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BREAKING NEWS: New EPA TSCA Inventory Update Requirements (IUR) for 2012

Posted by Shivi Kakar

Aug 3, 2011 3:17:14 PM

Paula Kaufmann, CIH

Highlights That You Should Know



  • The 2012 Submission Period is scheduled to occur February 1, 2012 - June 30, 2012.

  • Production (manufacture or import) volumes are required for 2010 and 2011--- with manufacturing, processing and use information from 2011.

  • TSCA Form U impacts all chemical manufacturers and importers and certain chemical users and processors.

  • IUR is now called CDR “Chemical Data Reporting” Rule.

  • The CDR Rule includes significant changes.


Reporting thresholds are for (a) substances in cumulative volumes of 25,000 lbs or more in the specific reporting year (2010, 2011) and (b) p rocessing and use information for substances manufactured (including imported) 100,000 lbs (not 300,000 lbs) or more in 2011.

How to Stay Up-to-Date with Incoming TSCA Information*


Now that EPA has scheduled the submission period and defined what has to be reported, and how it must be done, Emilcott’s EHS group is compiling a centralized, online resource to help our clients complete the reporting process accurately and on time. As they become available, these materials will be emailed to Emilcott  TSCA News Update subscribers or upon request:

  • A comprehensive summary of the revised requirements and critical changes to the 2012 Form U submission (available upon request within a week). 

  • Notification of EPA seminars and other TSCA-related information activities. Emilcott will create updates for these sessions as they occur.

  • Free informational TSCA-related CDR Rule Form U webinars.


Visit our TSCA Resource Center on the Emilcott home page frequently for EPA docs and other TSCA links.
*Continued technical information, updates and webinar invitations will be sent to subscribers of Emilcott's TSCA News Update. To subscribe or find out more information, call 800-886-3645 or send an email to pkaufmann (at) emilcott.com.

Additional Questions?


If you need any assistance related to the TSCA New Chemicals regulatory requirements or the potential changes due to the IUR/CDR Rule, Emilcott can guide you through the reporting process. Have questions about your 2006 TSCA Submission (or lack of)? We can also help you navigate the maze of reporting a potential Form U violation from prior filing years to the EPA. If you are gearing up for TSCA information gathering, subscribe to the Emilcott   TSCA News Update, check the Emilcott TSCA Resource Center often, and, of course, stay tuned and subscribe to EHSWire!
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Topics: EPA, TSCA & R.E.A.C.H., TSCA, CDR, submission, IUR, Form U

DELAYED!! TSCA Form U Submission 2011 Period

Posted by Shivi Kakar

May 15, 2011 11:56:18 PM

Paula Kaufmann, CIH

We have some news on this year’s TSCA IUR Form U submission.  Well, it really isn’t information about the requirements – but we do know that this year’s Form U submission period will not be June 1 to September 30.  It will most likely be later this year.  So, we all can move that task to another segment of the calendar year!

More Information


On May 11, 2011, the EPA issued a Federal Register Notice amending the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Inventory Update Reporting (IUR) regulations by delaying  the June 1 to September 30 submission period for the 2011 Form U reports.  The notice indicated that this delay will not alter the timing of subsequent submission periods (e.g., the submission period from June 1, 2016 to September 30, 2016).  This is an interesting statement as one of the changes included in the proposed IUR Rule is a change of the reporting period cycle to every four (4) years from the current five (5) year cycle.

The EPA is delaying the submission period because the proposed IUR modifications rule has not yet been finalized.  EPA expects to have the final version of the changes to the IUR reporting requirements in the near future. The revised 2011 submission period will be announced with the publication of the final IUR modification rule. 

How does this delay what the EPA rule refers to as a “suspension” affect what needs to be done for the 2010 reporting period?  It seems that the EPA will mandate a new submission period but it is not clear when this will be during 2011.

  • We are assuming that the reporting period will remain as the 2010 calendar year. 

  • Our next assumption, or guess, is that the Form U submission period will shift to September 1 to December 31, but that will require that the final rule on the IUR modifications be published very soon.


