Happy Monday! May has been a chilly month in much of the nation, but hopefully it finds you gearing up for a safe and productive summer. Here’s the past week’s “latest and greatest” in reference to the world of DG transport and EH&S activity: PHMSA: PHMSA took a variety of actions in reference to Special…
DG Digest: Workers’ Memorial Day, Takata Recall Expands, and OSHA Guidance on Zika Virus
After a relatively quiet couple of weeks, things have picked back up and filled the digest with news. Here are the newest updates from the world of Dangerous Goods and EH&S: OSHA: In conjunction with the Obama Administration cooperated to proclaim April 28th as “Workers Memorial Day.” The event is intended to mark the still…
DG Digest: OSHA’s Interest in Benzene, PHMSA Guidance to Firework Makers, and FRA Lists Most Dangerous Crossings
It’s the last week of April already! Hope everyone is thinking spring by now. Here the latest’s news of note in the worlds of Dangerous Goods and EH&S: OSHA: OSHA released a new information collection request in reference to Benzene, a common industrial chemical used in many applications but that has hazardous qualities that make…
DG Digest: From OSHA’s “Flashpoint” Definition to FRA’s Quiet Zones
Another eventful week on the DG/Transport Scene! OSHA OSHA issued a revised definition of “Flashpoint,” correcting a CFR omission in its most recent iteration of the 29 CFR. OSHA has partnered with the National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH) to create a new informational website which offers greatly enhanced safety guidance for users…
DG Digest: Star Wars criminal complaint, TDGR harmonization, and so much more!
The run-up to Valentine’s Day was not without interest in the world of Dangerous Goods and EH&S. Among the many highlights in a rather eventful week: February 9 The FRA issued a new rule regarding improved window glazing strength in all new locomotives and passenger carrying cars. The action comes as increased focus on railroad…
New OSHA Letter of Interpretation clarifies Import/Export issues under the HCS
On November 23rd, 2015 the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) released a Letter of Interpretation (LOI) which offered further clarification of US companies’ responsibilities when importing or exporting materials which require action under the 29 CFR 1910.1200 Hazard Communication Standard (HCS). This standard was revised in 2012 to harmonize it with the UN Globally…
For the first time in 25 years, OSHA fines will increase dramatically in 2016
On November 2, 2015, the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 (H.R. 1314) was signed by President Obama, ensuring that the federal government will have a budget in place for the next two years. Great news for anyone concerned that budget woes could result in a government shutdown—bad news for OSHA violators at risk for citations.…
Infographic | GHS and the 2012 OSHA Hazcom Standard
Competing in the global marketplace is an increasingly challenging proposition when supply chains cross borders, languages and international regulations. One way governments and regulatory agencies are helping to facilitate international trade — and improve employee safety — is through the adoption of globally harmonized standards for hazard communication. For more information on GHS and HCS…
Avoiding the Deadline Crisis: Understanding the HCS and its Deadline Schedule and Mandates
The annual angst over Income Tax Deadline Day isn’t the only federal date mandate causing concern this April. There is a seeming whirlwind of confusion amongst American businesses about the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) Hazard Communication Standard’s (HCS) deadline dates for compliance with what nearly everyone calls “the GHS.” It’s not really the…
Identifying Non-hazardous Materials Effectively for Transport
The United States Department of Labor’s (USDOL) Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) published a major revision to the regulations governing hazard communication in the US 29 CFR 1910.1200 in May of 2012. The revision, which in large measure conformed US hazard communication standards, or the HCS, to those of the United Nations Globally Harmonized…