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The Ultimate Guide to EPA Standards for Gas Cans: Protecting Our Environment and Safety

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In an era where environmental protection and safety are paramount, understanding the importance of EPA standards for gas cans is crucial.

These regulations are designed to reduce harmful emissions, prevent spills, and protect both the environment and public health.

Whether you’re an environmentalist, a homeowner, or a business owner, this comprehensive guide will help you navigate the landscape of EPA gas can regulations, highlighting their benefits, practical applications, and future trends.

Understanding EPA Standards for Gas Cans

What Are EPA Standards?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has enacted specific standards for gas cans to minimize the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs contribute to air pollution and can have detrimental health effects. EPA’s regulations ensure that gas cans are designed to be spill-proof and limit the evaporation of gasoline.

Key Regulations and Standards

The primary standards include requirements for automatic shut-off spouts, flame arrestors, and child-resistant features. These regulations aim to:

  • Reduce Spills: Automatic shut-off spouts are designed to prevent overfilling and accidental spills, ensuring a cleaner and safer refueling process. These spouts automatically stop the flow of fuel when the container reaches its capacity.
  • Minimize Evaporation: Sealed containers with low permeation rates are specifically engineered to limit the escape of gasoline vapors, thus preserving fuel quality and reducing harmful emissions. This feature is crucial for maintaining fuel efficiency and environmental safety.
  • Enhance Safety: Child-resistant features and flame arrestors are integrated to significantly reduce the risk of accidental fires and burns. These safety mechanisms prevent young children from accessing the fuel and protect against ignition sources, ensuring a safer environment for everyone.

Compliance and Certification

Manufacturers must comply with these standards to receive EPA certification. Look for the EPA certification label when purchasing gas cans to ensure they meet all regulatory requirements.

Benefits of Using EPA-Approved Gas Cans

Environmental Protection

EPA-approved gas cans significantly reduce the emission of harmful VOCs into the atmosphere. By limiting gasoline evaporation and preventing spills, these cans help protect air quality and reduce the overall environmental impact.

Promoting Safety

Safety is a key benefit of using EPA-compliant gas cans. Features like flame arrestors and child-resistant closures prevent accidents, making these cans safer for use in homes and businesses. This not only protects individuals but also mitigates the risk of fires and explosions.

Economic Advantages

While EPA-approved gas cans may have a higher upfront cost, their durability, and efficiency can save money in the long run. Reduced fuel loss through evaporation and spills means more gasoline is available for use, ultimately leading to cost savings.

Adopting EPA Standards at Home and in Business

For Homeowners

Homeowners can take several steps to comply with EPA standards:

  • Purchase EPA-Certified Gas Cans: Ensure all gasoline containers are certified by the EPA to meet environmental and safety standards. This certification guarantees that the containers are designed to minimize fuel emissions and prevent leaks.
  • Proper Storage: Store gas cans in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to reduce evaporation and prevent potential hazards. It’s also advisable to keep them in a well-ventilated area to avoid the buildup of dangerous fumes.
  • Regular Maintenance: Check for any signs of damage, wear, or corrosion on your gas cans. Regularly inspect the seals and spouts to ensure they are functioning correctly. Replace gas cans as needed to maintain compliance with safety regulations and to ensure both your safety and the environment’s protection.

For Business Owners

Business owners need to adopt more comprehensive measures:

  • Employee Training: Educate employees on the importance of EPA standards and proper handling of gas cans. This includes training sessions on how to safely fill, transport, and store gas cans to prevent spills and reduce environmental impact.
  • Storage Solutions: Invest in secure storage facilities to keep gas cans in optimal conditions. These facilities should be well-ventilated, away from direct sunlight and heat sources, and equipped with safety measures to handle potential leaks or spills.
  • Regular Audits: Conduct periodic checks to ensure all gas cans meet EPA standards and replace non-compliant containers. These audits should include a thorough inspection of the cans’ condition, ensuring they are not damaged or deteriorating, and verifying their compliance with the latest regulations.

Practical Tips

  • Always close the spout tightly after use to prevent vapor release.
  • Use a funnel to avoid spills when transferring gasoline.
  • Keep gas cans away from ignition sources to enhance safety.

Recent Innovations in EPA-Approved Gas Cans

Advanced Materials

Recent innovations in materials science have led to the development of gas cans using advanced polymers that further reduce permeation rates. These materials are more durable and environmentally friendly.

Improved Spout Designs

New spout designs feature ergonomic handles and automatic shut-off mechanisms that make fuel transfer easier and safer. These designs also minimize the risk of spills and vapor release.

