07/21/2015
Now that the June 1 deadline for GHS compliance has come and gone, and chemical manufacturers, importers, and distributors have shifted to new chemical classification, marking, labeling, and documentation criteria, one big question remains: How will OSHA enforce the new GHS Hazard Communication (HazCom) standard?
07/07/2015
Experts predict a $22 billion market for lithium batteries in 2016. The rising popularity of these batteries makes it crucial that manufacturers, shippers, and consumers who handle and use lithium-battery-powered devices know the safety hazards these products pose. By following some basic handling and storage guidelines, everyone who comes in contact with lithium batteries can avoid short circuits, fires, and injuries...
02/26/2015
Before OSHA adopted GHS standards, employers could label hazardous chemicals as they saw fit—provided that employees were trained to recognize and understand the labels. Under GHS HazCom rules, a standardized label is required for all workplace containers of hazardous chemicals. At a recent Lion Technology GHS webinar, attendees raised a big concern: How can companies fit all the newly required GHS hazard information on a container too small for a traditional label?
09/02/2014
Flammable and combustible liquids have the potential to harm employees in the workplace, typically due to the fire hazard they pose. Because of this, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) maintains general requirements for the handling, storage, and use of liquids with a flash point below 200°F (“flammable liquids”) in containers, portable tanks, and...
07/29/2014
Infectious substances and pathogens are regulated by both the US DOT and OSHA due to the unique hazards they pose, namely causing disease in humans or animals. The DOT and OSHA regulations vary in scope because the two programs have different goals: the former seeks to ensure the safety of hazmat transported on public roads, while the latter...
12/03/2013
For many US workers, handling and storing materials in the workplace is an every-day job responsibility. “Materials handling” takes place in a number of ways and involves operations including, but not limited to: Working cranes to move heavy objects, Utilizing fork lifts to transport loads, Stacking and storing bulky items like drums or lumber, Feeding...
07/05/2011
Q. We generate contaminated sharps at several locations in our facility. We are currently using a large plastic pail that is centrally located in the building to collect all of these sharps, but I’ve been told that we can’t do that. What kinds of containers do we have to use and where are we supposed to place them? Also, where are we supposed to send them when they are full...
This 10-step Hazmat Shipper Starter Guide is your quick reference to the basics of hazardous materials shipping. While it’s not designed to replace effective hazmat training, it will introduce new managers to the major considerations and details that impact hazmat shipping compliance.