EPA Notice: Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals: National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for Nine Metal Fabrication and Finishing Area Sources [PDF]

EPA Notice: Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals:NESHAP for Steel Pickling, HCl Process Facilities and Hydrochloric Acid Regeneration Plants [PDF]

PHMSA Proposed Rule: Hazardous Materials; Miscellaneous Amendments [PDF]

PHMSA Final Rule: Pipeline Safety: Implementation of the National Registry of Pipeline and Liquefied Natural Gas Operators [PDF]

PHMSA Final Rule: Hazardous Materials: Packages Intended for Transport by Aircraft  [PDF]

PHMSA Proposed Rule:  Hazardous Materials: Transportation of Lithium Batteries [PDF]

EPA Final Rule: Emergency Planning and List of Extremely Hazardous Substances and Threshold Planning Quantities [PDF]

EPA Final Rule: Hazardous Waste Technical Corrections and Clarifications Rule [PDF]

EPA Final Rule: NESHAP: Polyvinyl Chloride and Copolymers Production [PDF]

EPA Final Rule: NESHAP: Coal- and Oil-fired Electric Utility Steam Generating Units, etc.; Correction [PDF]

EPA Propoased Rule: Electronic Reporting Under the Toxic Substances Control Act [PDF]

EPA Notice: Announcement of Availability of Literature Searches for IRIS Assessments: Integrated Risk Information System [PDF]

EPA Notice: Pesticides: Final Guidance on Material Safety Data Sheets as Pesticide Labeling; Request for Comment on Paperwork Burden [PDF]

OSHA Final Rule:  Bloodborne Pathogens Standard: Corrections and Technical Amendment [PDF]

OSHA Final Rule: Rigging Equipment for Material Handling Construction Standard: Correction and Technical Ammendment [PDF]

OSHA Notice: Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals: The Asbestos in Shipyards Standard [PDF]

On Monday morning,  the modifications to OSHA’s hazard communication standard to make it match with the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals will hit the Federal Register.   

This probably isn’t news to many in the EHS world, but before you hit “print”, choose a printer that can print two-sided copies, fill the paper tray, hit the vending machine a chocolate bar, and remember the 20-20 rule:   for every 20 minutes of reading, rest your eyes for 20 seconds. 

 Although GHS is going to mean a lot of work for a lot of people, it sure will be nice to know that by June 1, 2015,  section three of a SDS – formerly MSDS – will always have a chemical’s composition, and that section four will always have first aid, etc.  It’s also going to be nice to have standardized labeling.  

Along with changes to the hazard communication standard, there are also changes to several other OSHA general industry, construction and a couple of other standards that could have an effect at many facilities.   Here’s a quick (okay, not so quick)  list of general industry standards that will be changing a bit as a result of GHS:

1910.6 – Standards incorporated by reference

1910.106 – Flammable Liquids

1910.107 – Spray finishing using flamamble and combustible materials

1910.119 – Process safety managment of highly hazardous chemicals

1910.120 – Hazardous waste operations and emergency response

1910.123 – Dipping and coating operations: Coverage and definitions

1910.124 – General requirements for dipping and coating operations

1910.125 – Additional requirements for dipping and coating operations that use flammable liquids or liquids iwth flashpoints greater than 199.4°F (93°C)

1910.252 – Welding, cutting and brazing – General requirements

1910.1001 – Asbestos

1910.1003 – 13 Carcinogens

1910.1017 – Vinyl Chloride

1910.1018 – Inorganic arsenic

1910.1025 – Lead

Appendix B to 1910.1025 – Employee standard summary

1910.1026 - Chromium

1910.1027 – Cadmium

1910.1028 – Benzene

1910.1029 – Coke oven emissions

1910.1043 – Cotton dust

1910.1044 – 1,2-dibromo-3-chloropropane

1910.1045 – Acrylonitrile

1910.1047 – Ethylene oxide

1910.1048 – Formaldehyde

1910.1050 – Methylenedianiline

1910.1051 – 1,3-Butadiene

1910.1052 – Methylene chloride

1910.1450 – Occupational exposure to hazardous chemicals in laboratories

Happy reading!!