Smart Gas Cans

The integration of IoT (Internet of Things) technology into gas cans is on the horizon. Smart gas cans can provide real-time data on fuel levels, usage patterns, and alerts for potential issues, offering a modern solution to fuel management.

The Future of EPA Standards and Gas Can Technology

Stricter Regulations

As environmental concerns grow, it is likely that the EPA will introduce stricter regulations to further reduce VOC emissions. Future standards may require even lower permeation rates and additional safety features.

Technological Advancements

Ongoing research and innovation will continue to improve gas can technology. Expect to see more eco-friendly materials, smarter designs, and enhanced safety features in the coming years.

Global Impact

EPA standards could serve as a model for international regulations. As more countries recognize the importance of reducing VOC emissions, similar standards may be adopted globally, leading to broader environmental benefits.

Conclusion

Navigating the landscape of EPA standards for gas cans is essential for environmentalists, homeowners, and business owners alike. By understanding these regulations and adopting compliant practices, we can significantly reduce harmful emissions, enhance safety, and protect our environment.

Whether you’re purchasing a gas can for personal use or managing fuel storage in a business, choosing EPA-approved containers is a step towards a cleaner, safer future. Stay informed about regulatory changes and technological advancements to ensure you remain compliant and take advantage of the latest innovations.

Take action today by ensuring your gas cans meet EPA standards and share this knowledge within your community. Together, we can make a meaningful impact on our environment and safety.

For more information on eco-friendly fuel storage and gas can safety, visit our website or contact us directly. Let’s drive towards a sustainable future, one EPA-approved gas can at a time.

Get Your EPA-Approved Eagle Safety Gas Can Today!

Ready to make a difference? Get your EPA-approved Eagle Safety Gas Can from AbsorbentsOnline today!

Not only will you be enhancing safety and compliance at home or in your business, but you’ll also be contributing to a cleaner environment by reducing harmful VOC emissions.

Visit AbsorbentsOnline to choose from a wide selection of certified gas cans that meet all EPA standards. Invest in quality, safety, and sustainability—purchase your Eagle Safety Gas Can now and join the movement towards a greener future.

Waste Analysis Plan (WAP): What You Need To Know

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WAP Information and Tips to Help Your Business Remain EPA-Compliant

waste can for biohazardsA Waste Analysis Plan (WAP) is a crucial tool for businesses dealing with hazardous waste. It serves as a step-by-step guide, outlining the procedures for treating, storing, and disposing of various hazardous waste materials: Whether it’s corrosives, flammables, explosives, gasses, poisons, or any other hazardous material. Companies need to have a WAP in place to guide crew members on how to safely handle those materials. In addition, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires certain businesses and industries to use them.

Treatment, Storage and Disposal Facilities (TSDF)

For Treatment, Storage and Disposal Facilities (TSDFs), the EPA mandates the implementation of a WAP. Meaning, if your company deals with hazardous waste cleanup you must have a WAP in place to remain EPA-compliant. You can read more about the specific requirements for TSDFs in the EPA’s Guidance Manual. It’s important for companies to follow the EPA’s guidelines to prevent fines, lawsuits, forced closure and employee injury.

Other Instances When a WAP Is Required

A WAP is not exclusive to TSDFs; there are several other instances when a WAP is required. The following list provides a brief overview of when WAPs should be used:

  • Generate – If your company generates hazardous waste, you must have a WAP in place.
  • Treat – Does you company treat hazardous waste? If so, a WAP is required to maintain a safe, EPA-compliant environment.
  • Dispose – Disposing of hazardous waste and material also requires a WAP.
  • Store – Lastly, storing hazardous waste calls for a WAP to guide workers on the proper procedure.

Tips for Effectively Implementing and Using a WAP

A WAP’s effectiveness relies on proper training and awareness among employees. After establishing a WAP for your company, conduct a comprehensive training program to ensure that workers understand and follow its protocols. Unfortunately, it’s all too common for companies to set up a WAP only to have it disregarded in their everyday operations. Prevent this from happening by empowering your employees with the knowledge they need to follow steps the WAP outlines.

The first step in setting up a WAP is to identify the hazardous material and waste in your workplace. If you haven’t done so already, perform a thorough analysis of your work environment to identify the type, amount, and location of hazardous material. Using this information, you can then create a set of detailed instructions guiding workers on the correct method for handling such hazardous material.

For more resources and information, visit the EPA website. It provides answers to frequently asked questions about TSDFs as well as an A-Z index of Hazardous Waste.

Choose AbsorbentsOnline for Expert Guidance and Quality Products

When it comes to ensuring facility safety and effective spill cleanup—including hazardous materials— AbsorbentsOnline is your trusted source. We provide not only the expertise you need but also a range of high-quality products to enhance your facility’s safety measures. Rely on us for comprehensive solutions, and let us be your partner in maintaining EPA compliance and promoting a secure work environment. Contact us today for a seamless experience in acquiring top-notch products and expert assistance.

