It's been nearly three weeks since the devastating West Virginia chemical spill that left 300,000 residents without water occurred. In an effort to prevent future chemical spills of this magnitude, three U.S. senators, Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), … [Continue reading]
When Is HAZWOPER Required?
Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (or HAZWOPER for short) is a comprehensive set of guidelines and instructions for cleaning for handling hazardous waste spills. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is responsible … [Continue reading]
Fast-Response Products For Chemical Spills In The Workplace
Time is of the essence when it comes to containing and cleaning spills in the workplace. Earlier this month, 300,000 West Virginia residents were left without drinkable tap water when 7,500 gallons of a coal-cleaning chemical leaked out of a storage … [Continue reading]
Dangers of an Oil Spill In The Workplace
Some people assume that only massive, large-scale oil spills, such as the Deepwater Horizon incident, are hazardous. However, even minor spills in the workplace create a dangerous situation that workers need to be aware of. If the company isn't … [Continue reading]
How To Clean Up Dry Fire Extinguisher Chemicals
Portable fire extinguishers offer a fast and effective way for individuals to put out small fires. When a fire breaks out -- whether it's at your home or workplace -- one of the first things you should do is grab the fire extinguisher. Depending on … [Continue reading]
West Virginia Chemical Spill Declared an Emergency
On Thursday morning, West Virginia governor Earl Ray Tomblin declared a state of emergency in the wake of a massive chemical spill ofย 4-Methylcyclohexane Methanol in the Elk river. Due to the size and scope of this spill, President Obama also stepped … [Continue reading]
Understanding The Impact of Ergonomics In The Workplace
Ergonomics is a topic that's oftentimes overlooked or misunderstood among employers. Whether your workplace is a typical office setting or an industrial factory, you should carefully analyze ergonomics to ensure workers are given a safe, healthy … [Continue reading]
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Defined
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are carbon-based compounds (hence the name) which possess a high vapor pressure at 'normal' temperature and humidity levels. If this definition is a bit too technical, let me explain it another way: many consumer … [Continue reading]
EPA Releases New Screening Data on 1,800 Chemicals
Earlier this month, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released tons of new data found in roughly 1,800 chemicals. These chemicals are used in everything from processed foods to laundry detergents, skincare products, and even over-the-counter … [Continue reading]
Aboveground Storage Tank (AGTs) Compliance 101
Aboveground storage tanks (AGT) are frequently used to hold everything from gasoline and diesel fuel to spent oil and solvents. They offer a fast, safe and effective way to store large amounts of potentially hazardous chemicals. But like all … [Continue reading]