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West Virginia Chemical Spill Declared an Emergency

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On Thursday morning, West Virginia governor Earl Ray Tomblin declared a state of emergency in the wake of a massive chemical spill of 4-Methylcyclohexane Methanol in the Elk river. Due to the size and scope of this spill, President Obama also stepped in to offer federal help, expanding the emergency declaration from five counties to nine.

Nearly 300,000 West Virginia residents are being told to completely avoid the municipal tap water system until the spill has been properly cleaned. This means no bathing, brushing teeth, making coffee, and of course no drinking the tap water. Governor Tomblin stated that tap water form these nine counties should only be used to flush the toilet and put out fires.

Local police officers stood guard around supermarkets and convenience stores as residents rushed to buy bottled water. “Right now, our priorities are our hospitals, nursing homes and schools. I’ve been working with our National Guard and Office of Emergency Services in an effort to provide water and supplies through the county emergency services offices as quickly as possible,” said governor Tomblin.

The National Guard is also preparing to enter the region for support. Their goal is to aid residents by providing them with fresh bottled water along with food and other necessary supplies.

So, just how much of a danger does the chemical spill pose to residents? The chemical, 4-Methylcyclohexane Methanol, is used in the production of coal. A spokesperson from the state’s Environmental Protection Department said that while 4-Methylcyclohexane Methanol isn’t toxic, it is harmful if ingested. And since the Elk river is one of the region’s main water sources, there’s a good chance of this potentially harmful chemical reaching tap water supplies.

According to reports, the 4-Methylcyclohexane Methanol foaming agent began leaking from a 48,000-gallon tanker upstream at a nearby chemical storage facility. Officials have yet to disclose the amount of chemical leaked into the river. Scientists and crews are currently examining the area to determine the best possible course of cleanup. As you can see in the photo above, booms are being used to help contain the chemical spill.

Unfortunately, incidents such as this are an all-too-common occurrence. There’s no word yet on the total cost of this spill, but it will likely go well into the millions, as businesses are closed, schools are closed, and the National Guard is sent in for help.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Defined

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Colorful vapor cloudsVolatile 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 and industrial-grade chemicals contain individual compounds, known as VOCs, which evaporate quickly when exposed to air. These VOCs vary in terms of their effect on the environment and health, which is why it’s important for companies to gain a better understanding of them. For a closer look at VOCs, keep reading.

The Three Levels of VOCs

The EPA through the World Health Organization (WHO) classifies VOCs into three different categories based on their volatility. They are very volatile (VVOC), volatile (VOC), and semi-volatile (SVOC).  An example of a very volatile chemical is liquid propane, as it’s highly combustible and evaporates quickly when exposed to air. An example of a semi-volatile chemical is phenol (found in a variety of medicines and throat lozenges).

Dangers of VOCs

Because there are so many different types of VOCs, it’s difficult for companies to keep track of them all. And while exposure to certain VOCs may have little-to-no effect on employees’ health, others may cause a wide range of adverse health effects.

The Centers For Disease Control (CDC) state the following in regards to worker VOC exposure on their official website, “However, with few exceptions, chemical concentrations observed in the office work environment generally fall well below the occupational standards or recommended exposure limits used for industrial settings. Additionally, the presence of odors in a building does not always mean that there is an overexposure to chemicals by these existing occupational exposure standards. Some chemicals have very low odor thresholds, which means you can smell them at very low levels.”

Common Sources of VOCs

  • Exhaust fumes from gas-powered machines
  • Issues with plumbing
  • Open flames and burn pits
  • Emissions from synthetic carpets, rugs and other fabrics
  • Use of solvents, chlorine, or other cleaning chemicals
  • Presence of fungi

So, what steps can companies take to protect workers against the threat of VOCs? The key thing to remember is that VOCs are all around us, and as the CDC article states, most workplace settings fall well below the standard concentrations. If you notice workers are reporting frequently reporting the same health problems, then perhaps you should hire a third-party to come in and test the air for VOCs.

Aboveground Storage Tank (AGTs) Compliance 101

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above-ground fuel storage tanksAboveground 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 chemical storage containers, there are certain laws and regulations companies must abide by when using an AGT. Both federal and state laws govern the use of AGTs, leading to confusion among some business owners.

To learn more about the basics of AGT compliance and how to avoid a fine or penalty, keep reading.

Why Do Laws Apply for AGTs?

