OSHA Reduces Daily Hours for 10- and 30-Hour Training to Avoid Mental Fatigue, Improve Training EHS Today
Studies are showing the hands on training is more effective compared to lectures, slides, and boring computer training modules, but fatigue is also an issue when long class hours prevent the information from being absorbed. OSHA is taking a new step to make your squeeze on providing 10 and 30-hour training more challenging - limit your training to 7.5 hours per day. Effective immediately, training classes that exceed 7.5 hours in the day and do not meet all program content requirements will not be recognized for 10 and 30-hour outreach programs for construction, general industry and maritime, and for 16-hour disaster site worker training. The reasoning - long, mentally fatiguing classroom time might make students miss essential safety and health training.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Perchlorate regulations proposed for drinking water
In a reverse decision from 2008 preliminary determinations, the EPA has decided to regulate perchlorate under the Safe Drinking Water Act. The action of the EPA has been that of notification and will include developing and establishing a national primary drinking water regulations in the future. Certain public water systems will be required to take action when the regulation becomes final. The proposed regulation is required within 24 months and then the final regulation will be issued within 18 months of the proposal.
For more information visit the EPA's website on this topic at http://water.epa.gov/drink/contaminants/unregulated/perchlorate.cfm
For more information visit the EPA's website on this topic at http://water.epa.gov/drink/contaminants/unregulated/perchlorate.cfm
Monday, February 7, 2011
Are You Prepared for the New GHS?
It is coming. The Globally Harmonized Hazard Communication System (GHS) drafting and comment periods are complete. Now the wait for the final rule and implementation period. The GHS will replace the Hazard Communication Program (Hazcom) and will align the US requirements for classifying and labeling chemicals with the United Nations GHS, bringing us closer to worldwide uniformity on how we manage and relate chemical information. Many businesses have already implemented policies and procedures in preparation of the new standard. Once the rule is final, you may be looking at an estimated three to five year transition period for implementing the final rule. So where are you in your preparation?
A good start to getting ready is understanding the proposed rule, which is available for viewing in pdf format or download at www.osha.gov/dsg/hazcom/ghs.html. Then you will want to review the status of your current chemical inventory and how your current material safety data sheets (MSDS) are organized. And don't forget to start communicating to your management and workers that changes are on the way.
There will be globally acceptable terms and symbols. The proposed rule has a listing of all the terms. For example, MSDS will be simplified to safety data sheets, or SDS. And to increase consistency, the SDS will classify chemicals for health and physical standards based on GHS criteria that are formatted in a specific order on a 16 section document. Start weeding out your redundant and outdated documents while setting up a process for replacing new SDS when they are obtained. It is also a good time to dispose of any chemicals that are outdated and/or that you have no plans to use.
Many companies have considered shifting their MSDS organization and chemical inventory to online databases to help better manage them. You will want to determine what method for transitioning your MSDS is best for you. Maintaining a spreadsheet may be a suitable option in lieu of an online database. Most countries are shifting their practice requires to align with the United Nations GHS, but not all. And there still may be some variance. Will you be needing a multi-regional or country-specific SDS or the ability to get SDS in other languages?
Another thing you can expect and prepare for are pictograms on labels, which are already available. And don't forget - more training. Talk about it - communicate the new requirements for hazards and precautionary information using SDS and labels. Communicate the differences so your workplace will be better prepared when the final rule is issued.
A good start to getting ready is understanding the proposed rule, which is available for viewing in pdf format or download at www.osha.gov/dsg/hazcom/ghs.html. Then you will want to review the status of your current chemical inventory and how your current material safety data sheets (MSDS) are organized. And don't forget to start communicating to your management and workers that changes are on the way.
There will be globally acceptable terms and symbols. The proposed rule has a listing of all the terms. For example, MSDS will be simplified to safety data sheets, or SDS. And to increase consistency, the SDS will classify chemicals for health and physical standards based on GHS criteria that are formatted in a specific order on a 16 section document. Start weeding out your redundant and outdated documents while setting up a process for replacing new SDS when they are obtained. It is also a good time to dispose of any chemicals that are outdated and/or that you have no plans to use.
Many companies have considered shifting their MSDS organization and chemical inventory to online databases to help better manage them. You will want to determine what method for transitioning your MSDS is best for you. Maintaining a spreadsheet may be a suitable option in lieu of an online database. Most countries are shifting their practice requires to align with the United Nations GHS, but not all. And there still may be some variance. Will you be needing a multi-regional or country-specific SDS or the ability to get SDS in other languages?
