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What You CAN’T See CAN’T Hurt You: Is This Really True for HIDDEN MOLD in Homes, Schools, and Other Buildings? There is a famous proverb: what you don’t know can’t hurt you. For the purpose of our discussion, we decided to narrow down the proverb to: what you can’t see can’t hurt you. In this blog we will explore the validity of the above statement in the context of mold contamination in homes, schools, and other buildings. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Mold is a fungal growth that forms and spreads on various kinds of damp or decaying organic matter.” Mold can grow on virtually any organic substance, as long as moisture and oxygen are present. When mold spores land on places that have excessive moisture or where humidity is high, they begin to grow and can form new mold colonies. The key word here is “moisture.” Mold does not need a lot of water to grow. In fact, a little condensation around a window sill or in a bathroom is enough to create conditions conducive to mold growth. Common sources of moisture include roof leaks, condensation due to high humidity, slow leaks in plumbing fixtures, humidification systems, sprinkler systems, and floods. Common sites for indoor mold growth include bathroom tile and grout, basement walls, areas around windows, near leaky water fountains, and around sinks. While some moisture problems are easy to see, others may be hidden. Possible locations of hidden moisture that may result in hidden mold growth include pipe chases and utility tunnels, walls in cold corners behind furniture where condensation forms, poorly draining condensate drain pains inside air handling units, porous thermal or acoustic liners inside duct work, roof materials above ceiling tiles, the back side of drywall, paneling, and wallpaper, and the underside of carpets and pads. Why Is Mold A Problem In The Indoor Environment? While in the recent years, concern about indoor exposure to mold has increased along with public awareness of the health effects associated with mold exposure, one of the most difficult concepts to grasp about mold contamination is that many times there are no visible signs of mold growth. So, if mold is not visibly present, should home and building owners be concerned about it? YES, even if mold is not visibly present, home and building owners should still be concerned about it. Mold is a substantial problem in the indoor environment because it gradually destroys or digests the things it grows on. Unaddressed mold growth or hidden mold growth can silently, over time, damage buildings and furnishings, rot wood, damage drywall, and ultimately cause structural damage to buildings. In addition to structural damage, mold growth in buildings can lead to unpleasant odors and can trigger health effects in some individuals. The onset of health problems not only impacts the building occupants, but also the building owners who may have to bear high costs to resolve the underlying issues. A Preliminary Conclusion From our discussion so far in this blog, we can safely conclude that, “what you CAN’T see CAN hurt you.” Most people think that mold would be easy to spot and identify. Yet, in practice, it may not always be the case and falling for this trap may cost building owners thousands of dollars in repairs, renovation, and other costs as the problem worsens over time. In reality “invisible” mold is not invisible, it is just hidden. Fortunately for building owners, there are tell-tale signs of hidden mold contamination that warrant a thorough building investigation to identify potential areas of mold growth and the root cause of the mold problem. These warning signs include reports of health problems in building occupants, moldy or musty odor, water leaks, condensation, and floods. Let us briefly review the warning signs of mold contamination in indoor environments. Health Effects Molds produce allergens, irritants, and potentially toxic substances or chemicals (mycotoxins). Mold exposure can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs of both mold-allergic and non-allergic people. For people who are sensitive to mold, exposure can lead to hay fever-like symptoms, such as headache, sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash (dermatitis). For people with asthma or allergies to mold, exposure can lead to more intense reactions. Moldy or Musty Odor Some compounds produced by molds have strong smells. These compounds are known as microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs). As molds starts growing in buildings, the occupants may begin to report a “moldy odor” or “musty smell” along with other health effects. A musty or moldy odor suggests that mold is growing in the building and should be investigated. Water Leaks Mold contamination resulting from water leaks is not always easy to identify as the leak may be in an area that is not easily noticeable or accessible, such as behind a wall. If home and building owners are aware of a water leak, it must be repaired quickly. Additionally, home and building owners must remain vigilant to any signs of water damage resulting from hidden water leaks. Signs of water damage include water stains or discoloration on ceilings, walls, or floors; cracking, peeling, or bubbling paint or wallpaper; a squishy hardwood floor; lumpy and uneven-looking attic insulation; etc. If home and building owners spot any of these signs, the building must be thoroughly investigated to identify the source of moisture and any areas of potential mold growth. Condensation Condensation can be a sign of high humidity which can ultimately lead to mold growth. When warm, humid air contacts a cold surface, the water vapors turn into liquid droplets that are visible on the outside of the cold surface. This phenomenon is known as condensation. Areas where condensation often forms include windows, air-conditioning ducts, pipes, and behind furniture. During a building investigation, these areas must be carefully investigated for signs of moisture and/or mold growth. Floods Floods can result in water damage inside buildings. When things remain wet for more than two days, they usually become moldy. If a building has experienced flooding in the past, then it is possible that there may be some form of mold contamination lurking in the dark. Final Thoughts The key to mold prevention is moisture control. While eliminating all mold and mold is spores virtually impossible, controlling indoor moisture will control the growth of indoor mold. Routine maintenance and repairs substantially reduce the likelihood of mold problems in buildings. If you are not experienced with mold remediation procedures, it is recommended that you consult a professional when making repairs or seek assistance with mold remediation and mold-prevention-related changes to the building. If left unchecked, mold contamination can become a substantial health and safety hazard over time. Please remember: Even if you CAN’T see mold, it CAN still hurt you.       References Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2022, February 25). Indoor Environmental Quality. Website. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/indoorenv/whatismold.html United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2022, May 05). Mold. Website. https://www.epa.gov/mold  

The 8 Types of Trenching and Excavation Hazards Trenching and Excavation hazards continue to be a prominent cause of worker injuries and fatalities in the United States. Between 2019 and 2021, 38 workers died due to trench collapses alone as cited in OSHA’s Fatality Inspection Data. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor’s 2020 Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries Table A-9, 19 workers employed in construction suffered fatal injuries due to excavation and trench cave-ins in 2020. These numbers should raise a red flag for employers and employees and increase the need for safety awareness from trenching hazards at construction sites. What is a Trench? A trench is an excavation (or hole in the ground) where the depth is greater than the width. One tried and tested method is to ensure workers receive adequate training on OSHA regulations and safe work practices in accordance with Federal OSHA Regulations 29 CFR 1926 Subpart P which provides guidance on specific excavation requirements and the use of protective systems for excavation and trenches. Did You Know?There are three types of protective systems – Sloping, Shoring, and Shielding.       To Learn More Enroll In Our      OSHA Competent Person for Excavation, Trenching, and Shoring Training Course Our OSHA Competent Person for Excavation, Trenching, and Shoring Training course has been developed by OSHA-authorized trainers and provides detailed guidance on soil classification, protective systems, and safe work practices in trenches in construction.. Trenches in ConstructionTrenches are typically classified based on their purpose and depth. Here are a few types of trenches in construction.Utility Trenches: Dug to install or repair utility lines such as water, sewer, or electrical lines. They are usually shallow but can vary in depth.Foundation Trenches: Excavated to provide a base for building foundations. These trenches are deeper and require careful planning and preparation.Drainage Trenches: Constructed to manage surface water or groundwater. They are designed to redirect water away from structures or areas prone to flooding.Access Trenches: Used to provide access to underground structures such as basements or tunnels. They are often deeper and may require additional support.Each type of trench has specific requirements for safety and construction practices to prevent cave-ins and other hazards. Trenching and Excavation Hazards Let’s discuss the eight commonly encountered trenching and excavation hazards that cause worker injury and death in the construction industry.Which of these conditions makes a trench cave-in more likely? 1. Trench Collapses or Cave-Ins A trench collapse or a cave-in occurs when the walls of the trench or excavation site collapse inwards due to instability or improper use of safety techniques such as sloping or benching the sides of the trench, shoring or supporting the sides of the excavation, or placing a shield between the sides of the excavation/trench and the work area. Some of the most common reasons for trench or excavation collapses are attributed to unstable soil, vibrations due to machinery being used nearby, vibrations from heavy traffic passing close to the trench, flooding, heavy rainfall, and excessive pressure placed on the edge of a trench. Trench or excavation collapses result in workers being buried under tons of sand and rock, suffocating due to being smothered by soil, or suffering other lesser fatal injuries which can still put them in hospital and require injury leave. Before excavation work begins, employers must ensure that a competent person inspect worksites daily before the start of each shift, and as needed thereafter (for example, a sudden heavy rainfall occurring after the pre-work inspection has taken place that could result in excess water gathered in the trench affecting soil stability). 