The Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA), initiated by congress in 1976, was enacted to regulate the introduction of new or already existing chemicals. Unfortunately, this act did little to protect citizens from harmful chemicals, as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a body already stretched thin, was tasked with determining whether or not the new chemicals pose, “unreasonable risk of injury to health or the environment.” If the EPA does not find justification to block the sale of the new chemical within 90 days, the chemical goes on the market, with no other checks. Of the more than 62,000 chemicals currently on the market, less than 200 were actually tested by the EPA, and only 4 have been blocked since 1990.

Clearly, there are potentially dangerous chemicals being used on a daily basis at work. This is why, in 1990, OSHA instituted Standard 1910.120, Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response. OSHA has no authority to limit which legally sold chemicals can be used by companies, and it would be almost impossible for a company to have each and every product tested by a third party for their long term health risks, but HAZWOPER is a great way for a company to ensure safety in the work force. And since it is legally required per OSHA standards, it is important to ensure you are properly following all of the requirements.

If you have any questions about HAZWOPER in general, or the plan which you have put in place for your company, please contact us. And if you have anything to add about the importance of HAZWOPER, please leave a comment.