Q&A: Anhydrous Ammonia Leaks
Recently, we received the following question from a subscriber: What does OSHA say about initial entry into an area with a suspected gas leak of anhydrous ammonia of unknown quantity and the use of an SCBA?
Archives
Four Changes to EPA’s Chemical Data Reporting Requirements
Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) is complicated and if submitted inaccurately (or not at all), can result in substantial penalties. Reporting is required every 4 years, and 2016 brings a number of changes to CDR requirements. Companies required to report under the CDR rules have until September 30 to submit their […]
New Rule Requires CMV Passengers to Wear Seat Belts
Passengers riding in commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) will soon be required to use seat belts whenever the vehicles are operated on public roads in interstate commerce.
Are Your Employees Ready for the Heat?
Your summer checklist might include signing the kids up for swimming lessons and making reservations for a beach getaway. But if your employees work outside, preparations should also include readying them for exposure to the heat. Get important reminders here.
OSHA Launches Pilot Program for Severe Violators of Whistleblower Protection Laws
On May 31, OSHA announced a pilot program aimed at protecting workers who report violations of law, safety and health—a severe violator enforcement program for employers that “continually and willfully” disregard the rights of whistleblowers.
OSHA Electronic Recordkeeping Rule Places New Requirements on Employers
By Arielle B. Sepulveda On May 12, 2016, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) published a long-awaited final rule requiring certain employers to electronically submit injury and illness data, providing for such data to be made publicly available, and updating employee notification and antiretaliation provisions.
Local EJ Ordinance Puts Crimp in Business Development
The city of Los Angeles recently passed an ordinance that could become a model for environmental justice land-use restrictions nationwide. Let’s take a look at a few aspects of the ordinance and how it could affect the compliance efforts of facilities caught in the thick of such local rules.
How to Create a Successful Construction Stormwater SWPPP
Sediment and soil runoff from improperly managed construction sites can greatly contribute to surface water degradation and cause detrimental impacts to aquatic life. To minimize the impacts to surface water quality, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the states require that construction projects of a certain size follow stormwater regulations. One such regulatory measure […]
Webinar Wrap-Up: RMP Updates
Back in March, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed significant changes to the chemical accident prevention provisions, commonly referred to as the Risk Management Program (RMP). In a recent webinar, Risk Management Plan Updates: A Guide to Regulatory Compliance in Advance of EPA’s Final Rule, speaker Natalie VanLiew, PE, Managing Consultant at Trinity Consultants, […]
Be a Player, not a Victim, in Environmental Justice Efforts in Your Community
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is becoming more aggressive in its efforts to get people involved in environmental justice (EJ) efforts in their communities. And some communities are jumping on the bandwagon. Two recent initiatives, EPA’s draft EJ agenda for 2020 and a new Los Angeles ordinance, highlight the growing prominence of EJ concerns. […]