The reason why federal EPA and state laws govern the use of AGTs is because of their direct threat to the environment. If a tank filled with petroleum begins to leak, it may pollute the surrounding ecosystem along with nearby water supplies. Even non-petroleum storage tanks pose a risk if they are filled with solvents or other hazardous chemicals.

Allowing these chemicals to gradually escape the AGT and enter the ecosystem is a serious danger that must be avoided. Companies can reduce the chance of this happening by following some basic steps.

AGTs Must Have a Backup Containment Method

According to federal regulation, all AGTs must have both a primary and secondary containment method. If the primary method fails, the backup method will contain the chemical to prevent it from escaping. Some of the most commonly used backup containment methods includes dikes, pits and drainage trenches.

Having a secondary preventive measure in place will contain the chemical in the event of a spill; however, it’s important to note that the dike, pit or drainage trench must be large enough to hold 100% of the AGT’s chemical content.

AGTs Must Have One of The Following:

Federal regulation also states that AGTs must possess at least one of the following:

  • High level pump cutoff
  • High level alarm
  • Audible or code signal between pumping station and gauge
  • Digital computer or mechanical device for measuring liquid level

Regular Testing of AGTs is Necessary

Companies are also required by law to inspect and test their AGTs on a regular basis. This includes both visual and instrumental testing to gauge the liquid levels, safety mechanisms and function of the tank. The frequency of testing varies depending on a number of factors. You read more about testing requirements in this fact sheet document from the EPA.

State Laws Regarding AGT

Some states have their own set of laws and regulations regarding AGTs. It’s important for companies to check their state’s laws before implementing an AGT in the workplace. For instance, it’s not uncommon for states to dictate that all AGTs must be newer than 1 year of age. Once an AGT reaches its first birthday, the company must replace it with a new model.

Disposing of Oil-Soaked Rags: What You Should Know

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oily ragMinor oil spills are a common occurrence in the workplace. If you work around forklifts or heavy machinery, chances are you’ll experience an oil spill at some point. Small drops of oil can be easily cleaned with a basic rag. A worker can wipe it up with an old towel and get back to doing his or her profession.

But what happens to the rag once it’s saturated with oil? The volatile organize compounds (VOC) it contains is a serious hazard that may trigger a fire. To learn more about the dangers and how to properly dispose of gasoline-soaked and oily rags, keep reading.

Warning: Oil-Soaked Rags May Spontaneously Combust

Unfortunately, you can’t toss oil-soaked rags into a normal trash receptacle. While laws regarding the disposal of oil-soaked rags vary from state to state,  throwing them away in the trash may lead to spontaneous combustion. In case you’ve never heard of this before, let me explain: spontaneous combustion is the combustion (flame) of an object or item without an external heat source.

I know what you’re thinking — how in the world can a rag instantly combust without exposure to a flame or heat source? The oil covering the rag oxides over time, which in turn produces heat. When the oil-soaked rag is crumbled into a ball and tossed into the trash, this type of environment insulates it to encourage even more heat to produce. As this heat builds up, it may eventually reach temperatures high enough to ignite the oil and start a fire. Some people may brush this possibility off, but spontaneous combustion happens more frequently than you may think.

Should I Hang My Oil-Soaked Rags Out To Dry?

Some people hang their oil-soaked rags out to dry before disposing of them. Allowing them to dry in the air helps to remove some of the VOC-rich oil lingering in the fabric. Before you go drying your oil-soaked rags, though, you should first check with your state’s laws. Each state has their own set of laws governing the disposal of oil and oil-soaked fabric. Massachusetts, for instance, suggests drying oil-soaked rags outside (weighted down) before contacting a professional disposal company.

Alternatively, you can hire a commercial laundry company to pick and clean the oil-soaked rags professionally. If you decide to take this route, make sure the company is informed of the rag’s oil content; otherwise, it could end up damaging other linens and fabrics.

Dangers of Fuel Spills In The Workplace And How To Deal With Them

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fuel spill on asphaltWhether it’s gas or diesel, fuel is found in just about every industrial workplace. Companies use them to power forklifts, trucks, transportation vehicles, and a wide range of heavy equipment. Because it’s such a commonly used chemical in the workplace, there’s a high risk for spills. This is why it’s important for companies to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves against spills, along with creating a plan for containing and cleaning fuel in the event that a spill occurs.

