and sustainable solutions for the collection, disposal, treatment, recycling, and transportation of hazardous waste materials. With three decades of experience in the industry and a national network of facilities and transportation infrastructure, our team is equipped to meet all your hazardous waste management needs.

Choose iSi Environmental for Hassle-Free Hazardous Waste Disposal!

You and your company want to be environmentally responsible, but you struggle to find reliable companies for your hazardous waste disposal. With global supply chain and transportation disruptions, all businesses are looking for responsive and reliable services, at a fair price. Today, more than ever, getting a competitive price from a waste disposal company requires sacrificing predictable transportation. It doesn’t have to be this way, and, frankly, your facility management expects more from their waste disposal company. Businesses cannot afford to have containers sitting on the loading dock, disrupting production, and causing service delays to your end customers.

iSi Environmental is a leading provider of hazardous waste industry services. Our team has over three decades of experience working with facility hazardous waste, and we are committed to providing safe, compliant, and sustainable solutions for your needs. Whether you need to dispose of electronic waste or industrial products, we have the hazardous waste experts and resources to help you achieve your goals. With our professional services, you can rest assured that your hazardous waste transportation will be handled in a responsible and compliant manner. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you!

The iSi Environmental Advantage:

– Trusted leader in hazardous waste services with over 30 years of experience

– Offers many benefits, including peace of mind knowing that your waste disposal will be managed responsibly and in compliance with all regulatory requirements

– Team of hazardous waste experts committed to finding safe, compliant, and sustainable options for the widest range of waste streams

– Nationwide network of facilities and transportation infrastructure

– Flexibility to meet all your hazardous and non hazardous waste disposal needs

– Focus on process safety, compliance, and sustainability

– Extensive experience and expertise in hazardous waste management services

– Dedicated to helping our customers achieve their hazardous waste disposal goals

– Commitment to excellence ensures that all our services meet the highest standards

– Effective and reliable hazardous waste removal solutions that are safe, compliant, and sustainable.

What is hazardous waste and why do I need to manage it?

Hazardous waste is any waste that poses a potential threat to human health or nature. It can be any type of waste, from industrial and commercial waste to household products. Managing hazardous waste presents unique challenges and is essential for protecting people and our earth from the potential hazards posed by these materials.

What are the different types of hazardous waste?

There are many different types of hazardous waste, including industrial waste, medical waste, electronic waste, universal waste products, radioactive waste, waste sludge, non hazardous waste, and household hazardous waste. Each type of waste has its own unique set of hazards that need to be managed appropriately.

How can I safely dispose of my hazardous waste?

Disposing of hazardous waste can be difficult and confusing. There are many different methods for disposing of hazardous waste, and each disposal method has its own set of risks and benefits. Hazardous waste disposal can be accomplished through a variety of methods, including treatment, landfills, recycling, and incineration. The best removal option for hazardous waste will depend on the type of waste and the specific regulations in your area. Working with professional hazardous waste disposal services can help ensure the removal of waste is handled safely and legally.

What are the benefits of using a professional hazardous waste management service?

Professional hazardous waste disposal services offer a number of benefits, including expert knowledge and guidance, cost-effective solutions, reliable transportation and storage options, and compliance with all local regulations. Whether you need removal of liquid or solid hazardous waste, non hazardous waste, or household products, working with a reputable hazardous waste experts can help ensure that your waste is handled safely and responsibly.

The Hazards of Hazardous Waste

Hazardous wastes pose many risks to human health and the planet, including contamination of soil and water, damage to ecosystems, and exposure to toxic chemicals that can cause serious health problems. Disposing of hazardous waste safely is essential for protecting people and the environment from these hazards.

Why You Can’t Afford to Ignore Hazardous Waste Management

Hazardous waste administration is a critical part of any business or organization, yet many people choose to ignore this important issue. Whether you are dealing with industrial waste, non hazardous waste, or household products, failing to manage your waste disposal responsibly can lead to serious consequences, including hefty fines, damage to your reputation, and even jail time. Ignoring hazardous waste is simply not an option if you want to protect your business or organization.

How iSi Environmental Can Help You with Your Hazardous Waste Disposal Needs

iSi Environmental is a leading provider of hazardous waste disposal services. We offer a wide range of management solutions for the collection, transportation, and disposal of hazardous waste materials. With more than three decades of experience in the industry, our team is equipped to handle any hazardous waste disposal challenge. iSi’s hazardous waste disposal experts can create a safe, cost-effective, and legal treatment approach for the disposal of your hazardous materials and byproducts regardless on their size or content. We offer responsive customer service, competitive pricing, and a commitment to compliance with all local, state, and federal regulatory guidelines. Contact us today to learn more about our hazardous waste disposal services process and how we can help you keep your organization safe and compliant. Responsive and attentive service is only one call away.

Disposal Services:

  • Radioactive Waste
  • Industrial Waste
  • Lab Packs
  • Sludge
  • Chemical Waste
  • Medical Waste
  • Toxic Waste
  • Paint Waste
  • Non Hazardous Waste Disposal
  • Hazardous Waste Removal
  • Containers and Supplies
  • Facility Management

Disposal Facility Options:

  • Recycling
  • Landfill
  • Underground Storage
  • Incineration
  • Fuel Blending Facilities

 

Questions to ask your hazardous waste disposal companies:

 

Will the onboarding and implementation process be time consuming?

iSi Environmental’s waste disposal services offers a seamless onboarding experience. Responsive client service has allowed our firm to experience continuous growth over the last three decades.

Do your disposal facilities handle radioactive waste?

With a wide variety of disposal solutions, iSi will work to find appropriate disposal options for your radioactive waste.

Do you offer on-site logistics management services?

Our Facility Support Services can help you to streamline facility operations and allow your team to better focus on supplying products to the end customers. With experience in transportation, logistics, warehousing, and onsite waste and recycling activities, we have unique experience to benefit your operations.

Do you offer a wide array of disposal facilities and treatment technologies for my waste? (landfill, incineration, recycling, or reuse facility disposal options)

We offer a wide range of disposal facilities and treatment options, including landfill, incineration, recycling, or reuse facility disposal options.

Are you familiar with my industry specific, local, state, and federal regulations?

iSi has performed waste consulting in 30+ states across the United States. Having worked in production facilities prior to consulting, our staff has wide ranging industry knowledge. As a backup, we use a software that highlights industry specific regulatory requirements by state and municipality.

Can you provide examples of similar disposal projects?

On request, we can provide examples of similar disposal or recycling projects.

What types of containers can you provide to us?

We offer a wide variety of containers, including drums, totes, bags, and boxes. We also have a wide range of capacities available, from small to large. Please feel free to contact us at 888-264-7050 and we would be more than happy to help you select the right container for your needs.

Can you provide a origin/destination workflow for my paint waste, toxic waste, sludge, chemical waste, or medical waste?

Yes, we can provide an origin/destination workflow for your paint waste, toxic waste, sludge, chemical waste, or medical waste. Please feel free to contact us at 888-264-7050 and we can discuss your specific workflow needs.

Do you offer hazardous waste removal or remediation services?

Outside of disposal services, we have a separate division within iSi that can assist with the removal of hazardous waste and perform remediation service at your facility

How quickly can you deliver lab packs to my facility?

Depending on facility location, iSi can usually deliver lab packs as soon as 24 hours. Please feel free to contact us and we would be more than happy to confirm availability and delivery time for your specific needs.

Do you offer containment materials and PPE for purchase?

Our convenient software platform provides all the containment materials and PPE a facility could need. We participate in a consortium of buyers that allows our clients to receive a competitive price on all available items.

Would you be able to share business references from companies similar to mine?

We would be happy to share business references from companies similar to yours. Reach out to us at 888-264-7050 and we will provide you with any information you need.

Do you offer bulk on-site liquid storage containers?

Yes, we offer a variety of bulk on-site liquid storage containers. Our service partners carry a variety of container types and sizes. We would be happy to discuss options with you.

Can you assist in a zero waste to landfill program?

iSi is available to assist your management team in pursuit of sustainability and your ‘zero waste to landfill’ strategy. Our years of experience inside industrial settings can aide in the removal of defaulting to landfill for your hazardous waste disposal needs and shift the focus to recycling and reuse.

Where can I dispose of paint in Wichita KS?

Chemical waste is not acceptable. Instead bring it to the local household waste disposal facility, located at 801 Stillwell, Wichita, KS 67213. The cost is zero.

Are there Kansas hazardous waste disposal options?

Services are available statewide and across the region. Specific cities served in this region include:

  • Wichita, Kansas
  • El Dorado, Kansas
  • Kansas City Metro Area
  • Omaha, Nebraska
  • Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
  • Tulsa, Oklahoma

What is considered hazmat waste?

Hazardous waste are materials that may be harmful to human health and environmental conditions. Hazardous waste can be solid, liquid. They are a collection of discarded materials, such as cleaning fluids or chemicals, as well as byproducts from manufacturing processes.

What is a Subtitle C landfill?

Subtitle C landfills include Hazardous Waste Landfills. These are specialty sites that accepts hazardous waste for disposal. This waste disposal system has no use as a waste dump.

How do I dispose of old CNC coolant?

If a fluid waste is not considered nonhazardous, the material may be disposed at the treatment plant or if the sewer is allowed into the water supply, discharged into the municipal sewer system for non hazardous waste disposal.

How do you get rid of chemical waste?

Chemical waste is regulated under the Resources Conservation and Recovery Act of the United States (RCRA). The materials are not acceptable for disposal at sewage treatment stations or in the normal garbage collection. Almost all chemical waste is disposed of as EHS hazardous waste.

How do companies get rid of chemicals?

Since industrial biproducts may cause harm to humans and the planet, environmental protection agencies are imposing restrictions on industrial chemicals. The most common disposal procedures are burning waste incinerated land or infiltration of underground water.

How do you get rid of a biohazard?

All biohazard liquids are preferably autoclavable before disposal.

How do companies get rid of toxic waste?

The Environmental Protection Agency has restricted the disposal of industrial chemicals. Incineration is a common treatment process and land and underground injection holes are also available to remove waste.

What certifications do your drivers have?

Our drivers are certified in hazmat transportation. Please feel free to contact us at 888-264-7050 and we would be more than happy to help you with your specific needs.

Need Assistance?

Let iSi’s EHS team help you improve your company’s hazardous waste compliance.  How can we help?  Contact us!

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OSHA Compliance Checklists

OSHA Compliance Checklists

Jun 23, 2022

OSHA Compliance Checklists

What is a OSHA compliance checklist?

From large corporations or small business owners, a safety checklist is a tool that can be used to identify potential hazards in any given situation. OSHA provides a variety of checklists for different industries and applications, each of which can help to ensure the safety of workers and others in the area. Some may also know this as an OSH act. Some of these OSHA checklists include occupational safety checklist, OSHA inspection checklist, self inspection checklists, inspection checklists, osha inspection checklists.

By taking the time to review these checklists and implementing them into your safety procedures, you can help to create a safer workplace for everyone involved.

What is the OSH Act?

The Occupational Safety and Health Act has been successful in helping to identify workplace hazards improving workplace safety and health conditions around the country. OSHA standards have prevented countless injuries, illnesses, and deaths. However, there is always room for improvement. employers and workers need to continue to work together to identify and address potential hazards in the workplace.

The Occupational Safety and Health Act is a law passed by the U.S. Congress in 1970 to ensure safe workplace conditions around the country. It established the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), which sets and enforces workplace health and safety standards. The OSH Act covers all private sector employers and employees, as well as some public sector employers and employees. The act covers workplaces that are under federal jurisdiction, such as those in interstate commerce or those that are part of the federal government.

The Occupational Safety and Health Act has been successful in improving workplace safety and health conditions around the country. OSHA standards have prevented countless injuries, illnesses, and deaths. However, there is always room for improvement. Employers and workers need to continue to work together to identify unsafe work practices, address recognized hazards in the workplace, and develop effective safety policies. By doing so, we can make sure that all workplaces are safe and healthy places to work and uphold industry standards.

What should you include in OSHA compliance checklist and the OSHA inspection checklist?

1. Fire protection equipment-sprinkler alarm systems, access to equipment, fire extinguishers, hoses, hydrants, fire alarm system, fire doors, local fire department contact information, portable fire extinguishers

2. Buildings- floors, stairs, roofs, walls, elevators, windows, doors

3. Hazardous products-toxic/health hazards, biohazardous infectious, bloodborne pathogens, environmental, flammable, explosive, oxidizing, gases under pressure, corrosive

4. Electrical switches-grounding, connections, electrical systems, breakers, cables, outlets, connectors. Be sure to rid the area of electrical hazards, hazardous chemicals, and hazardous energy.

5. Environment-gases, fumes, sprays, lighting, noise, ventilation

6. Hand tools-saws, power tools, wrenches, screwdrivers, explosive actuated tools

7. Containers-disposal receptacles, barrels, scrap bins, carboys, gas cylinders, solvent

8. Materials handling-hoppers, carts, dollies, bins, etc.

9. Production equipment-presses, lathes, robotics, mills, shapers, cutters, borers

10. Pressurized equipment-tanks, piping, hoses, couplings, valves, hydraulics, etc.

11. Personal protective equipment-safety glasses, respirators, gloves, hard hats, etc.

12. Personnel support equipment-ladders, catwalks, staging

13. Powered equipment-compressor equipment, engines, electrical motors, industrial trucks

14. Storage facilities-shelves, cabinets, closets, yards, floors

15. Walkways and roadways-aisles, ramps, docks, vehicle ways, confined spaces, permit required confined spaces

16. Lifting components-handles, eye-bolts, lifting lugs

17. Safety devices- emergency switches, cutoffs, mirrors, sirens, signs

18. Controls-start up switches, speed controls, manipulating controls

19. Protective guards-guards, railings, drives, chains, gear covers, pulleys, belt screens, work station

20. Hygiene & first aid facilities-washrooms, health poster, safety showers, eye wash stations, first aid supplies, illness data or illness records, self inspections etc.

