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Asbestos training should match employees’ jobs. For companies in general industry, OSHA‘s detailed training requirements related to asbestos exposure (29 CFR 1910.1001(j)(7)) were designed primarily for those that use asbestos in the manufacturing process. But there is an entirely different category of workers–those in custodial or housekeeping-type jobs–who also must receive “asbestos awareness” training even […]
Your hazcom training MUST include: An explanation of the hazard communication regulation and the requirements Locations of the areas in your workplace where hazardous chemicals live Locations of where the chemical inventory, MSDSs, written hazard evaluation procedures, and written communications program will be kept Descriptions of labeling systems How your hazcom program is implemented—including how […]
Training is the heartbeat of hazcom compliance. If an OSHA inspector thinks your employees are not trained properly, he’s probably ask to go over your entire hazcom program. Last year (FY 2010), hazard communication was OSHA’s 3rd most frequently cited standard. OSHA’s flexible with HOW you train. OSHA isn’t too specific on the format […]
While there are no federal limits on formaldehyde in clothing, a recent report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) may cause Congress and advocacy groups to put pressure on the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to revisit the feasibility of imposing such limits. Formaldehyde is a heavily regulated substance and one of a handful of […]
Asbestos fibers are tough, flexible, heat- and fire-resistant, and it provides effective insulation and soundproofing. Typically, it may be found in ceiling and floor tiles, insulation materials, in car brake and clutch linings, and in heat-resistant clothing. When the fibers stay bonded together, asbestos is safe. Make your employees aware of asbestos and its potential […]
According to OSHA, “Management needs to be receptive to potential concerns and complaints and train workers on how to identify and report air quality concerns.” If employees have issues, it’s the job of leaders to assess the situation and take corrective action. Building owners and managers should develop and implement an IAQ management plan to […]
What are the causes of unhealthful air? What are the effects on worker health and productivity? What can you do to reduce the risk? Would cleaner, greener building might also save you money? What Is IAQ? IAQ is the quality of the air inside buildings as represented by concentrations of pollutants and thermal conditions like […]
Many times it’s because workers in areas with many chemicals are tempted to store chemicals alphabetically by common name to make them easy to find—but this is very dangerous practice. Here are a few tips for safe chemical storage: Always store minimum quantities, as specified by OSHA. Purchase chemicals in smallest quantities needed. Inventory chemicals […]
OSHA likes the idea too–as long as employees have immediate access. “Immediate access” means that, in emergencies, the MSDS should be available during the workshift when it was requested. In nonemergencies, it should be available by the next workshift at the latest. Your electronic MSDS system should be: Reliable. Electronic systems must provide reliable access […]
Does EPA have any guidance for EPCRA Tier II reporting for tenant leased spaces? Who is responsible for reporting – the building owner or the tenant who has the hazardous chemicals in the leased space? We are not aware of any EPA guidance documents per se concerning Tier II reporting for leased spaces. However, EPA […]