This is a revision to a blog post with an original publication date of September 26, 2013.

Does OSHA Require Spill Kits?

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As a business owner or manager, ensuring a safe working environment for your employees should be a top priority. This is why in industrial and commercial settings, the handling and storage of hazardous materials is a significant concern. Because accidental spills not only pose serious risks to human health, but also to the environment, and your facility.

Does OSHA Require Spill Kits?

To mitigate these risks, regulatory bodies like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have established guidelines and requirements to ensure workplace safety. It’s important to understand and comply with OSHA regulations, which are designed to protect workers from hazards and prevent workplace accidents.

Meaning that spill kits are an obvious and practical solution for businesses in the event of accidental spills, whether they involve chemicals or simple water. But, are they actually mandatory? In this article, we’ll explore the regulations to help answer the question: Does OSHA require spill kits?

Understanding Spill Kits

Before we delve into OSHA’s requirements, it’s first useful to review what spill kits are and how they’re used. 

Simply put, spill kits are collections of tools, materials, and absorbents designed to contain, control, and clean up liquids. The kit’s contents typically include absorbent items like pads, socks, pillows, or booms. Along with PPE equipment such as gloves and goggles, as well as disposal bags. 

Spill kits are tailored to specific types of spills; be it a water-based liquid, oil, chemicals, or biohazards like blood. The type of spill kit you need depends on the types of materials you use in your workplace and the potential hazards associated with them.

When any spill occurs, the first step is to quickly contain it to prevent it from spreading. This is usually done by placing absorbent materials around the edges of the spill to create a barrier. Next, you apply the kit’s absorbent materials on top of the spill to soak it up. Once the spill has been absorbed, the materials are disposed of according to the instructions provided with the spill kit.

What Are OSHA’s Spill Kit Regulations and Requirements?

To begin, let’s revisit the purpose of OSHA and its role: OSHA is a federal agency tasked with enforcing health and safety regulations in the workplace. Their mission is to protect workers from hazards by setting and enforcing standards, providing training, and conducting inspections. OSHA’s regulations cover a wide range of industries and activities, ensuring that employers provide a safe and healthy work environment.

When it comes to answering the question of whether OSHA regulations require spill kits in workplaces, it might surprise you to learn that the short answer is “no”. But, things are a little bit more complicated than that. Partly because no two facilities are the same; meaning each business must determine the best way to prepare for accidental spills in order to comply with OSHA.

OSHA has a number of regulations and requirements that indirectly necessitate spill kits (for a brief overview, check out our summary of OSHA and other federal regulatory chemical and product compliance). These regulations are designed to protect employees from spill hazards and ensure that businesses are prepared to handle spills when they occur.

Does OSHA Require Spill Kits (1)

OSHA’s General Duty Clause

While OSHA doesn’t explicitly require spill kits, they do enforce regulations under the General Duty Clause (Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act). This clause mandates that employers provide a workplace free from recognized hazards that could cause death or serious physical harm to employees.

Thus, if your workplace handles hazardous materials that could potentially result in spills, it becomes your responsibility to identify and address this hazard. Spill control requirements can vary and should be identified based on the relevant industry and the specific hazardous materials involved.

Hazard Communication Standard (HCS)

Another OSHA regulation related to spill kits is the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS). This standard requires that businesses have a Hazard Communication program in place, which includes providing employees with information about hazardous chemicals in the workplace and the potential hazards associated with them.

For example, businesses must ensure employees are trained to handle chemicals appropriately. Which should extend to the correct use of absorbents specifically designed for a hazardous material spill.

Assessing the Need for Spill Kits

To determine if spill kits are necessary for your workplace, conduct a thorough hazard assessment. Identify the types and quantities of hazardous materials present, evaluate the potential risks and impact of spills, and assess the availability of appropriate containment and cleanup measures. If spills could pose a threat to employees or the environment, having spill kits readily available is a proactive step towards compliance with OSHA regulations.

Spill Response Planning

OSHA emphasizes the importance of spill response planning as part of a comprehensive safety program. Developing an effective spill response plan includes identifying responsible personnel, providing appropriate training, establishing communication protocols, and ensuring the availability of necessary spill control equipment and materials, including spill kits.