21. Psychosocial hazards-workload (pace of work/too much/too little), hours of work, fatigue, issues that interrupt concentration, excessive noise, poor communication and work practices, conflicting demands, working in conflict with others, working in social isolation, or working alone and implemented health program.

What are 6 OSHA inspection checklist priorities?

  1. The Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) is designed to protect employees who may be exposed to hazardous chemicals in the workplace. The standard requires employers to prepare and implement a written Hazard Communication Program and to comply with other requirements, such as providing employees with information and training on the hazards of chemicals in the workplace.The HCS applies to all employers with employees who may be exposed to hazardous chemicals or identify hazards in the workplace. Employers must ensure that their Hazard Communication Programs are up-to-date and meet the requirements of the standard.
  2. An emergency action plan is a key element of any workplace safety program. OSHA recommends that all employers have an emergency action plan in place to ensure the safety of employees in the event of a fire or other emergency.A plan is mandatory when required by an OSHA regulations standard and are important to OSHA inspectors. An emergency action plan should be designed to meet the specific needs of the workplace and should have routine inspections to ensure it remains effective.The purpose of an emergency action plan is to provide a framework for responding to a range of emergencies, including fires, chemical spills, hazardous substances, power outages, and natural disasters. The plan should detail the steps that employees should take to evacuate the premises safely and quickly in the event of an emergency.
  3. Fire protection and safety is an important part of job safety. OSHA recommends that all employers have a Fire Prevention Plan. A plan is mandatory when required by an OSHA standard.There are a number of elements that should be included in a Fire Prevention Plan. These include:-Identifying potential fire hazards in the workplace-Developing procedures for preventing and responding to fires

    -Training employees in fire safety procedures

    -Conducting regular fire drills

    -Implement a health program and safety related work practices

    By taking these steps, employers can help ensure the safety of their employees in the event of a fire.

  4. Employers must comply with OSHA’s requirements for exit routes in the workplace. This includes providing safe and unobstructed exits, maintaining exit routes, and ensuring that employees can safely evacuate in an emergency.Exit routes must be designed and constructed to provide a means of egress from the workplace in the event of an emergency. There are three basic components to an exit route:-The path of travel to the exit-The exit itself

    -The path of travel to the assembly point outside of the building

    Employers must also provide signs and lighting that clearly mark the exit routes, and keep them clear at all times. In addition, employers must train employees on how to use exit routes safely. Fewer employees makes this process more difficult. It is important to uphold industry standards. It is also smart to have employee representatives or a safety committee help build employee exposure to emergency response in the workplace.

  5. Walking/working surfaces are one of the leading causes of serious work-related injuries and deaths. OSHA issued a final rule on November 18, 2016 on walking-working surfaces and personal fall protection systems to better protect workers in general industry from these hazards by updating and clarifying standards and adding training and inspection requirements.Some of the key provisions of the final rule include:* Requiring employers to evaluate the workplace to identify hazards and select appropriate fall protection measures* Providing specific training requirements for employees who work on walking/working surfaces

    * Adding new requirements for the use of personal fall protection systems

    * Clarifying when guardrail systems, safety net systems, or personal fall arrest systems must be used as fall protection

  6. OSHA requires employers to provide medical and first-aid personnel and supplies commensurate with the health hazards of the workplace. The details of a workplace medical and first-aid program are dependent on the circumstances of each workplace and employer.Employers, especially in general industry, must ensure that their employees have access to medically trained personnel and supplies at all times. Employees should be aware of the location of these resources, and how to access them in an emergency. First aid kits should be easily accessible, and employees should know how to use them.In addition to having access to medical personnel and supplies, employers must also ensure that their workplaces are safe. This includes providing adequate ventilation, controlling exposure to hazardous materials, personal protective equipment, and maintaining a clean and orderly work environment. A simple safety and health program should include topics such as these.

How should you and your team prepare for an OSHA audit?

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) can conduct an OSHA inspection at any time, without advance notice. Therefore, it’s important to always be prepared for OSHA inspection with a checklist. Here are some ways you can get ready:

1. Keep up with OSHA standards and requirements. Make sure you are aware of all the latest changes and updates.
2. Review your safety procedures regularly. Conduct a self audit on your own, and identify any areas that need improvement. CREATE A SELF-INSPECTION CHECKLIST. Follow up with regular inspections of your audit findings.
3. Educate your employees on OSHA standards and your company’s safety procedures. Make sure they know how to properly handle potential hazards.
4. Be proactive in addressing any safety concerns that arise. Don’t wait for an OSHA inspector to point out problems – address them as soon as possible.

With a self-inspection checklist, you can be confident that you and your team are prepared for an OSHA inspection and attain OSHA compliance.

What triggers an OSHA audit?

There are several things that can trigger an OSHA audit, including:

-Workplace fatalities
-Reportable serious injuries (hospitalization, amputation, loss of eye)
-Employer reporting of these incidents within 8 hours (which always triggers an inspection)
-Complaints from employees or other individuals about safety hazards at the workplace
-Inspection of similar workplaces in the same industry (targeted inspections)
-Previous citations for safety violations

If any of these things occur, it’s possible that OSHA will show up to audit your workplace. It’s important to be prepared for an inspection and to have all of your safety documentation in order.

What are the 4 areas to check during a safety audit?

There are four areas that should be checked during OSHA inspections: regulatory and best industry practice requirements, program requirements, compliance documentation, and employee training. By answering these questions, you can ensure that your safety program is comprehensive and effective for any company in general industry.

Conclusion:

Having and maintaining a well-developed safety and health program for your company in general industry should always be a priority along with OSHA checklists Now that you have seen a few examples of safety checklists, you can start to see how they can be useful in identifying potential hazards. Remember, these are just a few examples – there are many different types of checklists available, so be sure to find one that is relevant to your industry and workplace. The most important thing to a company is the safety and health of the employees. By taking the time to review and implement a safety checklist and self-inspection checklist for employees, you can help to create a safer environment for everyone involved. Thanks for reading!

How Can We Help? Ask a Question or Request Info or Pricing

Do you need an idea of where you stand with EPA or OSHA regulations?  Do you need full-time or temporary personnel to manage the day-to-day compliance tasks?  Would your employees benefit from onsite environmental training?  Our team of environmental consultants, safety consultants and industrial hygienists would love to help. Call (316) 264-7050 today!

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Health and Safety Checklist: What You Need To Know

Health and Safety Checklist: What You Need To Know

Jun 22, 2022

What is a safety checklist?

Safety inspection checklists are an important part of any safety inspection program. By using a safety checklist, safety professionals can identify potential hazards in the workplace and take steps to mitigate those hazards.

Each workplace has its own set of unique hazards, and it is essential that health and safety professionals be able to select the appropriate checklist for their specific workplace in order to ensure full compliance with all applicable safety standards.

There are a wide variety of OSHA-approved checklists available for use by safety professionals, and each checklist is designed for a specific industry or application. Some of the most common types of checklists include: chemical processing, electrical work, construction, maritime operations, and agricultural operations.

What should be included in safety inspection checklists?

Housekeeping inspection:

Maintaining a clean and healthy work environment is essential for the safety of employees. A housekeeping inspection checklist can help employers ensure that their workplace health is up to code with regard to health and safety regulations.

The checklist contains a variety of items related to cleanliness, sanitization and personal protection practices, which can be applied to a range of industries. Professionals may use the checklist to maintain a particular level of health regulation on their work site. The housekeeping inspection checklist may be especially helpful for those professionals working in food services, healthcare and manufacturing industries.

Self-inspection for general industry:

Safety checklists are a critical component in any workplace for any company. No matter what industry you work in, it’s important to have a safety checklist to make sure you are adhering to all the necessary safety standards. In some industries, such as construction, there are more regulations in place that dictate what safety measures must be taken.

However, in other industries, such as general industry, there may be less regulation and workers may not be as familiar with safety best practices. That’s why it’s important for every workplace to have their own self-inspection checklist tailored to their specific industry.

One great resource for creating a self-inspection checklist is the General Industry Safety Standards Checklist from OSHA. This checklist includes a wide variety of items that should be checked for safety compliance in general industry workplaces. Some of the items are similar to those found on the construction self-inspection checklist, but there are many more general items included as well. Having this comprehensive list available can help professionals ensure that their workplace is safe for employees.

Self-inspection for construction:

Construction workers have one of the most dangerous jobs in the world. Every day, they face potential injuries from heavy equipment, falling objects, and hazardous materials. In order to minimize these risks, construction companies have safety protocols in place that employees are required to follow. A large part of following safety protocol is having a well-organized and comprehensive safety checklist.

The purpose of this safety checklist is to provide a comprehensive overview of all the items that should be considered when implementing a health and safety plan for a construction site. Not every item on this list will apply to every work site; instead, it is meant as a general guide for safety management on construction projects. Some of the topics covered by this checklist include: personal protective equipment (PPE), first aid kits and supplies, fire prevention, and chemical handling.

Each section of the document contains specific details about what needs to be done in order for employees working on the construction area to stay safe. It is important for both management and employees alike to familiarize themselves with this checklist so that everyone understands their role in keeping everyone safe while on the job site.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) inspection:

The PPE inspection checklists are comprehensive resource that can help professionals identify potential hazards in the workplace. The checklist contains a variety of items, including those that relate to compliance with providing, maintaining, using and updating equipment that protect employees from occupational hazards such as safety glasses, gloves, and suits for proper ventilation.

While many industries use the PPE safety inspection checklist in conjunction with others, it is an important tool for workplaces looking to provide employees with additional protection from potential risks.

Electrical inspection:

It’s no secret that electrical safety is a critical issue in many industries. In fact, electrical accidents are one of the leading causes of workplace fatalities in the United States. The electrical inspection checklist is a valuable resource for professionals in any field who want to ensure the safety of their employees and coworkers.

The electrical inspection checklist pdf includes organization, exposure, consistency, any potential explosive, hazardous substances and chemicals. Some of the most important items on the list include guidelines for proper storage of materials and ensuring that electrical infrastructure is up to code and having fire extinguishers on hand. By following these guidelines, professionals can rest assured knowing that they have done everything possible to create a safe work environment.

Truck safety inspection:

It’s no secret that vehicular accidents can cause serious delays, not to mention fatalities. What may be less known is the fact that many of these accidents could be mitigated with a simple safety inspection checklist.

Professionals in transportation and supply management industries can use this checklist to maintain the safety of long-haul and delivery vehicles. The checklist includes items that relate to the evaluation and maintenance of a vehicle’s viability and condition, which may help identify potential mechanical issues for repair and maintenance. Ultimately, this may mitigate accidents, incidents, and transportation delays.

Fall protection:

The Fall Protection Safety Inspection Checklist is a comprehensive document that covers all the necessary items related to fall protection. The checklist can be used by professionals in various industries, but is especially beneficial for construction workers who navigate high scaffolding and elevated structures on a daily basis.

The checklist contains specific sections for Fall Arrest Systems, Fall Restraint Systems, Fall Prevention Plans, and more. Each section includes a variety of tasks or steps that should be completed in order to ensure safety. Areas to focus on are floors, stairs, platforms, storage in facilities, and more.

What is a risk assessment?

Risk assessments are critical process in ensuring the safety of people, property, and the environment. By identifying hazards and assessing the risks associated with them, Risk assessors can develop mitigation plans to control or eliminate potential dangers. While Risk assessment is often thought of in terms of industrial or workplace safety, it is also an important tool for personal safety and security.

What are the 5 things a risk assessment should include?

  1. Identifying hazards and potential hazards
  2. Assess all risks including situational
  3. How to control and manage the risk
  4. Record your findings and outcomes
  5. Review and maintain controls

What are safety records?

‘Safety records’ or reports are documented occurrences of the safety management processes and activities, safety recommendations, related remedial actions and their follow-up.

What type of records are required for health and safety checklist?

OSHA Form 300, OSHA Form 300A, and OSHA Form 301.

Conclusion:

Inspections are important. It is widely accepted that safety checklists are an important part of any safety inspection program. A well-constructed safety checklist can help safety professionals identify potential hazards in the workplace and take steps to mitigate hazards. However, not all workplaces are the same, and it is essential that health and safety professionals be able to select the appropriate checklist for their specific workplace in order to ensure full compliance with all applicable safety standards.

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If you need help determining which plans apply to you, need help writing one of these plans, or just want a review, contact us!

Call (316) 264-7050 today!

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Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): The Basics

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): The Basics

Jun 21, 2022

What is Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)?

PPE is essential in protecting workers from potential harm and is mandatory in many industries. Employers must provide PPE to all their employees free of charge if they are likely to be exposed to hazards during work. The different types of PPE used depend on the risk assessment carried out by the employer, which will determine the level of protection needed for each individual employee.

Common examples of PPE include safety helmets, gloves, safety goggles, ear defenders and respirators. In some cases, employers may also need to provide fire retardant clothing or specialist footwear such as steel toe capped boots.

It is important that employers follow guidelines set out by regulatory bodies when providing PPE, as failure to do so could result in serious injury or even death. It is also important that employees use the PPE provided correctly and understand the associated risks of not doing so.

What different industries require PPE?

Transportation

The most common type of PPE used by truck drivers are:

  • Safety glasses or goggles
  • Steel toe boots
  • High visibility clothing

It is important to be aware of any hazardous materials that you may come into contact with while making a delivery and to make sure that you are wearing the appropriate PPE. In some cases, full-body suits may be necessary to protect against hazardous materials.

Chemical

  • Face shields/Face mask
  • Respiratory protective equipment
  • Chemical splash goggles
  • Gloves
  • Aprons/Overalls

PPE should always be used where there is a risk of exposure or contamination of corrosive liquids. It is important to ensure that PPE is appropriate for the task, fits properly, and is maintained in good condition. To determine appropriate types of PPE, it may be necessary to have a qualified person assess the nature and extent of potential hazards.

Food

  • Gloves
  • Safety glasses
  • Face shields
  • Hairnets

PPE is an essential part of any restaurant, cafe, or bar staff’s uniform and should be worn at all times while on the job. Employees who don’t wear the right PPE can easily get injured from sharp knives or hot dishes, increasing both their risk of harm and the potential liability of their employer.