“Food” for Thought…


As recently as March 4, 2011, representatives from the American Petroleum Institute (API) met with the EPA presenting concerns about several aspects of the proposed IUR modifications rule.  One topic the API presented was that when the last set of revisions of the IUR was finalized in 2003 with the next reporting period was extended by one year shifting from 2004 to 2005 with Form U submission in 2006.  During 2004 and 2005, the EPA held many workshops and issued clarification and guidance documents.

And, for now, we wait for the Final Rule and hope that the data we have all collected for the 2010 reporting period will be adequate.  Emilcott's recommendations for what to do while we wait are in my January blog:  “ TSCA IUR Update – What Are the Changes ?”. Essentially, we are advising our clients to proceed with the collection of 2010 inventory data with a threshold of 25,000 lbs.  Here are a couple of items to keep on your radar:

  • Be sure your list of manufactured chemicals is complete.  Your list should be based on all chemical processes and imported materials received at the site and not just on the products.

  • When calculating individual substance volumes – include imported mixtures with those manufactured at the site aggregating all mixtures containing that substance. 


...And, Emilcott will continue to keep you posted!

What to do if you need help or have questions?


If you need assistance related to the TSCA New Chemicals regulatory requirements or the potential changes due to the Inventory Update Reporting Rule, Emilcott can guide you through the reporting.  We can also help you navigate the maze of reporting a potential Form U violation from prior filing years to the EPA (See http://www.emilcott.com/services/svcenvcompliance.asp). 

As more information becomes available from the EPA regarding the IUR and as testing of the electronic tool begins, Emilcott will keep you up-to-date via EHSWire and our "Regulatory Updates" Newsletter.  

Please give me a call at 1-800-886-3645 or write a comment below if you have any questions or additional information to contribute.
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Topics: Emilcott, health and safety, General EHS, EPA, Compliance, TSCA & R.E.A.C.H., TSCA, Toxic Substance Control Act, reporting, regulation, chemicals

TSCA IUR Early Spring 2011 Update

Posted by Shivi Kakar

Apr 27, 2011 11:11:17 AM

by Paula Kaufmann

In the August 13, 2010 TSCA Inventory Update Reporting Modifications - Proposed Rule, the EPA anticipated the promulgation of the final rule by the Spring of 2011.  Spring arrived 3 weeks ago, and the final IUR Reporting Modification rule has not been published.  As such, the reporting modifications and specific reporting period have not been finalized.  In addition, the Agency has not released a test version of the revised Form U electronic reporting software.  It is possible that the Agency will change the proposed 2011 submission period (June 1 – September 30) to another 4–month period later in 2011.

EPA's intended final rule was sent to the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) on January 20, 2011.  Since the beginning of February, OMB has held meetings with the American Chemistry Council, the Society of Chemical Manufacturers and Affiliates Inc. (SOCMA), the Small Business Administration, the National Mining Association, and associations that represent companies that must comply with the regulations.

So -- once again, the question is “now what to do?”


As mentioned in my January blog “ TSCA IUR Update – What Are the Changes ?” we are advising Emilcott clients to proceed with the collection of 2010 inventory data with a threshold of 25,000 lbs.  Here are a couple of items to keep on your radar:

  • Be sure your list of manufactured chemicals is complete.  Your list should be based on all chemical processes and imported materials received at the site and not just on the products.

  • When calculating individual substance volumes – include imported mixtures with those manufactured at the site aggregating all mixtures containing that substance. 


Additional data that may be needed for the 2011 reporting are listed below.  Depending upon how you gather your information, you may want to request this along with the import or manufacturing volume information.

  • Production volumes at or above 25,000 lbs directly exported and not domestically processed or used.

  • All quantities of substances subject to rules and orders in the following sections:

    • Section 5(a)(2) Significant New Use Rules (SNURs)

    • Section 5(b)(4) Chemicals of concern to EPA

    • Section 6 Prohibitions for chemicals with unreasonable risks

    • Section 5(e) Requirements or restrictions on chemical production or use

    • Section 5(f) Chemical with an unreasonable risk




What to do if you need help?