Best Practices for Spill Kit Implementation

Even if spill kits are not strictly mandated by OSHA, implementing them as part of your spill response plan is a wise measure. Here are some best practices to consider:

  • Select spill kits based on the types of hazardous materials present in your workplace.
  • Ensure spill kits are easily accessible in areas prone to spills.
  • Train employees on the proper use of spill kits and their responsibilities during a spill.
  • Regularly inspect and maintain spill kits to ensure they are in good working condition.
  • Establish a process for proper disposal of used spill kit materials.

Conclusion

While OSHA may not explicitly require spill kits, they do play a crucial role in preventing and mitigating the risks associated with hazardous material spills. By conducting a hazard assessment, complying with industry-specific regulations, and implementing a spill response plan that includes spill kits, you demonstrate your commitment to maintaining a safe and compliant workplace.

Remember, prioritizing safety not only protects your employees and the environment but also helps avoid costly penalties and reputational damage. Stay proactive in addressing hazards and seek guidance from OSHA and industry experts to ensure your compliance with applicable regulations.

If you need help choosing the appropriate spill kits, absorbents, or other containment supplies for your workplace, get in touch! AbsorbentsOnline is proud to provide excellent products and customer service since 1985. You can also find answers to common questions in our previous blog posts:

Frequently Asked Questions about Spill Kits

Is Your Workplace Prepared to Handle Emergencies?

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Learn the essentials for workplace emergency preparedness

Workplace emergency exit sign

Escape route procedures are one part of workplace emergency preparedness

It’s easy to think “It couldn’t happen to me” — until it does. Too often, we don’t focus on workplace emergency preparedness until disaster strikes. And by then, it’s already too late.

That’s certainly the case for some U.S. employers. For instance, many are less prepared than they should be for emergencies in the workplace.

Consider a 2014 report from the International Facility Management Association (IFMA) and RLE Technologies. Its findings state that 19% of organizations lack an up-to-date emergency preparedness and business continuity plan. And Staples’ 2014 workplace safety survey shows that only half of employees believe their workplaces are prepared for a severe emergency.

Don’t get caught without an emergency response plan

Think an emergency can’t hit you hard? Think again.

emergency responders in full PPE suits

Firefighters and emergency services respond to a chemical spill
Source: nhregister.com

A variety of emergency situations could easily disrupt business operations. Consider the impact of a medical emergency or a short-term Internet outage. Let alone more catastrophic events. For instance, building and environmental damage. Be it due to severe weather, a hazardous spill, equipment failure, or a terrorist attack.

Your business needs to be ready. Because if you don’t have an emergency action plan in place to deal with events like these, you risk non-compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations. Specifically, 29 CFR 1910.38(a) and 29 CFR 1926.35.

And if non-compliance with the U.S. Department of Labor’s occupational safety requirements isn’t scary enough, an emergency can have many other dire consequences. For instance, without proper planning, you risk jeopardizing employee workplace safety. Or, even shutting down the business. In fact, according to the Institute for Business and Home Safety, one in four businesses never reopens after a natural disaster.

What does emergency planning require?

You don’t want to be that one in four business that has to close its doors for good after an emergency strikes. So how do you ensure that you’re ready to deal with a disaster if, or when, it comes?

Fortunately, both OSHA and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offer comprehensive guidelines and resources. Which can assist businesses in developing their emergency preparedness plans.

Your workplace preparedness and emergency action plan should address these areas:

  • Program management

    A preparedness program requires management leadership, commitment, and financial support.

    These inputs are essential to your plan’s success and require ongoing investments, including time and money.

  • Planning

    This task involves the assessment of hazards and risks and how to mitigate them.

    Potential hazards exist in every company or organization. And every workplace is unique. Your preparedness plan should include hazards specific to your business and workplace environment. In other words, oil or chemical spills or severe weather events that are possible in your area.

  • Implementation

    The plan should cover all facets of preparedness. This means crisis communications, business continuity, and emergency response.

    Workplace protective actions can be everything from installing a defibrillator (make sure to train employees how to use it!) to having a shelter in place at tornado-prone locations.

  • Testing

    Test and evaluate the plan with drills and exercises that you schedule on a regular basis each year.

    Are evacuation routes in your building visible, and, are your staff familiar with evacuation procedures? Are alarm systems and public address systems in effective working order if you need to alert staff or reach out to local law enforcement?

  • Improvement

    Based on what you learn during testing and evaluation, determine how you can improve your plan.

    Do you need to revise your evacuation plans and emergency evacuation procedures, or, consider upgrading building fire protection systems? Is it time to update employee family member contact information so you can let them know about an emergency situation?

Get prepared for potential emergencies

danger acid wall sign

Keep acid neutralizer on site to prepare your workplace for emergency spills

Ensuring your workplace has emergency response items like fire extinguishers, first aid, leak, and spill kits on hand is a good start. But, will only do so much during a large catastrophe.

