Safety Partners is celebrating our 25th Anniversary today, October 24, 2017! Having been with the company for over half of those years, this celebration makes me reflect on how important is it to be curious, creative, and practical when implementing EHS programs.
When was the last time you conducted a thorough review of the hazardous material processes occurring at your facility, in accordance with 527 CMR 60.8? This review should be conducted at least annually, and lab workers need to be reminded that they should keep EHS informed of changing processes.
When was the last time you conducted a gap analysis of your EHS program, either by using an outside consultant or an internal resource? 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.
Celebrate National Nanotechnology Day next Monday, October 9, 2017! This second annual event is intended to raise awareness around nanotechnology, including the challenges and opportunities it presents.
OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogen Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1030, needs to be reviewed in detail when establishing a bloodborne pathogen protection program. This standard applies to all occupational exposure to human blood, human blood components, products made from human blood, and other potentially infectious material as defined in the standard.
The United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) publishes a personal annual radiation dose calculator, which can be used to estimate an individual’s average annual radiation dose based on risk factors. If you have not used this calculator before, it may be interesting to see what your projected annual dose is from natural and man-made sources of ionizing radiation.
Certified wastewater operators in MA are required to renew their certification every two years, with renewals due by December 31st of odd-numbered years. Active operators are required to obtain twenty training contact hours (TCHs) over the two-year renewal period. If you are like many other operators, you might be scrambling to complete your TCH criteria by the end of the year.
Almost every facility utilizes contractors in some capacity, whether it is on a routine basis or a sporadic agreement for a specific project. Whenever you hire contractors, be sure to consider the contractor safety program that needs to be implemented.
OSHA is launching their Injury Tracking Application (ITA) for employers to electronically submit injury and illness data in compliance with the final rule to improve tracking of workplace injuries and illnesses. Every facility should determine the applicability of 29 CFR 1904, Recording and Reporting Occupational Injuries and Illnesses, to their facility.
Many people do not realize the extent of the resources that should be dedicated to an EHS program in order to make is successful. Implementing a comprehensive EHS program takes significant investment in both time and money.
EPA’s Nanotechnology Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements Rule became effective on August 14, 2017. Manufacturers and processors of certain chemical substances are subject to reporting and recordkeeping requirements pursuant to Section 8(a) of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).
If your facility is licensed to work with radioactive materials, there are more than likely sealed sources at your facility that need to be accounted for. Depending on when and how your radioactive material license was completed, they may be included on your license.