If you need assistance related to the TSCA New Chemicals regulatory requirements or the potential changes due to the Inventory Update Reporting Rule, Emilcott can guide you through the reporting. We can also help you navigate the maze of reporting a potential Form U violation from prior filing years to the EPA (See http://www.emilcott.com/services/svcenvcompliance.asp).  As more information becomes available from the EPA regarding the IUR and as testing of the electronic tool begins, Emilcott will keep you up-to-date via EHSWire and our “Regulatory Updates” Newsletter. If you have any TSCA IUR questions or concerns, feel free to contact Emilcott or post your question below!
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Topics: EPA, Compliance, TSCA & R.E.A.C.H., TSCA, Toxic Substance Control Act, reporting, regulation, chemicals

Regulatory Submissions & Postings Reminder (January thru April 2011)

Posted by Shivi Kakar

Feb 6, 2011 9:20:28 PM

Paula Kaufmann, CIH

Here is a handy table we recently created for our clients -- a gentle reminder to get organized! Even if you miss a deadline, it's better to start playing catchup as soon as you find out that you are not in compliance.

Want to stay informed? Emilcott publishes a timely email reminder, "EHS Regulatory Submissions", 3x/year to keep our clients informed about upcoming deadlines. If you'd like to subscribe to that newsletter, just go to http://www.emilcott.com/subscribe.asp. If you need help with your Regulatory Submissions, contact Emilcott and ask for either an EHS or Hazardous Materials/Waste consultant.

Quick Reference Guide to Regulations and Submissions (Jan-Apr 2011)





















































RegulationSubmissionFrequencySUBMISSION DATE
EPA TSCA New ChemicalsTSCA Polymer Exemption ReportAnnualJanuary 31
EPA Greenhouse Gas ReportingCertificates of RepresentationRegistrationJanuary 31
EPA Greenhouse Gas ReportingGHG ReportsAnnualMarch 31
OSHA Recordkeeping & Reporting Occupational Injuries & IllnessesOSHA Injury and Illness Log Summary – Form 300AAnnualPost Feb 1 thru April 30
NJ Emissions Statement RuleEmission StatementNon-applicability ReportAs WarrantedFeb 1
Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) Section 312Community Right-to-Know (CRTK) Survey and Tier I or Tier II Inventory FormAnnualMarch 1
NPDES Stormwater ProgramAnnual CertificationAnnualVaries by State

EPA TSCA New Chemicals

Anyone who imports or manufactures a new polymer in 2010 that met the TSCA Exemption Criteria must submit a TSCA Polymer Exemption Report of manufacture or import by (postmarked) January 31 of the year subsequent to initial manufacture. The notice must include:

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Topics: OSHA, health and safety, General Industry H&S, OSHA Compliance, General EHS, Construction H&S, EPA, Hazardous Waste Management, Compliance, worker safety, Occupational Health, Occupational Safety, TSCA & R.E.A.C.H., TSCA, reporting, Form 300, Greenhouse Gas Reporting

TSCA IUR Update – What Are the Changes?

Posted by Shivi Kakar

Jan 23, 2011 10:51:51 PM



Paula Kaufmann, CIH

It’s time for an update on the EPA’s proposed changes to the Inventory Update Reporting Rule.  As of January 24, 2011, the EPA has been silent as to what changes will be included in the final rule.  A list of the proposed changes is presented on the Emilcott EHSWire.com blog: “ EPA Proposed Changes to the TSCA Inventory Update Rule ” .  

The EPA has stated that the Agency “expects to finalize the modifications to the chemical information reporting rule in time for the next reporting period, scheduled for June 1 - Sept. 30, 2011. EPA will make the electronic reporting software and associated guidance materials available before the start of the submission period.”  If you’re like me, “expects to finalize” is not very helpful for planning purposes or for engendering confidence.

Pull out the professional crystal ball!

As someone who has been working with the EPA for a long time, I am “reading between the regulatory lines” to forecast that the final rule will be published in April.  I’ve based this guess on information provided at the EPA's November webinar that introduced the new, electronic TSCA Reporting Tool, e-IURweb:

  • During the question and answer period  an EPA representative said that the final rule should be published in the Spring 2011-- at least 30 days prior to the start of the reporting period.  So… if the reporting period starts on June 1, then I expect the final rule to be published by May 1st at the latest.

  • The electronic tool designers said that a test version of the tool would be available for industry testing in April 2011.  (Emilcott will be posting a blog about this new tool in the next few weeks.)


What to do while we wait for the final rule to be published?

