GHS vs NFPA: Beware the Hazard Rating Conflicts
 As we approach the end of the year, the adoption of the international Globally Harmonized System hazard labeling protocol is proceeding. One recent potential for confusion has surfaced however. This is the difference between how the NFPA classifies chemical hazards, and how the GHS classifies chemical hazards. Typically, the NFPA 704 system uses a rating of 0-4 to denote the severity of hazards for chemicals. In the NFPA 704, 0 is rated the lowest hazard and 4 is the highest. It turns out that the GHS classification system uses a different rating system to indicate chemical hazard danger. Typically, the GHS uses 1-4 to mark hazard rating with 1 being the highest hazard and 4 being the lowest.The important thing is to remember that the rating numbers between the two systems are different, and to rate chemicals appropriately to your specific reports. To help out with this confusion, OSHA has created a Quick Card with additional guidance on the differences between the new GHS system and the older NFPA 704 system. And as always, please call on your Ingenium representative if you have any questions. We will help you find what you need to know!
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Class Action Lawsuit Against Stericycle Over Billing Practices
In March of this year, a class action complaint was filed against Stericycle in the United States District Court of Western Pennsylvania. The compliant alleges that Stericycle targeted small quantity generators (SQGs) with a billing practice referred to as Automatic Price Increases (APIs), which increased costs to SQGs by 18% every nine months. The complaint further alleges the APIs resulted in significant overall price increases over the term of the contract, and resulted in the unjust enrichment of Stericycle. There were other similar complaints, which were subsequently consolidated in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. On October 11, Judge Milton Shadur, who is overseeing the consolidation of the multiple complaints, appointed Seattle-based Hagens Berman as lead counsel.
This complaint has common elements to the action brought against Stericycle by 14 states under a whistleblower lawsuit, which alleged that Stericycle illegally applied APIs to its government customers. Stericycle has settled with one of those states, New York, for $2.4 million. However, the complaint filed in Pennsylvania notes Stericycle has over 500,000 SQG customers. The complaint further notes the APIs were a standard practice of Stericycle. If that allegation is true, the exposure to Stericycle could be quite significant. Not many companies would welcome the need to reimburse substantial amounts of revenue received over multiple years.
More on the lawsuit can be found here.
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Now Hiring
Chemical Specialist
Ingenium is looking for a motivated team player to help service our client's needs out of the Milpitas, California office. The position requires a minimum of a 4 year college degree in science or equivalent industry experience, and a class B commercial drivers license with air brake and hazardous materials endorsed. Benefits include flexible hours, full medical and dental ,and vacation and sick pay.
Hazardous Materials/Environmental Services Technicians Ingenium is also looking for two motivated team players, one each for our Los Angeles/Inland Empire and Milpitas territories. The position requires 0-2 years in the industry, and current OSHA 40-hour and DOT Hazardous Materials Handler Certifications are preferred.
Account Managers
Ingenium also has two positions available for account managers, one for the San Diego area and one for Los Angeles/Inland Empire. The primary focus of this position is to increase sales through cold calling and face-to-face meetings.
Ingenium is growing! If you or anyone you know might be interested in these positions, full details can be found on the |
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Let Us Help Someone You Know
If you know of a fellow professional who has waste management needs or questions, please feel free to tell them about Ingenium and have them contact Heather at [email protected].
Together we will create a more sustainable world!
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