Tag: Employer Responsibilities

Prevent Chemical Releases with Inherently Safer Systems

On August 6, 2012, a fire at a refinery in California shut down the facility for months and sent more than 15,000 nearby residents to local hospitals with breathing problems. The fire occurred when a 52-inch section of pipe leading from a crude oil distillation tower began leaking flammable hydrocarbons that formed a vapor cloud […]

Respirator Medical Evaluations: Employee and Employer Responsibilities

Respirators can be real lifesavers. A firefighter inside a building filled with toxic smoke breathes clean air because of his respirator, as does a painter inside a spray booth. But for workers with underlying heart or lung issues, a respirator can place a dangerous amount of stress on the body. That’s why OSHA’s respiratory protection […]

8 Elements of a Chemical Hygiene Plan

If you’re required to have a chemical hygiene, make sure it contains these elements. Since 1990, OSHA has required facilities engaged in the use of chemicals in a laboratory to develop and implement a written chemical hygiene plan (CHP). OSHA requires these facilities to set forth procedures, equipment, PPE, work practices, training, and policies to […]