2. Falling Hazard Workers working in trenches and excavations are exposed to the hazard of falling into the trench or excavation. This is more common when workers must cross over excavations to get to the other side. Putting-up safety signs, installing guardrails for walkways that are 6 feet or higher from the bottom of the trench or the lower level, and/or placing barriers around the edges of trenches and excavation sites can reduce the risk of workers falling inside the trenches and sustaining injuries. 3. Struck-By Hazard This happens when objects, tools, or other equipment falls on workers working inside the trench or excavation. This could be due to the tools being placed too close to the edge of the trench resulting in them slipping and falling inside the trench causing injury to workers. By placing barriers at the edge of the trench and excavation areas, workers’ risk from struck-by hazards can be greatly reduced as this would stop tools and equipment from accidentally falling inside trenches. 4. Superimposed Load or Surcharge Hazard When excess loads or weight are placed at the top of a trench, there is a risk of such vertical loads (e.g., excavated soils and other materials, vehicles, or equipment) resulting in reducing the stability of a trench or excavation area. This excessive pressure on the soil could cause the trench edge to collapse resulting in the machine or the excavated soil falling inside the trench and risking serious injury to workers. Therefore, when the stability of the trench is reduced it can cause the dual hazards of cave-ins and falling loads. Thus, following OSHA’s requirement to maintain two feet from the edge of the trench or excavation before placing any load will minimize the hazards faced by workers when working inside trenches. In addition, a barrier can also be placed for extra protection. 5. Atmospheric Hazards Trenches and excavation sites are prone to atmospheric hazards due to the worksite being underground. Workers can be exposed to toxic atmospheres (due to the presence of toxic gases or chemicals), or suffer from asphyxiation caused by a shortage of, or lack of, oxygen due to a cave-in or the nature of the confined space (meaning the trench or excavation site) they are working in. According to OSHA’s Excavations Standard, 29 CFR 1926 Subpart P, a competent person must undertake daily inspections to test trenches and excavations for hazardous atmospheres. These inspections should be done before work begins and as necessary throughout the shift. Furthermore, employers must also provide workers with adequate respiratory protection or ventilation in trenches or excavations that contain less than 19.5 percent oxygen (an oxygen-deficient atmosphere) and where a hazardous atmosphere is detected. 6. Hazards Caused by Mobile Equipment and Machinery When workers operate mobile equipment or machinery close to trenches and excavations, the judgment of when to stop before reaching the edge of the trench or excavation can sometimes be incorrect. Therefore, using stop logs and barricades can help reduce the hazard of equipment being too close to the edge. Using a communication system such as hand signals between equipment operators and the ground workers is also a good safe workplace practice that can be adopted at excavation sites. 7. Electrical Hazards Often working underground results in workers being exposed to underground electrical wiring, underground power lines, or other underground utilities such as telephone lines and water. This is a cause of concern as workers could be exposed to electrical hazards such as shocks and electrocutions as well as fires and explosions. To safeguard workers, employers should contact the utility companies and the location of the underground utility and put in barriers to avoid the area when working in the trench or get the water supply or power shut down before work begins in trenches. 8. Drowning and Flooding Hazards Working in trenches and excavations exposes workers to the hazards of drowning and flooding. Flooding can occur due to ruptured water pipes in the excavated area or even from heavy rainfall or thunderstorms. Employers should ensure the utility underground location is identified in advance, and barriers placed around it with relevant safety signage when work is being carried out. Furthermore, precautions such as harnesses and lifelines, shielding systems, and other water removal measures can be utilized to reduce water accumulation in excavation sites. These must be supervised by a competent person. In instances of rainstorms, the excavation site should be cleared of workers and a competent person must inspect the site before work begins again to ensure that the trench is safe from the danger of cave-ins or re-flooding. OSHA-Complaint Safety Training To protect workers from trenching and excavation hazards, employers must train workers to recognize trenching hazards, understand the dangers to safety and health of exposure to such hazards, and ways to minimize such hazards. As competent persons play a critical role in ensuring worker protection when working in trenches and excavation sites, employers must train workers to be competent persons when working in excavations and trenches. Our OSHA Competent Person For Excavation, Trenching, and Shoring Training course will provide detailed guidance and protect workers and reduce employer liabilities and work stoppages due to accidents and injuries. June is Trench Safety Month! Support and contribute to the safety of workers by acting today! Protect Workers’ Health and Safety from Trenching Hazards. Enroll your employees in our OSHA Competent Person for Excavation, Trenching, and Shoring Training course. Call us for details about in-person on-site group training, virtual instructor-led training, and employer group discounts. References: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. (n.d.). Injuries, Illnesses, and Fatalities. TABLE A-9. Fatal occupational injuries by event or exposure for all fatal injuries and major private industry sector, all United States, 2020. Website. https://www.bls.gov/iif/oshwc/cfoi/cftb0343.htm OSHA Fatality Inspection Data. (n.d.). Reports of fatalities for CY17-21. Website. https://www.osha.gov/fatalities

.course-img{height: 200px!important;} .img-c{ width: 100%; height: inherit; object-fit: cover; object-position: center; border-radius: 30px;} The 6 Categories of Workplace Hazards All workplaces from office complexes, construction sites, factory floors, and hospitals, to research and development laboratories, can endanger the safety and health of employees. These dangers can range from small injuries, and accidents with complex health effects on workers, to fatalities. But how can one know what types of hazards exist in workplaces? This is where proper assessment and analysis of the worksite including the evaluation of job tasks benefits both employers and employees. It is the underlying reason for OSHA to advocate industrial hygiene at workplaces and specify undertaking extensive job hazard analysis at hazardous worksites. What is Job Hazard Analysis? According to OSHA’s publication on Job Hazard Analysis: A job hazard analysis is a technique that focuses on job tasks as a way to identify hazards before they occur. It focuses on the relationship between the worker, the task, the tools, and the work environment.  Ideally, after you identify uncontrolled hazards, you will take steps to eliminate or reduce them to an acceptable risk level. To ensure effective job hazard analysis, and to carry out the work of an industrial hygienist, it is important to understand the different types of hazards that exist and can occur in a workplace. This article will focus on the six broad classifications of hazards found across different industries and worksites. Who is an Industrial Hygienist? According to OSHA’s Informational Booklet on Industrial Hygiene: Industrial hygienists, or IHs, are trained to anticipate, recognize, evaluate, and recommend controls for environmental and physical hazards that can affect the health and well-being of workers. Industrial hygienists also play a major role in developing and issuing OSHA standards to protect workers from health hazards associated with toxic chemicals, biological hazards, and harmful physical agents. Thus, the two roles of the OSHA industrial hygienist are to spot those conditions and help eliminate or control them through appropriate measures (1998, Revised). Biological Hazards Bacteria | Viruses | Fungi | Mold | Bloodborne Pathogens | Bird Droppings | Infectious Animals | Hazardous Waste Biological hazards are caused by living organisms that produce hazardous substances that can enter the human body either by breathing, touching, ingesting, or injection. These hazards can cause acute and chronic infections in individuals who are exposed to them. Often, working with infectious plants, animals, or bloodborne pathogens can lead to worker exposure to biological hazards. This is also true for individuals who are exposed to people who are ill or carrying an infection. The past outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and the current spread of the Monkeypox virus are practical examples of biological hazards that any one of us can easily relate to. Occupational Exposure Hospital workers, medical workers, and laboratory personnel are exposed to biological hazards, especially in the form of bloodborne pathogens. People working with animals such as those employed in veterinary clinics. Personnel employed in laboratories and research and development units can be exposed to biological hazards. People working in food processing and dealing with raw food are also exposed to biological hazards. Individuals working outdoors or in natural environments. Enroll In OurOSHA Bloodborne PathogensTraining    Enroll In OurRCRA Hazardous Waste Generator OnlineTraining Chemical Hazards Chemical Toxic Substances Chemical hazards are caused by exposure to toxic chemical substances in the form of solids, liquids, gases, fumes, vapors, mists, and dusts. Workers can be exposed to chemical hazards by direct contact with skin also known as absorption, through inhalation, and either by accidentally eating or drinking a toxic substance or chemical. Chemical hazards can cause severe health-related issues and can be detrimental to the long-term physical health of people. Common types of illnesses that result from chemical exposure are skin irritation, respiratory illnesses, and blindness. Chemical hazards also can cause corrosion and explosions at worksites leading to property damage and endangering the safety of workers. Occupational Exposure Employees working in and around solvents, toxic chemicals, or flammable gases. Workers employed in cleaning facilities and job functions. Lab workers who use dangerous chemicals as