We are advising Emilcott clients to proceed with the collection of 2010 inventory data with a threshold of 25,000 lbs.  Additional data that may be needed for the 2011 reporting are listed below.  Depending upon how you gather your information, you may want to request this along with the import or manufacturing volume information.

  • Production volumes at or above 25,000 lbs directly exported and not domestically processed or used.

  • All quantities of substances subject to rules and orders in the following sections:

    • Section 5(a)(2) Significant New Use Rules (SNURs)

    • Section 5(b)(4) Chemicals of concern to EPA

    • Section 6 Prohibitions for chemicals with unreasonable risks

    • Section 5(e) Requirements or restrictions on chemical production or use

    • Section 5(f) Chemical with an unreasonable risk




What to do if you need help?

If you need assistance related to the TSCA New Chemicals regulatory requirements or the potential changes due to the Inventory Update Reporting Rule, Emilcott can guide you through the reporting. We can also help you navigate the maze of  reporting a potential Form U violation from prior filing years to the EPA (See http://www.emilcott.com/services/svcenvcompliance.asp).  As more information becomes available from the EPA regarding the IUR and as testing of the electronic tool begins, Emilcott will keep you up-to-date via EHSWire and our “Regulatory Updates” Newsletter. If you have any TSCA IUR questions or concerns, feel free to contact Emilcott or post your question below!
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Topics: EPA, Compliance, TSCA & R.E.A.C.H., TSCA, Toxic Substance Control Act, IUR, chemical manufacturer, chemicals, Public Safety, reporting tool, Toxics Release Inventory, inventory update rule

EHS Expert Witness Guide - Just the Facts!

Posted by Shivi Kakar

Nov 7, 2010 10:56:16 PM


Barbara Glynn Alves

I cut my teeth in the environmental, health and safety (EHS) business helping prepare a group of experts for deposition in civil actions.   It was fascinating work, but I can tell you without hesitation, that not all experts are created equal. If you are in litigation regarding an environmental, health or safety issue, there is a good chance that both plaintiff and defendant counsel will enlist the services of an expert or two. Caveat emptor - shop around!

What is the role of an Expert Witness?


The legal profession relies heavily on the use of industry experts to clarify and support evidence or facts that are at issue. These experts are most often used to clarify the scientific or technical facts of the case.  Specifically, the job of the expert witness is to assist the “trier of fact” (either the judge or a jury) by helping them understand “things” they might not otherwise understand.

Counsel seek experts based on their knowledge, training, education, skills, reputation or experience in their field of expertise in accordance with the Federal Rules of Evidence 702 (FRE 702). As with all expert witnesses, EHS experts are generally asked to perform a variety of different tasks, depending on counsel’s strategy for the case:

  • Review documents

  • Conduct independent investigations

  • Perform research – particularly on regulations

  • Prepare an opinion about the facts

  • Present an expert report – written or orally

  • Give a sworn deposition

  • Testify at trial


How do you shop for an EHS expert? 


Cautiously! Litigation is expensive in both professional fees and time so it pays to use the most qualified and suitable expert available.  In addition to following FRE 702, your counsel should also consider the expert’s ability to write technical documents, the level of support the expert can provide to research the facts of the case, and their comfort level providing these services in the legal forum and within a litigious and, perhaps, emotionally charged environment.

Also, to better illuminate a witness’s expertise, there are several independent certifying boards that can help you and your attorney through the vetting process. The organizations listed below use a fairly elaborate and strict certification procedure and have required continued maintenance actions of their designees.  Each one of these organizations gives additional information about their specific certification requirements and process on their websites. Their areas of expertise are also clearly explained, particularly if you are in need of a specialist.

For both counsel and client, I recommend spending time to do research and find qualified EHS professionals who can help you win your case.  Ask for detailed CVs, referrals, samples of published writings and the achievement of board certification. As an EHS consulting group with professionals who have achieved CHMM, CIH, CSP, PE, CHMP and CHST designations, Emilcott is often asked to provide expert witness services in a wide variety of environmental, health and safety legal matters.  We take certification from independent sources seriously, as do our clients.  In fact, attainment of a professional certification has always been a requirement for our senior technical staff.  Working with the legal profession has only reinforced that philosophy.