As the old saying goes — hope for the best but plan for the worst — holds true in this instance. To learn more about the dangers of a workplace fuel spill, and the proper steps of fuel spill clean-up, keep reading.

Fuel Is Flammable

This probably isn’t a shocker to most people, but fuel is a highly flammable and combustible liquid. Allowing it to spill in the workplace creates a danger to any nearby employees. If a spark or flame were to make its way into the area, the spilled fuel could ignite into a fire.

Fuel fires are especially dangerous since they are difficult to put out. Spraying water over them isn’t going to have much of an effect, placing the entire workplace in jeopardy. This is one of the reasons why fuel should be stored away from flames and heat sources, and only placed in designated containers (gas will burn through Styrofoam containers).

And Slick, Too

Fuel is also incredibly slick. Even if it doesn’t contribute to a fire, a patch of spilled fuel on the hard concrete floor may send an unsuspecting worker tumbling to the ground. It only takes a couple drops of gas to turn an otherwise safe working area into a slip-and-fall hazard. Slip-and-falls are one of the leading types of workplace injuries, costing companies billions of dollar in direct and indirect costs each year. Reducing fuel and cleaning up diesel or other chemical spills will help to safeguard your company from such accidents.

Cleaning Up Fuel Spills: What’s The Best Approach?

Cleaning up a workplace fuel spill is actually easier than most people realize. If the source of the spill is a fuel tank, an inflatable pool can be placed directly underneath the leak to help contain it. Any fuel leaking from a pump or container will fall directly into the pool.

Absorbent socks found in spill kits can also be used to help control a fuel spill spreading on the ground. And depending on the size of the spill, absorbent pads may be used to clean the fuel up.

Hazardous waste containers are a must have item to have to place fuel soaked absorbents in until they are properly disposed of. Mostly importantly, always dispose of used materials according to Local, State and Federal regulations. Learn how to choose the right spill containment kit for your workplace.

How Rain and Bad Weather Can Result In Slip-And-Fall Accidents

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rain umbrella and puddleIn a previous blog post, we talked about some of the risk factors of slip-and-fall accidents in the workplace. Each year, thousands of employees are injured from slip-and-fall accidents. And while most of these are minor, resulting only in bruises, others are more severe and may lead to broken bones.

Whether you work in an office setting or industrial factory, you should take the necessary precautions to reduce the chance of slip-and-fall accidents. Unfortunately, many companies overlook the effect of rain and bad weather in the workplace. Here, we’re going to look at the direct link between weather and slip-and-fall accidents, while revealing steps companies can take to reduce the chance of accidents.

If your workplace features hardwood, laminate or concrete floors, even small amounts of water may create a serious hazard for slip-and-fall accidents. It only takes a quarter cup of water to saturate an area that’s 3-feet wide. The already slick floor surface is made even more dangerous when it’s wet, creating a serious danger for employees. A worker can lose their balance and fall to ground in a split second while walking on a slick surface.

Companies spend millions of dollars each year in direct and indirect costs associated with slip-and-fall accidents. These include obvious costs, such as medical bills and lost wages, along with more obscure costs like lawsuits, OSHA fines, reduced productivity, broken equipment, resources to train new employees, etc. Some companies assume that workplace accidents only cost them in the form of worker’s compensation, but this isn’t the case. As you can see, companies end up paying for accidents in several different ways, which is why it’s important to reduce the number of slip-and-fall accidents in your workplace.

Weather-Related Elements That Contribute To Slip-And-Fall Accidents:

  • Rain
  • Snow/sleet
  • Hail
  • Ice/frost
  • Wet leaves and debris

Note: don’t assume that your workplace is safe from weather-related slip-and-fall accidents just because it’s covered. Employees can easily track water and moisture into the workplace on their shoes and clothes.

How To Reduce The Chance of Weather-Related Slip-And-Fall Accidents

So, how can companies reduce the chance of weather-related slip-and-fall accidents in the workplace? For starters, it’s important to keep the parking lot and exterior clean and free of debris. This includes the removal of snow, ice and leaves.

Companies can also place absorbent mats in ‘problematic’ areas to help soak up some of the excess moisture that makes its way into the workplace. For example, in access points like main building entrances.

Lastly, stair treads are another great way to help prevent slip-and-fall accidents in high traffic areas like external stairwells.

