• New OELs EPA is currently developing under TSCA; at the very least, stay in the loop with where the EPA is heading.
• New use restrictions for existing chemicals; make sure old processes reflect new ideas.
• Analogous EPA OELs that apply to new compounds; if you want to use a new compound that is not yet covered by a use rule, there may be OEL data for an analogous substance that’s appropriate.
While federal agencies decide new occupational exposure regulations, it’s crucial to stay informed about all developing rules and trends to remain compliant. It’s also vital to take proactive steps to look beyond EPA and OSHA for guidelines that will better protect your organization.
Most importantly, stay vigilant about reviewing and developing your own OELs. Going beyond compliance will improve your standard of care and keep you ahead of the workplace safety curve. Big businesses now require more transparency from their suppliers, and that’s only going to increase in future years. You don’t want to play catch-up.
Michael Pardus is a technical expert at Haley & Aldrich Inc., a consulting company specializing in underground engineering, environmental science and management consulting. He has 30 years of experience in industrial operations and environmental consulting, enterprise resilience and governance, EHS compliance, and regulatory affairs.