Have you ever worked with an EHS expert witness? What did you think of the experience?
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Topics: OSHA, indoor air quality, EHS, General Industry H&S, General EHS, Construction H&S, Emergency Response, Homeland Security, H&S Training, Hazardous Waste Management, Compliance, TSCA & R.E.A.C.H., Lab Safety & Electrical, Fire Safety, legal, law, experts, expert witness

EPA Proposed Changes to the TSCA Inventory Update Rule (IUR)

Posted by Shivi Kakar

Sep 13, 2010 12:00:15 AM


Paula Kaufmann, CIH

In a recent blog about the rapidly approaching Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA) Form U submission in 2011, I mentioned that the EPA published a Proposed Rule detailing TSCA Inventory Update Reporting Modifications. The EPA anticipates promulgating a final rule by the spring of 2011 as the next scheduled IUR submission period is currently scheduled to run from June 1, 2011 through September 30, 2011.

Some of these modifications are really a big deal and will require a lot additional effort for most submitters. We should be seeing some commentary in response to the proposed rule about the cost of compliance with the modifications along with the benefits of having this collection of information about chemical importation, manufacture and use in the US. Hopefully this will be a spirited discussion and we will keep you posted on the outcomes and what they mean to you.

Although we don’t know what the final rule will look…the following is a list of the proposed changes that may affect many of our clients and you:

  • Electronic reporting of the IUR data, using an Agency-provided, web-based reporting software

    • After the final rule’s effective date, paper submissions would no longer be accepted.



  • Form U submission every 4 years (instead of every 5 years)

  • All submissions would require processing and use information (Part III of Form U)

  • No minimum manufacture (or import) quantity for certain chemical substances

    • This an elimination of the 25,000 lb. threshold for the chemical substances that are subject to rules or orders in following TSCA sections:

      • Section 5(a)(2) Significant New Use Rules (SNURs)

      • Section 5(b)(4) Chemicals of concern to EPA

      • Section 6 Prohibitions for chemicals with unreasonable risks

      • Section 5(e) Requirements or restrictions on chemical production or use

      • Section 5(f) Chemical with an unreasonable risk





  • IUR exemption changes for the following chemical substances:

    • No exemption for those with an enforceable consent agreement (ECA) to conduct testing.

    • Full exemption water.

    • Removal of polymers that are already fully exempt from the partially exempt list of chemical substances.



  • Significant new reporting requirements Form U completion:

    • Name and address belonging to the parent company.

    • Current Chemical Abstracts (CA) Index Name, as used to list the chemical substance on the TSCA Inventory, as part of the chemical identity.

    • Production volume for each of the years since the last principal reporting year. For the 2011 report this would include 2006, 2007, 2008 AND 2009 in addition to 2010.

    • Production volume directly exported and not domestically processed or used.

    • Volume of manufactured chemical substance (such as a by product) that is recycled, remanufactured, reprocessed, reused, or reworked .

    • Company Business Information (CBI)

      • Submission of substantiation for CBI claims in Section III (processing and use information).





  • Proposed changes for AFTER 2011 Form U submissions

    • Require reporting if the production volume of a substance met or exceeded the 25,000 pound threshold in any calendar year since the last principal reporting year.




With this significant list of proposed changes, Emilcott is paying close attention to TSCA-related news so that we can advise and guide our clients to be in compliance. We have worked with multiple U.S. and International clients with U.S. facilities that have misunderstood or ignored TSCA regulations resulting in a big problem that could have been avoided. If your facility falls under the TSCA guidelines, are you paying close attention to modifications to the TSCA IUR program? What do you think of the company cost vs. informational and monitoring benefits? What are you doing to be a part of the debate or prepare for submission?
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Topics: Emilcott, General EHS, EPA, Hazardous Materials, Compliance, TSCA & R.E.A.C.H., TSCA, Toxic Substance Control Act, reporting, chemical manufacturer, regulation, chemicals, regulatory

TSCA Form U Submission Year is 2012 (no longer 2011)!!!

Posted by Shivi Kakar

Sep 8, 2010 12:07:44 AM

Paula Kaufmann, CIH

August 2011 Update:   Information from the EPA regarding TSCA requirements and submission has changed significantly since this post was originally written in August 2010. Please also read BREAKING NEWS: New EPA TSCA Inventory Update Requirements (IUR) for 2012   and additional posts following to ensure that you have the most up-to-date information.