Healthcare

  • Gloves
  • Gowns
  • Eye protection
  • Disposable N95 respirators, surgical masks, face shield

PPE for healthcare workers is essential for occupational safety. The CDC (Center for Disease Control) recommends gloves, gowns, eye protection, and face shields/masks as the basic requirements for any and all healthcare workers.

Wearing PPE such as basic respiratory protection, protective clothing, a surgical mask, protective eyewear, and lab coats, when worn correctly, can significantly help prevent workplace hazards and biological hazards, thus helping protect workers and health workers.

Oil and Gas

  • Eye protection
  • Hearing protection
  • Hand/Foot protection
  • Flame-resistant clothing
  • Gas detection monitors

Essential PPE for oil and gas workers significally reduce employee exposure to physical hazards present as well as notify them on things they cannot see.

Automotive

  • Peripheral safety goggles
  • Cut-resistant gloves

Peripheral eye protection is especially important in the Automotive Industry, as liquids like fuel and oil can drip down the face, and working in dusty environments with fiberglass, or metal fragments can work their way around non-sealed safety glasses.

Sealed glasses and goggles provide the best protection against such hazards while allowing unrestricted vision to perform service tasks. Motor vehicle technicians and mechanics should always wear proper eye protection whenever doing repairs, as the risks of serious injury or permanent vision damage are simply too great to ignore.

It is also important for anyone working in an automotive environment to get regular vision exams to ensure that any issues can be caught and treated early. Cut-resistant gloves will help prevent skin damage and skin hazards.

Construction

  • Protective gloves
  • Hearing protection to prevent occupational hearing loss
  • Full face shields when cutting, grinding, or chipping
  • Goggles for chemical splashes
  • Proper respiratory equipment and protection
  • Fall protection equipment when working above 6 feet

In addition to these PPE requirements, all construction site employees must be aware of the site-specific health hazards associated with working on a construction or renovation site. Employees should know what types of hazardous substances are present and how they can protect themselves.

Appropriate PPE such as respirators, gloves, boots, and chemical protective clothing may need to be worn depending on the particular job site. Make sure that you understand all safety procedures before beginning work and follow them at all times.

It is the responsibility of each employee to take appropriate steps to protect themselves from any potential harm.

Finally, make sure that you report any unsafe conditions or practices immediately to your supervisor or the project manager in charge of the site. Safety first – always!

Manufacturing

  • Gloves
  • Hard hat
  • Goggles
  • Full-body suits
  • Face shields

When working in a manufacturing facility, it is important to wear the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect yourself and protect employees around you.

This includes gloves, protective hearing gear, hard hats, goggles, respirators, and full-body suits. Wearing PPE can help protect you from various hazards in the workplace. Some facilities may require using a self contained breathing apparatus or powered air purifying respirators as well as other equipment designed for a specific purpose.

What are some examples of PPE?

Masks and Respiratory Protective Equipment

When choosing a respirator, it’s important to understand the differences between APRs and ASRs. Air-purifying respirators (APRs) filter out contaminants from the air that is breathed through them. These types of respirators are most effective when used in environments with low levels of contamination, since they are unable to protect against high concentrations of airborne contaminants. Some examples are:

Protection for the Face and Eyes

Eye and face protection is important in any workplace setting to not only protect against eye injuries, but also for ensuring optimal employee productivity. Depending on the work environment and tasks that need to be completed, there are four primary types of eyewear available to help minimize risk.

General safety goggles are designed with side shields that provide a greater area of coverage, and some models may even include a wraparound frame. They are suitable for most workplace conditions, including those with light debris or dust particles in the air. Another example of safety goggles is laser safety goggles.

Head and Shoe Protection

Wearing a hard hat with a chin strap is the best way to ensure that an employee’s head remains protected when working in hazardous situations. The chin strap will keep the hat secured and prevent it from falling off in case of a fall or other accident. Hard hats must also be inspected regularly for any cracks, dents, scratches, punctures or other signs of damage.

Damaged hard hats must be replaced immediately to ensure an employee’s safety. Employees should also check the fit of their helmet before beginning work. A well-fitting hard hat will provide maximum protection and comfort for employees working in hazardous conditions. Safety equipment can only help you if you use it properly.

Gloves

Different types of gloves include: Leather, Canvas or Metal Mesh Gloves, Fabric and Coated Fabric Gloves, Chemical- and Liquid-Resistant Gloves, and Insulating Rubber Gloves. Gloves are used in many different scenarios and provide protection against anything from infectious materials, contaminated body fluids, bloodborne pathogens, and bacterial contaminants, to physical hazards such as cuts and abrasions.

What is required for OSHA standards for PPE?

Employers should assess the workplace to determine if PPE is necessary. If it is, employers should provide employees with appropriate protective equipment and ensure its use. Employers must also make sure that the protective equipment is well-maintained and kept clean.

Additionally, employers must train employees on how to properly wear and care for their eye and face protection in order to ensure its effectiveness. Employees should also be informed about potential hazards in their work environment, as well as any limitations of the protective equipment they are using.

If an employee needs prescription lenses while wearing safety glasses, employers may have additional requirements to meet OSHA standards. It is important to note that non-prescription safety glasses do not provide adequate protection against hazardous materials.

Employers should ensure that employees who require prescription lenses have access to appropriate protective equipment and can safely perform their job duties without endangering themselves or others.

If an employer has determined that protection is necessary, they must also provide employees with a copy of OSHA’s standard 1910.133 which outlines the requirements for protection in the workplace.

This document contains detailed information on types of hazards, selection criteria, performance requirements, instructions for use and care, as well as other helpful information employers need to know when providing appropriate face protection to their employees. The World Health Organization and OSHA reiterate that employees must wear PPE and proper equipment in order to protect them properly.

Why do you and your employees need PPE?

  1. Liability

  2. Long-term issues

  3. Keep what you got!

  4. Increase quality work environments

Conclusion:

When it comes to workplace safety, personal protective equipment (PPE) is an essential piece of the puzzle. PPE protects workers against hazards in the environment that could cause physical harm or injury. Industries such as manufacturing and mining are particularly hazardous, and effective use of PPE can help prevent accidents and injuries from occurring.

To ensure maximum protection, it is important that workers always wear the correct type of PPE for the job they are doing. This could include safety glasses, gloves, hearing protection, hard hats and other items that are designed to protect against specific hazards.

How Can We Help? Ask a Question or Request Info or Pricing

Do you need an idea of where you stand with EPA or OSHA regulations?  Do you need full-time or temporary personnel to manage the day-to-day compliance tasks?  Would your employees benefit from onsite environmental training?  Our team of environmental consultants, safety consultants and industrial hygienists would love to help. Call (316) 264-7050 today!

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Incorporate Sustainability Action Plans Into Your Preconstruction Submittals

Incorporate Sustainability Action Plans Into Your Preconstruction Submittals

Jun 15, 2022

How to Incorporate a Sustainability Action Plans Into Your Preconstruction Submittals

A Sustainability Action Plans (SAP) is a critical part of any successful sustainable construction project and sustainable business. By creating and implementing a SAP, you can ensure that your construction project will be environmentally responsible and meet or exceed all applicable environmental sustainability standards. These action plans are designed to help both the environment and your build in the present and future. A few issues that it can aid is renewable energy, air pollution, climate change, as well as many other environmental issues. In this article, we will discuss how to incorporate Sustainability Action Plans into your preconstruction submittals.

If you’re a construction project manager, then you know that preconstruction submittals are a critical part of the process. If you are working on a federally funded project, then you have probably been asked to include Sustainability Action Plans and Sustainability eNotebooks.

Incorporating a sustainable action plan into your preconstruction submittals can be a challenge, but it’s worth the effort. Here are six tips to help you get started:

  1. Define what sustainable features are required to include in your project (ie. Sustainability performance, energy usage, etc.)
  2. Do your research on which sustainable materials are available and how they can be used (ie. recycling bins)
  3. Work with your architect and engineers to see how these materials can be incorporated into the design
  4. Make sure that the contractors you hire are aware of your sustainability goals and are willing to work with you to achieve them
  5. Be prepared to make some sacrifices – not all sustainable materials are going to meet project specifications, be prepared to clarify why they won’t work
  6. Remember that a sustainable project is an investment in the future, both for yourself and for the planet

By following these tips, you’ll be on your way to creating a more sustainable construction project!

Define what sustainable features are required to include in your project

Guiding principles and requirements for a viable project are essential and include elements of energy efficiency, bioswales, green roofs, renewable sources, and an effective waste management plan.

These guiding principles should be woven in with the initial design and planning stages of any project to ensure that it is both efficient and environmentally conscious. Any development must maintain the guiding principles set out as required by law. In addition, developing a waste management plan that can be implemented during construction and throughout the life-cycle could be beneficial from a cost perspective as well as from an environmental one.

Sustainable features should always factor into any project if you are looking to keep your operations on track, make your customers happy, and show you are a green business.

Do your research on which sustainable materials are available and how they can be used

If you’re looking to create a sustainability plan, one of the keys to success is researching and finding sustainable materials that can be used to reduce overall waste.

With a wealth of options available today, it pays off to put in the effort to find the viable and suitable sustainability initiatives that can be incorporated into your projects. Sustainable products come at various prices and have different strengths and energy efficiency profiles, so it’s important to evaluate them thoroughly for each project.

Doing your research upfront will ensure you are making informed decisions about incorporating sustainability into your operations. Time spent now creating a sustainability plan will pay off big time in the future!

Work with your architect and engineers to see how these materials can be incorporated into the design

Working with your architect and engineers is the key to successfully incorporating new materials into the design. It’s important to have a well-thought out plan for how best to use these materials so that you get the most out of them without wasting resources.

Take advantage of the insight, knowledge and experience available from your team of professionals – clearly communicate your vision and objectives, then take their advice on board to ensure a successful outcome. Time spent discussing with your architect and engineers upfront is much more profitable than trying to figure it out yourself later down the track.

Make sure that the contractors you hire are aware of your sustainability goals and are willing to work with you to achieve them

If you’re serious about sustainability, you need to make sure that the contractors you bring on have the same commitment. It’s not enough for them to just say they support your goals; they need to also be willing to put in the work and effort.

Do a thorough vetting process and make sure that any personnel working with you are willing to do their part in meeting environmental objectives. If not, it defeats the purpose of having those goals in the first place.

Don’t let anyone slip through the cracks — be vigilant and ensure contractors are up-to-speed on your sustainability plans or else keep looking until you find someone who is.

Be prepared to make some sacrifices – not all sustainable materials are going to meet project specifications, be prepared to clarify why they won’t work

Sustainable materials are integral to any project, but you’ve gotta be prepared to make some sacrifices along the way. While not all sustainable materials may meet your specifications, it’s paramount that you understand why and explain that reasoning.

Don’t expect every viable alternative to perfectly fit your criteria – compromise is the name of the game in order to ensure that our work is as future-proof as possible. Taking shortcuts here will likely come back to bite you down the road, so don’t be afraid to get into the nitty-gritty of why a particular material won’t work for your needs – it could end up being an invaluable lesson.

Remember that a sustainable project is an investment in the future, both for yourself and for the planet

When it comes to sustainability, no effort is too small. Investing in projects that are meant to minimize human damage and preserve the planet for generations to come is essential; if we don’t look out for our environment, nobody else will.

It’s a matter of personal responsibility – taking charge of our own impact on the world around us and recognizing that every action we take can have positive or negative ramifications. It may be expensive up front, but a sustainable project is an investment in both your future and the future of the planet, guaranteed to pay dividends in more ways than one.

For instance, the resources in your project specific Sustainability Action Plans can be converted directly in to a corporate level sustainability program, helping to reduce waste on future projects as well.

Sustainability is important for a number of reasons. It’s not just about being environmentally friendly or socially responsible – though that is certainly part of it. It’s also about creating a project that will be able to stand the test of time, both in terms of its physical durability and its relevance to the needs of future generations.

Developing a sustainable project can be challenging, but it’s definitely worth the effort. If you need help getting started, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re happy to assist you in developing and implementation of a Sustainability Action Plan for your next Federal Project.

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Laboratory Safety Checklist

Laboratory Safety Checklist

Jun 9, 2022

What You Need To Know:

What is a safety audit checklist?

A safety audit checklist is a document used by companies to ensure their workspaces are compliant with industry health and safety standards.

The purpose of a safety audit checklist is twofold: first, to ensure that all areas of potential danger have been identified and addressed; and second, to provide a record of due diligence in the event of an accident or injury.

Many companies use safety audit checklists as part of their regular safety program, while others only implement them in response to an incident.

What should be included in a lab safety checklist?

Lab safety is of utmost importance in any laboratory setting. A lab safety checklist helps to identify and minimize chemical, biological, physical and radioactive hazards present in a laboratory facility.

It helps ensure that the laboratory complies with environmental standards to prevent overexposure to hazardous chemicals, injuries and respiratory-related illnesses or fatalities.

What are the 5 major areas of lab safety?

Cuts:

Laboratory accidents are one of the most common types of workplace accidents. In severe cases, nerves and tendons may be severed.

Often, these injuries occur as a result of attempting to force a cork or rubber stopper into a piece of glass tubing, thermometer or distilling flask thus the result can be broken glass.

To prevent this accident from occurring, workers should make a proper-sized hole, lubricate the cork or stopper, and use gentle pressure with rotation on the glass portion along with any removal of broken glass after an incident.

Toxic fumes:

Chemical fumes can be extremely dangerous, and it is important to take the necessary precautions when working with them especially while working inside. Fumes can cause serious health problems if they are inhaled, so it is important to make sure there is proper ventilation in the lab and to maintain a safe distance when pouring chemicals. Fumes can also be an environmental health issue.

Skin Absorption of Chemicals:

It is important to be aware of the physical injuries that can occur in the laboratory. Chemicals can cause burns, and even if they are not corrosive, exposure can cause allergic reactions or other problems if absorbed by the skin. This can cause acute or immediate effect on the person.

Remember that gloves may be permeable to certain chemical reagents – even without visible deterioration – so trade out any gloves that have come into contact with such chemicals for a new pair immediately. Never touch your face or eyes until your hands are clean of all chemicals or solvents.

