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This is part one of a two-part update on changes at the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Part one discusses the regulatory changes OSHA made during fiscal year (FY) 2024. The most recent regulatory changes at OSHA have been the Employee Representative Walk-Around Rule (effective May 31, 2024), the Proposed Emergency Response Standard (published […]
In the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew, evacuation orders are lifting and recovery efforts are in their early stages. Employers are facing a number of storm-related issues as they prepare to resume normal operations. Here are just a few of the questions employers are asking. 1. Does the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) require me to pay […]
In today’s and tomorrow’s Advisors, we will look at 10 actions that our sister publication, Environmental Daily Advisor, recommends facility operators take to more effectively manage Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) training for their employees.
Because we know that the environmental manager sometimes carries safety training responsibilities, here’s a summary of some OSHA training requirements you should know about. Emergency Response Emergency responders, including public sector responders in states without OSHA-approved programs, must be trained according to job tasks, including the elements of the emergency response plan, standard operating procedures, […]
One of the biggest challenges for managers of hazardous waste treatment, storage, and disposal facilities (TSDFs) is hitting all the training requirements. This is because Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) regulations for TSDFs are more stringent than those for generators or transporters and include general facility standards as well as unit-specific design and operating […]
Decontamination is a vital process for employees who handle hazardous wastes because it removes or neutralizes contaminants that have accumulated on personnel and equipment. The steps in the decontamination process vary depending on the hazards involved, the equipment available, and the terrain and circumstances. However, this list is typical of what would be set up […]
Hazardous wastes need special handling. Failure to do so can result in tragedy. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited a hazardous waste treatment facility and levied heavy fines in the wake of a tragic fire and explosion. The incident killed one worker and severely burned another. The agency did not hold back […]
For owners and operators of commercial buildings, staying on top of asbestos training can be time-consuming, confusing, and costly. In addition to Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations to protect workers, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also has numerous regulations designed to address asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) management. Due to the many considerations building operators must […]
Hazardous materials specialists are workers who respond and provide support to hazardous materials technicians. Their duties parallel those of the hazardous materials technicians, but they require more-specific knowledge of the various substances that must be contained. Hazardous Materials Specialists The hazardous materials specialist also acts as the site liaison with federal, state, and local authorities […]
Here’s a quick review of HAZWOPER emergency responder training requirements. Skilled Support Personnel According to the HAZWOPER mandatory compliance guidelines (Appendix C), employees who are not part of the Emergency Response Program and who may be called to the incident scene to provide emergency support assistance (e.g., public works department staff, operators of bulldozers, sand […]