Beyond tangible equipment, you must also have clear processes in place to report and respond to an emergency. Above all, preparation to protect your workers or customers demands a clear chain of command.

Preparation also means appropriate safety training for staff. The American Red Cross offers specialized courses in everything from first aid and CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) to using AED (automated external defibrillator) equipment.

When developing your first responder notification procedure, you might even want to reach out to your local fire department or police department for their input.

Types of emergencies to consider

An emergency or disaster in the workplace can strike at any time, without warning. Broadly speaking workplace emergencies fall into two main categories – man-made and natural.

Examples of man-made disasters are:

  • Hazardous toxic gas releases or chemical spills
  • Radiological accidents
  • Explosions
  • Civil disturbances
  • Workplace violence that results in bodily harm and trauma.

lightning strike in sky

Weather is one of many worst-case scenarios workplaces must plan for

Similarly, the types of natural disasters your workplace may need to prepare for include:

  • Floods
  • Hurricanes
  • Tornadoes
  • Fires

Brainstorm potential emergency scenarios

Not all workplaces will be at risk of the same types of emergencies. But it always pays to prepare for the worst-case scenarios. Therefore, brainstorm any and every potential hazard that your workplace might face.

Start by writing down a list of questions, such as the following examples. What types and volumes of hazardous materials does your job site handle or store on location? Does your medical facility have the appropriate equipment in place to protect employees against bloodborne pathogen risks?

When it comes to natural disaster preparedness, check out our previous Storm Safety Tips post for more ideas.

The time for emergency planning is now

There’s no time like the present to determine whether your existing plan needs an update. Particularly if you haven’t recently done a review or test of your workplace’s emergency preparedness plan.

And if your company lacks a workplace emergency preparedness plan, consider the consequences of not being prepared when disaster strikes. In conclusion, make it a priority to develop a plan that protects both your employees and your business.

We’ll help your workplace with disaster preparedness

95 gallon overpack drum spill kit

Workplace emergency preparedness spill kit

Have your plan in place? Congratulations! Now, check out these emergency preparedness products from AbsorbentsOnline.com:

Angie MezaDo you have the right safety products on hand for your workplace? To find out, contact Angie Meza at angie@absorbentsonline.com or (800) 869-9633.

This is a revision to a post with an original publication date of November 11, 2014.

Be Ready with a Job Hazard Analysis and Spill Response Plan

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Image of contingency plan to respond to a spill

Earlier this year, a chemical spill at a clothing manufacturer in Norton, Massachusetts, triggered a hazmat crew response. Sources report the spill involved chlorine, a chemical the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) defines as hazardous waste, prompting officials to evacuate several homes in the surrounding area.

Despite the countless protocols in place to avoid spills such as this one, these incidents still happen. That’s why spill preparedness is of utmost importance. Part of an industrial facility manager’s job is to train personnel so their responses to unexpected events like chemical spills are automatic and it’s less likely for injury or environmental damage to occur. To meet this goal, facility leaders should have response plans in place for employees to follow and stock their facilities well with absorbents and other spill response equipment.

The first step: Conduct a job hazard analysis

For leaders securing their facilities against emergency spills, conducting a job hazard analysis (JHA) is essential. Designed to carefully identify hazards before they occur, a spill response JHA consists of three distinct steps:

  1. Conduct a thorough facility walk-through, noting all potential spill hazards.
  2. Incorporate any Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards that apply.
  3. Equip work areas with necessary absorbents and spill-control supplies as well as instructions for responding to hazards.

In all steps of the process, it is imperative to involve employees. Group discussions can not only help employees identify spill risk areas but also promote safety awareness throughout the facility. Facility leaders should ask employees to demonstrate their daily tasks and what steps they would take if an emergency spill was to occur as well as what tools would best equip them to respond to such incidents.

Don’t forget a spill response plan

For those who handle hazardous waste, an effective JHA must also contain a spill response plan. According to OSHA’s compliance guidelines, any business in which employees could be exposed to hazardous materials resulting from spills are required to equip employees to deal with those spills.

Key questions to consider when constructing a spill response plan include whether spills require special cleanup materials, such as those safe to use on hazardous spills, and what size spills could possibly occur. Stocking the appropriate tools such as absorbents, drain protectors, drain plugs, drum plugs, and chemical neutralizers can greatly increase the effectiveness of any plan.