Explosions and fires:

In a lab, it is important to be aware of the dangers of flammable liquids. Vapors can travel long distances and may ignite if they reach a flame or spark. Be sure to keep a fire extinguisher on hand and ensure each individual in the laboratory knows its exact location to prevent fires from spreading.

The appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), like a flame-resistant (FR) lab coat, should also be worn.

Chemical or thermal burns:

Chemicals are an important part of laboratory work. They can be used to create reactions or to purify substances. However, they also can be dangerous if not handled correctly. Burns, chemical spills, and unsafe laboratory conditions are all potential hazards and you should immediately report any incident with you chemical or thermal burns.

It is therefore important to exercise caution when working with chemicals and to always wear the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

What are the major overlooked lab safety issues and hazards?

Ergonomic safety:

Musculoskeletal disorders or MSDs are a serious problem in the workplace, and they can be caused by many different things.

One of the most common causes is repetitive awkward postures, which can occur when employees are not properly trained on ergonomics safety. This type of injury can lead to discomfort and loss of productivity, and it is important for employers to take steps to prevent them.

Laboratory waste disposal:

One of the most important aspects of ensuring a safe and healthy work environment is properly managing hazardous waste. Improper disposal of these materials can have serious consequences for both employees and the environment.

Pathogenic diseases and chemical reactions are just two examples of the many dangers posed by hazardous waste if it is not handled correctly. By implementing a comprehensive waste management program, employers can mitigate many of these risks.

Dress code safety:

Proper dress codes can be overlooked when trying to protect students and protect employees. In order to maintain a safe laboratory environment, adding the dress code to the daily lab checklist is a must.

Employees must ensure all safety equipment including goggles, face shields, safety gloves, body, and respiratory protection are in good condition before entering the laboratory.

Proper labels:

Labels are an important part of, not only general safety but also laboratory safety. Putting a proper label on gas cylinders or any substance that is harmful will ensure compliance and meet laboratory standards which will eliminate lab risks.

Record of an incident:

Another overlooked issue that should be on the lab maintenance checklist is proper record-keeping. You should be keeping records of the following: Damaged equipment, equipment malfunction, toxic contamination, radioactive materials leaked, chemical exposures, chemical spills, laboratory cleanliness, maintenance of labs, and any other issues along with the person responsible.

Conclusion:

Laboratory safety, chemical safety, biological safety, radiation safety, and general safety begin with a proper checklist. Starting with regular self inspections can help tremendously but don’t shy away from outside help if you feel you need it. Safety officers and safety consultants can help you with basic requirements for you laboratories, maintain laboratory health, help you achieve a good inspection checklist, cultivate emergency procedures, and ultimately prevent laboratory risks to help you avoid unwanted legal action again your company. Following tips safety consultants provide is paramount. Maintaining a lab, keep it in peak condition, and keeping employees safe is always the utmost priority.

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EHS Management Software

EHS Management Software

Jun 9, 2022

What does EHS stand for?

EHS stands for Environmental, Health, and Safety. This is an important area of focus for many organizations, as it involves making sure that the environment is safe and healthy for employees to work in. It includes creating policies and procedures related to air quality, safety observations, hazardous materials, fire safety, ergonomics, waste management, electrical safety and more. EHS also ensures that employees are trained and kept up to date on safety protocols in order to reduce the risk of accidents and injuries.

EHS professionals and EHS managers strive to create a safe work place and prevent accidents , which is beneficial for both workers and employers alike. By promoting safe practices, companies can save money by reducing liability risks as well as improve employee morale due to a healthier work place. Ultimately, EHS is a key factor in ensuring the safety and well-being of everyone in the workplace.

What are the responsibilities of EHS department?

EHS stands for Environmental, Health and Safety. It refers to the practices of protecting the environment and ensuring that safe health and safety standards are maintained in a workplace or facility.

EHS involves monitoring air quality, assessing hazardous materials and waste disposal as well as ensuring a safe working environment for employees. It also involves educating employees on safe work practices and ensuring that all laws and regulations are followed.

EHS is an important factor in any workplace, as it ensures that employees are safe, the environment is well protected and health risks minimized. It also helps businesses meet their legal obligations to protect the earth and ensure a safe working environment for its workers.

What is an EHS hazard?

An EHS hazard is any activity or circumstance with the potential to cause harm to people, property, or the environment. These hazards can range from physical dangers such as working with hazardous materials, slips and trips in the workplace, and confined space entry to more intangible risks such as mental health issues due to stress and fatigue.

Identifying EHS hazards and developing strategies to address them is an essential part of any safety management system. It is important to take the time to assess all potential risks and develop a comprehensive safety plan before beginning work in any area. Doing so will help protect employees, customers, and the environment from harm while also keeping fines and costs low.

What is an EHS management system?

An EHS management system (or EMS) is a comprehensive approach to managing an organization’s environmental, health and safety program. It covers the full range of activities necessary to meet legal obligations, improve performance and reduce risks.

An effective EHS management system helps to identify and prioritize areas of risk or concern as well as create consistent processes for dealing with any identified risks. It provides a structured framework for continuous improvement and sets out procedures for monitoring and auditing the system to ensure that it is effective.

Additionally, an EHS management system can be used as a tool to manage regulatory compliance, identify operational efficiencies and support organizational sustainability initiatives. An EHS management system can help businesses move towards a more sustainable and responsible future.

Why is EHS management needed?

EHS management is essential in any institution or organization, regardless of its size or industry. It establishes a safe and healthy work environment while minimizing the risk of injury, illness, and damage to the environment.

EHS management programs seek to identify, manage, and mitigate potential hazards by implementing a systematic approach to safety and health. They ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and help avoid costly fines and legal liabilities.

Furthermore, adopting EHS management practices can boost employee morale, increase productivity, and improve a company’s reputation as a responsible and sustainable business. Organizations that prioritize EHS management can decrease workplace incidents, enhance operational efficiency and performance, and ultimately add significant value to their business.

EHS and The Environment

EHS is a vital component of corporate social responsibility, and it is essential to preserve our natural environment. EHS departments work tirelessly to ensure that buisnesses do not harm the environment through their activities. EHS protects the environment in several ways.

Firstly, it formulates strict guidelines for waste disposal, air quality, and water management, which companies must comply with. Secondly, EHS conducts environmental audits, monitor energy consumption, and tracks carbon emissions to ensure companies adhere to sustainable practices. Furthermore, EHS also collaborates with government agencies to design new environmental policies and keeps abreast of the latest regulatory changes to ensure businesses comply promptly and maintain a clean slate.

Finally, EHS promotes environmental awareness throughout the company and educates employees about sustainable practices that can help save energy and reduce waste. Therefore, EHS is one of the most crucial departments in preserving our planet’s health, and we should support their work.

What Is EHS Software?

EHS software is a technology solution that helps organizations manage workplace safety and reduce environmental risks. The software typically includes modules for occupational health and safety, environmental compliance, incident management, risk assessments, audits, and reporting.

EHS system enables businesses to implement their EHS processes and improve visibility into their EHS performance, allowing them to proactively identify and address potential risks. Additionally, EHS software helps businesses comply with regulations and standards such as OSHA, EPA, and ISO 14001, which can ultimately reduce legal and financial risks.

With the increasing focus on sustainability and corporate social responsibility, EHS system is becoming an essential tool for businesses to ensure they operate ethically and responsibly.

ComplianceQuest and Salesforce – a winning combination

ComplianceQuest is the leading cloud-based enterprise compliance and quality management platform. It offers integrated solutions for a wide range of industries, including healthcare, aerospace, manufacturing and life sciences.

The platform provides tools that streamline processes such as document management, audit tracking, risk assessment and corrective action management. The platform can also be customized to fit any organization’s unique needs. ComplianceQuest is seamlessly integrated with Salesforce, providing customers with an even more powerful solution for meeting their compliance and quality goals.

By leveraging the power of Salesforce, customers can easily access compliant data, improve risk management and optimize operational efficiency. With ComplianceQuest’s integration into Salesforce, organizations have an easy to use, comprehensive tool to ensure compliance and quality in their operations.

How can CQ EHS Management Software help companies?

ComplianceQuest EHS Management Software provides companies with a powerful, easy-to-use platform to help them meet their environmental, health and safety (EHS) goals. Its cloud-based system offers an intuitive user experience and advanced analytics to provide comprehensive visibility into organization’s EHS status.

With ComplianceQuest, companies can create customized dashboards to track data, manage tasks and stay on top of issues in real-time. The software also features automated workflows, notifications and corrective action tracking that help ensure compliance with local, state, national and international regulations.

By using ComplianceQuest EHS Management Software, companies can proactively manage their risks and resources to achieve a better environmental health and safety performance.

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Our team of experts can help you with whatever compliance issues you may be facing. Whether it is understanding the complexities of a given regulation or recognizing where your company needs to improve, we have the necessary skills and experience to provide assistance. We will take the time to understand your unique needs and develop tailored solutions that address those needs. For facilites looking for help navigating the often perplexing regulatory landscape, contact us today!

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Trailer Safety

Trailer Safety

Jun 7, 2022

Trailers are often used in the workplace — by operations personnel down to even the sales department who may move their exhibits from show to show.  The construction industry uses a lot of trailers to move equipment. 

With the summer season, our employees may be using trailers to haul boats, ATVs, campers, or extra large smoker grills.  U-Hauls can be rented by anyone for moving from house to house or to move a kid to or from college, to haul cars or other items.

Here are some trailer safety tips to help avoid a potential accident:

  • Choose the right tow vehicle and trailer for the load. Review the tow capacity and ensure it’s capable of handling the weight of the trailer and what you’re going to be towing on it.  Exceeding the capacity can severely affect handling, braking and damage your vehicle’s suspension. Check the hitch for the maximum trailer and maximum tongue weights it can safely support.
  • If you’re going to be carrying additional loads or passengers in the vehicle, check the gross vehicle weight rating issued for your vehicle and make sure the load will not exceed that rating, nor that the combination of the trailer and vehicle weights will be exceeded.
  • Make sure you have the proper hitch ball for the trailer. Incorrectly sized hitch balls are the #1 cause of trailer accidents.
  • When hauling loads, 60% of the load on the trailer should be placed on the front half of the trailer, with a tongue weight of 10-15% of the total weight that’s loaded on the trailer. Ensure weight is evenly distributed on the left and right sides of the trailer.
  • Straps are critical — broken or cheap straps can fail fast. Use ratchet straps for anything heavier than an average person and use more than one strap in case one comes loose.  The working load of the strap should be more than the weight of what you’re hauling.  For vehicles, strap vehicles at four points of the trailer corners.
  • Check your tires on both the vehicle and the trailer. Underinflation can cause rolling resistance and forces the engine to work harder and consume (now more expensive) fuel.
  • One of the most common trailer issues is lights — make sure your lights work before you leave, make sure the load doesn’t obscure them and take spare bulbs and fuses with you.
  • Check your brakes and make sure the breakaway cable is properly attached to your tow vehicle. In the event the trailer somehow disconnects from the hitch, the cable will trigger the trailer brakes.
  • Always cross safety chains so that they form a cradle for the tongue to fall down onto.
  • Adjust your mirrors so that you can have a clear view of the entire trailer, to the end.
  • Carry spare parts such as at least one trailer spare tire as well as extra wheel bearings and hubs.
  • When unhooking the trailer from the tow vehicle, use wheel chocks in front of and behind the trailer’s tires to ensure it doesn’t roll away.
  • Towing can stress your engine, so make sure your vehicle has all of its fluids to prevent overheating. Make sure your vehicle has proper levels of coolant, oil and transmission fluid.
  • Be patient when passing and take extra care when changing lanes.
  • Don’t speed and know the speed limits of the trailer and of your state/local area. Some areas have specific speeds for trailers.
  • Stop gradually when possible and allow for plenty of stopping distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. It takes longer to stop when pulling a load. Scan the road ahead to anticipate potential problems.
  • Watch out for trailer sway. High winds, large trucks, downhill grades and high speeds can lead to your trailer swaying.  If you’re not careful, it can swing like a pendulum.  Consider using a hitch stabilizer or a sway control unit to help alleviate this issue.
  • Don’t drive in if there’s no way out. It’s easy to get blocked in, so make sure there’s plenty of space to make a complete turnaround.

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What is OSHA’s National Emphasis Program on Heat Hazards?

What is OSHA’s National Emphasis Program on Heat Hazards?

Jun 2, 2022

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Heat plays a large part in how we plan our day. We often put off work that creates heat or highly strenuous tasks to a time when the weather is more conducive to our needs. However, that cannot always be done. Sometimes a task must be done on a rigid schedule or is of an emergency nature so that work cannot be put off to a later, cooler, time of day. To that end, OSHA has developed a National Emphasis Program (NEP) to give some guidance to companies on how to work in the heat and keep employees safe.


What is OSHA’s NEP on Heat Hazards?

OSHA will conduct programmed (pre-planned) inspections in targeted high-risk industries on any day that the National Weather Service has announced a heat warning or advisory for the local area.

The NEP went effective on April 8, 2022 and will remain in effect for 3 years unless canceled or extended by a superseding directive.

The NEP establishes heat priority days when the heat index is expected to be 80 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. During these days OSHA will:

  • Initiate compliance assistance in the list of targeted high-risk industries; and,
  • Inspect any alleged heat-related fatality/catastrophe, complaint or referral regardless of whether the worksite is within the list of targeted high-risk industries.


What are the Targeted High-Risk Industries?