Travis ZdrazilHave questions about slip-and-fall prevention products for your workplace? Contact Travis Zdrazil at travis@absorbentsonline.com or (800) 869-9633.

What Is a HAZCOM Plan? And What Should It Include?

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Biohazard waste labelA hazardous communications plan (HAZCOM for short) is a comprehensive document which outlines vital information regarding a company’s safety practices, chemical labeling, training and potential workplace hazards.

Many companies overlook the importance of a HAZCOM plan, leaving them vulnerable to OSHA fines and sanctions. A HAZCOM plan is more than a luxury; it’s a necessity that companies need to include in their daily operations. But what exactly is a HAZCOM plan? And what information should it include? To learn the answers to these questions and more, keep reading.

What is the purpose of a HAZCOM plan?

There are two primary functions of a HAZCOM plan:

1) To provide vital information regarding potential hazards and safety in the workplace. If an employee has a question or concern regarding workplace safety, they can refer to the HAZCOM plan for more information. It’s focus is to communicate safety information to employees and individuals (hence the name).

Some HAZCOM plans are relatively short, while others are more complex; the size varies depending on the company’s size, industry and workplace. Small companies operating out of a small shop will naturally have shorter HAZCOM plans than some large company with 100+ employees working in an industrial factory, so keep this in mind when creating your HAZCOM plan.

2) To show an EPA and/or OSHA compliance offer. A second function of the HAZCOM plan is to provide a general outline and guide for EPA/OSHA compliance officers. If an officer shows up to your place of business, one of the first things they will likely ask to see is the HAZCOM plan. And if you don’t have one ready, you could end up in hot water before the inspection even begins. Thankfully, creating a HAZCOM plan is a fairly easy and straightforward process.

What To Include In a HAZCOM Plan

  • HAZCOM Policy/Purpose – Statement detailing the purpose of your HAZCOM plan; eg: to create a safer work environment while reducing employee accidents and injuries.
  • Responsibility – Define administrative roles in your company along with their respective duties and responsibilities.
  • Materials and Inventory – Detailed list describing the types of chemicals, materials and inventory included your workplace.
  • Labeling – How your company labels its hazardous chemicals in the workplace.
  • Training – Describes your company’s employee training program.
  • Compliance – Actions your company takes to remain EPA/OSHA compliant.

For more information on how to create a HAZCOM plan, check out the official OSHA website.

Proper Fuel Drum Storage: Safeguarding Against Spills

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stacks of metal storage drumsFuel is both flammable and toxic to the environment, which is why companies need to safely store it where there’s little-to-no chance of a spill. Allowing fuel to spill or even drip in the workplace creates a dangerous scenario for nearby employees. If someone were to slip and fall on an area that’s slick with fuel, the company could be held liable for their injuries.

So, what’s the best way to store fuel? And what items should a fuel spill kit contain? To learn the answers to these questions and more, keep reading.

Fuel Cans

Depending on the size, scope and overall operations of your business, a couple small fuel cans may offer adequate fuel storage. You can them available for sale at most major home improvement stores for about $5-$20 a piece, allowing businesses and individual to safely store their fuel. When choosing fuel cans for your workplace, check to make sure they have a functional nozzle that’s easily to take on and off. Also, make sure the can is labeled specifically for gasoline/fuel.

Fuel Storage Drums

Of course, some companies may require something larger than a couple of fuel cans. If your company handles and/or uses a moderately large quantity of fuel, you should consider using a storage drum. These drums are designed to withstand the corrosive properties of fuel, preventing it from escaping and spilling onto the floor. A typical storage drum can hold up to 30 gallons of fuel, making them an excellent alternative to small cans.

If you plan on using fuel storage drums in your workplace, you should invest in some drip pans to safeguard against spills. Although this isn’t applicable for all drums, some have nozzles on the bottom which allow the user to extract fuel. It’s not uncommon for fuel to continue dripping from the nozzle once it’s turned off, spilling onto the floor where it creates a serious hazard for workers. Placing a drip pan underneath the nozzle, however, will catch any excess fuel dripping from the nozzle.

Fuel Spill Preparation Tips

As the old adage goes — hope for the best but prepare for the worst — holds true in the workplace. Companies should take measures to prepare themselves in the event of a fuel spill. This includes purchasing absorbent towels, socks, booms and berms. In addition, companies should also train their employees on how to use these items. Even if a spill never happens, being prepared will give you peace of mind at night.