All the right tools

OSHA warehouse inspector with clipboardWith their spill response plans in place, here are three main types of spill kits facility leaders should consider when preparing for a spill:

  • Universal or general purpose kits designed to address water-based fluids and hydrocarbons
  • Oil-only kits made with white absorbents that repel water and absorb hydrocarbons only
  • Hazmat kits made with yellow absorbents to clean aggressive fluids such as acids and solvents

Facility leaders can determine the best spill kits for their needs by considering factors such as the size of a spill and type of container necessary. They can even order custom spill kits for areas where potential spills are larger in volume than available container size.

Knowing industry requirements and the types of chemicals on hand is important, and having equipment such as nonabsorbent drain covers or spill containment berm dikes allows facility leaders to control spills until they can remove the liquid safely. Many also use spill containment trays of different sizes and generally place these underneath batteries or other hazardous chemicals to prevent leakage and contain spills.

spill-response-compliance-manual

Shop Now

Are you looking for a comprehensive guide to prepare for spills in your facility? Our thorough spill response compliance manual can help you consider the possibilities and develop a comprehensive response plan.

To learn more about absorbents and order the products you need for your spill response plan, contact Angie Meza at angie@absorbentsonline.com or (800) 869-9633.

OSHA and Absorbents: Making Safety a Standard

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You have the right to a safe work environment. In fact, your workplace leaders are legally required to take certain steps, such as providing the right spill kits to handle emergencies to lessen your risk of being injured on the job. But that wasn’t always true! The Operational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) was created nearly 50 years ago to turn workplace safety into law. And to this day, its members are continuously making changes and updates to look out for you while you’re on the clock.

OSHA and absorbents

Oil spill.

If someone asked you what absorbent materials were for, you’d probably say “absorbing” — and you’d be right, of course! But while that may be their literal purpose, they have another purpose when it comes to the big picture: safety.

A few drips of oil that gather underneath a forklift between uses might not seem like a big deal, but they can present a slip hazard that could seriously injure workers climbing in or out of the forklift. In industrial settings, workers could accidentally spill hazardous materials and present dangers to nearby employees. Even water seems harmless until it’s unconfined or somewhere it isn’t supposed to be.

Being prepared to contain or soak up these kinds of spills is essential to protecting employees. That’s why OSHA offers a comprehensive guide to hazardous waste operations, including plenty of information on emergency responses to ensure those in each workplace have the necessary absorbents and training to handle whatever spills they may experience in their facilities.

OSHA updates, adds new rules

First aid kit and construction hard hat

Workplaces and technology are constantly changing, which means OSHA regulations need to change alongside them. Work environments today aren’t the same as they were at the time of the administration’s inception in 1970, and new technology and equipment mean new hazards to look out for.

For example, in one recent update, OSHA members created a new rule requiring greater transparency around workplace injuries and illness, incentivizing workplace safety by making safety failures public. It even includes provisions against retaliation, ensuring that workers feel comfortable reporting illness and injury.

In another recent change, OSHA updated the Walking-Working Surfaces standard. This standard exists to help prevent slip and fall injuries. Under the new Walking-Working Surfaces standard, employers have the flexibility to choose the fall protection methods that work best for their businesses, and there are stricter requirements in place for fall protection training.

Administrators sometimes make changes to regulations dealing with absorbents, too. Prior to a 2016 rule, OSHA regulation permitted exposing workers to deadly levels of respirable crystalline silica. OSHA predicts “the new rule will save more than 600 lives and prevent more than 900 cases of silicosis – an incurable lung disease – each year.”

Of course, some granular absorbents use silica, which means many facility leaders will have to switch to silica-free absorbents like Gran-sorb, Corn Cob, or Peat Moss Absorbents — or risk harming employees and receiving OSHA citations.

OSHA beginnings

Most people in the workforce today don’t remember a time before OSHA. But nearly 50 years ago, there was no law saying any business leader had to provide a safe workplace for his or her employees.

Working conditions were dangerous across the United States when former President Richard Nixon signed the Williams Steiger Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, which led to the creation of OSHA. OSHA members’ goal from day one was to provide training, outreach, and assistance to business decision-makers to help them keep their employees safe, but they started out small.

Absorbents didn’t come into the picture until later: Actually, it wasn’t until March 1989 — almost 20 years after OSHA was founded — that the administration publicized an official final rule regarding emergency response to hazardous waste spills. Although OSHA members have updated hazardous waste rules in the years since, that rule was the foundation of the regulation that protects those who work with hazardous waste to this day.

Absorbents play an essential safety role

These days, having the correct absorbent materials and effectively training employees on using them are safety keys in almost any industrial workplace. OSHA requirements for spill response focus on comprehensive spill response plan creation and upkeep, including obtaining, storing, and training staff on using appropriate absorbents.

For example, depending on the kinds of liquids you handle in your facility, you need a different spill kit type. Employees who use hydrocarbons in facilities may do best with oil-only kits while those who work with hazardous liquids instead need hazmat kits.