part of their work processes. Engineers and field workers who work in and around dangerous chemicals or other hazardous substances. Hazardous waste operation employees. Employees in chemical manufacturing operations. Workers in the oil and gas industry and coal mining operations. Workers involved in hazardous chemical/substance spill cleanups. Emergency and medical personnel. Enroll In OurOSHA 24 Hour HAZWOPER – RCRA TSD OperationsTraining    Enroll In OurOSHA Lead AwarenessTraining for Construction Industry    Enroll In OurOSHA Hazard Communication With GHSTraining    Enroll In OurOSHA Silica AwarenessTraining Physical Hazards Noise | Heat Stress | Cold Stress | Radiation Hazards that cause a physical injury to a worker due to the workplace environment having excessive levels of ionizing and nonionizing electromagnetic radiation, noise, vibration, illumination, and temperature are known as physical hazards. For instance, exposure to loud noise for extended periods can lead to loss of hearing. Working for extended periods under the sun can lead to heat exhaustion and heatstroke while working for long hours in the cold can lead to hypothermia if not properly attired. Occupational Exposure Workers carrying out job tasks in noisy surroundings. Medical personnel working in the Radiology department in hospitals and clinics. Individuals working outdoors in the hot sun or during winter for long periods. Personnel employed in smelting operations, steel mills, mining operations, etc. Workers working on open to air construction sites. Enroll In Our OSHA 40 Hour HAZWOPER Training   Enroll In Our OSHA 24 Hour HAZWOPER Training   Safety Hazards Falls | Trips | Slips | Falling Objects | Shocks | Electrocution Safety hazards occur due to unexpected circumstances and avoidable circumstances. The danger to workers from safety hazards can vary and either be negligible such as a small cut, a little more serious such as a broken hand, or can be serious with long term repercussions such as a spine injury, and even cause death. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the construction industry recorded 1,102 fatal injuries in 2019, 418 of which were from falls, slips, and trips. Occupational Exposure Construction industry workers. Personnel working in the utility sector. Workers working at heights such as window cleaners on scaffolding. Service and maintenance personnel. Personnel working with heavy equipment or machinery. Enroll In Our OSHA Competent Person for Fall Protection Training   Enroll In Our OSHA Scaffolding Safety Training   Enroll In Our Electrical Safety Training (NFPA 70E)   Enroll In Our Arc Flash Safety Training (NFPA 70E)   Ergonomic Hazards Musculoskeletal Injuries Ergonomics is the science of researching and evaluating various tasks in the workplace (such as lifting, holding, sitting, pushing, walking, and reaching) that can cause discomfort or injury to the human body. Thus, ergonomic hazards are mainly musculoskeletal injuries that occur due to bad sitting posture, repetitive awkward movements, frequent lifting, extreme temperature, bad lighting, and work stress. Ergonomic injuries also can occur due to poorly set-up workstations in offices, badly designed chairs, and incorrect height of office tables. Maintaining efficiency and comfort in the workplace can minimize ergonomic hazards. Occupational Exposure All people in the labor force! Although today, office workers are prone to greater exposure to ergonomics hazards than any other individuals. Psychosocial Hazards Mental Health or Well-Being Psychosocial hazards can occur due to the workplace environment or work stress. Workplaces, where there is discrimination, harassment, victimization, or a generally negative perception by employees, can lead to such hazards. Being overworked or not having downtime, being overly stressed about work or even peers can lead to depression, anxiety, and low morale, resulting in deteriorating the mental health and well-being of workers. Occupational Exposure All people in the labor force!   Identifying Hazards Exposure for Specific Occupations and Workplaces Employers and employees must be able to identify and implement appropriate workplace safety measures in line with the Hierarchy of Controls that gives a step-by-step approach to eliminating or reducing workplace risks. All our online, in-person, and instructor-led virtual training courses consider these aspects. Choose a safety training course that best fits your occupation and satisfies OSHA, EPA, or DOT regulatory requirements, and enroll now!   References: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. (2021, May 06). The Economics Daily. Fatal and nonfatal falls, slips, and trips in the construction industry. Website. https://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2021/fatal-and-nonfatal-falls-slips-and-trips-in-the-construction-industry.htm U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). (1998, Revised). OSHA Information Booklet #3143 -- Industrial Hygiene. Website. https://www.osha.gov/publications/OSHA3143 U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). (2022, Revised). OSHA Publication #3071 -- Job Hazard Analysis. Website. https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/osha3071.pdf

Electrical Safety: Importance and Electrical Hazard Prevention Electricity is all around us, it is a basic part of nature and a major source of energy. Electricity is used in homes and in industries. We use electricity in our everyday lives to power all types of machinery and equipment, and to do all types of work. We use it for something as basic as powering the lights in our homes and workplaces. As such, it is not surprising that the largest consumers of electricity are residential homes in the U.S. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, 39.4% of electricity consumed in 2020 was by the residential sector, while the commercial sector consumption was 34.6% and the industrial sector consumed 25.8% (2021). Electricity is so common that we use it all the time. The world has become so dependent on electricity that not having it is akin to a nightmare. However, as commonly used as electricity is, it can still be very dangerous! Even something as simple as changing a light bulb or attaching a plug to a socket can expose an individual to various electrical hazards. What is Electricity? Electricity is created by the flow of energy from one place to another when charged particles such as electrons and protons move from one place to another. These moving electrons have an electric charge which emits electricity. Electricity can be static when it is accumulated in one place or can flow as an electric charge in the form of current. Furthermore, the electricity that we use daily is a secondary energy source as it is created from the conversion of a primary source such as water (hydropower), sun (solar power), wind, natural gas, or coal. Sometimes, electricity is referred to as an ‘energy carrier’. This is because electricity can be converted to other forms of energy such as thermal (heat) and mechanical. Also, the primary source of energy can be renewable or non-renewable, but electricity is neither renewable nor non-renewable. Importance of Working Safely with Electricity The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has recognized electricity as a serious workplace hazard. This is because electricity has enough power to cause severe injury or death to those who are exposed to electrical current. According to Zemaitis et al., electrical injuries are predominantly accidental and can lead to heavy damage to human tissues and organs if the injury is not fatal. They also state that in the United States, electrical injuries cause about 1,000 deaths annually, of which, about 400 are due to high-voltage electrical injuries, and report about 30,000 non-fatal electrical shocks annually with about 5% of burn injuries being admitted to the burn unit because of electrical injuries (2021). It is reported that electrical injuries occur mainly in occupational settings for adults and is the fourth-leading cause of workplace-related traumatic death (Zemaitis et al., 2021). The sad truth about electrical injuries such as shocks, electrocution, burns, falls due to electrical shock, arc blasts, and fires are that it is most often preventable. All it requires is the adoption of good workplace practices and processes, and for employees to understand the hazards of working with electricity. This is the reason why organizations such as OSHA and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) have created standards and guidelines to be followed when working with or close to electrical equipment and machinery. Consequently, occupational safety can be improved by adopting electrical safety practices which constitute compliance with standards and guidelines, general good practices, and workplace processes established to mitigate electrical hazards, while the inability to maintain electrical safety practices at the workplace can lead to accidents, near misses, or even fatalities! Therefore, personnel who work with or near electricity such as safety managers/supervisors, electricians, technicians, contractors, HVAC installers, electrical engineers, electrical inspectors, equipment operators, electrical equipment/machinery repairmen, and janitorial staff must understand the hazards of electrical exposure and how to prevent or minimize them. For a complete understanding of electrical safety and electrical hazards enroll in our Electrical Safety Training (NFPA 70E) course now! Controlling and Preventing Electrical Hazards There are several proven methods to ensure electrical safety and control electrical hazards in the workplace. These general guidelines support the reduction of electrical hazard risks in the workplace and increase worker safety. Proper installation and use of electrical equipment When working with electrical equipment, tools, or machinery, workers must ensure that such equipment is properly installed and is used correctly. For instance, workers must make sure that if a power tool requires a 15-ampere electrical outlet, then the tool should only be plugged into an electrical socket that supports this requirement. Using a lower ampere socket may cause a short which could injure the worker using this power tool. Furthermore, any electrical equipment should be installed correctly, according to the manufacturer’s specifications. Use of insulation Wires should be appropriately insulated using non-conductive materials such as glass, rubber, or plastic. This will protect the wires from coming in contact with electrical conductors and stop or reduce the flow of electrical current in equipment to prevent short circuits which could cause shocks and fires. Guarding energized electrical components All workplaces and homes have exposed wires and other electrical elements. To reduce the risk of electrical hazards, these exposed wires and energized electrical parts should be covered so that any person close by does