OSHA’s NEP on heat hazards targets over 70 high-risk industries based on:

  • Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) on incidence rates of heat-related illnesses
  • Elevated numbers of fatalities or hospitalizations reported to OSHA
  • Highest number of heat-related General Duty Clause violations over the last 5 years

These include but are not limited to:

General Industries That are Likely to Have Heat-Related Hazards:

NAICS Code        NAICS Industry Sector Title

1121                      Cattle Ranching and Farming
1151                      Support Activities for Crop Production
2131                      Support Activities for Mining
3118                      Bakeries and Tortilla Manufacturing
3211                      Sawmills and Wood Preservation
3241                      Petroleum and Coal Products Manufacturing
3251                      Basic Chemical Manufacturing
3272                      Glass and Glass Product Manufacturing
3311                      Iron and Steel Mills and Ferroalloy Manufacturing
3314                      Nonferrous Metal (except Aluminum) Production and Processing
3315                      Foundries
3323                      Architectural and Structural Metals Manufacturing
3329                      Other Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing
3361                      Motor Vehicle Manufacturing
3362                      Motor Vehicle Body and Trailer Manufacturing
3363                      Motor Vehicle Parts Manufacturing
3364                      Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing
3365                      Railroad Rolling Stock Manufacturing
3366                      Ship and Boat Building
3369                      Other Transportation Equipment Manufacturing
3371                      Household and Institutional Furniture and Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturing
4239                      Miscellaneous Durable Goods Merchant Wholesalers
4241                      Paper and Paper Product Merchant Wholesalers
4242                      Drugs and Druggists’ Sundries Merchant Wholesalers
4243                      Apparel, Piece Goods, and Notions Merchant Wholesalers
4244                      Grocery and Related Product Merchant Wholesalers
4245                      Farm Product Raw Material Merchant Wholesalers
4246                      Chemical and Allied Products Merchant Wholesalers
4247                      Petroleum and Petroleum Products Merchant Wholesalers
4248                      Beer, Wine, and Distilled Alcoholic Beverage Merchant Wholesalers
4249                      Miscellaneous Nondurable Goods Merchant Wholesalers
4413                      Automotive Parts, Accessories, and Tire Stores
4442                      Lawn and Garden Equipment and Supplies Stores
4881                      Support Activities for Air Transportation
4882                      Support Activities for Rail Transportation
4883                      Support Activities for Water Transportation
4884                      Support Activities for Road Transportation
4889                      Other Support Activities for Transportation
4921                      Couriers and Express Delivery Services
4922                      Local Messengers and Local Delivery
4931                      Warehousing and Storage
5311                      Lessors of Real Estate
5617                      Services to Buildings and Dwellings (includes landscaping services, tree removal and tree trimming services)
5621                      Waste Collection
5622                      Waste Treatment and Disposal
5629                      Remediation and Other Waste Management Services
6231                      Nursing Care Facilities (Skilled Nursing Facilities)
7211                      Traveler Accommodation
8111                      Automotive Repair and Maintenance
8113                      Commercial and Industrial Machinery and Equipment (except Automotive and Electronic) Repair and Maintenance
8114                      Personal and Household Goods Repair and Maintenance

Construction Industries That are Likely to Have Heat-Related Hazards

NAICS Code        NAICS Industry Sector Title

2361                      Residential Building Construction
2362                      Nonresidential Building Construction
2371                      Utility System Construction
2372                      Land Subdivision
2373                      Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction
2379                      Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction
2381                      Foundation, Structure, and Building Exterior Contractors
2382                      Building Equipment Contractors
2383                      Building Finishing Contractors
2389                      Other Specialty Trade Contractors

Industries not Included in General Industry or Construction That are Likely to Have Heat-Related Hazards

NAICS Code        NAICS Industry Sector Title

1112                      Vegetable and Melon Farming
1113                      Fruit and Tree Nut Farming
2213                      Water, Sewage and Other Systems (may be State or local jurisdiction)
4411                      Automobile Dealers
4412                      Other Motor Vehicle Dealers
4821                      Rail Transportation (may be Federal jurisdiction)
4885                      Freight Transportation Arrangement
4911                      Postal Service
5611                      Office Administrative Services
5612                      Facilities Support Services
5613                      Employment Services
5614                      Business Support Services
5616                      Investigation and Security Services
5619                      Other Support Services
6117                      Educational Support Services
7225                      Restaurants and Other Eating Places
8112                      Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance
9281                      National Security and International Affairs (includes Customs and Border Patrol, and Transportation Security Administration)


What Will the OSHA Auditors Be Inspecting When They Come to Your Facility?

During heat-related inspections, inspectors will:

  • Review OSHA 300 Logs and 301 Incident Reports for any entries indicating heat-related illness(es). 
  • Review any records of heat-related emergency room visits and/or ambulance transport, even if hospitalizations did not occur. This may require the use of a Medical Access Order.
  • Interview workers for symptoms of headache, dizziness, fainting, dehydration, or other conditions that may indicate heat-related illnesses, including both new employees and any employees who have recently returned to work.
  • Determine if the employer has a heat illness and injury program addressing heat exposure, considering the following:
    • Is there a written program?
    • How did the employer monitor ambient temperature(s) and levels of work exertion at the worksite?
    • Was there unlimited cool water that was easily accessible to the employees?
    • Did the employer require additional breaks for hydration?
    • Were there scheduled rest breaks?
    • Was there access to a shaded or cool area?
    • Did the employer provide time for acclimatization of new and returning workers?
    • Was a “buddy” system in place on hot days?
    • Were administrative controls used (earlier start times, and employee/job rotation) to limit heat exposures?
    • Did the employer provide training on heat illness signs, how to report signs and symptoms, first aid, how to contact emergency personnel, prevention, and the importance of hydration?
  • Document conditions relevant to heat-related hazards, including:
    • The heat index and additional weather data from that day, e.g., heat alerts from the NWS, data from the OSHA-NIOSH Heat Safety Tool App, saving a screenshot on a mobile phone or tablet. Additional information may be needed for indoor heat investigations.
    • Observe and document current conditions and those at the time the incident occurred (for unprogrammed inspections), including:
      • Observed wind speed
      • Relative humidity
      • Dry bulb temperature at the workplace and in the shaded rest area
      • Wet-bulb globe temperature at the workplace, (ensure the equipment has been properly calibrated prior to use)
      • Cloud cover (no clouds, 25%, 50%, 75%, 100%)
      • The existence of any heat advisories, warning or alerts the previous days
    • Identify activities relevant to heat-related hazards. These can include, but are not limited to:
      • Potential sources of heat-related illnesses (e.g., working in direct sunlight, a hot vehicle, or areas with hot air, near a gas engine, furnace, boiler or steam lines).
      • The use of heavy or bulky clothing or equipment, including personal protective equipment.
      • Estimate workload exertions by observing the types of job tasks performed by employees and whether those activities can be categorized as moderate, heavy or very heavy work, considering both average workload and peak workload.
      • Duration of exposure during which a worker is continuously or repeatedly performing moderate to strenuous activities.
    • OSHA believes a review of any potential heat-related hazards should be included in any programmed or unprogrammed inspection where radiant heat sources exist in indoor work areas or at outdoor work areas on heat priority days. OSHA advises inspectors to conduct compliance assistance and document it where heat-related hazards do not warrant issuing citations.
    • Inspectors can use the OSHA-NIOSH Heat Safety Tool App as a resource.

How Can You Prevent Heat Illness at Work?

Dangerous heat exposure can occur indoors or outdoors, in any season. Employers can keep workers safe by following these simple safety practices:

  • Follow the 20% Rule — on the 1st day, don’t allow employees to work more than 20% of a shift at full intensity in the heat. Increase their time by no more than 20% a day until they are used to working in the heat.
  • Provide cool drinking water – encourage workers to drink at least one cup every 20 minutes, even if they are not thirsty.
  • Rest breaks — allow workers time to recover from heat in a shady or cool location.
  • Dress for the heat — have workers wear a hat and light-colored, loose fitting, breathable clothing if possible.
  • Watch out for each other — encourage workers to monitor themselves and others for signs of heat illness.
  • Look for any signs of heat illness, including fainting, dizziness, nausea, and muscle spasms, and act quickly — when in doubt, call 911.
  • Offer training on the hazards of heat exposure and how to prevent illness.
  • Develop an Emergency Action Plan on what to do if a worker shows signs of heat-related illness.


Need Help in Getting Your Documentation in Order?

Do you need assistance in developing a formal heat illness and injury program compliant with this initiative? Do you need assistance in determining your potential heat exposures? iSi can help! Contact us today!

 

Contributing:

Keith Reissig

Industrial Hygienist | Project Manager

Keith brings over 20 years of industrial hygiene and safety experience to iSi and its clients. An industrial hygienist, Keith jokes that he "sucks air for a living."  He specializes in workplace exposure testing and sampling strategies, safety compliance, ergonomics and training in a variety of topics in both the industrial hygiene and safety field.

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What is EPA’s General Duty Clause? Where is It?

What is EPA’s General Duty Clause? Where is It?

May 26, 2022

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In our blog, we’ve looked at OSHA’s General Duty Clause, including issues that are commonly cited under the General Duty Clause.  Did you know that EPA has a General Duty Clause too?

Who Does It Apply To?

The EPA General Duty Clause can be found in the Clean Air Act, Section 112(r)(1).  It states companies that produce, process, handle or store hazardous substances/chemicals have a primary duty to identify release hazards and prevent chemical accidents.

If your company doesn’t fall under EPA’s Risk Management Plan (RMP) requirements, you will fall under EPA’s General Duty Clause.

General Duty Clause vs. RMP

If you produce, process, handle or store hazardous substances/chemicals, you will need to comply with either the EPA General Duty Clause or RMP, based on your operations.

The requirements for RMP can also be found in this same Clean Air Act Section 112(r) as the General Duty Clause, and it also applies to the same types of facilities who use hazardous chemicals.  However, RMP is focused on one or more of 140 targeted toxic or flammable chemicals that have the potential to be released at certain threshold quantities.  Some examples of the 140 chemicals included are ammonia, chlorine, propane, formaldehyde and sulfur dioxide.

RMPs are directly submitted to EPA.  Water treatment plants, agricultural COOPs and chemical manufacturers are typical types of companies who need to comply with RMP.

RMPs must include:

  • Potential effects of a chemical accident
  • Hazard assessments
  • 5-year accident history
  • Evaluation of worst-case scenarios and alternative accident release potentials
  • Prevention programs that include safety precautions, maintenance, monitoring, and employee training measures
  • Emergency response program that lists emergency health care, employee training measures, procedures for informing the public.

 What is Required by EPA’s General Duty Clause?

In an EPA inspection, the inspector can ask your company to produce information to show you are complying with the General Duty Clause.  To be compliant, companies are required to address the following 3 topics, with examples for each.

1.  Identify hazards which could occur if an accidental release happens.

  • Identification of related environmental, health and safety hazards
  • Identification of potential release scenarios through experience/industry research, analysis and logic trees, or “What If” brainstorming
  • Determine the consequences in each scenario

2.  Design and maintain a safe facility. (By putting features such as these in place:)

  • Design safety codes
  • Use of less hazardous chemicals when possible
  • Equipment quality control procedures,
  • Using alternate processes
  • Process siting
  • Using safety technology where possible
  • Standard Operating Procedures
  • Employee training
  • Change management
  • Incident investigation programs
  • Self audits
  • Preventative maintenance programs

3.  Determine potential consequences of accidental releases and minimize them.

  • Development of an Emergency Response Plan that contains, at a minimum: anticipated releases, mitigation, notification process to local responders and local responder involvement
  • Coordination with local emergency response officials including the local emergency planning committee
  • Training for “out of the norm” circumstances
  • Periodic exercises using your plan, training, and equipment practicing response, evacuation, sheltering-in-place, and worker’s ability to perform in the event of an emergency

Inspectors will also be looking into the thoroughness of your process hazard analyses, your evaluations, and the elements you’ve put into place, and whether or not they apply to your current operations.

Which One Applies to Your Facility?

Because the RMP is specific to certain chemicals and thresholds, all companies with the potential for accidental chemical releases may not fall under its requirements.  However, if RMP does not apply to your company, then the EPA General Duty Clause will.  

Which one applies to your facility?  Have you completed all the necessary analyses required? Do you have all the programs, processes and training in place?  If the answer to any of these questions is no, then iSi can help.  Contact us today for more information.

Curtis Leiker, CSP
Curtis Leiker, CSP

Contributing:

Curtis Leiker, CSP

Certified Safety Professional |  ISO 45001 and 14001 Lead Auditor

Curtis Leiker, CSP is a project manager at iSi Environmental. Besides assisting companies with ISO 14001 and 45001 implementation, Curtis manages environmental and safety programs, reporting and compliance issues for aviation, general industry and agricultural facilities. He’s able to see the big picture, but focus on the details and enjoys working to solve EHS issues.

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EPA Proposes Ban on Chrysotile Asbestos Still in Use Today

EPA Proposes Ban on Chrysotile Asbestos Still in Use Today

May 12, 2022

Asbestos is contained in thousands of products, from building materials and adhesives, fireproofing materials to consumer products.  The use of asbestos has dramatically declined since the 1980s, and more than 50 countries have banned its use.  However, one type of asbestos is still being used to make certain products in the U.S., and EPA is working to ban it.  It’s called chrysotile, or white asbestos.

Chrysotile is the most common type of asbestos.  Its soft, flexible fibers form a serpentine material that’s strong, heat resistant to 3000 degrees and non-conductive. 

Some chlor-alkali manufacturing plants that make chlorine and sodium hydroxide and some vehicle brake and sheet gasket manufacturers still import and use chrysotile asbestos in their products.

The EPA Ban on Chrysotile

EPA has issued a proposed rule to ban chrysotile asbestos in the following products:

  • Chrysotile asbestos used in bulk or in asbestos diaphragms in the chlor-alkali industry beginning two years after the effective date of the final rule;
  • Chrysotile asbestos-containing sheet gaskets in chemical production beginning two years after the effective date of the final rule;
  • Chrysotile asbestos-containing brake blocks used in the oil industry;
  • Chrysotile asbestos-containing aftermarket automotive brakes/linings and other friction products, including for consumer use; and
  • Chrysotile asbestos-containing gaskets, including for consumer use.

Asbestos diaphragms are used by chlor-alkali plants for the water treatment industry, but that use has been declining.  EPA estimates only 9 chlor-alkali plants in the U.S. still use asbestos diaphragms as there are other alternatives, accounting for only 33% of all chlor-alkali plants. 

EPA was not able to quantify the scope of asbestos use in the brake and gasket industries.

EPA’s rule would also include targeted disposal and recordkeeping requirements that would take effect 180 days after the effective date.

