Tag: Chemicals

CSB Issues Final Report on Fatal Acetic Acid Release

The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) released its final report on a fatal acetic acid release at the LyondellBasell La Porte Complex in La Porte, Texas, on July 27, 2021. The inadvertent removal of the pressure-retaining components of a valve caused the release of 164,000 pounds (lb) of an acetic acid mixture, […]

EHSDA Song of the Day: The Chemical Worker’s Song (Process Man)

We’re going to get a little obscure with the latest EHSDA Song of the Week, but very industry-specific. Canadian folk-rock act Great Big Sea has always done well in their native land, but less so down here in the States. Nevertheless, in 1995 the band out of Newfoundland and Labrador released a cover of the […]

EPA Adds 12 Chemicals to TRI

The EPA finalized its rule adding 12 chemicals to the list of chemicals subject to Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) reporting, which provides important information about how these chemicals are being managed by facilities in a given community. “Available data show these chemicals have moderately high to high human health toxicity and/or are highly toxic to […]

Ask the Expert: Freez-Therm Disposal

In our latest installment of Ask the Expert, brought to you by the team of industry experts at EHS Hero®, we look at a recent question from a subscriber asking about the proper disposal method for Freez-Therm. See what the experts had to say. Q: What is the process for determining the most appropriate method of […]

Chemical Safety Board Releases Final Reports and Updates

The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) recently released final reports on two concluded investigations and updates on four ongoing investigations. The CSB’s October 11 final report on a June 2019 fire and explosion at the Philadelphia Energy Solutions (PES) Refinery in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, identified several safety issues. During the incident, a corroded […]

Ask the Expert: Sending Reportable Chemicals

In our latest installment of Ask the Expert, brought to you by the team of industry experts at EHS Hero®, we look at a recent question from a subscriber asking about the regulations that require notifying customers of reportable chemicals. See what the experts had to say. Q: What regulation requires you to notify your customer […]

Changes to the EPA’s Safer Chemicals Ingredients List

In recent weeks, the EPA has made two announcements about new chemicals added to its Safer Chemicals Ingredients List (SCIL). The SCIL is a “living list of chemicals by functional-use class that EPA’s Safer Choice program has evaluated and determined meet the Safer Choice Standard.” Products containing chemicals on the SCIL are the gold standard […]

New SNUR Requirements Will Better Protect Worker Health

In July 2022, the EPA finalized amendments to its requirements for Significant New Use Rules (SNURs) to better protect the health of workers. One of the uses of SNURs is to require notice to the EPA before chemical substances and mixtures are used in new ways that might create health concerns. These amendments strengthen requirements […]

OSHA Weighs Broadening PSM Standard’s Scope

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is weighing changes to its process safety management (PSM) standard, including expanding it to include oil- and gas-well drilling and servicing, according to the agency’s August 30 announcement of an informal stakeholder meeting (87 Federal Register (FR) 53020). The PSM standard, which requires employers to implement safety programs […]

DINP Proposed as Future TRI Chemical

In August 2022, the EPA issued a proposed rule to add a Di-isononyl phthalate (DINP) category to the list of toxic chemicals subject to the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) reporting requirements under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) and the Pollution Prevention Act (PPA). DINP is commonly found in toys, fabric coatings, and […]