not accidentally touch them. Examples of guarding include the use of boxes, casings, barriers, and screens in which the energized electrical components are key. Using enclosures Sometimes segregating high-voltage equipment and machinery is required to protect against electrical hazards. An enclosure can be a room, a fenced-in area, or a short wall that separates the high-energy equipment so that workers do not accidentally walk in or contact any energized parts causing harm to themselves. Such a safety measure is also useful when high-value electrical equipment must be protected from damage that can be caused by electricity (think of a computer server). Such divided areas should not be open to all employees. Only qualified persons should be given access. Grounding tools and electrical systems Grounding electrical tools and systems will protect both the equipment and personnel using it. When a ground wire is present any surge of electrical current would not pass through the equipment and to the body of a person who is using it or accidentally touches the energized equipment, but instead relatively safely pass through a wire to a grounding device deep in the earth. Bonding of electrical components Bonding conductive components that are not intended to carry a current enables the formation of an electrically conductive path while ensuring the current does not lead to electrical hazards and accidents.What is Bonding?As defined by OSHA, “bonding is the permanent joining of metallic parts to form an electrically conductive path that ensures electrical continuity and the capacity to conduct safely any current likely to be imposed.” Installing a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) Installing a GFCI will detect a current leakage in a plug point or other electrical equipment. This will safeguard the individual and prevent electrical shocks, fires, and electrocutions that could occur when using electrical equipment and tools. According to the NEC and NFPA 70E, GFCIs should be used when: electricity is used near water, the user of electrical equipment is grounded, circuits are providing power to portable tools or outdoor receptacles, and temporary wiring or extension cords are being used. Use of overcurrent protection devices An overcurrent protection device such as circuit breakers or fuses can detect the current more than the rated current and automatically open a circuit to ensure there is no overload or short circuit in the wiring system. This device is very common and helps not only protect people from electrical hazards but also safeguards the equipment from damage. Safe work practices This is also a must when working with electricity. Every employer and organization must establish work practices and work process that ensures the safety of employees working with electrical tools and equipment and those employees working in the vicinity of a machine that generates an electric current. De-energization of equipment, lockout tagout procedures, establishing shock protection and arc flash boundaries, labeling equipment, and wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) are all aspects of good practices for reducing the risks of electrical hazards. Our Electrical Safety Training (NFPA 70E) course gives detailed information on safe work practices, and for those individuals exposed to high voltage electricity in the workplace, our Arc Flash Safety Training (NFPA 70E) course would give more insight on handling and controlling arc flash hazards. References OSHA. (n.d.). 1910.399 - Definitions applicable to this subpart. Website. https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.399 U.S. Energy Information Administration. (2021, Nov 3). Data and Statistics. Website. https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/electricity/data-and-statistics.php Zemaitis, M.R., Foris, L.A., Lopez, R.A., & Huecker, M.P. Electrical Injuries. (2021, Aug 26, updated). In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan. Website. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448087/\

EPA Hazardous Waste Generator Categories The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), which is a public law in the United States, establishes a framework for the management of hazardous and non-hazardous solid waste (EPA, n.d. (a)). To ensure the successful implementation of this framework, the RCRA has given the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) the authority to control hazardous waste from the "cradle-to-grave" (EPA, n.d. (b)). Subtitle C of the RCRA is dedicated to hazardous solid waste generator requirements. Subtitle D is dedicated to non-hazardous solid waste generator requirements. Note: According to the RCRA, solid waste includes solids, liquids, and gases and must be discarded to be considered waste. The EPA has developed three categories of waste generators on a federal level to streamline the hazardous waste handling, transport, and disposal process. How generators are categorized is dependent on the quantity of hazardous waste they generate in a calendar year. These waste generators must adhere to the specific rules, regulations, and guidelines stipulated for each category of the hazardous waste generator by the EPA. Who is a Waste Generator? As defined by the EPA, “a generator is any person who produces a hazardous waste as listed or characterized in part 261 of title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)” (EPA, para 1, n.d. (c)) Most states implement the RCRA program and adhere to the federal EPA regulations on hazardous waste management and waste generator categorizations. However, some states have developed their own generator categories or established state-specific rules for managing hazardous waste. The states that have developed state-specific generator categories or established different hazardous waste management regulations from the federal EPA categorizations and regulations are identified here. Click here for more information on the different hazardous waste categorizations and links to rules or guidance for states with different regulations.  States that have established their own hazardous waste generator categories or rules to manage hazardous waste. 1. California 2. District of Columbia 3. Kansa 4. Maine 5. Maryland 6. Massachusetts 7. Minnesota 8. New Hampshire 9. Rhode Island 10. Washington   Distinguishing the Three Categories of Hazardous Waste Generators So, how does the EPA differentiate hazardous waste generators? The table below provides the key information that differentiates the three categories of hazardous waste generators. Organizations can use the below summary information as guidance to identify their company-specific hazardous waste generator category. Very Small Quantity Generators (VSQGs) Generate 100 kilograms (220 pounds) or less of hazardous waste per month OR Generate 1 kilogram (2.2 pounds) or less of acutely hazardous waste per month Must identify all the hazardous waste generated in a calendar year. Not allowed to accumulate and store more than 1,000 kilograms (2,200 pounds) of hazardous waste on-site at any one time. Not allowed to accumulate and store 1 kilogram (2.2 pounds) of acutely hazardous waste on-site at any one time Hazardous waste generated must be delivered to an authorized off-site treatment or disposal facility. Refer to 40 CFR section 262.14 for comprehensive information on the VSQG regulations. Refer to the VSQGs Fact Sheet. Small Quantity Generators (SQGs) Generate more than 100 kilograms but less than 1,000 kilograms of hazardous waste per month Allowed to accumulate and store hazardous waste on-site for 180 days without a permit (or 270 days if shipping a distance greater than 200 miles). Allowed to accumulate and store only 6,000 kilograms of hazardous waste on-site at any one time. Must adhere to the hazardous waste manifest requirements set forth in 40 CFR Part 262, Subpart B. Must comply with the pre-transport requirements set forth in 40 CFR Sections 262.30 through 262.33. Must adhere to the preparedness and prevention requirements set forth in 40 CFR Sections 262.16(b)(8) and (9). Must adhere to the land disposal restriction requirements set forth in 40 CFR Part 268. One employee must continually be available to respond to emergencies. He/she should be responsible for coordinating all emergency response measures. Not required to have detailed, written contingency plans. Refer to 40 CFR Part 262 for comprehensive information on the VQG regulations. Refer to the SQGs Fact Sheet. Large Quantity Generators (LQGs) Generate more than 1,000 kilograms (2,200 pounds) of hazardous waste per month OR Generate more than 1 kilogram (2.2 pounds) of acutely hazardous waste per month Must comply with the complete federal hazardous waste generator regulations. Allowed to accumulate and store hazardous waste on-site for only 90 days. There is no limit on the amount of hazardous waste that can be accumulated and stored on-site. Must adhere to the hazardous waste manifest requirements as set forth in 40 CFR part 262 Subpart B. Must comply with the pre-transport requirements as set forth in 40 CFR sections 262.30 through 262.33. Hazardous waste generated must be managed in tanks, containers, drip pads, or containment buildings as set forth in 40 CFR Sections 262.17(a)(1)-(4), and 40 CFR Part 265 Subparts W and DD. Must adhere to the preparedness, prevention, and emergency procedure requirements as set forth in 40 CFR part 262 Subpart M. Must adhere to the land disposal restriction requirements set forth in 40 CFR part 268. Must prepare and present a biennial hazardous waste report. Refer to 40 CFR Part 262 for comprehensive information on the LQG regulations. Refer to the LQGs Fact Sheet. Training as per RCRA and EPA Requirements for Waste Generators To ensure compliance with the RCRA and EPA regulations on hazardous waste management, all hazardous waste generators must provide their employees with adequate RCRA Waste Generator Training. For employees working in hazardous waste treatment, storage, and disposal facilities, OSHA also mandates the HAZWOPER 24-Hour RCRA TSF Operations Training. As per OSHA, RCRA, and EPA regulations, employees working in hazardous waste operations must renew their RCRA and 24-Hour HAZWOPER TSDF training annually. Reference: EPA. (n.d. (a)). Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Laws and Regulations. Website. https://www.epa.gov/rcra EPA. (n.d. (b)). Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Overview. Website. https://www.epa.gov/rcra/resource-conservation-and-recovery-act-rcra-overview EPA. (n.d. (C)). Categories of Hazardous Waste Generators. Website. https://www.epa.gov/hwgenerators/categories-hazardous-waste-generators