-PKaufmann

Is your facility a manufacturer or importer of chemicals in amounts of 25,000 pounds or greater?  If so, your company may need to participate in the next round of the EPA’s Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA) Inventory Update Rule (IUR) program and submit a Form U to the EPA.

Here’s how the EPA explains this rule:  “The IUR  requires manufacturers and importers of chemical substances included on the TSCA Chemical Substance Inventory to report site and manufacturing information for chemicals manufactured (including imported) in amounts of 25,000 pounds or greater at a single site.  Additional information on domestic processing and use must be reported for chemicals manufactured in amounts of 300,000 pounds or more at a single site. EPA uses the IUR data to support many health, safety, and environmental protection activities.”  For more information go to http://www.epa.gov/oppt/iur/

When Is the Next Reporting? THIS IS IMPORTANT!!!

The next submission period is currently planned for June 1 - September 30, 2011 when manufacturers and importers will report information on their 2010 production (and the EPA has proposed adding data for years 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009) . See revised information post:   BREAKING NEWS: New EPA TSCA Inventory Update Requirements (IUR) for 2012

How is IUR Changing for 2011 Reporting?

  1. Inorganic chemicals are no longer partially exempt from the IUR rule. This was a one-time exemption for 2006 reporting only.

  2. On August 13, 2010 the EPA published its proposed IUR Modifications Rule, beginning a 60-day comment period. The proposal would require electronic reporting and expanded manufacturing, processing, and use information.  The EPA anticipates promulgating a final rule by the spring of 2011. As aspects of the proposed rule have yet to  be finalized, Emilcott will  provide a definitive, easy-to-read list here on EHSWire.


So…stay tuned to EHSwire.com or www.emilcott.com to stay informed about any IUR reporting developments and reporting obligations in 2011 for the calendar year 2010.   If you have any questions about the upcoming IUR reporting or TSCA compliance question, please comment below, contact us directly or read more at http://www.emilcott.com/services/svcenvcompliance.asp.  Emilcott provides comprehensive support for TSCA compliance, including assisting with inventory and chemical substance use information subject to the IUR program.

Some interesting Form U questions and facts -

Did you know that 1,541 companies submitted a Form U in 2006?

Some submitted multiple Forms because as each manufacturing site that originates a chemical substance is required to report. The 2006 IUR public data are available on the IUR web site (www.epa.gov/iur).

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Topics: EPA, Hazardous Waste Management, Hazardous Materials, Compliance, TSCA & R.E.A.C.H., TSCA, Toxic Substance Control Act, reporting, chemical manufacturer, regulation, chemicals, regul

Could a Bhopal Disaster Happen Here?

Posted by Shivi Kakar

Jun 21, 2010 1:00:36 AM

Dian Cucchisi, PhD, CHMM

The Bhopal Disaster has been in the news again with the eight former company executives getting convicted of negligence.     A court in the Indian city of Bhopal returned the verdict on June 7, 2010, more than 25 years after the incident

What was the Bhopal Disaster?

For those of us old enough to remember, the words “Bhopal, India” brings to mind the very tragic events of December 2, 1984.  On that day a Union Carbide facility had an accidental release of approximately 40 tons of methyl isocyanate, a chemical used in pesticides.  The chemical plume killed 3,000 people and left an estimated 500,000 people with long-term, damaging health effects.  Amnesty International reports that approximately 15,000 people died in the subsequent years as a result of this incident.  As a result the Union Carbide Bhopal accident is often considered the world's worst industrial disaster.

And then a smaller, but similar event occurred in the USA…

In August 1985 a Union Carbide facility located in Institute, West Virginia experienced an accidental release of toxic chemicals causing more than 100 residents of the area to seek medical treatment.

US Regulators Respond to Community Concerns

In response to these incidents and the growing concern by the American public that this could happen in their backyard, regulatory agencies enacted laws for facilities that manufacture, store, or use certain chemicals above designated threshold quantities.

In 1986 the United States Congress passed the Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act (EPCRA). The law requires facilities to annually report the quantities of “extremely hazardous substances” to the facility’s state and the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC).  This information is available to any member of the public upon request to the LEPC.