Even if you don’t work with liquids, your workplace is still susceptible to spills! For instance, forklifts contain fluids that can easily leak onto the floor, presenting slip hazards. A forklift mat can absorb those fluids and help keep forklift operators safe.

Throughout the decades, OSHA continues to change and grow to best meet the needs of workers nationwide. Similarly, workplace leaders need to change and grow with shifting OSHA regulations to ensure workers are always as safe as possible.

To learn which spill-control products you need for OSHA compliance, contact Angie Meza at angie@absorbentsonline.com or (800) 869-9633.

DHHR Releases Medical Report From W.Va Chemical Spill

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The January 9th chemical spill in which some  7,500 gallons of the coal-cleaning chemical 4-methylcyclohexanemethanol (MCHM) leaked into the nearby Elk River is believed to be one of West Virginia’s worst ecological disasters of all time. It left nearly 300,000 residents in nine counties of the Charleston, West Virginia metropolitan area without access to clean water. While officials have since declared the water safe to consume, the effects of this disaster are still being felt throughout the state.

Last month, the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) released a medical report on the injuries and illnesses stemming from the January 9th chemical spill. The purpose of this report was to determine what type of impact MCHM had on residents’ health. Government officials contacted nearly 800 medical professionals in the the Charleston, West Virginia metropolitan area, asking them to provide data on injuries and illnesses related to the chemical spill.

According to the DHHR’s report, 63 of the 800 medical professionals responded to the request. Granted, this is a low response rate, but it provided some rather interesting information regarding the incident and its impact on public health. The report reveals that the most common symptom of exposure to the MCHM was itching. 32 residents in the Charleston, West Virginia metropolitan area complained to doctors and medical professions about itching. The second most common symptom of exposure was a skin rash, which was reported by 13 people in the area.

It’s important to note that data collected for the report was based strictly on the response from the 63 medical professionals. West Virginia government officials noted that hundreds of residents had initially reported adverse symptoms stemming from exposure to the MCHM. Other reported symptoms include coughing, eye irritation, vomiting, nausea and headaches. While hundreds of residents reported experiencing adverse symptoms related to MCHM exposure, there were no fatalities attributed to the Elk River chemical spill.

Officials say the DHHR’s report is consistent with earlier reports conducted by the CDC and West Virginia Poison Control Center.

“What we are seeing is consistent with the information that has been previously reported by the West Virginia Poison Center, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) initial medical chart review from emergency departments and the population survey conducted by the Kanawha-Charleston Health Department,” said Letitia Tierney, State Health Officer and Commissioner for the Bureau for Public Health.

Freedom Industries Fined $11K For W. Va Chemical Spill

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Map of affected counties in W.VA

The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) issued an $11,000 fine to the company responsible for the massive West Virginia chemical spill which left some 300,000 residents without access to clean water.

On January 9, 2014, approximately 7,5000 gallons of the coal-cleaning chemical crude D4-methylcyclohexanemethanol (MCH) leaked from a one-inch hole at the bottom of a storage tank owned and operated by Freedom Industries. The chemical traveled downhill where it eventually ended up in the Elk River — a primary source of water for nine counties in the Charleston and West Virginia metropolitan area.

It’s been 6 months since the incident occurred, but it looks like OSHA is finally cracking down on those responsible. Earlier this month, OSHA announced that it was citing Freedom Industries for failure to create a liquid-tight seal around its storage tank, imposing a $7,000 fine. In addition, OSHA also cited Freedom Industries for failure to provide standard railings on elevated platforms used to traverse across its storage tanks, imposing a $4,000 fine.

As with all OSHA citations, Freedom Industries has 15 days to either comply, request an appeal, or request a face-to-face meeting with an OSHA representative. There’s been no official statement made by Freedom Industries following news of the citations.

The January 9, 2014 chemical spill was one of the worst chemical spills in West Virginia’s history. Thankfully, there were no deaths attributed to the coal-cleaning chemical, but thousands of residents reported suffering from a wide range of adverse symptoms, including nausea and vomiting. Government officials continue to test the water in West Virginia’s Elk River to ensure it’s safe for public use and consumption.

The Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends families maintain a minimum 3-day water supply per person for disasters such as the West Virginia chemical spill.

“Encouraging households to prepare a 3-day water supply for each person and pet in the Page 25 of 66 household would promote households taking an active role in the recovery process and help them become prepared for future disasters. The website Ready.gov recommends storing at least one gallon of water per person per day for drinking and sanitation; the website also details water preparedness recommendations for special populations,” wrote the CDC in its document titled, Disaster Response and Recovery Needs of Communities Affected by the Elk River Chemical Spill, West Virginia.