The Role of Lockout Tagout in Electrical Safety For construction workers, working with and around electrical equipment, electrical conductors or circuit parts, and power lines is a common occurrence. Therefore, safeguarding workers against electrical hazards is a critical element of workplace safety and health procedures. Recognizing this need, OSHA has put in place safety and health regulations 29 CFR 1910 Subpart S for the general industry and 29 CFR 1926 Subpart K construction industry related to electrical hazards to guide and support employers in implementing adequate safety measures in the workplace. Moreover, employees who undertake maintenance, repair, and service work for electrical equipment and machinery are also exposed to electrical hazards. There is always the possibility of de-energized equipment becoming suddenly energized while employees are inspecting, servicing, or repairing electrical equipment, circuits, and conductors. Therefore, not only must employees fully understand the hazards associated with electrical work (for example shocks, burns, fires, explosions, and arc flash) but must be conversant with the lockout tagout procedures to operate within electrically safe work conditions. De-energized means “Free from any electrical connection to a source of potential difference and electrical charge; not having a potential different from that of the earth.” What is Lockout Tagout? OSHA’s standard for the Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout), Title 29 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 1910.147, sets forth the work practices and controls employers must implement to prevent accidents associated with hazardous energy. This standard is not only for construction industry workers but workers across industries such as craft workers, machine operators, electricians, laborers, etc., using electrical or other equipment that can generate energy even when it is shut off. The lockout tagout (LOTO) is a process whereby a lock and tag are added to any type of industrial equipment or machinery when it is shut down for repair, servicing, or maintenance as part of OSHA-recommended best practices. OSHA defines LOTO as “specific practices and procedures to safeguard all workers from the unexpected startup of machinery and equipment or the release of hazardous energy during service or maintenance”. Importance of Lockout Tagout Lockout Tagout supports the controlling of electrical hazards and facilitates an electrically safe work condition. According to Article 100 of the NFPA 70E, an “electrically safe work condition” is a state wherein all energized electrical conductors or circuit parts that could potentially expose employees to electrical hazards are maintained in a de-energized state. This means putting electrical equipment, conductors, or circuits in an ‘electrically safe work condition’, can temporarily eliminate electrical hazards for the duration of work activity on or near energized electrical components. The process involves disconnecting from energized parts, locking and tagging, testing to verify the absence of voltage, and when required, temporarily grounding for worker protection. The Lockout Tagout Procedure The lockout tagout procedure can be broken into six steps. When employees begin repairing or doing maintenance work on electrical equipment, they must ensure to follow these steps to ensure their safety and the safety of other employees working in proximity to them. Watch this animated video to get a better idea about the lockout and tagout procedures. However, for comprehensive training in compliance with the OSHA standard for the Control of Hazardous Energy, enroll in our OSHA Lockout Tagout (LOTO) Training. If employers and employees require in-depth details on electrical safety, enroll in our Electrical Safety Training course which is in accordance with Federal OSHA Regulations 29 CFR 1910 Subpart S and 29 CFR 1926 Subpart K as well as the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 70E standard.Bonus: General Safety Tips! Below are some general safety tips when working with electrical equipment, conductors, and circuits. Wear all required personal protective equipment (PPE) when undertaking any electrical work. Ensure all electrical equipment is properly installed and used. Use proper insulation, guarding, and overcurrent protection devices. Grounding is an important aspect of reducing electrical hazards. Install Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) to disrupt the current flow to the electrical circuit and act as a circuit breaker. Use the correct size fuse to reduce the possibility of excessive currents in the wiring that can cause fires. Do not touch electrical outlets with wet hands. Wet and damp areas should be dried out before doing any electrical work, as water is a conductor of electricity. Always check and know where circuit breakers, electrical panels, and fuse boxes are located to switch-off power in emergencies. In case a co-worker is experiencing electrical shock, do not touch him with your bare hands, use a non-conductive material like a plastic stick or wood to separate the worker from the electrical equipment, wire, etc., that is causing the shock. If possible, shut off the power first!

Choosing the Right Gas-Meter for You! In my last blog, I talked about the limitations of gas meters. In this article, I will focus on what type of gas meter may be right for your business and the considerations that you should be aware of when choosing a gas meter. First, you must recognize which vapors or gases you will be encountering. It may be one or two dedicated products, or by-products, that your business or establishment encounters on a regular basis. On the other hand, maybe your business is in the emergency services that respond to multitudes of potentially hazardous gases or vapors on a daily basis. Then consider the atmosphere - is it Group 1 (Mining), Group 2 (surface industries), or Group 3 (explosive dusts)?  Is it a dusty and cloudy atmosphere or is it a dusty and layered atmosphere? Note, layered (settled) atmospheres can have substantially lower auto-ignition temperatures compared to cloudy atmospheres.  Below is typically the standard for fixed facilities regarding Hazardous Locations:   TABLE 1: NFPA 70 NEC Hazardous Locations Classes, Divisions, and Groups Class Division Group I – Flammable gases or vapors may be present 1 – Ignitable concentrations of hazards exist under normal operating conditions and/or where the hazard is caused by frequent maintenance or repair work or frequent equipment failure 2 – Ignitable concentrations of hazards exist under abnormal operation conditions Group A – Acetylene Group B – hydrogen, butadiene, ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, and acrolein Group C – Ethylene, cyclopropane, and ethyl ether Group D – Acetone, ammonia, benzene, butane, ethanol, gasoline, hexane, methane, methanol, methane, naphtha, natural gas, propane, and toluene II – Combustible dust may be present 1 – Ignitable concentrations of hazards exist under normal operation conditions and/or where the hazard is caused by frequent maintenance or repair work or frequent equipment failure 2 – Ignitable concentrations of hazards exist under abnormal operation conditions Group E – Combustible metal dusts: aluminum, commercial alloys, and magnesium Group F – Combustible carbonaceous dusts: carbon black, charcoal, coal, and coke dusts Group G – Other combustible dusts: Chemicals, flour, grain, plastic, and wood III – Easily ignitable fibers or flying’s may be present 1 – Ignitable concentrations of hazards exist under normal operation conditions and/or where the hazard is caused by frequent maintenance or repair work or frequent equipment failure 2 – Ignitable concentrations of hazards exist under abnormal operation conditions Not Applicable There are also Hazardous Location Zone ratings that must be considered when choosing a gas meter to suit your worksite needs: TABLE 2: NFPA 70 NEC Hazardous Locations Groups Hazard Hazard Zone 0 – Ignitable concentrations of flammable gases or vapors which are present continuously or for long periods of time Gases, Vapors, and Mists 1 – Ignitable concentrations of flammable gases or vapors which are likely to occur under normal operating conditions; may exist frequently because of repair/maintenance operations or leakage; or equipment is operated in a manner that equipment breakdown/faulty operations could result in the release of ignitable concentrations of flammable gases or vapors and failure of the equipment 2 – Ignitable concentrations of flammable gases or vapors which are not likely to occur under normal operating conditions and if they do will only persist for a short period of time; or volatile flammable liquids, gases, or vapors are confined within closed containers/systems and can escape only as a result of an accidental rupture; or volatile flammable liquids, gases, or vapors are normally prevented by positive mechanical ventilation, but may become hazardous due to system failure 20 – Combustible dusts or ignitable fibers/flying's are present continuously or for extended periods of time Dusts and Fibers/Flying's 21 – Combustible dusts or ignitable fibers/flying's are likely to occur under normal operating conditions; or may exist frequently because of repair/maintenance operations or leakage; or equipment is operated in a manner that breakdown/faulty operations could result in the release of ignitable concentrations of combustible dust or fibers/flying's and failure of the equipment 22 – Combustible dusts or ignitable fibers/flying's are likely to occur under normal operating conditions; or may exist frequently because of repair/maintenance operations or leakage; or equipment is operated in a manner that breakdown/faulty operations could result in the release of ignitable concentrations of combustible dust or fibers/flying's and failure of the equipment Also, check and understand the Hazardous Group ratings to which your organization belongs: TABLE 2: NFPA 70 NEC Hazardous Locations Groups Group I Group II Group III Explosive gas atmospheres other than mines susceptible to firedamp – Group II equipment is subdivided into three subgroups Explosive dusts – Group III equipment is subdivided into three subgroups Mines susceptible to firedamp (flammable mixture of gases naturally occurring in a mine A – Atmospheres containing acetone, ammonia, ethyl alcohol, gasoline, methane, propane, or gases/vapors of equivalent hazard A – Atmospheres containing solid particles and fibers greater than 500 microns that could be suspended in air and settle out B– Atmospheres containing acetaldehyde, ethylene, or gases / vapors of equivalent hazard B – Atmospheres containing combustible dusts other than combustible metal dusts C – Atmospheres containing acetylene, hydrogen, or gases/vapors of equivalent hazard C – Atmospheres containing combustible metal dusts Why are these Tables Important?  Determining the Class, Division, and Group; or Zone and Group is critical to correctly applying the requirements for a given hazardous location as per the requirements in Tables 1, 2, and 3, above. Comparisons between the two systems are not easily accomplished. Which system is preferred depends on the user’s preference, how the areas are classified, and the wiring system that is used. For instance, the zone system has a wider use in the chemical and petrochemical industries, than others.  