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MAJOR OSHA SAFETY CHANGES ARE HERE
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One of the longstanding requirements of OSHA rules is that employers need to keep employees up-to-date with chemical notifications and chemical safety training. Now that we have all gotten used to the old OSHA systems, such as the MSDS's, it is time, of course, to change the system. These changes are associated with GHS, an acronym for The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals. The GHS is a system for standardizing and harmonizing the classification and labeling of chemicals. It is, according to OSHA, a logical and comprehensive approach to: - Defining health, physical and environmental hazards of chemicals;
- Creating classification processes that use available data on chemicals for comparison with the defined hazard criteria; and
- Communicating hazard information, as well as protective measures, on labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDS)."
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What are the upcoming deadlines and training requirements?
In order to ensure that employees who deal with chemicals and hazardous materials as part of their job are aware of the new standards, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has mandated that all employers must train their employees on the new label elements and SDS format by December 1, 2013. A summary of all of the upcoming OSHA deadlines associated with the updates to the HCS is listed below, obtained from (https://www.osha.gov/dsg/hazcom/effectivedates.html).
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Click Above For A Detailed Fact Sheet Discussing The 12/1/2013 Training Requirements
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What are some of the changes?
One of the major changes to current operating procedures associated with the transition to the GHS is an alignment of the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) with the GHS. This update will provide global consistency to the way in which chemicals and containers are labeled, and will utilize Safety Data Sheets (SDS) instead of the older Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS).
The HCS updates will require all SDSs to meet the new format requirements by June 1, 2015, however, many companies and facilities across the country are already utilizing SDSs to speed up the transition and meet the upcoming HCS requirements. The new SDS sheets have 16 distinct sections that address a particular chemical's characteristics, hazards, and handling procedures. (https://www.osha.gov/Publications/HazComm_QuickCard_SafetyData.html)
Pyramid prides itself in maintaining the most up-to-date knowledge and training in the environmental field, most importantly when it comes to safety and the proper handling of hazardous materials. Please contact us if you need any guidance during this transition time as we all implement the updates and changes that OSHA will be mandating associated with the GHS.
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In this issue:
- Major OSHA Changes Are Here
- An Update on Oil & Gas in NC
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Stay Connected!
Pyramid is a GSA Contract Holder! Contact us to find out more about GSA contracts and our experience with government contract procurement. |
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Oil and Gas in NC and Pyramid's Upcoming Conference
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Pyramid recently attended a meeting put on by the North Carolina Energy Forum in Greensboro, NC. The meeting, entitled, "Trends and Opportunities Within the Oil and Natural Gas Industry," was held in an effort to educate North Carolinians on the potential for oil and gas development in the state and the job growth that could potentially result from such industrial expansion. The speakers included Mr. Andy Radford from the American Petroleum Institute, who focused on potential offshore sources in the Atlantic, and Mr. Frank Stewart of the American Association of Blacks in Energy, who focused on both onshore sources and the role of minorities in the future of the industry. The meeting was moderated by the NC Energy Forum Chairman Mr. Algenon Cash. It is clear that a continued movement to explore and utilize natural gas resources within our own borders has resulted in a significant increase in U.S. energy production and a decrease in our dependency on outside resources. Whether North Carolina will play a significant role in this industry in the future is yet to be determined, but the meeting indicated that the potential for not only onshore resources obtained through processes such as hydraulic fracturing, but also offshore resources through shallow and deep water drilling, may provide NC with new industry that could result in significant job growth throughout the state. In conjunction with the issues discussed in this forum, Pyramid will be exhibiting at the Oil and Gas Environmental Conference at the end of this year, being held in Dallas, TX, on December 3rd and 4th. Stop by and see us, we will be at booth #221! |
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Need to know what's underground?
- Geologic Hazards
- Geotechnical Drilling
- Landfills
- USTs
- Geologic Mapping
- Groundwater
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Dear ,
Pyramid maintains the most up-to-date knowledge of the industry's regulations, changes, and events, and we will continue to pass this information along to YOU.
Once again, thank you to all our loyal customers, vendors, and employees for your continued support . Pyramid can't do it without you.
Sincerely,
DOUG CANAVELLO
Pyramid Environmental
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