Other Upcoming Asbestos Studies by EPA

As part of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), asbestos was one of 10 chemical substances on a list to be studied and put through a risk evaluation.  EPA decided to do the evaluation in two parts. 

The first part was the risk evaluation for chrysotile, leading to this ruling on banning it. 

In Part 2, EPA will be looking at a number of other issues related to asbestos, including:

  • Different types of asbestos (amphibole-type asbestos such as crocidolite, amosite, tremolite)
  • Legacy uses of asbestos in commercial, industrial and consumer products
  • Disposal phases
  • Occupational exposure
  • Consumer and bystander exposure
  • General population exposure
  • Potential exposed or susceptible subpopulations (children, workers, smokers, others)

In addition, EPA will be evaluating asbestos-containing talc and vermiculite.  This does not apply to talc used in makeup, but talc that’s imported and used in industrial, commercial and consumer products such as filler/putty, crayons with talc-containing asbestos and toy crime scene kits with talc-containing asbestos. 

EPA will be looking at the import of this talc, distribution of it in commerce and its disposal.  Vermiculite was used in building materials, and 70% of all vermiculite sold in the U.S. was extracted from an open pit mine in Libby, Montana until it closed in 1990.

EPA is accepting public comments on the proposed rule for chrysotile asbestos  at https://www.regulations.gov/.

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Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) Compliance

Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) Compliance

May 12, 2022

Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) Compliance is important for companies. EHS compliance is a term used to describe a company’s efforts to meet environmental, health, and workplace safety standards set by government agencies or other groups.

ehs compliance

Companies must meet environmental, health and safety standards set by government agencies or other groups in order to be EHS compliant. These standards help protect employees, the public and the environment from potential risks. By adhering to these standards, companies can avoid costly penalties and damages.

What is EHS Compliance?

EHS compliance is important for companies because it ensures that they are following standards set by government agencies or other groups. There are many benefits to becoming EHS compliant, including reducing the risk of fines, improving workers safety, protecting the environment and increasing sustainability.

Why Companies Should Maintain EHS Compliance

There are many reasons why companies should become EHS compliant. Some of the benefits include reducing the risk of fines, improving worker safety and protecting the environment. Becoming EHS compliant and keeping a regulatory compliance management system can also help business save money in the long run by reducing the number of accidents and avoiding costly fines through applicable EHS regulations.

EHS compliance water test

How to Become EHS Compliant

There are a few steps businesses can take to become EHS compliant. The first step is to identify the EHS standards that apply to your company. Once you know what standards you need to meet, you can create a plan to become compliant. This may include hiring an EHS consultant to help you develop and implement a strategy to become EHS compliant. Through consulting, an audit program, workplace safety training and annual reviews, your company can become and continue to be EHS compliant. To ensure EHS compliance decrease business risk, it is proved wise for businesses to have management systems in place to stay up-to-date on EHS regulations and the ongoing compliance process. In leading companies, a good management system or even EHS managers can create a compliance culture to help mitigate risk, impact workers safety, verify compliance, improve employee training and integrate EHS regulatory requirements in every day business at your firm.

What are the Six Steps to Compliance?

  1. Stay up to date on changing laws and regulations
  2. Invest in auditing by hiring an outside consulting firm
  3. Enforce new procedures to keep workers safe
  4. Develop training content to support operations
  5. Schedule audits quarterly or annually
  6. Create a culture of accountability with upper management

Laws & Regulations

Strict guidelines are put in place to help maintain corporate standards. Environmental regulations can change at the federal and state level. This causes company regulations to change annually requiring businesses to adhere to ever changing requirements. It may seem like a daunting task but there are a myriad of resources available to your organization. Take time to review the latest press releases from the regulatory compliance bodies applicable to your business operations (create a Google News alert for this). Though these press releases might be stuffed with legal language, they also provide actionable insights for EHS Managers.

EHS compliance auditor

What is an EHS Audit?

An EHS audit will allow a business to set up and maintain proper management systems and comply with. An EHS management system will not only help keep a business in compliance but it will also address EHS risks, EHS issues, help you avoid fines, keep employees safe, and track regular inspections for you. A good audit will include review of business operations and compliance programs.

For example, a safety auditor will look for specific risk related to workers exposure to respiratory hazards, physical hazards such as sources of hazardous energy and confined spaces, training programs and written programs.  Environmental auditors will look for required reporting and inspections, permits, discharges and programs.

What is Auditing Protocol?

Whether your are trying to improve your sustainability metrics or EHS management is your sole concern, a solid auditing protocol is one of the top responsibilities of a good auditor. The protocol should always start with a review of previous non compliances for the organization, identify what procedures were implemented, and document the impact of those changes to operations. An auditor will create a matrix documenting current programs, identify any employees’ training non compliances, and evaluate the internal resources available to the compliance programs.

EHS audit

Conclusion

EHS compliance is important for your business to comply with industrial regulations. For many firms, regulatory compliance with these industry regulations is required in order to keep their business license up-to-date. iSi has an audit program and virtual audits which can help firms, organizations, and most business owners become and stay compliant. While cultivating a safe working environment, you will also be able to stand by your company’s reputation. Contact us today to learn more.

Need Assistance?

Let iSi’s EHS team help you improve your company’s EHS compliance outlook.  How can we help?  Contact us!

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Fall Protection for General Industry

Fall Protection for General Industry

May 5, 2022

OSHA annually has a Stand Down for Falls in Construction.  If your company is not in construction, but in general industry, this is a good time to review fall protection issues at your own facility.  Falls can occur anytime you have workers at heights regardless of the type of work they are doing.  Here are some tips to remember for general industry:

  • In general industry, the rule for fall protection is that it’s needed when you’re at or above 4 ft. or when someone is working over hazardous machines or equipment.
  • When using scissor at 4 ft. or above, fall protection is needed. Even at lower heights, guardrails may be used, but still leave the potential for falling.  It’s a best practice to wear fall protection when using these machines and these machines have secure anchor points already ready to go for use.
  • Use fall protection any time you’re using an aerial lift.
  • Know your calculations on distance to know how to choose the right length of lanyard to protect your workers in a fall. You need to account for the fall, deceleration distance, harness elongation, swing hazards, the length of the D-ring to the bottom of the feet and a safety factor distance above the ground.
  • Have a rescue plan to prevent suspension trauma and teach workers what they need to do to keep their blood circulating while suspended until help arrives. It only takes 5 minutes for them to become lightheaded, nauseous or unconscious.
  • Only use anchorage points that have been designed to be so and have been certified to meet or exceed OSHA regulations. Engineered anchor point systems typically exceed regulations and are a safe option.  Do NOT use bad anchor points such as vents, stand pipes, railings, guardrails, air vents/ductwork, fixed ladders, skylights, light fixtures, electrical conduits, or air conditioning units.
  • Use of ladders create fall injuries. Know how to properly use a ladder, keep 3 points of contact at all times, check ladders for damage, and set them on a solid, stable base.
  • When was the last time you inspected your fall equipment? Make sure you are visually inspecting it before use and then conducting additional documented annual inspections.  If ANYTHING looks odd, remove it from use.
  • Have your workers been trained in fall hazards? They must be trained prior to being exposed to that hazard, must understand the training and be retrained any time they exhibit inadequacies in knowledge or use of fall protection systems or equipment.

Below are some fall protection-related resources you can draw upon:

Toolbox Topic Material from the National Safety Council

OSHA’s Fall Protection Page:  https://www.osha.gov/fall-protection

Example Training Resources for Falls in General Industry

This Week’s OSHA’s National Safety Stand Down to Prevent Falls in Construction

If you need help with fall protection safety compliance, contact us today!

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6 Key Steps of an Effective Incident Investigation Process

6 Key Steps of an Effective Incident Investigation Process

May 2, 2022

Why Conduct Incident Investigations?

When investigating a worksite incident, it is essential to record all findings accurately and thoroughly. This includes documenting the accident scene, identifying any possible witnesses, and interviewing involved parties to verify facts. All of these steps will help employers and workers understand what happened and identify potential hazards in order to prevent future incidents from occurring.

Who should do the investigating?

It is equally important to involve managers and employees in the incident investigation. Managers can provide oversight of the process, as well as draw on their experience to identify potential contributing factors from when the incident occurred. Employees also bring valuable insight – for instance, workers may be able to identify specific unsafe practices or conditions that led up to the incident.

Six steps for successful incident investigation:

The 7 steps of investigation includes:

STEP 1 – IMMEDIATE ACTION

Once the area is safe, first aid and medical care has been given for the people involved and the scene has been preserved, a thorough investigation will begin. Evidence will be collected from multiple sources which may include CCTV tapes, photographs of the scene or other physical evidence such as samples. This evidence must be carefully documented and stored securely in accordance to local laws and regulations.

STEP 2 – PLAN THE INVESTIGATION

It is important to develop a clear plan for investigating any incident. The plan should consider the resources required, who will be involved, and how long it is expected to take. Depending on the severity or complexity of the incident, an investigation team may be necessary in order to ensure that all aspects of the case are thoroughly examined.

An accident investigation is important for any workplace incident, not only for human error but for equipment and management systems errors as well. With a proper investigation, a safety committee will need to involved or established as well as a single investigator.

STEP 3 – DATA COLLECTION

The investigation of any incident requires a thorough analysis of all available information. This might include interviewing witnesses or victims and an injured worker, reviewing documents related to the event, examining equipment or machinery that was involved in the incident and studying the incident scene.

The data collected from these sources can provide invaluable insights into what happened during the incident and help investigators determine the cause. To collect data, comb over every sequence of events and gather information regarding human errors as well as equipment errors. Weather conditions should be documented as well along with safety problems, property damage, serious injury, witness statements, near misses, work environment, other incidents, and other relevant information that will be helpful to the investigation team.

STEP 4 – DATA ANALYSIS

The root cause of an incident is typically the result of multiple failures, decisions, and processes that have been allowed to exist in an organization’s environment. To properly recognize the root cause requires a thorough investigation into the systemic factors at play.

The direct causes are more obvious, but it’s important not to overlook their connections to underlying influences. By looking closely at both direct and underlying causes, it becomes possible to identify where improvement can be made and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. In order to understand the data, you’ll need to review records such as inspection reports as well as review all injuries recorded, the me

STEP 5 – CORRECTIVE ACTIONS

Root cause analysis also helps organizations to recognize any potential areas for improvement, ensuring that similar incidents do not happen again in the future. By understanding and addressing the root causes of an incident, organizations can gain greater visibility into their processes and ensure long-term success.

Additionally, significant cost savings can be achieved through effective root cause analysis as it provides a valuable opportunity to review existing processes and address any deficiencies before they become costly later on. Ultimately, when used correctly, root cause analysis can help an organization get ahead of problems before they occur and reduce risks associated with them and other hazards.

Corrective actions might include personal protective equipment changes or updates due to equipment failure. Doing a ‘quick fix’ would be an example of what not to do as a corrective action. Cutting corners can cause repeat incidents and come with serious consequences.

STEP 6 – REPORTING

Once the investigation is concluded and all outstanding issues are closed out, it is important to communicate the findings so that lessons can be shared. In order to do this, organizations should use formal incident investigation reports, alerts, presentations and meeting topics.

Regular safety inspections, regular maintenance, implement corrective actions and a safety program, being sure to follow up with organizational requirements on safety and training both management and employees on safety in incidents are crucial when reporting and maintaining reporting.

Why look for the root cause?

Root Cause Analysis can be used to help organizations recognize and rectify the underlying causes of problems they may be facing. The first step in this process is to identify the negative events that are occurring and determine if any patterns or trends exist among them.

What are the steps involved in investigating an incident?

  • Secure the area
  • Plan the investigation
  • Collect all information
  • Analyze collected data
  • Find the root cause
  • Execute corrective actions
  • Document and share the results

What should I know when making the analysis and recommendations?

If your analysis is just another step of managing incidents. Be sure to allocate the appropriate resources and time to complete a full analysis in these situations:

  • When issues occur or can be expected to occur more than once
  • When an outage has or can affect many users
  • When the system isn’t functioning as designed

What is OSHA Process Safety Management Management of Change?

MOC’s (Management of Change) establish and implement written procedures to manage changes made to process chemicals, technology, equipment, procedures and facilities. OSHA’s Process Safety Management (PSM) standard requires companies to perform MOC’s when changes are made that could affect how safely a process runs.

This procedure should outline all points involved in making changes to the process, such as reviewing safety concerns, assessing risks, identifying potential hazards, selecting appropriate control measures, monitoring results, and updating records.

Which are the three types of MOC?

The three most common types of MOC are administrative, organizational, and technical.

What are the steps of MOC process?

8 Steps to a MOC Process

  1. Identify Proposed Changes.
  2. Risk Assessment.
  3. Determine if Hazards/Risks Can Be Controlled.
  4. Evaluate Making a Change.
  5. Implement Change If Safe.
  6. Pre-Startup Safety Review (PSSR)
  7. Train Workers on Change.
  8. Execute and Monitor Change.

 

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EPA Proposes Rule Expanding Facility Response Plan Requirements

EPA Proposes Rule Expanding Facility Response Plan Requirements

Apr 28, 2022

EPA has issued a proposed rule that would require many non-transportation-related facilities to develop a Facility Response Plan under the Clean Water Act, based on planning for worst-case scenario discharges.  This proposed rule significantly increases the number of facilities who may need a Facility Response Plan and increases the number of hazardous substances to be considered when making a compliance determination.

EPA’s goal is to make onshore non-transportation facilities determine if they could reasonably be expected to cause substantial harm to the environment by discharging one of the 296 Clean Water Act hazardous substances into or on navigable waters, the shoreline or exclusive economic zones.  If the facility meets the criteria, then they’ll be required to prepare a Facility Response Plan that plans for worst case scenarios.

This rule is a result of a settlement EPA made in a 2019 lawsuit from the Natural Resources Defense Council and others.  The suit claimed EPA was required, but failed, to make non-transportation-related facilities that could cause substantial harm to plan, prevent, mitigate and respond to worst case spills of hazardous substances.  The consent decree requires EPA to take final action on a rule addressing worst case discharge plans for hazardous substances before September 2022 and this is the result of that.

