Practical EHS Tips, News & Advice. Updated Daily.
No one wants it to happen, but an emergency, natural or manmade, can strike at anytime, 24/7. What’s more, it need not be a major, nationally-televised incident, such as a hurricane, earthquake, or act of political terror. An event as common as a local building fire can present just as large a challenge to you. These resources will help you create a plan for handling such crises, whatever their scope, and to carry it out in a way that best protects your employees and your company.
Free Special Report: 50 Tips for More Effective Safety Training
After a disaster, you’ll probably need to get in touch with a lot of people. But you could also have a limited ability to recharge your electronic devices, including cell phones, laptops, and tablets. The following checklist, adapted from recommendations by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), will help ensure you have enough battery power […]
Defining responsibility for EPCRA compliance on a site can often lead to questions that apply only to that particular situation or event. One such situation is that of chemicals brought on a site by contractors hired to perform work and where reporting responsibility lies—with the facility owner/operator or with the contractor. According to the Environmental […]
One of the most confusing exemptions under EPCRA is that for “routine agricultural use” (Section 311(e)(5)) under Sections 311 and 312, which cover Safety Data Sheet (SDS) reporting and Tier I/Tier II Inventory reporting, respectively. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the exemption is “designed to eliminate the reporting of fertilizers, pesticides, and other […]
The design requirements for exit routes are found in 29 CFR 1910.36. Here’s a quick look at the basic requirements. Is each exit a permanent part of your facility? [1910.36(a)(1)] Do the construction materials used to separate exits have at least a one-hour fire resistance rating if the exit connects three stories or less? [1910.36(a)(2)] […]
Are you ready for a severe emergency? Many businesses aren’t adequately prepared and as a result 40% of businesses affected by a disaster never reopen. Fires and explosions impact some 70,000 U.S. businesses and cause 200 employee fatalities each year. Other emergencies such as natural disasters, chemical spills, and incidents of workplace violence also take […]
OSHA has many requirements for confined spaces training, but compliance doesn’t have to be difficult. Permit-required confined space training must include three key issues: Nature of the hazards Actions to take when exposed to hazards How to arrange for a rescue So says Michael Lawrence, principal of Summit Safety Technologies (Long Beach, CA), accomplished safety […]
Because of the many hazards associated with confined spaces and the potential for fatal accidents, OSHA requires employers to have a confined-space rescue procedure. Whether the rescue team is internal or external, members of the team must understand how to help victims inside the space during emergencies and get them out safely. Once the rescue […]