Of course, maintaining a 3-day water supply per person is a smart preventive measure for any family to take. Whether you live in West Virginia or not, there’s always a possibility of disaster striking without notice.

W. VA Residents Reporting Illness Months After Chemical Spill

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chemical testing in a laboratory

Researcher testing water samples for toxic chemicals.

It’s been over five months since a storage tank owned by Freedom Industries leaked some 7,500 gallons of the coal-cleaning foam 4-methylcyclohexanemethanol (MCHM) into the Elk River. This spurred an emergency alert by West Virginia officials, cautioning residents in nine counties — Boone, Clay, Jackson, Kanawha, Lincoln, Logan, Putnam, and Roane counties and the Culloden area of Cabell County — to avoid using the tap water for any purpose other that flushing the toilet.

While officials claim the water in those nine affected counties is now safe for human consumption, many residents continue to report illnesses which they believe are linked to the January 9 Elk River chemical spill. A recent Community Assessment Population Survey revealed that 30% of the 500 residents polled said they felt ill after drinking the water. Of those 30%, roughly half reported to have drank the water after the water ban was lifted.

The most commonly reported symptoms were skin rashes and irritation; however, many residents also reported diarrhea, vomiting, dizziness after drinking the water.

Dr. Rahul Gupta, director of the Kanawha-Charleston Health Department stressed the importance of flushing the contaminated water from plumbing systems in a recent interview with the L.A. Times. He noted that schools in particular are at risk for water contamination due to their elaborate and complex plumbing systems. Even if the water is now clean and safe to drink, some of the old contaminated water may be lingering in homes’ and buildings’ plumbing systems. This is why it’s important for individuals and families to flush their pipes when a water ban is lifted.

“The plumbing system is a complex system, we’ve learned the hard way,” Dr. Rahul Gupta, director of Kanawha-Charleston Health Department, told the L.A. Times. “Sometimes what’s conceivable to happen is the flushing process may not have taken care of the school system’s flushing in one go. People are still not drinking the water.”

News of residents’ lingering health problems stemming from the chemical spill come in the wake of reports from jail inmates claiming they were forced to drink the contaminated water or suffer from dehydration. Several inmates have taken to the media to report that they were given just 2 bottles of water per day, which wasn’t enough to keep them hydrated. Some of these inmates were forced to drink the contaminated tap water to prevent dehydration.

5 Ways To Improve Ergonomics In The Workplace

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On target with good ergonomics

Ergonomics is defined as the study/process of fitting a job environment to a worker. The purpose of ergonomics is to reduce physical stress on workers’ bodies, which in turn reduces the rates of work-related illness and injury. Poor ergonomics often leads to a variety of muscuskeletal disorders (MSD), such carpal tunnel syndrome, epicondylitis, and tendinitis, muscle strains, torn ligaments and more. Thankfully, conditions such as these can often be prevented by incorporating ergonomics into the workplace.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there were 387,820 muscuskeletal disorders (MSD) reported in 2011, which translates into roughly one third of all work-related illnesses and injury. While the number of MSDs have declined in the past few years thanks to greater awareness, it remains a problem that all employers must address.

Place Anti-Fatigue Mats On Hard Surfaces

Anti-fatigue mats are a simple yet effective way to improve workplace ergonomics. Forcing workers to stand on concrete or similar hard surfaces for hours on end increases the risk of MSD, which is where anti-fatigue mats come into play: these mats are made of a soft, spongy material that absorbs pressure and offers a more comfortable area for workers to stand on.

Ongoing Training

Training is a crucial step in reducing work-related MSD through ergonomics. Workers should be trained on a regular basis on the proper usage of machines and equipment. Failing to train workers on these areas increases their risk of MSD.

You can read more about ongoing ergonomics training at the official OSHA website.

Lift With Your Legs

One of the most common forms of work-related MSD is lower back pack caused by improper lifting. Far too many workers lift boxes and other heavy objects by bending their back, which in turn places pressure and stress on the vertebrae. The golden rule of lifting is to lower your body by bending your knees, not your back. Whether the box is light or heavy, all objects should be lifted in this manner.

Identify MSD Injuries Early

Identifying MSD injuries early will reduce recovery times while preventing further injury. Employees should be trained on the signs and symptoms of such injuries, and they should also be encouraged to report them to their supervisor.

Look For Problem Areas In The Workplace

Employers should get into the habit of routinely inspecting their workplace for areas of high risk for MSD injuries and disorders. This may include certain workstations where workers are forced to work in awkward positions, or it may be something as simple as an office with non-ergonomic-friendly chairs and desks.