What Industries are Affected?

The new rule would apply to the following NAICS code groups:

111 Crop Production
115 Support Activities for Agriculture and Forestry
211 Oil and Gas Extraction
212 Mining (except Oil and Gas)
213 Support Activities for Mining
221 Utilities
311 Food Manufacturing
314 Textile Product Mills
321 Wood Product Manufacturing
322 Paper Manufacturing
324 Petroleum and Coal Products Manufacturing
325 Chemical Manufacturing
326 Plastics and Rubber Products Manufacturing
327 Nonmetallic Mineral Product Manufacturing
331 Primary Metal Manufacturing
332 Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing
333 Machinery Manufacturing
335 Electrical Equipment, Appliance, and Component Manufacturing
336 Transportation Equipment Manufacturing
423 Merchant Wholesalers, Durable Goods
424 Merchant Wholesalers, Nondurable Goods
441 Motor Vehicle and Parts Dealers
444 Building Material and Garden Equipment and Supplies Dealers
447 Gasoline Stations
453 Miscellaneous Store Retailers
488 Support Activities for Transportation
493 Warehousing and Storage
511 Publishing Industries (except internet)
522 Credit Intermediation and Related Activities
562 Waste Management and Remediation Services
611 Educational Services
622 Hospitals
811 Repair and Maintenance
812 Personal and Laundry Services
928 National Security and International Affairs

How Do You Know if It Affects Your Company?

To determine if this applies to your company, there are three criteria to consider.

  1. Maximum Capacities Stored Onsite

Determine if your maximum capacity for any of the 296 Clean Water Act-identified hazardous substances meets or exceeds 10,000 times the reportable quantity in pounds.  The reportable quantities for each hazardous substance are different.  Some may be 5000 lbs. (hydrochloric acid, acetic acid), others may be 1000 lbs. (nitric acid, phenol), some may be 100 lbs. (hydrogen sulfide, formaldehyde), others may be 10 lbs. (benzene, nitrogen dioxide, sodium) and some may be 1 lb. (PCBs, arsenic, diazinon).

  1. Location

Next, determine if your facility is one half mile of a navigable water or conveyance to a navigable water.  The definition of a navigable water has been under debate for a number of years and has changed between the different Presidential administrations.

  1. Substantial Harm Criteria

Last, do you meet any of the substantial harm criteria.  That is, will you:

  • Do you have the ability to adversely impact a public water system?
  • Could you cause injury to fish, wildlife and sensitive environments?
  • Do you have the ability to cause injury to public receptors?
  • Have you had a reportable discharge of a Clean Water Act hazardous substance within the past 5 years?

If you meet the substantial harm criteria, you would need to submit your Facility Response Plan to the EPA.  Existing facilities that meet the criteria on the effective date of the rule would have to submit a Facility Response Plan within 12 months.

What is a Facility Response Plan (aka, an FRP)?

FRPs are required per 40 CFR 112.  Current criteria says if you have over 42,000 gallons of oils and are transferring them over water to/from vessels, or if you have over 1,000,000 gallons and meet other certain criteria, you are required to have one. Facility Response Plans requirements are from the Federal Water Pollution Control Act.

Public Comment

EPA is taking public comments on the proposed rule until May 27, 2022.  More information, including links to the public comment site can be found HERE.

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Fatigue Management

Fatigue Management

Apr 1, 2022

We’re all tired. There are so many things weighing on us — taking on more tasks and trying to keep up at work when there are not enough workers to get everything done, continuous pressure to maintain levels of service when supplies are delayed and staffing is short, COVID, Daylight Savings time, we’re approaching one of the busiest times of the year in the school calendar, you have stuff at home that’s not getting done, and on and on. When you get tired, mistakes and accidents happen.

Most adults need 7-8 hours of sleep in every 24 hours to feel well rested and without it, a sleep debt is built up. This debt may result in impaired performance, reduced alertness and higher levels of sleepiness and fatigue. A sleep debt can only be repaid with restful sleep. Fatigue contributes to accidents by impairing performance and in extreme cases causing people to fall asleep. Fatigue related “micro sleeps” are very hard to predict or prevent and can place the individual and others at risk.

According to the National Safety Council, more than 43% of workers are sleep-deprived, and fatigued worker productivity costs employers $1,200 to $3,100 per employee annually. Employees on rotating shifts are particularly vulnerable because they cannot adapt their “body clocks” to an alternative sleep pattern.

Fatigue Management Programs

More and more companies are including fatigue management in their list of safety programs.  For major manufacturers and industrial facilities that use contractor pre-qualification services like ISNetworld, Fatigue Management Programs are a requirement for contractors.

Fatigue Management Programs can be simple.  They can line out the responsibilities of supervisors, employees and the company.  They also discuss the hazards of fatigue, provide a overview of risk controls and make a plan for training.

Even if you don’t want to create a formal Fatigue Management Program, you still may want to consider including safety sessions about it to your teams.  Here are some elements you can include in your training:

Signs and Effects of Fatigue

Signs of fatigue include long eye blinks, repeated yawning, frequent blinking, bloodshot eyes, poor reaction time, slow speech, loss of energy, and an inability to concentrate.

Fatigue can result in a lack of attention, difficulty following instructions, reduced ability to think clearly, and slower response to changing circumstances.

Chronic fatigue can also lead to many different long term health issues such as high blood pressure, increased risk for diabetes and heart disease, weakened immunity, poor balance, mood changes and memory issues.

What Your Company Can Do:  Risk Controls to Consider

Rest, of course, is the most important control measure for managing fatigue. For companies, consider the following:

  • Is a ten hour or longer break between work shifts provided?
  • Are safety critical tasks planned during “circadian low” hours, 2am-6am and 2pm- 4pm?
  • Are complex tasks planned on the first or final shift of a nightshift work cycle?
  • Does the break between work shifts provide a sleep opportunity of 7 or more hours of continuous sleep?
  • Is a minimum of one break provided between each 4 hours of work with one break of sufficient length to have a meal (i.e. 30 minutes)?
  • Are more frequent short breaks allowed during strenuous activities?
  • Are on-call responsibilities limited?
  • Is ready access to drinking water provided?
  • Do Call-Out/On Call schedules provide for adequate rest before returning to a regular work shift?

What the Worker Can Do: Combating Fatigue

  • Try to maintain a consistent sleep schedule — if you’re sleeping more on days off, you’re not sleeping enough on work days. Try to go to bed and wake up at roughly the same time per day, even on the weekends.
  • Try to get a minimum of 7 hours per night
  • Don’t eat big meals close to bedtime, but if you’re hungry before bed, don’t go to bed hungry as that will affect sleep too — have a healthy snack.
  • Caffeine, nicotine and alcohol can all affect sleep patterns
  • Make your bedroom conducive to sleep — quiet, dark, not too hot or too cold
  • If you have daytime sleepiness, snoring or breathing pauses, get checked out for sleep apnea
  • Just like kids need a bedtime routine, so do you. Establish a relaxing bedtime routine and stick to it.
  • Avoid stressful activities before bedtime and don’t associate your bedroom and sleeping with anxiety
  • Don’t go to bed for sleep unless you’re truly sleepy — trying to sleep is counterproductive and can make it harder to fall asleep.
  • Avoid long naps during the day that may throw off your nighttime schedule.
  • Avoid blue light exposure at night (from electronic devices) – use glasses that block blue light or install an app that blocks it.
  • When was the last time you changed your mattress and pillow? Are they causing pain? Upgrade your bedding every 5-8 yrs.

Working together to try to incorporate just even a few of these into our lives and work days should make a real difference in workplace health and wellness — both physically and mentally.

If you need help developing a Fatigue Management written safety program, we can help.  Contact us today!

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OSHA’s Noise Regional Emphasis Program for General Industry and Construction

OSHA’s Noise Regional Emphasis Program for General Industry and Construction

Mar 24, 2022

OSHA has reissued a noise hazard regional emphasis program for Region VII.  OSHA inspectors will be conducting targeted inspections for noise for certain NAICS categories in both general industry and construction.  Even though this particular emphasis program is for Region VII (Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, and Nebraska), OSHA has noise-related regional emphasis programs in all states except for those that fall in the Western and Pacific Regions (9 and 10).

OSHA says it’s targeting workplaces with excessive noise levels in order to prevent permanent hearing loss.  They say 22 million workers are working in hazardous noise levels and 53% do not wear hearing protection.  In a NIOSH study, 52% of noise-exposed tested construction workers admitted to not wearing hearing protection, and 25% of tested workers had a hearing loss that affected their day-to-day activities. Hearing loss is an OSHA recordable injury.  Even short-term exposures can cause ringing in the ears, reduced productivity and stress.

Who Will Be Inspected?

OSHA has made a list of the NAICS codes from both general industry and construction that they have found commonly have noise hazards.  Data was gathered from a couple different sources.  First, they looked at inspections conducted between 2018 and 2020 where there were citations for noise.  They found the industries who had the most citations for these issues, and have sorted them from the most inspected group to the least inspected group.  OSHA also created the State Workers Compensation Data Profile.  This collected data of the NAICS groups that were reporting noise-related injuries and illnesses through workers compensation cases within that same time period.  These lists were combined to generate a master list of NAICS groups.

These are the NAICS groups that have been identified for the targeted inspections:

GENERAL INDUSTRY NAICS

2111:  Electric Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution
3119:  Other Food Manufacturing
3211:  Sawmills and Wood Preservation
3219:  Other Wood Product Manufacturing
3241:  Petroleum and Coal Products Manufacturing
3261:  Plastics Products Manufacturing
3315:  Foundries
3323:  Architectural and Structural Metals Manufacturing
3327:  Machine Shops; Turned Product; and Screw, Nut and Bolt Manufacturing
3328:  Coating, Engraving, Heat Treating and Allied Activities
3329:  Other Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing
3364:  Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing
4239: Miscellaneous Durable Goods Merchant Wholesalers
4811:  Scheduled Air Transportation
4922:  Local Messengers and Local Delivery

CONSTRUCTION NAICS

2361:  Residential Building Construction
2362:  Nonresidential Building Construction
2372:  Land Subdivision
2373:  Highway, Street and Bridge Construction
2379:  Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction
2382:  Building Equipment Contractors
2383:  Building Finishing Contractors
2389:  Other Specialty Trade Contractors

Inspections – What Will OSHA Look For?

OSHA will start the inspection by reviewing programs and records, including your:

  • OSHA 300 logs for threshold hearing shifts and other health hazards
  • Noise sampling data, including past noise surveys that include sound level measurements
  • Exposure Monitoring Program
  • Hearing Conservation Program
  • Hearing conservation training records
  • Audiograms for the past 3 years
  • Records in conjunction with access to employee exposure and medical records (1910.1020)
  • Information on temporary workers so they can evaluate your program in relation to them
  • Information on PPE provided and whether it’s voluntary or required and where
  • Schematic diagram of your facility (for noise mapping) and departments where noise may be an issue
  • Union representatives will be questioned on noise and hearing conservation efforts

Inspectors Will Conduct Sampling

From there, OSHA will conduct a walk around to observe your processes and find opportunities for noise mapping.  They will take pictures of workers not wearing their hearing protection correctly, or those in noisy areas not wearing any protection at all.  They will also interview workers in areas where there are greater than 80 dba of noise found. 

Inspectors will conduct noise mapping with a sound meter and, depending on their findings, may need to conduct additional noise dosimetry on individual workers.  OSHA instructions for their inspectors advises inspectors to try to do noise dosimetry the very first day they’re there, and to get the dosimeters on the workers as soon as possible.  Only 6 or more hours are necessary to support a citation.  Thus, they may want to do dosimetry immediately to get as many hours of data as possible. However, guidance also suggests they do the dosimetry on your second shift workers if the inspection gets started later in the day. If they need additional sampling in other areas, they will come back for additional follow-up sampling for full shifts on other days.

Protect Your Company With Side-by-Side Sampling

As an employer, it’s advisable that you conduct side-by-side sampling of any noise sampling or dosimetry OSHA is conducting.  This means you would have someone conduct noise sampling alongside the inspector to assure that the samples collected are similar to what OSHA is collecting.  You can also choose to put a dosimeter on the same employees to duplicate and check noise dosimetry.  It’s your right as an employer to do this and may help in negotiations later if there are discrepancies between your results and those of OSHA’s.

iSi Can Help You Prepare and Get Your Program in Order

iSi can help you get your documentation in order in the event you are going to be inspected.  This includes:

  • Industrial hygiene audits and assessments to see where you stand with occupational health and exposure-related OSHA regulations
  • Conducting noise mapping and dosimetry so you have your required records on file
  • Developing Exposure Monitoring Programs
  • Reviewing OSHA logs for recordable hearing losses and helping you determine which hearing losses are recordable
  • Written Hearing Conservation Programs
  • Hearing conservation training
  • PPE evaluations
  • Side-by-side noise sampling during inspections
  • Safety professionals for to be onsite and assist during OSHA inspections

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The Ultimate Guide To Asbestos Abatement

The Ultimate Guide To Asbestos Abatement

Mar 11, 2022

The Ultimate Guide To Asbestos Abatement: Everything You Need To Know

This guide will take you step by step through the process of asbestos abatement, from finding asbestos to safely removing it and disposing of it. You’ll also learn about industrial hygiene and health physics, which are essential to keeping workers safe.

What is asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fiber that was once used in approximately 3,000 different products. Asbestos has been linked to various diseases. The most common of these are lung cancer and mesothelioma. Asbestos cannot be smelled or seen.

How do you know if you have asbestos in your building?

A common place where asbestos is found is insulation. Asbestos was used as an insulator in older homes and buildings because of its effectiveness in keeping heat inside.  It’s also found in many types of floor tile, linoleum, transite siding, window glazing, fire doors, fireproofing materials, popcorn ceiling coatings and other materials.

