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Each MSDS must contain certain information for each substance. Here’s what they’ve got to have. Chemical identity and composition The MSDS must describe the substance’s composition and, if a single substance, its chemical and common name(s). Mixtures It must describe the chemical and common name(s) of the ingredients that contribute to the known hazards and […]
Safe Storage Keep storage areas free of combustible materials such as chips, leaves, rags, pallets, paper, and so on. Avoid stacking containers to prevent a tip-over and spill. OSHA allows a maximum of two drums stacked with a pallet between to prevent excess stress on the walls of the drums. Don’t store solvents with incompatible […]
Here are some tips for dealing with agency inspectors at your facility. Designate a manager and backup to handle inspections. This is the person the receptionists should call ASAP to notify of the arrival of any inspection personnel. Request the inspector’s credentials and make a copy of them. Business cards are not enough; in fact, […]
So, for example, a waste generated at your facility may meet a listing description even though the process uses raw materials different from those EPA assumed were used when listing the waste—as such, the waste may not contain the contaminants for which it was listed. Similarly, after treatment of a listed waste, the residues may […]
OSHA issues different types of citations, depending on the nature and severity of the violation. Penalties are proposed based on the type of violation. If you receive OSHA citations following an inspection, penalties may vary depending on the type of violations. Note, however, that in settling a penalty, OSHA says it has a policy of […]
What is a multimedia inspection? In multimedia inspections, the regulatory authority evaluates a facility’s overall compliance with environmental control or safety programs, rather than assess facility compliance on a media-specific basis. Multimedia inspections may also address environmental or safety performance issues, such as pollution prevention, that offer safety or environmental benefits beyond what is required […]
Yesterday, we reported several big OSHA enforcement actions with costly price tags for the employers cited. Today, we’ll review a couple more big-dollar cases involving willful, repeat, and serious violations. Ohio Steelmaker Faces More Than 500K in Proposed Fines A steelmaker in Lorain, Ohio, faces $563,000 in proposed fines for inadequate lockout/tagout procedures and for […]
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 […]