Another thing you can expect and prepare for are pictograms on labels, which are already available. And don't forget - more training. Talk about it - communicate the new requirements for hazards and precautionary information using SDS and labels. Communicate the differences so your workplace will be better prepared when the final rule is issued.
Monday, January 31, 2011
EPA Announces HRS Addition to Vapor Intrusion
http://www.epa.gov/superfund/sites/npl/hrsaddition.htm
The EPA is soliciting input to add vapor intrusion threats as a component to the Hazard Ranking System (HRS) for Superfund sites. The agency will consider information gathered during the comment period and 3 public listening sessions to determine whether to issue a proposed rulemaking for a vapor intrusion component. Feedback will be accepted for 75 days after the January 28, 2011 announcement.
The EPA is soliciting input to add vapor intrusion threats as a component to the Hazard Ranking System (HRS) for Superfund sites. The agency will consider information gathered during the comment period and 3 public listening sessions to determine whether to issue a proposed rulemaking for a vapor intrusion component. Feedback will be accepted for 75 days after the January 28, 2011 announcement.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
EPA Requires Testing of 19 Widely Used Chemicals
The EPA is issuing a final rule under the Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA). This ruling will require manufacturers of certain chemicals to test for health and environmental effects. These chemicals are widely used in both consumer and industrial applications. Chemicals on the list are provided through the link above. You can also go to www.epa.gov/hpv/ for more information.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Managing Workers' Comp: Fatigue at Work: a Bad Sign of the Economic Times | EHS Today
Managing Workers' Comp: Fatigue at Work: a Bad Sign of the Economic Times EHS Today
This article discusses an increasing problem of fatique in the workplace. We have too much on our plates to be thinking about. With the added concerns of working, working, working, while not getting the appropriate rest and relaxation, it is no wonder that fatigue is an increasing concern for workplace accidents. The 40 hour work week should be the norm and if your job now adds increased responsibilities because of layoffs, how do you rework your new job responsibilities in the 40 hour work week. There is never going to be enough time.
Write down what you need to do during the work day and prioritize. FDR said "Do what you can, with what you have, where you are." Your end result should always be kept in the back of your mind - why are you doing this? Your end result should include health and happiness. Periodically, you will have to work longer to get that project done. But if you can't get that project done in a reasonable time by staying another hour or two at the office, be flexible with your schedule. You may need to extent your deadlines and let the work be delayed another day, or even a week. Your health and happiness are too important.
This article discusses an increasing problem of fatique in the workplace. We have too much on our plates to be thinking about. With the added concerns of working, working, working, while not getting the appropriate rest and relaxation, it is no wonder that fatigue is an increasing concern for workplace accidents. The 40 hour work week should be the norm and if your job now adds increased responsibilities because of layoffs, how do you rework your new job responsibilities in the 40 hour work week. There is never going to be enough time.
Write down what you need to do during the work day and prioritize. FDR said "Do what you can, with what you have, where you are." Your end result should always be kept in the back of your mind - why are you doing this? Your end result should include health and happiness. Periodically, you will have to work longer to get that project done. But if you can't get that project done in a reasonable time by staying another hour or two at the office, be flexible with your schedule. You may need to extent your deadlines and let the work be delayed another day, or even a week. Your health and happiness are too important.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Keeping the Chill Out: Working Safe in Cold Weather | EHS Today
Keeping the Chill Out: Working Safe in Cold Weather EHS Today
There has been a lot of cold storms coming through the US this week and although I usually work on project management and reports, I was one shivering in the cold on Monday morning to start off a chemical remediation project. But for those who work in much colder conditions and for longer periods of time, this article is a reminder. Layer your clothes with gloves and hat. If your feet and hands are warm, this is a great start. You also need to keep up with the fluids.
When working in cold temperatures, the best defense is common sense. Knowing what to wear, what to eat and drink and what to do if an employee is suffering from a cold-related illness can save lives.
There has been a lot of cold storms coming through the US this week and although I usually work on project management and reports, I was one shivering in the cold on Monday morning to start off a chemical remediation project. But for those who work in much colder conditions and for longer periods of time, this article is a reminder. Layer your clothes with gloves and hat. If your feet and hands are warm, this is a great start. You also need to keep up with the fluids.
When working in cold temperatures, the best defense is common sense. Knowing what to wear, what to eat and drink and what to do if an employee is suffering from a cold-related illness can save lives.
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