There are a number of signs that indicate that you have asbestos present in your building. You should be aware of these warning signs to prevent any potential problems. One of the main problems with asbestos is that it gets airborne easily, so it can end up on any surface of your home or business. If you see signs that your building has asbestos, it is important to contact a professional. The first and easiest thing you should do is test the area for asbestos fibers to ensure that proper precautions are taken to keep you and those around you safe.

Is it safe to remove asbestos yourself?

Asbestos is a dangerous material, and for good reason. It’s responsible for thousands of deaths each year and is a leading cause of lung cancer. Asbestos can be found in homes, schools and businesses all over the country. Even though it’s a dangerous substance, there are instances when it’s safe to remove asbestos yourself provided you have the proper training and/or licensing to do so.   Businesses are required to follow OSHA and EPA guidelines for working with asbestos.  Homeowners have no regulations that govern removal.

How do you remove asbestos safely and effectively?

There are two popular methods of removing asbestos: encapsulation and removal. When done correctly, both methods are completely safe. However, removing asbestos incorrectly can result in serious health problems.  Asbestos is a known carcinogen and toxin. It was used extensively before its harmful effects were widely known, so there is still a lot of the stuff hidden away in old buildings.

If you find asbestos in your home or building, you need to have it safely removed. Here’s how. The first step is to determine whether or not there is asbestos present.   Licensed asbestos inspectors and other specifically trained maintenance personnel can conduct inspections and sampling, sending the samples to a special lab for analysis. Homeowners can collect their own samples and have them analyzed by a laboratory provided special health precautions are followed when handling asbestos.   If asbestos is found, any professional removal will require you to evacuate the building and seal off a perimeter around the area where the work will be performed.  Workers wear asbestos-specific PPE and respirators while working and use other safety equipment to prevent the spread of asbestos fibers.

What are the different types of asbestos removal methods?

1. Physical removal
2. Encapsulation
3. Enclosure
4. Repair

Where can I find a professional who removes asbestos safely and effectively?

The asbestos removal process requires the utmost care and diligence. It is a complex process that requires specialized training, equipment, and materials. To ensure safety and effectiveness, it is best to hire a professional who has ample experience in removing asbestos from any structure. When working with an asbestos removal professional, be sure to check their credentials and licensing information. The EPA recommends avoiding unlicensed contractors at all costs, as they may not carry proper insurance or take the necessary precautions to keep you and your family safe.

Asbestos abatement is not a DIY project, and it’s important to hire an asbestos contractor that has all the proper licensing and certification. If you are looking for professional asbestos abatement services but aren’t sure where to begin, please contact us today! We’ll be happy to assist you and help make your next asbestos abatement project a success.

 

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Tami Hadley
Tami Hadley

Contributing:

Tami Hadley

Marketing Director | Project Manager, E-Training Solutions

Tami has been with iSi for over 24 years.  During this time, she has enjoyed helping promote regulations compliance awareness and education through her involvement with iSi Training and through leadership roles with industry conferences and professional organizations.

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Sustainability Consulting for the 21st Century

Sustainability Consulting for the 21st Century

Mar 1, 2022

The modern world is a sustainable one. It’s time for your business to join the ranks of those who are making a difference.

Sustainability has become one of the most important topics of our time. As the world becomes more and more aware of the environmental, social, and economic challenges we face, more and more businesses are looking for ways to operate in a more sustainable way.

That’s where sustainability consulting comes in. A sustainability consultant helps businesses identify opportunities to operate in a more sustainable way. This can mean anything from reducing energy consumption to increasing employee engagement in sustainability goals.

Sustainability consultants come from a variety of backgrounds, but all share a common goal: to help businesses move towards a more sustainable future with sustainability services.

The good news is that sustainability consulting is one of the fastest growing industries in North America and the world. The bad news is that it can be hard to know where to start when it comes to finding a sustainability consultant that’s right for your business.

Here are four tips to help you find the right sustainability consultant for your business:

1. Define your sustainability goals and ESG strategy.

What does your business want to achieve by working with a sustainability consultant? Do you want to reduce your carbon footprint in your global business? Develop more robust sustainability strategies? Achieve sustainable development goals? Incorporate sustainability solutions and a sustainable infrastructure into your business strategy? Improve employee engagement? Need risk management? Find ways to save money.

Once you know what you want to achieve, you can start looking for consulting firms that specialize in those areas.

2. Identify a budget.

Do your sustainability ambitions match resources available for the project? Does the ESG (Environmental Social and Governance) strategy align with your corporate growth strategy?

It is recommended to present a sustainability strategy internally, that outlines tiers of investment and the types of sustainability performance to be expected per expenditure.

3. Do your research.

Do a deep dive in the sustainability consulting services universe. Once you’ve identified some consulting firms that might be a good fit, take some time to learn about their backgrounds and experience and nail it down to your favorite consulting firm.

How long have they been working in a sustainable business? What are some of the clients they’ve worked with? What do other people say about them? Top consulting firms offer diverse corporate responsibility solutions and professional services across a wide swathe of industry sectors.

4. Ask for recommendations.

Talk to other businesses in your industry and see if they’ve worked with any sustainability consulting firms that they would recommend. If you know someone who works in sustainable business, ask them for their thoughts on different consultants.

The best way to find a good consultant in the large world of the consulting industry is through word-of-mouth from people who have worked with them before.

A global management consultancy will have the general pulse on corporate social responsibility. Top sustainability consulting firms will be a global leader in change management and integrated business planning.

The best ones possess deep expertise in the management of business risk and climate risk, while working with you to embed sustainability into your culture.

These days, there’s no excuse for not being sustainable, not manage risk, and not create sustainable business models.

Future leaders and businesses that don’t take steps to operate sustainably will not only be missing out on opportunities and losing business value, but will also be left behind as society progresses towards a more sustainable future.

These can be complex problems. Sustainability consulting is one of the best ways for businesses to make sure they’re operating sustainably and making a positive impact measurement on the world around them.

iSi Environmental is a leading provider of environmental consulting and management consulting services in the United States and we are committed to protecting the planet and its inhabitants with the skills and knowledge of our people. With us you get long term value.

Senior Executives and Sustainability Teams turn to us when:

  • Their team is short on time and resources to achieve organizational sustainability strategy
  • They need hands-on implementation of new compliance processes
  • They need to integrate sustainability at multiple locations
  • Also turn to us when looking to roll local best practices into a global corporate system

Need Assistance?

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What’s on OSHA’s To-Do List? OSHA Publishes Current Regulatory Agenda

What’s on OSHA’s To-Do List? OSHA Publishes Current Regulatory Agenda

Feb 25, 2022

OSHA’s regulatory agenda has been published with a list of priorities the agency is working on.  Twice a year the federal agencies publish their regulatory priorities.  These are typically listed by what stage each is currently in.  What is on OSHA’s regulatory agenda, and what changes and additions may you see coming up?

Final Rule Stage

These are the ones closest to being issued as a final rule.

Walking Working Surfaces
1910.28(b)(11)(ii), 1910.29(f)(1)

Feedback about provisions of the 2016 final rule being unclear led OSHA to work to update some formatting errors in Table D-2 and to revise language about the requirements for stair rail systems to make them clearer.

Procedures for Handling Retaliation Complaints Under Whistleblower Protection Statuses, Under the Anti-Money Laundering Act, and Under the Criminal Antitrust Anti-Retaliation Act
Multiple

These three are basically the same, laying groundwork for procedures on how to handle and investigate complaints and protect retaliation against whistleblowers.

Proposed Rule Stage

Improved Tracking of Workplace Injuries and Illnesses
1904.41

This proposed rule would require establishments already reporting OSHA 300As electronically to submit the OSHA 300 and 301 information electronically as well.  This was an original feature of the standard, but was removed in 2019.  Those who are required to report electronically are employers with 250 or more employees.

Hazcom Updates
1910.1200

The last Hazard Communication Standard incorporated the 3rd Edition of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS).  GHS has been updated several times since 2012, and OSHA wants to update the standard to reflect the 7th Edition of GHS.

Amendments to the Crane and Derricks in Construction Standard
1926

  • Correct references to power line voltage for direct current (DC) voltages as well as alternating current (AC) voltages;
  • Broaden the exclusion for forklifts carrying loads under the forks from “winch or hook” to a “winch and boom”;
  • Clarify an exclusion for work activities by articulating cranes;
  • Provide 4 definitions inadvertently omitted in the final standard;
  • Replace “minimum approach distance” with “minimum clearance distance” throughout to remove ambiguity;
  • Clarify the use of demarcated boundaries for work near power lines;
  • Correct an error permitting body belts to be used as a personal fall arrest system rather than a personal fall restraint system;
  • Replace the verb “must” with “may” used in error in several provisions; correct an error in a caption on standard hand signals; and
  • Resolve an issue of “NRTL-approved” safety equipment (e.g., proximity alarms and insulating devices) that is required by the final standard, but is not yet available.

Occupational Exposure to Crystalline Silica in Construction
1926.1153(c)

OSHA wants to seek information on the effectiveness of the dust control measures currently included in Table 1.  They also want to find out if there are any other tasks or tools that would be effective to add to Table 1.  Employers who follow Table 1 correctly are not required to measure workers’ exposure to silica and are not subject to the permissible exposure limit (PEL).

 Welding in Construction Confined Spaces
1926.353

OSHA wants to amend the Welding and Cutting Standard to remove any ambiguity about the definition of a confined space.  The explanation portion of the 2015 Confined Spaces in Construction standard discusses how the welding standard and the confined spaces standard work together.  Although the confined spaces standard states that it encompasses welding activities, the welding standard does not expressly identify a definition of “confined space”.

PPE in Construction
1926.95

Clarification of requirements for the fit of PPE in construction.

Updates to Lockout/Tagout
1910.147

OSHA recognizes technological advancements in computer-based controls of hazardous energy conflict with the LOTO standard.  These controls are increasingly being used and there are consensus standards for their design.  Other countries are also accepting their use.  OSHA wants to look into harmonizing the current standard with those other countries.  There is a current RFI out which is seeking information to understand the strengths and limitations of these devices and their potential hazards to workers.

Powered Industrial Truck Design Standard Update
1910.178, 1926.602

OSHA is proposing to update the referenced ANSI standard from ANSI B56.1-1969 Safety Standard for Powered Industrial Trucks to also include the latest version of ANSI/ITSDF B56.1a-2018, Safety Standard for Low Lift and High Lift Trucks.

State Plans – Arizona and Massachusetts
1952

In the Arizona rule, OSHA is considering revoking Arizona’s State Plan because they didn’t issue an Emergency Temporary Standard for COVID within the 30 days OSHA gave them to adopt their own standard.  State Plans are required to issue regulations as strong as or stronger than federal OSHA.

Massachusetts is applying to have a State Plan applicable only to state and local government employees.

Specific Industries

Medical – Infectious Diseases
1910

This rule is meant to identify standards to protect workers in health care, emergency response, prisons, homeless shelters, drug treatment programs, medical examiners, labs, and other occupational settings where there’s a high risk of transmission of infectious diseases such as TB, MRSA, SARS, chickenpox, shingles and COVID.

Shipyard Fall Protection – Scaffolds, Ladders and Other Working Surfaces
1915.71-1915.77, subpart E

The current subpart E section of the standard is not comprehensive in its coverage of fall hazards in shipyards. OSHA issued a Request for Information and is considering updating existing standards and dividing the rulemaking into three subparts: subpart E, Stairways, Ladders and Other Access and Egress; subpart M, Fall Protection; and subpart N, Scaffolds.

Communication Tower Construction and Maintenance
1926 and 1910

Communication tower work has a high fatality rate and construction is expected to greatly increase.  OSHA has been collecting information and has determined current fall protection and personnel hoisting guidance may not adequately cover this work.  OSHA will be determining if a separate standard is needed, including covering structures that have telecommunications equipment on it or attached to them such as rooftops, buildings, water towers and billboards.

Tree Care
No Specific Reg Cited

There is no standard for tree care operations, which is a high hazard industry.  The tree care industry has petitioned to have a rule, and OSHA has collected information from affected small entities on what may be included in a potential standard.

Prerule Stage

Heat Illness Prevention in Outdoor and Indoor Work Settings
No Specific Reg Cited

This has gotten more publicity in the past few years.  In our blog in 2019 we wrote about a House bill that would require OSHA to develop a formal heat standard.  The effort and debate continues.  OSHA says that given the potentially broad scope of regulatory efforts to protect workers from heat hazards, as well as a number of technical issues and considerations with regulating this hazard (e.g., heat stress thresholds, heat acclimatization planning, exposure monitoring, medical monitoring), a Request for Information would allow them to begin a dialogue and engage with stakeholders to explore the potential for rulemaking on this topic.

Blood Lead Level for Medical Removal
1910.1025, 1926.62

OSHA is looking at reducing the trigger level for removing personnel from lead exposures.  Current levels require medical removal at 60 µg/dL in general industry, 50 µg/dL in construction and the return of employees to a former job status at below 40 µg/dL.  OSHA will be seeking public input on levels, identifying possible areas of the lead standard that need to be revised and how to improve worker protection where preventable lead exposures continue to occur.

Emergency Response
1910

Current OSHA standards don’t reflect the full range of hazards that emergency responders encounter nor the advancements in PPE, in technology, nor the major developments already being accepted by the emergency response community and consensus standards.  OSHA is considering updating these based on information gathered through a request for information and public meetings.

Process Safety Management and Prevention of Major Chemical Accidents
1910.119

OSHA has been looking at potentially modernizing the PSM standard and related standards since 2013.  Stakeholder meetings are next on the list.

Mechanical Power Presses Update
No Specific Reg Cited

The current OSHA standard is over 40 years old and does not address the use of hydraulic or pneumatic power presses or any other technological changes. OSHA previously published an Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on Mechanical Power Presses (June 2007) in which it identified several options for updating this standard.  It’s still on the list.

Prevention of Workplace Violence in Health Care and Social Assistance
No Specific Reg Cited

This has been on the list since 2017 and is related to impacts of workplace violence, prevention strategies and other information in health care and social assistance.  OSHA was petitioned for a standard preventing workplace violence in health care by a broad coalition of labor unions, and in a separate petition by the National Nurses United.  A small business study (like those conducted for specific industries) is next on the list.

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