Temperature Classification of the Gas-Meter  Additionally, the Temperature Classification of the meter is based on the maximum temperature that any relevant part of the gas-meter contacting a flammable (explosive) gas, can reach. This classification identifies the minimum ignition temperature threshold for the hazardous area. In other words, for the explosive or combustible environment to ignite, it would need to be subjected to a temperature more than this value.  The values applied to this T-Class classification run from T1 to T6.  The relationship between ‘T’ class and the maximum permissible temperature in °C of any surface in contact with flammable gas or ignitable dust.   Here’s an example based on – 20ºC to + 40ºC ambient air temperature.  A classification of T1 means the minimum ignition temperature is >450 °C [842 °F], while classification of T6 means the minimum ignition temperature is >85 °C [185 °F]. TABLE 4: Temperature Classifications CLASS SURFACE TEMPERATURE °C T1 <450 T2 <300 T3 <200 T4 <135 T5 <100 T6 <85 This classification indicates to the end-user, for their consideration, the maximum temperature that the equipment might reach. It is understood that equipment should not be installed in an explosive atmosphere where the surface temperature is greater than 80 percent of the auto-ignition temperature of the gas. For example, an equipment with a T1 temperature classification may be suitable for a methane atmosphere that has an auto-ignition temperature of 580 °C but is not suitable for Acetylene with an auto-ignition temperature of 425 °C. This would make the T-6 rating obviously the safest rating when checked against Table 5 above, a rating that emergency services would be interested in due to the wide range of potential gases or vapors they may encounter. However, it is worth noting that these ratings are more applicable to fixed systems.   Gas Meter Markings The following are some typical ratings you will find on meters: Class/Division system Approved equipment is marked according to which Class (I, II, or III), Division (1 or 2), Group (A, B, C, D, E, F, or G), and temperature code (T1 through T6) that it is rated for. For intrinsically safe equipment the words “Intrinsically Safe” or “IS” will precede the actual approval marking to indicate it as being intrinsically safe. Examples of Markings on Gas Meters Hazardous Locations Classification and Hazardous Locations Markings: ATEX Directive (Europe)  In addition to the European Ex marking string noted above, this marking may include:  In Closing I hope I’ve enlightened you to some of the most significant ratings when researching for a prospective meter purchase. Recognizing the potential atmospheres you may encounter, is of the utmost significance. Doing your homework on the purchase of the right meter for your business is fundamental to doing something right! I implore you to get online and research meters and check out their manuals before you inadvertently cause more harm than good.   If you are interested in gas meters, then you may also be interested in our catalog of online courses dealing with gas meters. Some of our online safety training courses, such as Confined Space Awareness; Competent Person for Excavation, Trenching, and Shoring; and the HAZWOPER series give detailed information on testing atmospheres for hazardous gases.    Stay safe everybody! Stay tuned for my next Blog: Ventilation Shortcomings: Is it Really Ventilated?   Michael J. Conroy, Retired Battalion Chief/Paramedic, Chicago Fire Dept. with 36 years of experience, is also a Certified Safety Professional (CSP) and Construction Health & Safety Technician (CHST). Mike is also an OSHA-Authorized Trainer and a certified Fire Dept. Safety Officer. Mike has vast experience and holds advanced certifications in confined space, fall protection, rigging, excavation rescue and all the hazardous material disciplines, among many other certifications in the safety field. Mike will continue to write and speak on safety topics and share his years of safety experience through this media.

HAZMAT TRANSPORTATION TRAINING REQUIREMENTS An Overview of 49 CFR Parts 172-173 IT'S THE LAW Training is the best means of preventing or reducing, hazardous materials (hazmat) incidents in transportation that are caused by human error. The Federal hazardous materials transportation law (49 U.S.C. 5101, et seq.) is the statute pertaining to the transportation of hazmat in the United States, and requires the training of ALL hazmat employees. The purpose of this training is to increase a hazmat employee’s safety awareness and to be an essential element in reducing hazmat incidents. The Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) includes training requirements in several sections of Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) as follows: GENERAL §173.1 FUNCTION-SPECIFIC §172.704 MODAL Air §175.20 Vessel §176.13 Highway §177.800, 177.816 Receiving the required training enhances employee safety and security, and increases employee productivity and skills. Effective training also reduces incidents and accidents thereby reducing operating costs and losses from property damage, thus increasing profits. HMR TRAINING REQUIREMENTS Each hazmat employer must train and test their hazmat employees, certify their training, and develop and retain records of current training. Hazmat training must include, or be: General awareness/familiarization; Function-specific (for example; packaging, markings, labeling, placarding, etc.) Safety; Security awareness; In-depth security training, if a security plan is required; and Driver training (for each hazmat employee who will operate a motor vehicle). Accordingly, we offer a range of online safety training courses to fulfill the training requirements as stated in the U.S. DOT's Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) to support employers in their objective of protecting employees' health while satisfactorily completing their job tasks. FREQUENCY OF TRAINING Initial training of new hazmat employees, or an employee who changes job functions, must be completed within 90 days of employment or change in job function. A new employee may perform hazmat job functions before completing training provided the employee does so under the direct supervision of a properly trained and knowledgeable hazmat employee. Recurrent training is required at least once every three years. The three-year period begins on the actual date of training. Relevant training received from a previous employer or source may be used to satisfy the requirements, provided a current record of training is obtained from the previous employer or other sources. TRAINING RECORDS Training records must be kept by the hazmat employer for each hazmat employee, and must include the following: the hazmat employee’s name; the completion date of the most recent training; training materials used (copy, description, or location); the name and address of the hazmat trainer; and certification that the hazmat employee has been trained and Training records must be retained for each hazmat employee for three years from the date of the last training, and for 90 days after the employee leaves. DEFINITIONS Training - a systematic program (consistent approach, testing, and documentation) that ensures a hazmat employee has knowledge of hazmat and the HMR, and can perform assigned hazmat functions properly. See §172.700 through §172.704. Hazmat employer - a person who uses one or more employees regarding: transporting hazmat in commerce; causing hazmat to be transported or shipped in commerce; or designing, manufacturing, fabricating, inspecting, representing, marking, certifying, selling, offering reconditioning, testing, repairing, or modifying packaging as qualified for use in the transportation of hazmat. The term “hazmat employer” also includes any department, agency, or instrumentality of the United States, a State, a political subdivision of a State, or Native American Indian tribe engaged in offering or transporting hazmat in commerce. This term includes a person who is self-employed, including an owner-operator of a motor vehicle that transports hazmat in commerce. Hazmat employee - a person employed by a hazmat employer, or person who is self-employed, and who directly affects hazmat transportation safety including: an owner-operator of a motor vehicle that transports hazmat; a person who: loads, unloads, or handles hazmat; designs, manufactures, fabricates, inspects, tests, reconditions, repairs, modifies, marks, or otherwise represents packaging as qualified for use in the transportation of hazmat; prepares hazmat for transportation; is responsible for safety of transporting hazmat; or operates a vehicle used to transport hazmat. Enroll Now FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Question: Why is the DOT Hazmat Transportation Advanced General Awareness training course important? Answer: According to the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) all hazmat shipments must comply with the U.S. DOT Hazardous Materials Regulations as set forth in Title 49 – Transportation. Hence, all hazmat employers and employees who prepare hazardous materials for shipment or engage in the actual commercial transportation of these materials must receive the relevant training. Question: Who should enroll in the DOT Hazmat Transportation Advanced General Awareness online training course? Answer: Employees who work for the following categories of employers must receive the requisite U.S. DOT hazmat training: Common, contract, and private carriers who transport hazardous materials in commerce; Shippers who offer hazardous materials in commerce for transport within states, between states, or internationally; Persons who design, manufacture, inspect, maintain, recondition, repair, or test a package, container, or packaging component that is used for transportation of hazardous materials in commerce; Persons who indicate by marking, labeling, or other means that a hazardous material being transported in commerce is present in a package; Persons responsible for the safety of hazardous materials during transportation; and Compliance officers who certify that all applicable requirements of the HMR are being met. Question: Is there a need for DOT Hazmat Transportation Advanced General Awareness training when transporting small quantities of hazardous materials? Answer: The DOT’s Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) do not specify any exceptions to training requirements for shippers/carriers transporting limited or small quantities of hazardous materials. Hence, all personnel involved in transporting HazMat must be adequately trained, irrespective of the amount of hazardous materials being shipped. Question: Do I receive a Wallet ID Card once I successfully complete this DOT Hazmat Transportation Advanced General Awareness training