EPA Final Rule: Transportation Conformity Rule Restructuring Amendments [PDF]

EPA Final Rule: Revocation of TSCA Section 4 Testing Requirements: Certain High Production Volume Chemical Substances [PDF]

EPA Proposed Rule: Electronic Reporting of Toxics Release Inventory Data [PDF]

EPA Notice: General Permits for Stormwater Discharges from Construction Activities: Final National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System [PDF]

EPA Notice: PCBs Bulk Product v. Remediation Waste [PDF]

OSHA Final Rule: Revising Standards Referenced in the Acetylene Standard [PDF]

OSHA Notice: Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals: Cadmium in Construction Standard [PDF]

OSHA Notice: Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals: Cadmium in General Industry Standard [PDF]

The Emergency Planning and Community Right-to Know Act (EPCRA) was created in 1986 to help communities prepare for emergencies involving hazardous materials, and to provide individuals with knowledge and information about chemicals in their area. EPCRA has four main sections:
• Emergency Planning (Sections 301 – 303)
• Emergency Release Notification (Section 304)
• Hazardous Chemical Storage Reporting (Sections 311 – 312)
• Toxic Chemical Release Inventory (Section 313)

 
The EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assistance (OECA) is proposing for fiscal year 2013 to “disinvest” enforcement for EPCRA Section 311 and 312 activities by no longer assisting facilities with preparing or submitting Tier II Emergency and Hazardous Chemical Inventory Reports, and by not enforcing compliance with either of these two sections.

 
Don’t get excited.  This does not mean that facilities no longer need to comply with these sections; it means that the federal EPA will no longer assist facilities with compliance of these standards, nor will they will look for compliance with these standards when they perform audits or inspections.

 
According to their proposal, “regulated facilities and communities are now more accustomed to the requirements of EPCRA 311/312, allowing EPA to shift resources to other high priorities.” OECA will, however focus on compliance with Sections 304 and 313.

 
By focusing solely on Sections 304 and 313, OECA is taking a very reactive approach to EPCRA compliance by only being concerned about a chemical after it is released. While it is good that they’re concerned about chemical releases, these types of incidents are most likely to be handled appropriately at the local and state levels, making federal oversight in these two areas somewhat redundant.

Other problems exist with this proposal:
1. Some states do not have enforcement authority. This means that they may not be able to require facilities to submit Tier II forms, and thus may not be able to create adequate response plans; putting responders at risk when they are called upon to respond to incidents involving chemicals, and putting communities at greater risk.
2. State and Regional offices have also received budget cuts and may not be able to fully assist facilities with planning and reporting.
3. OECA incorrectly assumes that facilities are more accustomed to EPCRA 311/312 requirements – this is especially true for small to mid-sized facilities who don’t have full-time compliance officers or specialists.

To view a full copy of this and other proposed changes, visit http://www.epa.gov/planandbudget/annualplan/FY13_OECA_DraftNPMGdnce.pdf

Comments can be submitted to Maureen Lydon in the OECA  ( lydon.maureen@epa.gov )  before the close of business on March 19, 2012.

We’d also love to hear your thoughts!  Feel free to post them here on our blog!

EPA Final Rule: Nonconformance Penalties for On-highway Heavy Heavy-Duty Diesel Engines [PDF]

EPA Final Rule: National Emission Standards and Standards of Performance: Hazardous Air Pollutants from Coal- and Oil-fired Electric Utility Steam Generating Units, etc. [PDF]

EPA Final Rule: Designation of Hazardous Substances: Designation, Reportable Quantities, and Notification [PDF]

EPA Proposed Rule:  Semiannual Regulatory Agenda [PDF]

EPA Proposed Rule: National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for Chemical Manufacturing Area Sources [PDF]

EPA Proposed Rule: National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutant Emissions:Chromium Electroplating, Anodizing Tanks; Steel Pickling, HCl Process Facilities; Hydrochloric Acid Regeneration[PDF]

EPA Proposed Rule: National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Secondary Aluminum Production [PDF]

EPA Proposed Rule: Revising Underground Storage Tank Regulations: Revisions to Existing Requirements and New Requirements for Secondary Containment and Operator Training [PDF]

EPA Notice: Understanding Regarding Genetically Engineered Plants: Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Health and Human Services and Department of Agriculture [PDF]

EPA Notice: Draft Integrated Science Assessment for Lead [PDF]