In late 1985, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) created the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) (29 CFR 1910.1200) also known as “Right to Know.”  The HCS requires manufacturers and distributors of hazardous materials to communicate to employees the hazards of the chemicals in their workplace by providing Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and ensure that hazardous materials are labeled according to certain requirements.

The Clean Air Act was amended by Congress in 1990, including some regulatory changes intending to create safer workplaces and mitigate the risk of a Bhopal-like disaster in the US, such as:

  • Charging the EPA and OSHA with more authority over the chemical industry.

    • OSHA created the Process Safety Management Standard (29 CFR 1910.119), a program that looks in depth at process technologies, procedures and management practices.

    • The EPA codified Chemical Accident Prevention Provisions (40 CFR Part 68) which requires facilities to conduct a hazard assessment, develop a prevention program, and implement a risk management plan.

    • Other laws that regulate the use of hazardous materials were enhanced.  These include the Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA); the Resource, Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA); and the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA).



  • Creating the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB). 


The Senate legislative history states: "The principal role of the new chemical safety board is to investigate accidents to determine the conditions and circumstances which led up to the event and to identify the cause or causes so that similar events might be prevented." Congress gave the CSB a unique statutory mission and provided in law that no other agency or executive branch official may direct the activities of the Board. Congress directed that the CSB's investigative function be completely independent of the rulemaking, inspection, and enforcement authorities of EPA and OSHA. The CSB became operational in January 1998.  

Accidents in the U.S. STILL OCCUR

In spite of this, accidents continue to happen.  In 2002, the Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) examined 167 chemical accidents that occurred between 1980 and 2001.  More than half of those accidents involved chemicals not covered by the regulations mentioned above.  The CSB recommended that the EPA and OSHA expand their regulations.  The Agencies did not agree with the recommendation stating they feel the best approach is worker education.  In 2004, OSHA formed an alliance with the EPA, the American Chemistry Council (ACC), and others to develop and provide worker education on chemical reactivity hazards. 

How do you feel about the expansion of regulations to include chemicals currently not covered by regulations designed to prevent accidents and reduce health risk?
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Topics: OSHA, health and safety, General Industry H&S, EPA, Emergency Response, H&S Training, Compliance, TSCA & R.E.A.C.H., Air Sampling, emergency response training, Exposure, environmental air monitoring, Respiratory, Public Safety

Want a New Facility in Compliance with EHS Regulations and Accepted Practices?

Posted by Shivi Kakar

Apr 7, 2009 9:58:22 AM

Get an EHS Design Expert at the Table!
Paula Kaufmann - CIH

I recently read an article titled “Implementing Safety during Design: a Case Study” in the March 2009 edition of AIHA publication, The Synergist. The authors discuss how incorporating safety systems or measures in the design phase of a construction project can result in large cost savings for the overall project budget. Studies have shown that implementing safety during the planning phases of a project, compared with after construction costs, have a 1:10,000 ratio. This equates to $1 pre-construction costs versus $10,000 post-construction abatement. The authors focus on safety concerns following the guidelines established by The Institute for Safety through Design (established in 1995 by the National Safety Council's Business and Industry Division).


As an industrial hygienist, I have often been frustrated when working on remedies for minimizing exposure to chemicals, immediate safety concerns, chemical storage and waste handling concerns after the occupancy of new laboratory facilities. Construction design planners rely heavily on architects that create beautiful layouts, but often fail to incorporate the fire safety, hazardous material handling and life safety issues that are detailed in NFPA 45: Standard on Fire Protection for Laboratories Using Chemicals and NFPA 101: Life Safety Code®. The design planners and architects frequently look to the local fire department or permit authorities to approve the plans. These groups may be well versed in commercial building codes, but often are not experts in the potential hazards present in a laboratory operation. The costs of retrofitting a new facility to meet NFPA guidelines and OSHA standards can be staggering. The “take away” is to get an EHS professional involved in the upstream design process. Often cost of another “expert” is discouraged by the planners. Then again, studies (and our experiences) have shown that not getting the right experts at the planning table can be “penny wise but pound foolish”.






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Topics: OSHA, health and safety, General Industry H&S, EPA, H&S Training, Hazardous Materials, Compliance, Occupational Safety, TSCA & R.E.A.C.H., TSCA, Lab Safety & Electrical, Fire Safety, R.E.A.C.H.

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