course? Answer: To receive a plastic wallet ID card, upload a passport-style and size photograph to your HAZWOPER OSHA Training account. Alternately, email the photograph to info@hazwoper-osha.com You will receive the plastic wallet card via U.S. mail within 2-3 weeks of course completion. Question: What happens when an employee is not properly trained and what type of fines would be involved? Answer: Violations of any hazmat regulations including training may be subject to a civil penalty of up to $77,114 for each violation. If the violation results in death, serious illness, or severe injury to any person or substantial destruction of property, the maximum civil penalty is $179,933. The minimum civil penalty amount for a training violation is $463. Criminal violations may result in fines, imprisonment, or both. (See 49 CFR §107.329 and §107.333.) Question:  An office secretary types the required hazmat description on a shipping paper at the direction of another, item by item. Is the secretary considered to be a hazmat employee requiring training? Answer: Yes. Any person who performs a function subject to the HMR must be trained, except for special circumstances addressed by §172.704(e). Question: Do hazmat training regulations apply to employees working with materials that are consumer commodities? Answer: Yes. Consumer commodities are listed as ORM-D in the hazardous materials table §172.101. Question: Our hazmat employees have training to ship materials by ground. Are they authorized to ship packages by air or water, also? Answer:   No. Hazmat employees that usually prepare shipments for transportation via highway may not have sufficient training to ship hazmat via other modes of transportation. Trained hazmat employees should be generally aware of the requirements for shipping hazmat via all modes of transportation, but may need additional function-specific training (i.e., modal-specific training) in order to comply with the HMR. Question: Do the hazmat training regulations apply to foreign flag vessels  carrying hazmat? Answer:  Yes. The regulations apply to each non-bulk domestic and foreign vessel while operating in navigable waters of the United States. Question: Do the hazmat training regulations apply to hazmat employers and/or employees who operate a bulk vessel transporting hazmat? Answer: No. Except for transportation in bulk packagings, the bulk carriage of hazmat by water is governed by 46 CFR Chapter I, Sub chapters D, I, N, and O. See 49 CFR §176.5(d).

3 Rewarding Safety Training Methods All employers are well-aware that their employees must receive the appropriate safety training in line with their job roles and responsibilities. While organizations such as the Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA) mandate a range of safety training across industries and occupations, these training requirements can differ from industry to industry and based on the risk levels to employees’ safety and health. Employees in construction, mining, hazardous waste, emergency response, hospitals, or factory operations are at greater risk as their exposure to hazards is higher than office-based occupations. Therefore, employers in such industries have a higher stake in ensuring employees are safeguarded than their counterparts in industries prone to lesser physical and health hazards such as banking, financial services, or even the stock exchange! Another set of individuals for whom safety training is of the utmost import is those involved in hazardous materials, chemicals, or hazardous waste transportation. These—full-time, part-time, or contract—employees of private carriers and shippers transporting hazardous cargo in commerce should receive training on reading hazard labels, placards, and hazard markings while being aware of the security requirements when transporting hazmat. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has put in place the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) to guide on prevailing hazards of transporting hazardous substances and materials, together with guidance on training requirements. Ensure Your Employees Receive Relevant On-Time Safety Training as per OSHA, EPA, RCRA, NFPA, and DOT Hazmat Regulations This brings us to an important question, “how should employees be trained?” The answer can vary depending on the type of work being carried out, the type of industry the organization falls within, and the hazard exposure levels of employees. Furthermore, don’t forget that a lot depends on what governing bodies like the OSHA, EPA, and DOT state in their regulations related to safety training. Examples of Training Requirements as per Regulations To put into context the numerous types of training required, the below table outlines the training requirements as per OSHA, DOT, or EPA regulations. Course Name Online, Virtual ITL, or Group On-Site Training* Field Experience*  OSHA 40 Hour HAZWOPER Online Training – 29 CFR 1910.120 (e) A minimum of 40 hours of off-the-site instruction. A minimum of 3 days of actual field experience.  OSHA 24-Hour HAZWOPER Online Training – 29 CFR 1910.120 (e) A minimum of 24 hours of off-the-site instruction. A minimum of 1 day of actual field experience.  24-Hour HAZWOPER – RCRA TSD Operations Training The initial training shall be for 24 hours, and refresher training shall be for 8 hours annually.  OSHA 8 Hour HAZWOPER Supervisor Online Training 40 hours of initial training OR 24 of initial training + 8 hours of specialized training for the supervisor job role. 3 days of supervised field experience OR  1 day of supervised field experience  Electrical Safety Training (NFPA 70E) Classroom training OR On-the-job type training  OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Training Training to ensure employees have adequate knowledge to carry out their work as per recommended practices outlined in the Standard. Relevant practical workplace-specific information  DOT Hazmat Advance Awareness 10-Hour Training General awareness/familiarization training and function-specific training *The information regarding the training requirements is a synopsis to give readers a better understanding of the diverse needs of different regulatory standards. This information has been interpreted by the author, for a simpler discourse. The complete training requirements are set forth in the respective standards and can be retrieved from (1) https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910, (2) https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1926, or (3)  https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-B. As seen from the above table, to fulfill the regulatory safety training requirements, employers must use a combination of training methods. These safety training methods must educate the employees on the requirements of key topics as identified in the standard and provide practical hands-on or field experience in the areas of their job responsibilities. To support employers in fulfilling their safety and health obligations to employees and make safety training painless, we have developed and made available at competitive prices a range of safety training courses covering the instruction-based learning aspects as per the safety training requirements of the different regulatory bodies. For a full list of our courses, look at our 2022 Course Catalog!  Examples of key topics for which employees must be trained A general introduction to the relevant OSHA or DOT regulatory standard, The health hazards on site or associated with exposure to a hazardous substance, Use of personal protective equipment, Medical surveillance requirements, and Safe use of engineering controls. We offer these courses in several formats for the convenience of our customers and to suit the diverse training needs of organizations depending on the number of people being trained and the number of safety training courses required. Training Method 1 Training Method 2 & 3 Training Method 4 All our courses are available on our website on our very own dynamic learning management system (LMS) which allows the EHS or safety training manager or the supervisor to register for an account and enroll as many individuals as required for a variety of safety training courses. When employers prefer having an OSHA-approved instructor leading the training program, we provide instructor-led virtual training programs and conduct on-site group training programs.   We also have an option for organizations with their in-house learning management systems (LMSs). Read on to find out more. Online Safety Training As a specialized online safety training service provider our courses meet the highest standards in regulatory training requirements. Our course development team is led by experienced OSHA Certified Outreach Trainers who ensure that all critical aspects of training are fulfilled. Our courses are regularly reviewed; and updated as soon as new requirements or regulations are issued by OSHA, EPA, DOT, and other regulatory agencies. We also understand the importance of using modern and technology-driven learning tools, as well as including a variety of engaging and interactive content to keep the learner involved and make online learning an interesting, easy, and enjoyable experience as possible. Go to our Home Page, hover over the ‘Online Courses’ tab and enroll for the safety training course of your choice! Instructor-Led Virtual Safety Training Our instructor-led training (ILT) is conducted visually using a two-way audio-video communication platform of your choice. Our instructors are highly experienced and bring to the class a variety of real-life examples that truly puts into context the need for safety training and annual refresher training to protect employees working in hazardous works sites. For more information on ILT, click here! Group On-Site Safety Training The third form of training we offer is the traditional classroom training method with a twist. This simply means that we do not expect your employees to travel to a location of our choice but let you choose your preferred site! Whether employers want us to conduct in-person training in their organization’s training auditorium or at another location, we are ready and willing, provided adequate time is given to make the arrangements and we all adhere to the relevant CVOID-19 pandemic safety regulations. For more information on ILT, click here!Simply call or email us for more details! BONUS! SCORM Packages for Corporate LMS Here's our fourth training option. We understand that many larger organizations have their in-house learning management systems (LMSs) and have become experts at providing e-learning, especially through the last two pandemic-infected, social distancing-required years. To facilitate organizational training and development goals and support the learning culture, we can provide you with SCORM packages of whichever HAZWOPER, OSHA construction or general industry, RCRA, DOT Hazmat, or NFPA 70E training course you require. For more information on SCORM Packages, click here!