EPA Notice: Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals: Emergency Planning and Release Notification Requirements [PDF]

EPA Notice: Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals: Risk Management Program Requirements, etc [PDF]

OSHA Propsosed Rule: Semiannual Regulatory Agenda [PDF]

OSHA Notice: Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals: Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories Standard [PDF]

PHMSA Proposed Rule: Miscellaneous Changes to Pipeline Safety Regulations [PDF]

EPA Final Rule: Incorporation of Revised ASTM Standards that Provide Flexibility in the Use of Alternatives to Mercury-Containing Industrial Thermometers [PDF]

EPA Proposed Rule: NESHAP for Primary Aluminum Reduction Plants [PDF]

EPA Proposed Rule: NESHAP for Mineral Wool Production and Wool Fiberglass Manufacturing [PDF]

EPA Notice: Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals: Standardized Permit for RCRA Hazardous Waste Management Facilities [PDF]

EPA Notice: Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals: NESHAP for Radionuclides [PDF]

OSHA Notice: Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals: Asbestos in Construction Standard [PDF]

PHMSA Notice: Random Drug Testing Rate [PDF]

EPA Proposed Rule: National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System: Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation Reporting [PDF]

EPA Final Rule: Protection of Stratospheric Ozone: Laboratory and Analytical Use Exemption for Essential Class I Ozone-Depleting Substances; Extension [PDF]

EPA Final Rule: Regulation of Fuels and Fuel Additives: 2012 Renewable Fuel Standards [PDF]

OSHA Final Rule: Corrections and Technical Amendments to 16 OSHA Standards [PDF]

OSHA Notice: Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals: Permit-Required Confined Spaces [PDF]

OSHA Notice: Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals: Acrylonitrile Standard [PDF]

PHMSA Notice: Safety Advisory: Unauthorized Marking of Compressed Gas Cylinders [PDF]

PHMSA Notice: Implementation of the National Registry of Pipeline and Liquefied Natural Gas Operators [PDF]

EPA Final Rule: National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutant Emissions: Shipbuilding and Ship Repair (Surface Coating); Wood Furniture Manufacturing [PDF]

EPA Final Rule: Oil Pollution Prevention: Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Rule; Compliance Date Amendment for Farms [PDF]

EPA Final Rule: Mandatory Reporting of Greenhouse Gases[PDF]

EPA Final Rule: National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for Source Categories; CFR Correction [PDF]

EPA Proposed Rule: Underground Storage Tanks: Secondary Containment, and Operator Training Requirements [PDF]

EPA Proposed Rule: National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Ferroalloys Production [PDF]

EPA Proposed Rule: National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Mineral Wool Production and Wool Fiberglass Manufacturing [PDF]

EPA Proposed Rule: National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Primary Aluminum Reduction Plants [PDF]

OSHA Final Rule: Revising Standards Referenced in the Acetylene Standard [PDF]

OSHA Notice: Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals: Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories Standard [PDF]

OSHA Notice: Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals: Standard on Vinyl Chloride [PDF]

OSHA Notice: Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals: The 13 Carcinogens Standard [PDF]

PHMSA Final Rule: Commercial Motor Vehicle Drivers: Restricting the Use of Cellular Phones [PDF]

PHMSA Proposed Rule: Miscellaneous Changes to Pipeline Safety Regulations [PDF]

PHMSA Notice: Hazardous Materials: Emergency Restriction/Prohibition Order [PDF]

EPA Notice: Final NPDES: Pesticide General Permit for Point Source Discharges from the Application of Pesticides [PDF]

EPA Final Rule:  Community Right-to-Know Toxic Chemical Release Reporting: Hydrogen Sulfide; Lifting of Administrative Stay; Correction [PDF]

EPA Final Rule:  Community Right-to-Know Toxic Chemical Release Reporting: OMB Approvals under Paperwork Reduction Act; Technical Amendment [PDF]

EPA Final Rule: Methyl Mercaptan; Toxic Chemicals Release Reporting; Community Right-to-Know; Stay of Reporting Requirements: CFR Correction [PDF]

EPA Final Rule: National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutant Emissions for Primary Lead Processing [PDF]

 OSHA Notice: Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals: Electrical Standards for Construction and General Industry  [PDF]

 PHMSA Notice: Emergency Responder Forums: Pipeline Safety [PDF]