State CCR Permitting Guidance Released
The EPA has issued interim final guidance outlining the process and procedures the Agency generally intends to use to review and make determinations on state coal combustion residual (CCR) permitting programs.
Archives
TSCA Rule for Active and Inactive Chemicals Issued by EPA
The EPA has published a final rule establishing content requirements and deadlines for electronic data submissions that will allow the Agency to designate chemicals in the Toxic Substances Control Act’s (TSCA) Chemical Substance Inventory as either active or inactive. The rule is required by the 2016 TSCA amendments to clarify the status of the more […]
Reconsideration of Vehicle Midterm Evaluation
The EPA and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have jointly issued a formal notice of reconsideration of and an invitation to comment on the Obama EPA’s midterm evaluation (MTE) of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions standards for model year (MY) 2022–2025 light-duty vehicles. According to the agencies, the period of reconsideration is “an opportunity […]
Training Tips for the New Silica Standard
Yesterday we discussed the new silica standard as it applies to general industry and maritime workplaces and focused on the requirements for a written exposure control plan. Today we will provide some tips for employee training under the new standard.
Construction Safety: Tips for an Effective Program
An effective construction safety program goes beyond compliance to address overall loss control, which includes employee protection, property damage, and liability claims. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) has created a model safety program for builders. It’s built on a solid foundation of safety principles that will resonate with safety professionals in the building […]
Nanochemicals: Reporting Guidance Issued
As announced in its reporting and recordkeeping rule for nanomaterials (January 12, 2017, FR), the EPA has issued final guidance on specific compliance issues associated with the rule. The guidance consists of the Agency’s answers to 53 questions presumably asked by the public in connection with the final rule and a draft of the guidance […]
Tips for Developing Your Silica Written Exposure Control Plan
An Ohio manufacturer of cast steel freight components is facing more than $610,000 in penalties after Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) investigators found workers at the facility exposed to machine hazards and silica. OSHA found, in part, that the company failed to implement engineering controls to lower exposure to silica. In addition to the […]
Changes in Refrigerant Regulation: Are You Prepared?
The regulation of refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment is changing. The universe of regulated refrigerants is expanding, commonly used refrigerants are being phased out, and revised refrigerant regulations are being phased in. Is your facility prepared to cope with the changes in order to avoid penalties and enforcement actions?
Roofer Finds Out (the Hard Way) that Fines Aren’t Cheaper by the Dozen
A Florida roofing contractor that’s been investigated a dozen times since 2012 has been smacked with significant fines for failure to protect workers at two St. Augustine worksites.
Make Sure Employees View the Eclipse Safely
The moon will cross in front of the sun on Monday, August 21, just after 1:00 p.m. Eastern—prime time for a workplace eclipse viewing party. In case your employees want to step outside and enjoy this moment of planetary drama, make sure to share a few tips for safely enjoying the 2017 total solar eclipse.