Recycling Hazardous Waste Encouraged by the RCRA Recycling Hazardous Waste Recycling is an important method for the conservation of natural resources. By adopting the practice of recycling, companies can benefit in many ways—earn a good reputation, attract environmentally conscientious investors and customers, protect scarce resources for future generations, contribute to climate change prevention initiatives, minimize liabilities and risks, lower costs, create new revenue streams, circumvent tedious and detailed regulations of hazardous waste management, among others. When companies pursue recycling goals, they indirectly create broader benefits that benefit the community and the environment in the long term. What is Recycling? According to the EPA, “Recycling is the process of collecting and processing materials that would otherwise be thrown away as trash and turning them into new products.” Who should Recycle Hazardous Waste? Everyone should recycle hazardous waste whenever, wherever, and as much as possible. Most people and organizations are very familiar with the idea of recycling glass, paper, plastic (a hazardous waste in its way), and other materials we use as part of our everyday lives, but most don’t pay adequate attention to recycling hazardous waste. Organizations do seek to store, dispose, and treat hazardous waste and hazardous materials are per OSHA, EPA, and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) regulations, but there is further room for improving this disposal process by considering the effectiveness of recycling parts of the hazardous waste, materials, and chemicals used and produced when executing business processes and activities. Thus, all organizations must research and implement recycling as part of their hazardous materials and hazardous waste disposal processes. Recycling activities by those hazardous waste generators identified by the RCRA as large quantity generators (LQG), small quantity generators (SQG), and very small quantity generators (VSQG) must become a priority as their efforts would not only benefit their organization but also result in protecting the planet and the health and safety of workers and the public in the longer term. 6 Reasons to Recycle Hazardous Waste Here are six reasons organizations (irrespective of the amount of hazardous waste generated) should embark on hazardous waste recycling. 1.     Broaden your recycling goals Organizations that are identified as hazardous waste generators are already segregating, collecting, and disposing of hazardous waste as per the OSHA, EPA, and RCRA regulations. These organizations also likely have in place recycling goals for other types of waste collected. So, why not broaden recycling efforts and incorporate hazardous waste recycling as part of being a good corporate citizen? Furthermore, those organizations that report using internationally recognized standards such as GRI and integrated reporting principles require to disclose their efforts regarding hazardous waste management. So, if you produce sludge, scrap metal, other hazardous waste materials that can be recycled or reused then you will not only reduce the amount of hazardous waste being disposed and treated but create new avenues for minimizing the use of scarce resources and extending organizational recycling goals. 2.     Contribute to organizational cost control measures Recycling or reusing hazardous materials and hazardous wastes as part of manufacturing operations would result in an indirect benefit of contributing towards organizational cost control initiatives. Just think about it – when sludge is treated and reused within manufacturing operations, then the safe disposal (including storage and transportation) cost of this sludge is negated, and the cost of purchasing other materials that the sludge has replaced would also be nil. 3.     Generate new revenue streams If hazardous waste, chemicals, or other hazardous materials are recycled to produce a by-product then these could be sold to the marketplace and the organization could create a new revenue stream adding to business profitability. Alternately, where there is an excess of recyclable hazardous waste, then the organization could sell this waste to specialized entities for treatment and reuse, converting an expense-centric activity to a revenue-generating one! 4.     Follow EPA and RCRA recommendations on hazardous waste reduction Laws and regulations recommend organizations reduce the amount of hazardous waste created. So, when hazardous wastes like sludges, scrap metal, spent solvent wastes, wood preserving wastes, electroplating and other metal finishing wastes, and partly used or unused chemical wastes are reused or recycled, organizations can benefit from regulatory exclusions where such products/by-products are not considered as hazardous waste. This also reduced organizational risk and exposure to rigorous management of hazardous waste as imposed by RCRA requirements. Remember, when signing off a hazardous waste manifest as required by the EPA and Department of Transportation (DOT)’s Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) for the off-site transportation of hazardous waste, the organization is attesting to the fact that every effort has been made to reduce the quantity of hazardous waste generated. 5.     Benefit from RCRA regulatory exceptions To encourage recycling of hazardous waste where possible, the EPA and the RCRA offer regulatory omissions and guidance through alternative standards for the recycling of hazardous wastes, hazardous materials, and solid wastes to hazardous waste generators as part of their regulatory compliances. Some items that fall within the RCRA relief measures include batteries, scrap metal, Cathode Ray Tubes (CRTs), used oil, aerosol cans, certain pesticides, mercury-containing equipment (thermometers), lamps, and precious metals. For in-depth details on the EPA and RCRA regulatory exclusions and alternative standards read here. 6.     Enhance organizational reputation When all the above elements are combined and considered holistically, the organization will be able to enhance its reputation as an ethical business entity striving towards profitability while making every effort to conserve natural resources, protect the environment, and embark on a sustainable journey for meeting the needs of triple bottom line business activities.   Thus, as important as it is to follow the RCRA and EPA’s rules and regulations on the generation, transportation, treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste, it is equally important to implement recycling aimed at reducing the quantity of hazardous waste generated by an organization. To better understand these RCRA regulations for hazardous waste generators, enroll in our RCRA Hazardous Waste Generator online training course. Also, remember that the RCRA recommends annual retraining which can be obtained through our RCRA 4-hour Refresher training course. By following this training, you will be able to apply the RCRA regulations for hazardous waste management by a hazardous waste generator. This training will also support your endeavors to comply with the EPA guidelines for hazardous waste management, as the RCRA has been created to give the EPA the authority to control hazardous waste from cradle to grave!     Reference/Source EPA. (n.d.). Categories of hazardous waste generators. Website. https://www.epa.gov/hwgenerators/categories-hazardous-waste-generators EPA. (n.d.). Recycling basics. Website. https://www.epa.gov/recycle/recycling-basics EPA. (n.d.). Regulatory exclusions and alternative standards for the recycling of materials, solid wastes, and hazardous wastes. Website. https://www.epa.gov/hw/regulatory-exclusions-and-alternative-standards-recycling-materials-solid-wastes-and-hazardous EPA. (n.d.). Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). Website. https://www.epa.gov/fedfacts/resource-conservation-and-recovery-act-rcra