The updated Law M.G.L. Chapter 149 § 6 ½ requiring public sector workplaces to comply with OSHA regulations went into effect on February 1, 2019. While this is a significant change for public workplaces, OSHA does continue to have jurisdiction over private employers.
OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1200 requires that employers maintain a list of the hazardous chemicals known to be present in the workplace. While conducting chemical inventories, it is prudent to ensure that the SDS files are up to date for all chemicals found during the inventory.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health Radiation Control Program tracks the generation and disposal of low-level radioactive waste produced in Massachusetts every year. This is accomplished through requiring a completed LLRW survey from all licensed facilities every year.
“I Love Safety Training!” Wait…what? Have you heard many people utter these words before? It is easy to say that the importance of developing an effective safety training program should not be overlooked, but how do you put a fun and therefore effective safety training program into practice?
If you have never conducted a gap analysis or if it has been some time since the last one, consider investing in this invaluable process. Even if you have established a robust program, a gap analysis can provide input into what areas could use improvement or redefined focus.
The Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act (EPCRA) is authorized by Title III of the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA). In an effort to keep communities aware of the hazardous chemicals present at facilities exceeding certain thresholds, Section 311 and 312 of EPCRA stipulate requirements for the reporting of hazardous chemical storage.
This weekend’s weather serves as a reminder to review the work practices being followed for snow removal at your facility. Employers are responsible for identifying and training workers on the appropriate personal protective equipment, fall protection, electrical hazards, and any other hazards that may be present during snow removal operations.
Do you know how to determine if a spill is controlled or uncontrolled? If a hazardous chemical was spilled in your lab right now, would the researchers know if they could clean it up themselves or not? Do you know what measures to take to handle a controlled or uncontrolled spill scenario?
All establishments covered by OSHA’s Part 1904 are required to complete Form 300A, Summary of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses, on an annual basis.
In 2018, we shared 49 safety tips to provide information on compliance, safety, and organization that can help your lab work in accordance with all guidelines!
I hope everyone is enjoying a happy holiday season and best wishes for a wonderful 2019!
Waste stream information profiles (WIPs) should be in place for the common waste streams generated at your facility. The licensed waste hauler removing waste from your site will help establish these profiles based on the composition and hazards associated with constituents of the streams.
