In 2022, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) reported a staggering 658,000 workers were exposed to harmful chemicals, resulting in 839 fatalities. These statistics highlight the significant health and safety risks that an unexpected exposure to a hazardous chemical, or a substantial threat of a hazardous substance release, can pose to workers, organizations, and communities. A thorough understanding of chemical management regulations is crucial to ensure potential hazardous exposures are minimized.
Hazard communication (HazCom)
OSHA’s HazCom standard (29 CFR 1910.1200) is designed to inform workers about chemical hazards and how to protect themselves.
Key definitions: A "hazardous chemical" is any chemical which is classified as a physical hazard or a health hazard, a simple asphyxiant, combustible dust, or other hazards not that may not be classified but still pose a serious danger.
Indicators: Any workplace where hazardous chemicals are used, stored, or processed needs a hazard communication program. Labels, safety data sheets (SDSs), and employee training are essential components.
Training requirements: Training must cover how to read and understand labels, the purpose and location of SDSs, and specific protective measures when handling hazardous chemicals. Training must be provided upon initial assignment and updated whenever new chemical hazards are introduced.
Hazardous materials (Hazmat)
The DOT’s hazmat regulations (DOT 49 CFR Parts 171-180) include substances that, if transported improperly, can harm people, property, or the environment. By correctly handling and moving these materials, organizations can avoid accidents and safeguard both public health and the environment.
Key definitions: A "hazardous material" is any substance or material capable of posing an unreasonable risk when transported in commerce. This can include flammable, toxic, and reactive substances.
Indicators: Activities involving the loading, unloading, and handling of hazardous materials require adherence to hazmat regulations. This requirement also applies to organizations that make or maintain packaging, or a part of packaging, that's marked or sold as suitable for transporting hazardous materials commercially.
Training requirements: Workers handling hazmat must undergo specific training on material classification, safe handling, emergency response, and transportation. Training must be provided within 90 days of initial assignment and a refresher at least once every three years. Training must also be documented and retained for a minimum of three years.
Hazardous waste (Hazwaste)
The EPA’s hazwaste regulations (40 CFR Parts 260-299) refer to any waste material that could potentially harm the environment or human health if not managed correctly. Additionally, many states have hazardous waste requirements beyond EPA regulations.
Key Definitions: Hazardous waste includes materials classified as toxic, ignitable, corrosive, or reactive, based on specific criteria.
Indicators: Managing hazardous waste follows the material’s entire lifecycle including the generation, transportation, treatment, storage, and disposal, known as "cradle-to-grave." Requirements are based on the quantity of waste generated.
Training requirements: Employees involved in hazardous waste management must receive training on waste handling, storage, labeling, and disposal procedures. Annual training requirements are based on generator quantity status.
Hazardous waste operations and emergency response (HAZWOPER)
OSHA’s HAZWOPER standard (29 CFR 1910.120) protects workers involved in hazardous waste management and emergency response. HAZWOPER covers a wide range of activities, including cleanup operations and responses to hazardous substance releases.
Key definitions: A hazardous substance is any material that can harm health and safety if released into the environment. In the context of HAZWOPER, this includes materials that pose risks in emergencies, such as spills, leaks, or other uncontrolled releases.
Indicators: Workers and organizations tasked with hazardous waste cleanup, spill response, and emergency operations require specialized training, equipment, and procedures.
Training requirements: HAZWOPER training is intensive and includes specific requirements depending on job roles. Training levels include 24-hour, 40-hour, and 8-hour refresher courses for different exposure risks. Employees learn about hazardous substance properties, emergency response procedures, PPE use, and decontamination processes.
Process Safety Management (PSM)
OSHA’s PSM standard (29 CFR 1910.119) aims to prevent accidental chemical releases that could seriously harm employees or the environment by including safety measures, risk assessments, and employee training to ensure safe operations. It is especially important in industries handling highly hazardous chemicals including facilities with high-risk chemical processes.
Key definitions: OSHA defines a "highly hazardous chemical" as any substance that poses a significant risk of causing serious harm to people, property, or the environment due to its toxic, reactive, flammable, or explosive properties.
Indicators: Any workplace handling large volumes of hazardous chemicals or using complex chemical processes including chemicals that are specifically listed by OSHA in appendix A of the standard, are present in quantities above specified thresholds, or exhibit properties that make them likely to cause a major incident.
Training requirements: PSM training covers safe operating procedures, hazard analysis, and incident investigation for employees involved in high-risk processes. Training must be provided at initial assignment and a refresher at least once every three years.
Key to remember: Chemical management is a complex task. Understanding what regulatory requirements apply will ensure compliance as well as minimize the chance for dangerous incidents.