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The Backstory One of the most common misconceptions about Safety Data Sheets (SDS) is that they must be retained for 30 years. While retaining these documents is certainly a recommended best practice, it is not a regulatory requirement per se. In fact, the regulatory requirement outlined in 29 CFR 1910.1020(d)(1)(ii) is that employee exposure records…read more.
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Hot Topic: OSHA’s Crackdown on the Fertilizer Industry
In an effort to address the dangers related to exposure to fertilizer-grade ammonium nitrate and agricultural anhydrous ammonium, OSHA recently launched a program to enforce and emphasize standards under the existing OSHA regulations. The Regional Emphasis Program (REP), which began on October 1, 2018, is now in effect in Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma,…read more.
SDSs South of the Border: Quick Tips on Compliance
The Backstory Mexico’s implementation of the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) became mandatory on October 9, 2018, exactly three years after it was first promulgated in Mexico’s Official Journal—Diario Oficial de la Federación. What’s Changing With Mexico’s implementation of workplace standard NOM-018-STPS-2015, which adopts elements of the 5th Revised Edition of the GHS, comes significant changes,…read more.
ECHA Proposes Authorization of 18 SVHCs
The Backstory “Authorization” (the “A” in the REACH regulation) is the process whereby manufacturers and importers must seek permission to continue to place a substance on the EU market. Applications for this permission or “Authorization” must be submitted by the Latest Application Date specified for the substance; and eventually, the substance can no longer be…read more.
What Triggers an OSHA Inspection?
For many compliance professionals, OSHA elicits a very negative response. Our hope is that by the end of this article, you’ll have a completely different perspective. The reality is that OSHA’s goal is to make the workplace safer – and that should be your goal, too. Because even if you’re not driven by the higher…read more.
Hazard Communication in a Hurricane – One Year After Harvey
Arkema & Hurricane Harvey It was approximately one year ago that Hurricane Harvey struck the Gulf Coast, dropping a torrent of rainfall on the area, producing flood waters thought to occur only once every 500 years! As these flood waters rose to some 6 feet in depth, knocking out power and back-up generators, Arkema knew…read more.
How Do I Know If I Have a GHS-Compliant SDS?
We’re often asked how to know if SDSs are GHS-compliant. And while there are many factors that contribute to compliance, we’ll break down some of the biggest considerations so you can know – beyond the shadow of a doubt – if your supplier has provided you a GHS-compliant SDS. It is important to note, however,…read more.
Understanding the Physical and Chemical Properties of an SDS
A Little Background As you know, the physical and chemical properties of a material describe how it behaves when heated, frozen, combined with other chemicals; what the material looks like; what it smells like, etc. Some properties are more intuitive than others (color, odor, etc.), and today we focus on a few of the more…read more.
Hazardous Compliance Explained: Hazardous Building Codes
We’ve taken a look at the responsibilities associated with hazardous chemicals (OSHA), hazardous materials (DOT) and hazardous substances (EPA), however, it is easy to overlook how the presence of hazards can affect aspects of your workplace. Thus far, the compliance we’ve discussed provides regulation from the perspective of the materials, such as with the transportation…read more.
5 Key Elements of The HazCom Standard
Workplace chemicals present countless hazards which is why OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standards (HazCom) exists. It requires companies producing and/or using hazardous chemicals to provide employees with information and training relevant to the hazardous chemicals, their handling, protective measures, and any other significant safety concerns in accordance with OSHA’s Right-to-Know Standard. The OSHA standards help employers…read more.