Tip For Cleaning Up An Acid Chemical Spill

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Warning sign danger acid stored here

Companies that produce, transport, store or otherwise handle acids in the workplace should create a plan for safely cleaning up chemical spills. Whether they’re small or large, all chemical spills involving acids require a different approach to cleaning. Acids can burn the skin, eyes, irritate the respiratory system, create a fire hazard, and even pollute the atmosphere. This is why it’s important for companies to use extra caution when dealing with acid chemical spills. For some helpful tips on how to safely clean up an acid chemical spill, keep reading.

Wear The Right Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

One important tip for cleaning up acid chemical spills is to wear the right personal protective equipment (PPE). Just as the name suggests, PPE is gear that’s designed to protect the wearer from chemical-related bodily harm. Since acids are highly corrosive, users need must wear PPE that’s able to withstand it’s corrosive power. See the list below for a brief overview of the appropriate PPE for chemical spills involving corrosive acids.

  • Eyewear – chemical safety goggles with a face shield.
  • Respiratory – air purifying respirator with acid cartridge.
  • Skin – professional-grade rubber (or similar synthetic material designed specifically for acids) boots, gloves, and suit.

Key Items Required For an Acid Chemical Spill

There are a couple of items recommended for cleaning up acid chemical spills, one of which is absorbent pads. These pads are designed to soak up the spill so it doesn’t spread to other parts of the workplace. Absorbent pads are highly effective at cleaning up a wide variety of chemicals, including acids. You simply place them directly in the spill and they’ll gradually ‘absorb’ its contents. The exact size and amount of absorbent pads depends to the size of your spill. Small spills may only require a few similarly small pads, while larger spills may require half a dozen or more. Be sure to check out the current selection of absorbent pads and rolls here.

Of course, acid neutralizers and agents are also recommended when cleaning up acid chemical spills. Having a bucket of acid neutralizer readily available in your workplace could mean the difference between cleaning up a chemical spill yourself, or having to call the local fire department to send a hazmat team down (in which you may be responsible for the bill). Using an acid neutralizer is as easy as sprinkling the powder-like substance over the acid spill. Please note, however, these are not intended for use in spills involving hydrofluoric acid.

What Is Hazardous Waste?

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hazardous waste drum on its sideIt’s important for companies to fully understand the definition of ‘hazardous waste’ in order to provide a safe, EPA-compliant workplace that’s not a threat to workers or the environment. But what exactly is the definition of hazardous waste? And what steps should companies take to prevent the chance of spills and accidents from occurring? To learn the answers to these questions and more, keep reading.

Hazardous Waste: Defined

Hazardous waste is technically defined as “dangerous or potentially harmful to our health or the environment. Hazardous wastes can be liquids, solids, gases, or sludges. They can be discarded commercial products, like cleaning fluids or pesticides, or the by-products of manufacturing processes.” This definition is somewhat general, leaving companies to speculate even further as to what’s hazardous and what’s not.

Different Types of Hazardous Waste

According to the EPA, hazardous waste typically falls under one of four different categories. Please refer to the list below for a brief overview of the different types of hazardous waste:

  • Listed Wastes – Specific wastes identified and listed by the EPA in either the F, K, P and/or U list. The EPA is constantly adding new hazardous wastes to these lists, so companies should take a proactive approach towards identifying new wastes. These lists are readily available for companies to view.
  • Characteristics Wastes – Although they aren’t specifically listed under the F, K, P and/or U ‘listed’ wastes, characteristic wastes exhibit ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, or toxicity properties. This, of course, makes them dangerous to both humans and the environment when not properly stores or maintained.
  • Universal Wastes – This is a rather unique type of hazardous waste, as it’s a general ‘catch all’ for hazardous materials. Mercury thermometers (yes, people still use them), compact fluorescent light bulbs, and batteries all fall under the category of universal wastes.
  • Mixed Wastes – Mixed wastes contain both ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, or toxicity.

How To Identify Hazardous Waste In The Workplace

Each of the previously mentioned types of hazardous wastes require a different approach to storing, maintaining and processing. However, companies first need to identify which hazardous waste types are used in their workplace. The easiest way to accomplish this is by following the Hazardous Waste Identification Guide outlined at the EPA’s official website. It walks you through the process with a set of four questions. As you answer each question, it will narrow your hazardous waste down to a specific type. Then, you can select the proper hazardous waste containers.